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Old 03-20-2011, 10:24 PM   #1
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New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale?

It's turning out to be a big year. We're getting ready to build a new house. And "we" are pregnant and due in late September with kiddo #2. So lots of decisions to be made, and one of those is what to do with the SMB?

Right now it only seats three, so a remodel is in order if we are going to hold onto it. Van Specialties is a possibility because it's somewhat local. I'm also working on a trip idea that would take me by SMB-W, so that could work also. The upside is that I have a known platform that is in great shape, and the interior build is done, so we're really just talking about new seat(s), a cabinet, and maybe moving the fridge. The downside is it could get expensive depending on how far we go (new floor would be nice!).

Another option is to sell it. Then keep an eye open for something that better fits our family after we settle into the new house. On the upside, selling the van frees up more money, time, and mental space for the new baby and the house. On the downside, I'm unlikely to find another low miles 7.3. Plus, any time you buy used, there is some risk involved. Then again, whatever we find could be a much better fit for four.

There's no rush to make a decision. I'm looking forward to a long summer, but this is in the back of my mind. Has anyone else faced this? Any words of advice or thoughts on how much a remodel might cost?

Thanks

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Old 03-20-2011, 11:32 PM   #2
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Well, I lived in a little trailer (while camping) smaller than a SMB. Your top doesn't have a spot for a small bed?
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Old 03-20-2011, 11:48 PM   #3
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

There is enough room for kiddo bed up top, and I built one last year. The big problem with a second child is that we only have three captain's chairs - no bench or other seats. And there is no open floor space for more seats, so some demo and rearranging would be needed. Ideally, I would like to get to 4 captain's chairs and a bench for 3 or 4, have the bench fold down into a bed, plus be able to remove the seats for hauling.
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Old 03-21-2011, 07:39 AM   #4
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aldercrest
There is enough room for kiddo bed up top, and I built one last year. The big problem with a second child is that we only have three captain's chairs - no bench or other seats. And there is no open floor space for more seats, so some demo and rearranging would be needed. Ideally, I would like to get to 4 captain's chairs and a bench for 3 or 4, have the bench fold down into a bed, plus be able to remove the seats for hauling.

Congrats on the new family addition!

"We" are gonna get pregnant next year

Wilson has room for a third seat

However, i dont like eating up the floor space

And the sleeping for 3 would eliminate the Pompidor (cab over) as storage
thus making the interior cluttered

We are looking (blasphmy) at a Tiger
- Crew cab
- third seat behind passenger
- dog crate and 2nd fridge behind driver
- cab over queen
- downstairs for the kid(s)
- wet bath (shower and toilet)

- We would lose the compactness and alot of off roadablity
(off roading other than dirt track is not a favorite w/ wife)
- We gain a interior shower and potty
- More comfort for wife = more time away


Cost:
- sell wilson
- buy low milage ford crew cab with new diesal
- have Tiger build shell and layout
- my local guy to finish interior
- i would be about $25k into the rig with a 2011 truck and spankin new build out
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Old 03-23-2011, 07:16 PM   #5
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

The Tiger is an interesting option. They claim to be 4WD. What have you learned about the 4WD capability?
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Old 03-23-2011, 07:59 PM   #6
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

I would hold onto the SMB for a little while, just find a place to strap down a baby seat. Once the kids get a little older anything short of a Class C motorhome will be too small anyhow. Also as the kids get older you may find their activities are in town not "out there".
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Old 03-23-2011, 09:33 PM   #7
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Is there a web site for "tiger"?
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Old 03-23-2011, 09:45 PM   #8
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Quote:
Originally Posted by LenS
Is there a web site for "tiger"?

http://www.tigermotorhomes.com/home.htm

built on a ford (or other chassis)

check out expo portal forum, search tiger, short bus adventure

great rig

twas got me thinkin
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Old 03-23-2011, 10:33 PM   #9
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhally
Once the kids get a little older anything short of a Class C motorhome will be too small anyhow.
Nah, as long as they're under 16 you can get two teens and two adults in a PH just fine. I've seen 3 adults and 2 kids (12 & 8 maybe) too... pretty impressive in a 50 with no outside tent, but if you can even keep them camping that long it's certainly doable.

Tiger is interesting, but what is really the difference between that an a mega-sized slide in on a pickup, except that you can't separate them? I'd really think if you need to get bigger than a van, you really need to go bigger than a van, like Earthroamer direction, or something custom on an F550, etc.

The problem with Tiger and slide-ins and Earthroamers ( get up on the box here... ) is that you can't open them to the campsite- you're inside or outside and there is a little portal. Part of what makes a van not crowded is throwing open those side doors and having the whole campsite...

But you know the forum isn't about Sportsmobiles, it's an attitude that's easiest to find in those or similar vehicles. If there's interest I'll put an "alternative vehicles" section or something to cater to people who move on to other rig types but still want a place here.

OK, 'nuff of that.
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Old 03-24-2011, 06:01 AM   #10
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Re: New baby + new house project = SMB Remodel? or SMB Sale

Jage

i am tottally cool with the "group concensus" for SMB only stuff

merely mentioning my thought process to the OP re: the thread title

I have seen tons of stuff where a families of 5+traveled extensivly in a Westy
(one great pic was 4 kids in the westy ph

as stated often, there is no perfect rig
jeep/suv/truck/combos w/ tailers/smb/full expo rigs

we are blessed at we have so many choices

My two main goals
1) be able to travel North America, off the beaten track, with wife, dog and baby
2) keep Mom and baby comfy so they want to go, and for more than a few days

You bring up a interesting point:
Alternate vehicles
- we lost Yellow Fellow's mom as a contributor
- maybe others too
Maybe time to add that

Add to that an increasing number of HomeBrew rigs
(plenty of help here for them)
- and those home brews have never nor will most likley never visit the Mother Ship(s)

Now if i could just get the Cool of a Westy, the agility of a rockcrawler, the comfort of a RV, and the economy of a pirus,.......
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