250 vs 350, 4x4 conversion?

[Bahamame]

Thanks all.

So, the 5.4/E250 on a RB is probably enough power. In an EB situation, I'd assume the V10 is the only realistic engine. On the diesel's the 7.3 is heaven, the 6.0 is ample - but has/had issues. SMB told me I could 'bulletproof the 6.0' at the cost of around 10K. So in reality my options are:

E250/5.4 - RB
E250/V10 - RB
E350/V10 - RB
E250/7.3 - RB
E350/7.3 - RB

If any of the above is a 2wd, I can convert to 4x4... And any of those conversions are relatively 'typical' -

So the remaining question is, with the above list and with front facing seats - is that a unicorn? Do they exist? I've literally seen dozens of SMB's, without that configuration.

Am I just hitting the market at the wrong time, or are they just that sought-after?

Thanks -

BM

[carringb]

There is no such thing as an E250 V10.

If you look for Wagons, you might have an easier time finding a V10 and as a bonus you'll already have front facing seats, and basic wall trim to give you a head start on camper build. On the flip side, 7.3L's were much more common in cargo vans than in wagons.

If you can swing a newer ('05+) V10, than it comes with the TorqueShift 5-speed auto. This is a better transmission, and also makes 4x4 easier since it does not require disassembly to add a T-case.

[Bahamame]

Originally Posted by carringb

There is no such thing as an E250 V10.

If you look for Wagons, you might have an easier time finding a V10 and as a bonus you'll already have front facing seats, and basic wall trim to give you a head start on camper build. On the flip side, 7.3L's were much more common in cargo vans than in wagons.

If you can swing a newer ('05+) V10, than it comes with the TorqueShift 5-speed auto. This is a better transmission, and also makes 4x4 easier since it does not require disassembly to add a T-case.

Sorry... what's a 'wagon?'

BM

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Bahamame

Sorry... what's a 'wagon?'

BM

Wagon is the 'passenger van' designation, where 'van' is specifically the cargo van designation. Many use the word van in the more generic sense, whether accurate or not.


Herb

[Bahamame]

good... ya'll were making me nervous...

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Bahamame

So the remaining question is, with the above list and with front facing seats - is that a unicorn? Do they exist? I've literally seen dozens of SMB's, without that configuration.

Am I just hitting the market at the wrong time, or are they just that sought-after?

Thanks -

BM

There just aren't very many SMB's with forward facing rear passenger seats, either buckets or benches. The '50' floor plan with the forward facing rear bed/bench is by far the most popular floorplan. I look at every SMB that comes along and have only seen maybe 20 or so with rear buckets out of the few hundred I've looked at. There are a lot of converted vans with rear buckets, but most are homebuilt or custom floor plans for the minority of SMBers with kids. SMBs, like any small RV, are dominated by couples, sold mostly to couples or singles, and though this sucks it's just the way it is. Your SMB could come along, but I would think it is a unicorn and I'd be ready to throw down cash from afar and travel to get it. It's most likely going to pop up somewhere west of Denver.

Good luck though, I'm not trying to discourage you!

[BroncoHauler]

SMB Transformer.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I look at every SMB that comes along and have only seen maybe 20 or so with rear buckets out of the few hundred I've looked at. There are a lot of converted vans with rear buckets, but most are homebuilt or custom floor plans for the minority of SMBers with kids. SMBs, like any small RV, are dominated by couples, sold mostly to couples or singles, and though this sucks it's just the way it is.

I think the issue is that most *new* SMBs are ordered and spec'd by couples w/o kids (retirees or empty nesters), while a lot of *used* ones are being sought by younger folks with one or more kids. This creates a void in the market. If I were building a new SMB, I'd try to design it in a modular fashion so that one or two second-row seats could be installed down the road. This would greatly increase the saleability on the used market IMO.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when buying a used van. I needed a third captain's chair for my son, who was seven when we bought the van (he's 10 now). The van I found had a sink cabinet just inside the barn doors. By simply removing that I was able to free up the space to install a captain's chair inside the barn doors. Sure, I lost the sink, but I'm ok with that as I don't think I'd use it much anyway. If I sell it down the road, I can always reinstall the sink and cabinet if the new owner wants. You can see what I'm talking about in my thread here: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9212

[outopawn]

The SMB Transformer model worked out great for my family with wife and 6 children.
Seats 9 with all seats in facing forward. Remove the rear seat and put in the bed module and you have seating for 5 and sleeping for 4. Remove all seat and you can load it with motorcycles, bikes and more. Sportsmobile only made a few and they do not come on the market often and some have done home build to match.

Steve

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by outopawn

... and they do not come on the market often and some have done home build to match.

Steve

Yep, mine was a kinda-sorta Transformer. Had the official galley module, and the rear, removable bed platform, but then had removable Captains seats instead of benches.

You do give up storage cabinets and a built-in cooktop, but you gain versatility.


Herb