garage parking a SMB 4x4 with penthouse?

[triman]

Hello all,

Weighing the pros and cons of a converted Sprinter 4x4 high roof vs. a SMB 4x4. I would like to have 4x4 to drive to ski resorts in the winter out west and maybe some mild offroading. I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on ordering a 4x4 Sprinter but would really like something to park in my garage with standard 8 foot doors. On the SMB website I believe it says the 4x4 with penthouse is approx 94 inches high, that's cutting it pretty close. Any real world experience and/or measurements would be appreciated. Thanks

[JoeH]

Mine is closer to 96" without anything on the penthouse roof. Replacing the springs, however, probably raised it another inch or two. I park mine inside but I have 9' doors. Either way, an 8' door is probably cutting it too close.

[BroncoHauler]

I know SMB at least used to offer a low profile, 'garageable' PH top but I don't see it on their website anymore. I think it was similar in height to the GTRV top, so it saved a couple of inches off the total van height.


Herb

[1der]

If doing the Ford, go with the Agile TTB 4x4 front end. Besides the many other benefits is the ability to have almost the same height as a stock 2WD van, plus the pop tops 4 to 6 inches. Our TTB 4x4 E350 does not have a pop top but if it did we would have no problem getting under 8 ft. I will take some measurements later and post.

[Skyl330]

I have a Quigley 4x4 with penthouse. Running 285/70/17s slips under a 8' door with a few inches to spare.
I just had to trim the adjustment rod on the garage door as it hung down a few extra unneeded inches.

[daveb]

I don't think even a stock Sprinter will fit through a standard garage door.

[tonyvoudy]

Originally Posted by daveb

I don't think even a stock Sprinter will fit through a standard garage door.

Especially if it is a high roof.

[rockbender]

When we were looking for van #2 (even van #1 for that matter), we had to eliminate even the low roof sprinter because I think they are just over 8' tall.

Here is a photo of Dookie ('84 E350 4x4 w/ SMB poptop) on 315/75/16's sneaking under our 8' garage door:


I'd say that as long as you don't have an elaborate rack (ie, rails only without towers) that a typical E350 4x4 with 265 or 285 tires should slide under an 8' door. A UJOR 6" van on 315's might be pushing it.

Our Express 1500 AWD with CCV top also just slides in - I think it measures 7'-11" at the tallest point. This constraint will be saving money since a lift and upsized tires are out of the question!

[TwoVans]

Mine is parked in the garage as I type. 8' door, standard penthouse top, SMB 4x4, just put new tires on (Nitto Terra Grapplers) and it is close. The antenna is the highest point and it touches as I go in and out. But, the penthouse clears without drama.

Resist the temptation to get 35's, or build 10' doors...

[rltilley]

I measured my 4x4 at 108 inches tall. This includes the Thule rails on top of the penthouse top.