What's next for my old Sportsmobile?

[geoffff]

I bought this Sportsmobile 4x4 new in 2004, and after 20 years of hard use almost everything about my van is wearing out, except the V10 engine itself. The old van is now rusted and cracked and leaking, and I just can't trust it going too far from civilization anymore (the whole point, in my book).



I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed.

I have looked hard at other 4x4 camping vehicles ("Classic" Field Van cutaway with fiberglass rear, slide-in campers, Tiger, Earthcruiser, Transits/Sprinters, trailers), but I keep coming back to this same Sportsmobile E-Series RB-50 penthouse-top van design, with its beefy drivetrain, a real 4x4 low-range system, integrated cab and living area, and panoramic views when camping.



My only real complaint (other than generally mediocre interior build quality) is the lack of vertical travel in the front end of Sportsmobile's 4x4 conversion. Only 1" vertical travel until I hit the bump stops. This is a huge pain, with a punishingly rough ride off-pavement, and has likely led to vehicle damage as I learned over the years to properly drive on the bumpy stuff.

I see two paths moving forward:

• I spend a bunch of money getting my van completely rebuilt, like body-off-frame restoration
• I spend a comparable amount of money buying someone's 10-year-old RB50 super-clean campsite-queen 2WD Sportsmobile, and have someone like UJoint convert it to 4x4.

Every "solution" seems to invite more questions...

For example, U-Joint says they cut the stock ~35 gallon tank down to fit the transfer-case. I really don't want a smaller gas tank! One of things I love about my current van is the 46-gallon Transfer Flow tank. I use every one of the range miles it gives me. (Which makes me wonder – is the 46-gallon Transfer Flow mandatory on all E-Series Sportsmobile 4x4 conversions, to make room for the T-Case?)

On the other hand, maybe the Sportsmobile 4x4 system can be lifted another couple inches (from 4" to 6") giving me 3" of upward suspension travel on the front end? Has anyone increased the lift on their Sportsmobile 4x4?

Anyway, this is what I have been thinking about all the time recently.

Please feel free to chime in with your perspective!

-- Geoff

[Twoxentrix]

I feel like anything I'd say would disrespect the emotional attachment you still have for your Van, along with the sentimental value inspired by all the cherished memories it's so honorably provided for all these years.
I too have looked (and drove several) at the options you've mentioned...just not the same as the Van I've come to appreciate (and guess 'tolerate' as well).
If I were currently faced with the same, I'd seek a replacement Van and tweak it to suit my needs (have a slight lift installed)...much less of a financial burden than investing in a new 4x4 system and/or pop-top.

[geoffff]

Yeah, I am not really holding onto the rebuild-my-van plan, unless someone convinces me it's a good idea. So much is broken/worn out.

I think a "new" (about 10-year old, actually, as they don't make these vans anymore) used E-Series Sportsmobile 2WD (converted to 4x4 by UJoint or Quadvan), or a Sportsmobile 4x4 (modified to have more of a lift -- can this be done?) is my path forward.

2WD used Sportsmobiles out there seem to go for half the $ money as 4x4 ones.

The trick is to find something that has the same layout and toys that I've grown used to (like the large gas tank).

[loper]

Man, 20 years and some of those pictures, I'd say you got use out of that ol' girl!

We've only had our van about 4 years, but it's a 2000 so it's still old. I think about when things start wearing out, and at what point do you give it up for a lost cause. Right now I have a long way to go.

On mine the axles were rebuilt less than 10K miles back, and the tranny was rebuilt at the same time in the 4x4 conversion. The body is pretty solid, the interior is doing good (we did the build ourselves, so it's new-ish) my only real concern is the engine. I have 178K on the V10, and I know there's a limit. As it stands, I plan on (and have the money set aside for) dropping in a new Jasper engine when the time comes.

If I had to start from scratch, I might do a box truck. We've also looked at ambulances, but something about the clean canvas of a box truck just gets me thinking...

As for front suspension, Mine is a 2005-up coil/radius arm set up, with about 3" to the bump stops. once I got it stiff enough for the weight, I'd say it rides pretty good off road.

I don't know man, but I hope whatever you do next gives you another 20 years of good service!

[86Scotty]

Find a newer van and keep your tank. Swap out tank on new van with yours and carry on.

E-series deals are dropping from the sky lately. I would keep an eye open for a good candidate.

If you don't find one with everything you are looking for then assemble one. A CCV top is a great upgrade from SMB. Lots of other builders/converters can upgrade the cabinets.

I've always enjoyed your adventures and pics Geoff! I hope you stay with the E-series platform but more than that I hope you find what you're looking for.

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by loper

If I had to start from scratch, I might do a box truck. We've also looked at ambulances, but something about the clean canvas of a box truck just gets me thinking...

I've also thought about a box truck. E-Series cutaway, like a 10-ft rental "truck" van. (But not an ambulance -- I want a narrow vehicle (no duallies), gasoline engine, and standing height.

But I don't have time in my life right now (or ever) to personally build something custom like this. Also, I have concerns that a box truck (van) might not handle frame-flex offroad.

In any case, here are some examples I drool over, and my own box truck sketchups:

[geoffff]

Mostly I get overwhelmed thinking about managing all the moving pieces of a custom build, buying a used van, getting it to the 4x4 converter (U-Joint, perhaps), finding someone to swap my tank, getting the van over to CCV, perhaps (as 86Scotty suggests). I can't really be flying/driving all around the country.

Sportsmobile made it so easy in that they did everything right there in Fresno -- the 4x4 conversion, RV conversion, pop-top.


I would love to find a General Contractor, but for building campervans!

[86Scotty]

Lol, I understand that! I too love the box van idea but I just did a couple hundred miles offroad this past weekend in the woodsy eastern US and it once again reminded me why there's nothing better than an E-series......that you're willing to scratch.

[1der]

Whatever you do KEEP THE TRANSFERFLOW 46 Gas tank!!! Use it another van or sell it

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by 1der

Whatever you do KEEP THE TRANSFERFLOW 46 Gas tank!!! Use it another van or sell it

Probably wise! Though it means I can't use my old van while my new one is being built, and selling or moving the remaining van might be tricky without a tank.

I think the stock Ford tank won't fit with the transfer case in there. (At least that's the case for a U-Joint 4x4.)

Anyone know if Transfer Flow still makes 46-gallon tanks for the E-Series?