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Old 12-22-2020, 04:40 PM   #11
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I just finished a 2WD conversion to 4x4, with a DIY kit from Timberline. I had my local truck shop install it, seems to be working out well. It was also part of a motor swap so haven't had a chance to drive it much yet, but perhaps that can help you with the time line. The cost was about the same as having it done by them.

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Old 12-22-2020, 05:01 PM   #12
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The best answer would be to sell my current rig, and buy from Sportsmobile a 4x4 with penthouse, but I'm not willing to wait until November 2021 to take delivery.

At the risk of stating the obvious....


The last Econoline (E-Series) van converted and sold new by Sportsmobile was in 2014. They do have a fiberglass rear section for an E-series cutaway; not sure if they have sold any of those.


Everything they are converting and selling these days are Sprinters/Transits. Which are a different van as far as 4WD goes.......
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Old 12-22-2020, 06:33 PM   #13
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If you're looking at buying a 4x4 van, list the specs you want, your budget, and willingness to travel. If your budget is adequate for today's prices, I'm sure someone from the forum will find a van for you.
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Old 12-22-2020, 06:55 PM   #14
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At the risk of stating the obvious....


The last Econoline (E-Series) van converted and sold new by Sportsmobile was in 2014. They do have a fiberglass rear section for an E-series cutaway; not sure if they have sold any of those.


Everything they are converting and selling these days are Sprinters/Transits. Which are a different van as far as 4WD goes.......
So I was speaking loosely but I assumed if I waited for sportsmobile I'd get them to just put a penthouse a-la-carte on a e350 I'd bring. PS I had an 03 Element in the stable, and have a pair of xt225's, so I'm a sucker for things they don't make anymore.
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Old 12-23-2020, 03:39 PM   #15
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Better check with some experts on the conversion to 4x4 - guessing (?) most would be reticent or refuse if front GAWR weight of a 150 series van is below what would be required for weight of transfer case, etc. ? Guessing a 250 series van would be minimum GAWR someone would be willing to work with ? But I'm not an expert - but I've tried this road before --

Good luck !
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Old 12-23-2020, 04:38 PM   #16
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Better check with some experts on the conversion to 4x4 - guessing (?) most would be reticent or refuse if front GAWR weight of a 150 series van is below what would be required for weight of transfer case, etc. ? Guessing a 250 series van would be minimum GAWR someone would be willing to work with ? But I'm not an expert - but I've tried this road before --

Good luck !
Thanks -- you're right. now I'm researching all the options, given that E350's are tough to find.

@mikracer, good suggestion. I will revert / update this post when I've better honed-in on the specs and budget.

Appreciate all the support and comments guys. Thx.
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Old 12-23-2020, 05:03 PM   #17
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So I was speaking loosely but I assumed if I waited for sportsmobile I'd get them to just put a penthouse a-la-carte on a e350 I'd bring. PS I had an 03 Element in the stable, and have a pair of xt225's, so I'm a sucker for things they don't make anymore.

..Not sure Sportsmobile would put a top on your van..have you talked to them?



For very similar $$ as a manual SMB top Derek at Colorado Camper Van installs a nicer pop top..wider bed, power, you can sit up on the bed in the penthouse etc. I think he's still doing older Econolines.
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Old 12-23-2020, 05:18 PM   #18
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..Not sure Sportsmobile would put a top on your van..have you talked to them?

For very similar $$ as a manual SMB top Derek at Colorado Camper Van installs a nicer pop top..wider bed, power, you can sit up on the bed in the penthouse etc. I think he's still doing older Econolines.
Thanks. I tried calling CCV / website earlier this week with no joy, but will try again when it's not ~Christmas eve. Thanks for the reminder.

Do you have experience with them (long-shot I know). Just always nice to get a fresh datapoint given potentially outdated / non-representative stuff on the internet.
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Old 12-23-2020, 09:28 PM   #19
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Many folks here have removed their SMB penthouse tops and replaced them with a CCV top. That's where the majority of used SMB pop tops for sale on this forum have come from recently.


Specifically...CCV is removing the SMB tops to install their tops.


I have a SMB top and no direct experience with CCV.


Members REF, 1der and many others here have CCV tops.
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Old 12-23-2020, 09:31 PM   #20
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Awesome-- will do some searching on those-- thanks boywonder. Trying to wear off my noob status on here.
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