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Old 04-23-2010, 08:08 PM   #1
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Impression after driving SMB first time.

I have gotten used to it but the first couple of trips this is what it reminded me of.

Did anybody else feel like this the first time?

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Old 04-23-2010, 08:54 PM   #2
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

Yep, we are rolling toward Moab and my buddy is driving the beast for the first time. 55 on straight interstate for the first few miles and some coaching on the steering - whoa, be gentle!
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Old 04-23-2010, 09:31 PM   #3
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

Cruzing down into Saline Valley humming the Soviet National Anthem like Im parading through Red Square on the 1st of May.



Ok, mayby not a ICBM transport, but a IRBM transport at the least.
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Old 04-25-2010, 10:32 AM   #4
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

Reminds me of the movie Spies Like Us. I definitely know what you mean. My chevy has the turning radius of that thing, too.

We bought our SMB new but already built from a Chevy dealer about 400 miles from home. It was a load that first drive home, and someone had locked the passenger front hub, so that didn't help either. It seemed like it was pulling into every big rig we passed. I had white knuckles the whole way home. I really thought I had made a mistake.

Six months and 12k miles later, it drives like a dream, just needed some getting used to. Definitely an acquired taste, especially coming off the BMW M5 I traded in for the van. I wouldn't go past 65 on the hi-way for the longest time, now I can pass folks doing 80-85 if, and only if, necessary. We put on a Hellwig rear sway bar which seemed to help, kind of a poor-man's Deaver spring pack.

Our next upgrades are an exhaust brake and possibly a dual rear-end to handle towing our boat better (about 6k lbs). I haven't gotten used to the lack of braking power towing yet, but I think Fords have much better brakes with the 17" wheels.

Anyone tried an exhaust brake and have any suggestions? Dual rear end?
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Old 04-25-2010, 11:22 AM   #5
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

I remember hitting the road as I left Huntington in 'Minerva." It was like (I imagine) like Shelly Winters running in high heels on a balance beam. I literally felt like I'd fall over. But, now I just don't think of it. I whiz around the hills of the Hudson Valley running my daily errands and commuting. It just becomes second nature. Actually, now when I drive our Subaru Legacy I feel like I"m sitting on a skateboard.
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Old 04-25-2010, 08:56 PM   #6
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

I've been driving a 1/2 ton 2WD Chevy pickup most of my adult life. First time I test drove the Ford E250 2WD (w/o conversion package) it felt big. Large blind spots. Tough to park in tight spots. I'm encouraged to hear it won't take long to get over it. I got a backup camera for some peace of mind though.
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Old 04-26-2010, 05:42 PM   #7
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

My first drive was nice. I know cause it only took a few miles on the HWY for my wife to typically suggest I slow down. This means I was comfortable behind the wheel.
Felt big but steered and rode nice and smooth. Still does today. But then I've been driving nothing but trucks and 4x4s for 30+ years now. Never had a "car".
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Old 04-26-2010, 08:56 PM   #8
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mahukaawe
My first drive was nice. I know cause it only took a few miles on the HWY for my wife to typically suggest I slow down. This means I was comfortable behind the wheel.
Felt big but steered and rode nice and smooth. Still does today. But then I've been driving nothing but trucks and 4x4s for 30+ years now. Never had a "car".
Similar experience here. I had driven large trucks with 24-28ft beds for years which helped develop some driving habits that are very helpful with the SMB.
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Old 04-26-2010, 10:48 PM   #9
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Re: Impression after driving SMB first time.

Driving lifted Jeeps home without the swaybar was one of my biggest learning factors, that and driving the F250 around for a few years- the SMB is a greater beast in any direction, although my wife would rather drive it any day over the F250.
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