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11-29-2010, 05:01 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
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Introducing myself
Hello! I have been lurking and using this site as a resource for a couple of years now. I still can't decide if I want to buy a used rig or build one. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger. It will be a diesel though.....
Thanks
Brad
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11-29-2010, 05:27 PM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Littleton CO
Posts: 61
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Re: Introducing myself
welcome and good luck. let us know what you are looking for in your van
__________________
2003 Ford E350 7.3 Diesel 15 Passenger Van | CCV Pop Top | Quigley 4x4 |
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11-29-2010, 05:41 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
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Re: Introducing myself
Well, I want a portable office. I am an avid fisherman and explorer trapped for now on the East Coast (hail from AZ and miss it). I've always wanted an adventure camper. I've spent a lot of time wheeling and exploring growing up and have owned other 4x4 rigs.
I now own a small consulting firm in DC and my clients could care less where I am most of the time. So I want to take my show on the road for the summers.
What do I want? Ford. Diesel. Would prefer the 7.3, but those are getting hard to find. I know the shortcomings of the 6.0, so I guess I'm in the market for a 2006 or later. I need water (fresh and gray) and a fridge. I've worked around vehicles and construction my whole life, so I am comfortable getting dirty, so to speak. I would like an outdoor kitchen and don't want a cooktop indoors. Heat would be nice, but not essential. I want expanded headroom and am currently leaning to a permanent top, not a pop up top. I will need satellite comm capacity and good electricity, but I think I can get by with solar. Other than that, my needs are pretty basic......I mean I have a lot of wishes, but not necessities.
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12-01-2010, 10:23 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
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Re: Introducing myself
From what you said I would lean towards DIY. Not only will it be easier to find a 7.3 to build, but you can customize to your needs and take cues from fold out kitchen trailers or other non-standard SMB/GTRV/etc items without getting a bunch of "features" you don't need. My SMB would certainly make a less than ideal office, if I could even stand to work in it.
That said, I've found the payoff of buying and being able to use my SMB immediately more valuable than anything else. In addition living with those "features" gives me a much better idea of what is necessary, useful and enjoyable. If you take joy in the building and planning itself that's great, but otherwise consider that it might steal a whole summer or more, which might make buying used a lot more attractive.
Maybe look seriously on both lines and see if a good built van comes up before the perfect 7.3L cargo.
__________________
it was good to be back
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12-02-2010, 08:04 AM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
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Re: Introducing myself
Good points. I know I could save a ton of money doing it myself, but I know how long it takes me to finish projects and I don't really have a great place to work on things. I've talked to Chris over at Ujoint a bunch and would probably have him do the conversion. On the other hand, I'm currently drooling over Blackeye's rig and may fly out to take a look at it if he doesn't sell it this weekend.
Its a tough trade off - I do almost everything myself, but buying a rig I could take off in tomorrow is very appealing. Also, my business will buy it and buying a completed rig makes tax time much easier.
I hear what you are saying about working in the van. That's what a comfy folding chair and an awning are for! Even at home, I spend a fair amount of time at the picnic table in the yard.
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12-02-2010, 08:56 AM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,177
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Re: Introducing myself
Blackeye's rig would definitely be a nice rig to jump into, and the fixed top makes walking around "easy".
I'm truly jealous. I wish my employer would buy me an SMB
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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12-02-2010, 09:50 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
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Re: Introducing myself
Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Blackeye's rig would definitely be a nice rig to jump into, and the fixed top makes walking around "easy".
I'm truly jealous. I wish my employer would buy me an SMB
Herb
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My employer is still my own pocket! I will get to depreciate it on my taxes, but it is still a huge investment for my tiny company......
I'm pretty sure I want the fixed top over the pop-up. I'm 6'4" so no top is really going to be tall enough.
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12-02-2010, 04:33 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa CA
Posts: 638
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Re: Introducing myself
For a DIY take a look at my album. I think I have everything you mentioned except for built in plumbing. The SMB Penthouse gives almost 7' of headroom which might be more than a bubble top. Just my 3 cents. If you have any questions let me know.
Chris
__________________
Chris/Ruth
2016 MBZ Sprinter 144" 4wd.
DIY
07 BMW 525xi wagon
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12-11-2010, 08:24 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 198
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Re: Introducing myself
Good luck with the decision. It sounds like a good problem to have! My fixed top affords 6' 8" of headroom after the 1 3/4" of insulation and flooring went down.
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