Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-03-2016, 10:53 PM   #1
Member
 
maxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SLC
Posts: 71
Garage
Vantastic our new SMB

Hi All,

I recently was lucky enough to find a great deal on a Dodge 98 SMB with low miles, the links was actually posted here after I found it on CL.
Its a 1998 Dodge 5.9l v8 2wd EB with RB50 layout (I think?) 48k miles, 2 owners, previous owner had it for 14 years and was super nice in explaining everything and is still happy to answer questions over the phone.

Fast forward one week here is Vantastic our new to us van that hopefully brings us lots of adventures around the PNW.

Original form the CL ad


Now




Interior





Spend this weekend getting all the decals off, was a bit of a torture started with just a Hairdryer and lots of patience, but ended buying a 3M eraser wheel for all these crazy pinstripes, wow that was money well spent, so much quicker and cleaner to strip of that 80s/90s look.
Next up I removed the side steps on the drivers side, I left the one on the passengers side for now, since I didn't want to deal with shorting the grey water outlet.
I also Pllasti dipped the wheels black, and it now looks actually like a cool van, not as rugged as the all 4x4 on this forum but its getting closer.
Might do the chrome bumpers and grill another day, but will see how the wheels hold up.
I've also installed a 3rd rain gutter mount for roof racks (2 were pre installed from the previous owner, but spaced 80" apart, which is too far for any roof top box).

Here is a list of things I want to change and happy to get all your awesome feedback.

1. Roof racks + XXL Box, should be less than ~80lbs an will only store Kitegear and maybe Skis in winter. Should be doable on Manual Top? (might need to have to change the springs)
2. Hitch to carry our Mountain bikes, will probably get Uhaul to install it
3. Led conversion. But Is it worth it for the fluro lights?
4. Ladder, contemplating of either side or rear ladder, will see what fits.
Which makes me wonder, whats the load rating of the roof for a 1998 SMB? I read that some people stand on it to clean it or take pictures.

Apart from that we are super happy and can't wait to maiden it next weekend.

Cheers
Max

maxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2016, 12:26 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 468
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxx View Post
Hi All,
Here is a list of things I want to change and happy to get all your awesome feedback.

1. Roof racks + XXL Box, should be less than ~80lbs an will only store Kitegear and maybe Skis in winter. Should be doable on Manual Top? (might need to have to change the springs)
2. Hitch to carry our Mountain bikes, will probably get Uhaul to install it
3. Led conversion. But Is it worth it for the fluro lights?
4. Ladder, contemplating of either side or rear ladder, will see what fits.
Which makes me wonder, whats the load rating of the roof for a 1998 SMB? I read that some people stand on it to clean it or take pictures.

Apart from that we are super happy and can't wait to maiden it next weekend.

Cheers
Max
Congrats on your new toy! Looks like it was gently enjoyed by the previous owners. Only 48K miles on a '98? Wow!

My answers to your wish list:

1. I have about 50 lbs of Yakima bars and TREDs and 50 or 60 lbs of solar panels on my manual PH. I've shortened the springs 2 links and put 1/2" blocks behind the helper springs. It's a bear to get started lifting, and I put safety sticks in the corners when it's up.

I don't see a PH bunk in your pictures, though it appears to have the rails for one. Remember that a bed also adds weight to the PH that the springs have to support when the bed is clipped to the ceiling.

2. Not my area of expertise.

3. I did LEDs in my ThinLites. I think it's worth it, and since you don't have solar on your list, maybe even more valuable to you, amperage-wise. Here's what I did:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...tes-11356.html

4. I've stood my fat 215 lbs a$$ on my roof to clean it, and it seemed okay. But I don't like the creaking noises. Somebody around here has a picture of a bunch of people standing on a PH.
__________________
DesertBoat ...has been SOLD. Sad to have seen it go.
photographix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2016, 01:13 AM   #3
Member
 
maxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SLC
Posts: 71
Garage
Thanks for the reply and all the info, will also look into the LED conversion u did.

Yea we don't have a PH Bed, only gaucho. Will see if i either build my own or try to find a used bed for it. Previous owner was an older couple and they didn't want to sleep up top.

Plan is
~30lbs roof racks
44lbs or 62lbs box
60lbs gear
Will see how that works out.

Thank you, amazing photos on ur website btw!
maxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2016, 09:08 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
rallypanam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Francisco/Nevada City
Posts: 3,769
Congratulations!

You may need to adjust the springs with ~150 pounds on top, but it _should_ work.

Penthouse bed is super easy, just get some good strong (more layers the better) 3/4 finish plywood and cut it down. Then you can throw a therm-a-rest on it, or get a mattress topper, or whatever.
rallypanam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2016, 12:08 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
larrie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,843
We put two solar panels, qbout 60 pounds, on the penthouse and too two links out of the spring. We now use a cargo bar as a jack to raise it up. We got it at the local NAPA auto parts.
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
larrie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2016, 12:27 PM   #6
Member
 
maxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SLC
Posts: 71
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by larrie View Post
We put two solar panels, qbout 60 pounds, on the penthouse and too two links out of the spring. We now use a cargo bar as a jack to raise it up. We got it at the local NAPA auto parts.
Thanks, I might try a cargobar or the DIY electrical lift described here: converting-a-manual-penthouse-top-to-a-powered-top-for-3-10-a-14940.html
maxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2016, 11:32 AM   #7
Member
 
maxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SLC
Posts: 71
Garage
Ok so i took Vantastic to a local mechanic here in Seattle. Unfortunately it was too big for their shop to lift, but the guy had a look over without lifting it and said it was in great shape for its age and he didn't have any concerns. Now I'm wondering for the future if I need anything done, does anyone know a decent mechanic in the Seattle area that can handle a Dodge EB Van, should i try any RV mechanics? or a dodge dealer? (like to stay away from those usually)
maxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-05-2016, 02:42 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
skyrat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 463
Garage
Looks super clean and perhaps an EB47 or a variation thereof.

Much better looking without the stripes. Those eraser wheels are something, they really work well, without tearing up anything around the graphics.

The LED conversion is way worth doing on the fluorescent lights as well. Just choose the color temperature you want. I prefer warm white. They are not quite as bright as the cool whites, but they are much easier on the eyes. Also, more brightness is easy. Just add more lights to the fixture.
__________________
__________________
George ><>
2005 5.4L E250 RB50 4x4 SMB
2000 4Runner Limited 4WD

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
skyrat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2016, 10:33 PM   #9
Member
 
maxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SLC
Posts: 71
Garage
Our first Roadtrip was excellent in the Van, we took it down to the Washington and the Oregon Coast and had a blast.


We slept on the gaucho and while it was quite comfortable i think a PH bed would improve the Van life quality.
So i contacted Sportsmobile West to get a quote on PH Bed, they told me 473 which I'm ok with, but they quoted me 157$ shipping... I was expecting it to be around 50$ to ship to Seattle.

Now the real question, anyone from the forum driving from Fresno to Seattle anytime soon?

I also ordered most the things I need for the full LED conversion and will probably start with the portable 100W solar panel.
Getting and installing a Scangauge is next on the list, but I'm quite impressed getting ~17mpg on the highway.
maxx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-17-2016, 07:54 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxx View Post
Our first Roadtrip was excellent in the Van, we took it down to the Washington and the Oregon Coast and had a blast.


We slept on the gaucho and while it was quite comfortable i think a PH bed would improve the Van life quality.
So i contacted Sportsmobile West to get a quote on PH Bed, they told me 473 which I'm ok with, but they quoted me 157$ shipping... I was expecting it to be around 50$ to ship to Seattle.

Now the real question, anyone from the forum driving from Fresno to Seattle anytime soon?

I also ordered most the things I need for the full LED conversion and will probably start with the portable 100W solar panel.
Getting and installing a Scangauge is next on the list, but I'm quite impressed getting ~17mpg on the highway.
Maxx,

Did you ever get any of that gear on the Penthouse top? I have similar SMB to yours and have it loaded up w/ this currently:

Yakima Raingutters (4) Towers (4) and 78" bars (2)
Yakima Skybox 21

Looking to add a roofbasket (@40 lbs)

Loaded up it would be a fair amount of weight - 250lbs+?, but only plan to raise with the above on it.

Did you ever adjust your springs? Did you do it yourself? How complicated/dangerous?
SuperG is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sportsmobile SIP or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:35 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.