2013 Chevy Express SMB RB-50 Build

[skijunkie]

I don't think it is mineral wool. I've seen something similar that was made from shredded blue jean type material. It is treated with mildew and fire retardant. On TV I've seen a demonstration where a guy held a big ball of it in his hand a hit it with a hand held torch. It didn't burn and the heat didn't seem to get through to his hand. I'm not sure this is the same stuff, but it is definitely soft, not scratchy at all, and looks like the stuff I saw on TV.

[skijunkie]

The londeck flooring, penthouse top motor, and forward cab carpet are all installed.

The pop top has been placed on the van but has not been attached yet. They are also getting ready to run the wiring and (you can't see it in the pictures but under the wood) they have marked off where the under storage opening will be cut.

[skijunkie]

The Pop top is mostly attached. Still needs the corners of the canvas attached and they will do a water test.
The Porch light is installed.
The external outlet is installed.
The aluminus tire holder is out and ready for install.

[copescobra]

May I ask a question regarding the floor.

I looks like the floor of the van only has Plywood and then carpet on top of it.
Am I missing the insulation underneath the plywood ?

Build looks great. Nothing like a brand New SMB as mine is very very old.

[skijunkie]

@copescobra

So in the front cab there is a carpet pad with carpet on top.

From the cab back is plywood with rubberized londeck flooring on top. No insulation under the plywood. On top of the londeck there will be a removable carpet overlay. This is their standard procedure but SMB said they could put 1/2 inch rigid insulation under the plywood but that it would raise the height of all the cabinets and would reduce standup height. I am having them put insulation under the water tank to possibly isolate it from the floor a bit. My plan is to add my own removable insulation under the removable carpet overlay should I end up needing it.

As far as insulation in the walls and doors go they seem to be doing a good job. Just today they were saying they will be stuffing insulation into all nooks and crannies they can get two fingers into.

[skijunkie]

Before I post the latest batch of pictures I thought I would share some observations.

When I first visited SMB Texas, probably over a year ago, I only remember seeing Ford vans being built. I'm not suggesting there weren't other models, but it was definitely a majority of Fords.

When we truly got serious and went back late last year it appears to be about 50/50 (Ford/Mercedes Sprinter). As you have noticed, we ordered an RB Chevy. I think we were the first to order a new Chevy SMB in a while. Strangely, SMB Texas now has three new Chevy vans ordered behind us.

Now as I visit SMB Texas regularly to watch the build process I notice the shop is probably 90% Sprinter builds. I only remember seeing one brand new Ford that looks just about complete. Aside from our Chevy there is a Chevy passenger van with out of state plates just starting. I'm not sure if they are getting a full build or just a pop top. There is one lonely Nissan van on the lot that while it has a note that says in progress I have seen no progress this year.The rest are Sprinters. The place is packed with them, both in progress and brand new and bare sitting on the SMB lot.

I'm making no conclusions about anything here, just observations I find interesting. I'm sure what they have in the shop at any particular time varies as widely as their customers.

I think I will try and make a point to actually count what's there next time I drop by.

[skijunkie]

Poptop completely attached with working LED lights.
Rear door compartments are lined.
Side doors are insulated.
Aluminus tire carrier is installed.

[jage]

Austin has always been Sprinter heavy, just like West is 4x4 capitol and Indiana is where you go if you don't want to wait 6 months. The fact that Austin had a majority of Ford vans at any time is what surprises me.

[skijunkie]

Well I got to talking with the guys there and totally forgot to count types of vans.

Anyway, the cabinets and sofa frame are getting installed.
Door pockets are getting enlarged.

[LenS]

Like the two sets of three LED? lights on the ceiling instead of florescent lights.

What is the story on drivers side rear door. One pic shows a felt liner in the lower section. Last pic shows brace cut out and bubble insulation. Same van? Different storage designs?