Large Family Sportsmobile

[TwoVans]

Greetings everyone!

As an intro, we were a family of four looking for a family activity. That led to an '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited and a couple of great family outings. Then came kid #3. Then came kid #4. I can only get 1/2 the family on to the Rubicon Trail at a time. Now, the Yukon XL is pushing max capacity for a weekend trip...

Then, my wife suggested a 12 passenger van. I said NO WAY! Then she showed me a Sportsmobile. Hmmm. We currently live near Fresno. I drove Allen's van. My wife volunteered to dump the Yukon and use the Sportsmobile as the family truckster/daily driver. I get to keep my Jeep. I knew she was worth the risk when I popped the question!

Thanks to the Sprotsmobile Forum, we've been getting up to speed on the possibilities fast.

So, here's the goal:

1. Capability to haul 12 people.
2. Capability to go everywhere the Jeep can (ok, maybe not the Rubicon Trail, but everywhere a full-size 4x4 will fit).
3. Capability to sleep the six of us (kids are still small 8, 6, 2, and 5 months).

Here's the plan:

Phase one:
1. '09 RB Diesel commercial cargo van.
2. Basic SMB interior (think Transformer without the galley unit). Ability to configure with three benches (3, 3, 4). Or, pull the middle 3 person bench, move the 4 person bench up and insert a platform bed in the rear. Front 3 person bench to fold flat into a bed. Front bed board for the youngest. All rear seating positions with LATCH and tethers for car seats. Headrests for when the kids get bigger.
3. CB and Ham radios for communications.
4. Full Dynamat treatment for daily livability.
5. Wire to plug in my Honda generator for direct 110v ac when parked.
6. Multiple DC sockets throughout for power on the move.
7. Pre-wire for front and rear bumper lights.

Phase two:
1. Sell the Yukon to pay for the 4x4 upgrade.
2. Standard package plus rear Dynatrac axle and limited slip front and rear.
3. Aluminess all the way around.

Our goal is to demonstrate the possibility to build a large family friendly 4x4. For those that haven't yet been outnumbered by their kids, you would be surprised to find out that the large vehicles on the market just do not meet the needs for LATCH position seating plus room for all of the stuff that typically accompanies small kids on trips as simple as a grocery store run. Hopefully we will crack that code.

So, step one is complete. We have found a suitable van (thanks to a post on the forum) and simply need to arrange shipping from OH to CA. Any input (especially from those with small children) would be greatly appreciated. Pictures to follow as we get into the process...