Our new Rocking 'R' Rig - Page 2

jage · 08-02-2008, 09:55 AM

Looks like a side ladder in his gallery.

**BroncoHauler** · 08-02-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Looks like a side ladder in his gallery.

Yeah, you're right. I was confused by the "passenger side / rear". That still has to be a rather large last step up to get onto the rack from the ladder, given the height of the top and the rack.

Herb

Blackeye · 08-04-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

That is a great looking "van" Blackeye. Congratulations and I'm happy to hear you are already enjoying it. So, have you figured out what everything on your headline does yet? More importantly, can you do it all with your eyes closed

? That is an impressive array of gear you have, I'm jealous. Have fun and I'm looking forward to hearing more about it.

Thanks sdwinansea, I am still getting used to it all. It is really pretty straightforward, especially since SMB West installed everything exactly per my layout. We are planning a tour of the Rockies and I'll be sure to post a trip report. Thanks again!

Blackeye · 08-04-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

I think you get the award for "tightest switch install ever". I like the hardtop/4x4 combo too (personally would never go for one w/2wd).

Thanks Jage. Since we have a bunch (16) auxillary lights, we used a PANELTRONICS #9960013B - DC 8-Position Lighted Rocker Switch Panel. All of the switches are for lights with the exception of one used for a switched 12v (3x) outlet in the upper cubby. Here is what they all do:

Blackeye · 08-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_hauler

Very nice, and lots of room when you pick up those wine club shipments in your own backyard (Santa Ynez). We've used our SMB to pick up our wine at Andrew Murray and Beckmen wineries, as well as a few wine tasting adventures.

One question. I didn't think that a rear ladder was compatible with the rear Aluminess bumper. Is there something new?

Herb

Hey Herb, Thanks for your kind words.

We actually have the wine pumped into the XL underfloor storage. It is kept at "cellar" temp by the recirculating refrigerant lines. We have it tapped so that we can share at the next "meet and greet". Just kidding.

We do have a shipment to pick up at Firestone right now though.

The ladder is the standard Aluminess passenger side mounted ladder.

**daveb** · 08-04-2008, 07:48 PM

We actually have the wine pumped into the XL underfloor storage. It is kept at "cellar" temp by the recirculating refrigerant lines. We have it tapped so that we can share at the next "meet and greet".

Ha...next time you contact SMB you need to tell them you want that installed. I would like to see their faces. Great lookin rig!
Dave B

canyonclan · 08-28-2008, 11:45 PM

Blackeye,

Great looking rig! I saw you heading W on 126 today while I was travelling opposite dir, approx. 4:30pm.

Cheers,
Jeff

Blackeye · 08-29-2008, 09:59 AM

Hey Jeff,

I am sorry that I missed you. I was just returning from five days of flyfishing in the Sierra. I was in the "heading home zone".

Thanks for your kind words.

Blackeye

Jeffrey · 08-29-2008, 10:50 AM

Blackeye,

That is some rig! I can no longer tell lookeeloos that I have 'everything'! Between you , Buji, and Jeff Merritt, mine now looks common, although it is not. I think Jeff may actually have one more light than you, but I didn't really count 'em.

Why the 18" wheels?

Let me know when you're in SB, and we'll meet up.

Blackeye · 08-29-2008, 12:21 PM

Jeffrey,

Thanks for your compliments. I am of the opinion that it does not really matter how one's rig looks, what really matters is how one enjoys / uses ones rig...that is what a Sportsmobile is all about.

We have been fortunate enough to be able to spend 28 of our 44 days of ownership in the rig.

Regarding wheel size, I am not an expert, but obtained some advice regarding wheel size / sidewall type and how each can affect overall rig stability. I am not a big fan of a soft "sloshy" type of ride. Furthermore, since our rig has the fixed top mounted rack and is tall, I wanted to minimize cross wind sway and roll as much as possible. (I also understood that with the 18" wheel, we would be giving up some tire depth but knew that we would keep that in mind in technical off-road situations.) I can say that we have had the rig since July 16, 2008 and after 7,800 miles through the western 10 states, following much of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail from CO to MT (off-road) and off-roading in the Sierra Nevada, the ride is really great. I am still figuring out the air pressue balance for really bad washboard though.