SMB West Factory Visits

[Buji]

I just keep telling myself, that if this is the biggest problem in my life right now, then I have it pretty good. There's plenty worse problems a guy could have!! And, in the end it will all be worth it...

[jage]

Yeah it's hard waiting even for a used purchase. I can't imagine the pain of having one built. I love the build photos though, of every van... it's great to see them under construction.

[sdwindansea]

We were at the Fresno factory this past Monday (6/26) to order and configure our new SMB. I'll post about those details a bit later . Like everyone else, we couldn't be happier with the entire experience so far.

I got some pictures although nothing really new since Buji's visit.

Jeffrey, your van was still on the rack:




Twolost, here are some pictures of your van:











This van was a really unique, custom setup. I guess the owner will be taking it on safari. It has awnings/ladders on both sides, and the custom roof rack essentially turns into a "cage".



If either of you want a higher resolution version, please let me know and I'll email them to you.

[jage]

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

This van was a really unique, custom setup. I guess the owner will be taking it on safari. It has awnings/ladders on both sides, and the custom roof rack essentially turns into a "cage".

Yes, but do you have to get OUT to put the cage down? *CHOMP*

[Buji]

I'd like more info on that rack! Was it something John and company fabbed up or someone else?

[Jeffrey]

Thanks SD. There are certainly some noticeable differences in a week. The front suspension and axle is installed. So much more to do.....

[twolost]

Thanks again for the pics of our project!!

I saw a Ford van at Sportsmobile West with a full size safari rack back in February. I was so impressed that I too am having a full size safari rack built by Aluminess that is very similar to the one on this van. It has similar lights in all four corners plus one in the rear.

Aluminess asked me for a sketch (via email) and a phone call in order to finalize everything and then they set to work. I think it will be done in a couple of weeks from now (which makes 4 or 5 weeks total build time).

[BroncoHauler]

I saw that van while I was up there, along with 2 converted Sprinters, that all belonged to the same person!

The lights at the corners were cool. I believe they are remote controlled from inside the cab.


Herb

[twolost]

Here are a couple examples of full size safari racks, fixed lights, as well as remotely operated search lights. These pics were taken at SMB West in May.

[canyonclan]

Re the remote spotlights, follow the link below. We have two of the profiler II handheld spots in each vehicle on our SAR Team. Golight products are expensive, but top quality. Hella makes a handheld spot, that plugs in your aux/cig power unit. Not quite as cool as the remote control units, but at $120 its very useful in spotting potential campsights at night or looking for your dog...not that my lab ever runs away or anything.

http://www.golight.com/products/golight.html

check out www.expeditionexchange.com for the Hella Handheld and other stuff...really cool guys to do business with.