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Old 10-26-2012, 09:30 AM   #21
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Thanks Brian. SMB adjusted the springs before I left. They also told me about having a door open. It's still pretty darn hard to get it moving up or down. (I weigh 165 lbs and can crank 25 pull-ups) I'm def not stoked with it as it is currently.

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Old 10-26-2012, 09:37 AM   #22
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Although I need and use four wheel drive, it's amazing what these things can do in 2WD with a LSD rear end. I did a few class IV trails in 2wd (by accident) and while I wouldn't recommend that, my van did a great job. At close to 12,000lbs, I am glad I asked for a full float axle.

As far as the top, the fact I had jacked up my back during the build was the reason I went with an electric top and I'm glad I did.

Currently my van is at SMB for upgrades and one is installing a shower wand plug-in added to the propane door area. I got tired of having to open the rear doors to use the shower wand. I carry one of those pop up shower tents and now I won't have to worry about insects or water entering the van while taking a shower.

Concerning the tripplite inverter, it's possible that they have solved the problem. I do know it was a common issue some years back. Possibly a call to SMB or Tripplite would shed some light.

Good luck on your build, I'm sure you'll get it tweaked to what you want a dream for.

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Old 10-31-2012, 07:15 PM   #23
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Penthouse installed. Action Van lift, shocks, steering stabilizer, wheels, tires, 4.10 LSD, hoop steps, fender flares. Conversion happening at RVI starting next week...
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Old 10-31-2012, 07:43 PM   #24
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Looks great.
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Old 10-31-2012, 07:47 PM   #25
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Wow! What a difference, looks great!!
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Old 11-01-2012, 03:36 AM   #26
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'12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

What size lift are you using? Also, what size tires did you end up with? The van looks great!
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Old 11-01-2012, 07:54 AM   #27
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Thanks all!

The pic makes the tires look small. They are 285/75R 16 Nitto Terra Grappler. The lift in the back is probably about 6" right now (5" in front). Once the weight of the build is in, I'm told, it should drop about an inch in the back.
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Old 11-01-2012, 11:27 PM   #28
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Mine looks the same and after the Deaver upgrade...wish I woulda gone with 315's
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Old 11-14-2012, 06:21 PM   #29
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

Step 1. Dynamat (actually Secondskin) everything. Here is the floor being completed.
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Old 11-18-2012, 05:54 AM   #30
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Re: '12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

wow, nice transformation! look forward to your next update!

im taking delivery of my van tomorrow and am super excited to start building. it wont be at the pace your going as im broke as a joke, but at least we will have our (mostly) blank slate to start our build.
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