'12 E250 RB 5.4L w/ SMB penthouse custom build

[loren85022]

Chris at UJoint was or had been working with an van guy in the LA area that I met at last expo. His own van was impressive.

I own an 08'. The lil changes you see in a 12' model are cool.

Looking forward to seeing the build.

[Silver350]

How has this build progressed?

[JimHefner]

Rig is 99% complete. Start to now has taken nearly a year. Way too long!

RV Interiors in San Diego did the conversion. Action Van the suspension (Ultimate kit and rear end limited slip and re-geared w/ 4:10). SMB the penthouse.

Every component and it's exact location was carefully considered for functionality as well as space.

Big shout-out to Gregg D. I'm grateful for his guidance and friendship. He really helped shape this dream of mine into an absolutely one of a kind spare no expense custom van.

Also, thanks to this site and the community that keeps it going. I spent countless hours viewing others threads and pictures. For the help, I'm grateful.

On roof is Golight and two 140 watt Kyocera panels. American Racing AR23 wheels, Nitto Terra Grappler tires. Z's awning brackets, Talon, etc.

[JimHefner]

bottom pic is 5 gal suburban hot water and fresh water fill.

[JimHefner]

Sort of RB50 but all the dimensions have been slightly adjusted. All wood is light but super strong bamboo. Cabinet work is first-rate. TruckFridge 4.2 cu ft. and Propex (model HS2800 w/ 9,700 btu) heater (behind driver seat).

[JimHefner]

25 gallon holding tank. Custom size rotation molded. Back bench/bed custom made to maximize water capacity and fully use width of rig based on depth of cabinet/wardrobe. Insulated stainless sink and pull-out faucet. Microwave, charge controller, and inverter panel.

[JimHefner]

Subwoofer and fuse panel

[JimHefner]

Hot water plumbing. Fiberglass penthouse was pulled. Re-sheeted in 1/2" foam panel for noise and insulation. Also, new 1/4" marine ply and material. Replaced crappy SMB bolt design with Gooseberry ones. LED touch to click type lights throughout.

[JimHefner]

Bottom is Xantrax 2000w Pure Sine inverter.

[JimHefner]

7 gal Manchester propane tank. 4 gal gray water holding tank mounted under rig to save space behind cabinets. 2 AGM batteries straddling the under floor box storage.