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Old 06-18-2013, 09:27 AM   #21
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Re: Hyozan Build

Ahh unfortunately I'm in Columbus, Ohio----a bit far to ship, even just the metal parts I'm sure.

Nice offer though----darned geography!

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Old 06-18-2013, 11:01 AM   #22
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Re: Hyozan Build

you know - you might want to hang on to the running boards. Even if you take them off, maybe keep them in case you change your mind in a couple years.

I have a 4x4 so I go off road, and lots of just plain ol' dirt roads. In winter, spring and fall these roads can be a real mess, and the sides of my van get caked with mud. I ended up putting mud flaps AND rock rails on my van. These were custom built, of course. The rock rails are tucked in a little higher and closer than your running boards, but they have become an extremely useful step up/down for my SMB. And, they assist the mud flaps in reducing large amounts of mud down the side of the van. Seeing as how you aren't off-loading, clearance isn't an issue with you. So, the slightly lower and more protruding running boards on your van is ok, IMO. And, those are some of the better made boards I've seen - they look strongly mounted and capable.

I posted a thread with pics - if you search mud flaps and rock sliders you should find it. I put the flaps/rails on after owning my SMB for 2 years and constantly having to scrape mud and road grime off the sides.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9091&hilit=rock+rails

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Old 06-24-2013, 08:15 PM   #23
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Re: Hyozan Build

No turning back now! Penthouse top installed at SMB West today! Very excited, and great support and QC by the SMB West guys. They have an impressive operation and really friendly and helpful people.

As many suggested, I had them pre-wire for solar...

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Old 06-24-2013, 08:32 PM   #24
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Re: Hyozan Build

nice!

Is it electric?

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Old 06-24-2013, 08:42 PM   #25
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Re: Hyozan Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by warholic
nice!

Is it electric?

Thanks! Its manual. Lift weight isn't too much of an issue. They did a great job in only one day. Everything ready to start when I got there at 8 this morning. It was handed back 5:30 this afternoon.
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Old 06-25-2013, 10:08 AM   #26
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Hyozan Build

Cool! No windows yet? Does the PH have that textured layer or is it smooth?


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Old 06-26-2013, 04:17 PM   #27
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Re: Hyozan Build

16.5 MPG!! I filled up in Hermosa Beach for the trek up to Sportsmobile West. So stop-and-go traffic on the 405 (of course); over Sepulveda pass; over Grapevine pass; on to Fresno, and back to the base of the Grapevine before filling up again at 3/4 empty. 377.7 miles on 22.84 gallons = 16.54 mpg.

I was astonished. Thats better than the old Element I used to have, and as good as my V6 MDX.
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Old 06-26-2013, 05:29 PM   #28
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Re: Hyozan Build

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Originally Posted by johnamullins
16.5 MPG!!

I was astonished. Thats better than the old Element I used to have, and as good as my V6 MDX.
Yeah they really have a worse reputation than reality. When I rent vans for larger trips, the E350s usually ave around 19 MPG, and that's with every seat full and crack and crevice stuffed full of gear and booze. That's mostly hwy off course and keeping it near the speed limit, but still plenty of rolling hills and even some forest roads.

Meanwhile, my mom's 2013 GLK350 struggles to get 19 driving very conservatively and with auto-engine-stop enabled. Drive like a normal person, and it drops below 17.
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Old 06-26-2013, 06:41 PM   #29
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Re: Hyozan Build

Quote:
Originally Posted by surfgeek33
Cool! No windows yet? Does the PH have that textured layer or is it smooth?


Ray
Its smooth. Waiting to finalize the layout before doing windows. Nosing around SMB, I'm pretty sure I will go with 60% of their customers and do the '50'. So a window behind the driver and one by the side doors.
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Old 06-27-2013, 10:04 AM   #30
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Re: Hyozan Build

I'm in the minority that has an aisle down the middle. One thing about the 50 style that bothers me is access to the rear top latch and rear storage.

With the couch in the upright position, climb over the couch to latch the back of the penthouse down. Reverse the process to unlatch and raise the top when you get to a campsite.

And going outside to get to the stuff stored under the bed also bugs me.

Like I said, I'm in a minority.

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