Lola, The Petroleum Falcon

[Dia]

Thanks, Brian,

I just contacted SMB West and SMB TX. I kind of wanted to give TX the business since they made the van, but they want $500 plus shipping vs $446 plus shipping from SMB West. West says they can make it any length I want *cough*, and they congratulated me on my SMB purchase.

We'll probably buy the bed for the PH from SMB, but we'll still have to DIY the platform.

[boywonder]

The PH bed is plug and play..just chuck it up top and sleep....and they come one piece and two piece configs. The one piece bed is typically used in aisle/walk-through designs and the two piece is typically used in the 50 layout. The two piece is split roughly 60/40 with the smaller section being able to be flipped up on end at the rear of the PH when the roof is up....or leave it horizontal and use it as a storage shelf.

You may also want to purchase the hardware to hang it from the ceiling, although the hardware is pretty basic; a couple of small cleats and some looped cable.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by Dia

Thanks, Brian,

I just contacted SMB West and SMB TX. I kind of wanted to give TX the business since they made the van, but they want $500 plus shipping vs $446 plus shipping from SMB West. West says they can make it any length I want *cough*, and they congratulated me on my SMB purchase.

We'll probably buy the bed for the PH from SMB, but we'll still have to DIY the platform.

I'd plan a trip over to scenic Fresno and have them install the bed for you. That way you know it has the correct hardware and stuff, and it would probably be a wash for what it would cost to ship that big thing to you.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by Dia

It rained one night this week, and I'm one of those people who loves the rain. Hubs and I ran out to van and sat there in the dark, listening to the sound of the rain. We may have shared a smooch or two.

We dare not ask for "updates" or such about that----even though curiosity runs rampant..................!

Originally Posted by Dia

Other updates, mostly small ones:
* We got the van insured for $270 / 6 months with State Farm. It's considered an "extra" vehicle, so it's the cheapest of our three vehicles insurance-wise.


Anybody got suggestions?

Yes--instantly and immediately begin shopping around for better insurance coverage, the sooner the better. State Farm is one of the top three worst insurers, their low premiums are priced according to their (lack of) coverage.

While your SMB might be an "extra vehicle" more than likely what State Farm is covering doesn't even begin to address or pay for on such a vehicle. Double and triple check what is and what is NOT covered to avoid shocks when/if you (unfortunately) need said coverage.

I understand budget is an issue but this aspect needs to be reviewed and changed to better reflect what's being insured which is not just another E-Series cargo van.

[boywonder]

I have my van insured with State Farm since they were the only insurer that would give me an additional $9K coverage for things like the PH top and interior build-out. When I done building, I'm planning on bumping up it a little more.

21st Century would only do $2500 additional coverage, and AAA technically would not cover the 4WD stuff......

Next year I'm also going to re-inquire with Safeco for a "stated value" policy. They will only do that for vehicles that are at least 8 years old, and mine's an '08.

[Dia]

Thanks for the insurance tips. I do plan on shopping around and making sure the poptop is covered for replacement.

We don't have the systems to qualify as a motorhome, so we'll have to stay as a passenger car for now. That said, if folks have good (or bad) experiences with various insurers, I'm happy to hear them.

[boywonder]

Here is a (long) thread about insuring our babies:

http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5901

[E350]

Dia: My guess is that this is the only "system" you would need to add to be considered an rv. At least it worked for AAA with ours:



http://www.thetford.com/Home/Products/P ... fault.aspx

Electric flush model. Highly recommended. (Open the holding tank bayonet door prior to use, especially at altitude...)

[BrianW]

I think Dia's new rig is basically a window van with a pop top, right? If so it won't come close to qualifying as an RV, even with adding a Porta Potty.

I'm on the other side of things; I wish I could register my full SMB as a passenger vehicle here in PA rather than a mobile home (which it currently is) or a truck.

[JWA]

My point about insuring any vehicle is know what you have, don't consider only the policy cost.

I can't speak to what coverage types and levels are best to have however I do know of State Farm and their often semi-deceptive practices. If you're dealing with an agent who doesn't have specific knowledge of how to best insure your particular vehicle their goal is to make a sale. If you're covered sufficiently to your own thinking or wants/needs is of little concern to them. (This applies to agents in general unless you have one truly dedicated to selling what's best for the policy holder, not just how well their pockets are lined.)

SMB's or home builts where the replacement or repair costs for additions or modifications is over and above standard vehicle coverage are unique so due diligence is highly recommended. As a former body shop owner who dealt with SF often enough to know their rates are "cheap" because they will resist paying for repairs that make customer whole.

Take this for what it's worth but at any rate carefully and fully know what coverage and the amounts thereof your policies entail.

So BTW Ms Dia---when do we get more photos of TPF?