Heeerre we go!
I race motorcycles, and, between races, practice, and coaching, I spend about 20 weekends a year at the track. I've been spending the rare overnight in my Trailblazer, which is less than ideal. I gave it to my nephew last weekend, and picked up a van to replace it today.
The plan is to outfit it to carry two bikes inside, with the paddock scooter on a Mototote out back. I live in Atlanta, so it needs to look pretty low-key from the outside, with minimal visibility into the cargo area. My neighborhood is gated, and it will never be parked outside the gate for more than a few hours (when I need to use the driveway for something), but I'd rather not have its outside appearance suggest that there's a bunch of expensive race gear inside it.
When it's not taking me to and from the track, it will be used to take my German shepherd to the vet and wherever else he needs to go. As he's about 120 lbs, white, and sheds like a beast, he's not allowed in the car.
Finally, I'll be using it to deliver large canvases to my clients on occasion, so it needs to maintain a pretty clean, noncluttered space; I'd feel pretty terrible if someone paid me for a painting and I ripped it on something en route.
2003 E350 Super Duty XL
passenger model, nonextended body
5.4 V8
Power windows & locks
Rear AC controls
Rear seats removed
Big heavy rubber mat, destined for a trash heap.
Issues to resolve:
AC on flows through the defrost vents
Cruise control doesn't work
Headliner has separated near the windshield
Immediate plans in the next month:
Drophitch receiver, with light adapter
Backup camera
New head unit (for the backup cam)
Level the floor and coat it with Bulletliner
Pit-Bull trailer restraint system (the absolute best thing for hauling sportbikes)
Custom bed setup that folds into a safety partition behind the driver's seat (currently playing with designs with my fabrication guys - should be very trick if it comes together)
Future plans for this summer:
Replace ugly front bumper, coat new bumper & grille with Bulletliner
Vent/fans on ceiling
Rolls-Royce style LED "starlight" ceiling (this is ridiculous and stupid, but the idea of it makes me laugh)
Replace old-school wheel covers
Deep cycle batteries on frame rail, inverter setup & interior USB/AC ports
Please, please, PLEASE let me know if you have suggestions or a heads up on something I'm about to mess up. This site has an amazing knowledge base, and I'm so thankful that I stumbled across it.
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Ed