Penthouse Top on older van, pros and cons?

[vxnr]

I am new here, but I have been an admirer of Sportsmobiles for several years. I enjoy camping, both primative and by RV. Currently I have an older Class A motorhome and pull a Geo Tracker. I also tent camp and backpack.

I have a 1999 Ford E-350 Super Duty, Chateau, RB van with the V-10. The van is in great shape and has approximately 74,000 miles on it. My question to the experts, (you people of the forum), is this:

What are your thoughts on spending the $5,000 + and having Sportsmobile install a Penthouse Top on a 10 year old van?

The van would be used for short trips and excursions and I have no intention of retro fitting the van to full Class B specs. I have seen two vans so equipped with tops and nothing else and both seemed to be able to recoup at least 40-50% of the costs for their tops.

Opinions, comments, and observations please.

[jage]

I think the PH is great. If you can get $5000 value out of it I would say it would be worth it, however you need to check with SMB to verify they will do a van that age in the first place.

For resale you should consider the buyers looking for PH vans will probably also be looking for camper stuff, or a bargin to build out themselves... either might hurt your resale... never know you might find someone like yourself looking for a 15 year old van with only the PH. Still you don't see many of them coming up for sale.

Lastly you might consider adding a used fixed top- depending on your uses for the van it could wind up being a lot cheaper option and still give you a sleeping area. There is a project on here that shows an installation.

[mmocken]

If you use the top and enjoy it, it will be worth it.

If you consider the 'investment', 5k is a lot less than 50k for a new SMB

You might also consider a used top(if you can find one). One was for sale last year in Colorado on craigslist. I'm sure a local bodyshop would do the conversion for you too.

[surferguy575]

Im, going to SMB this Monday to have my P/H top put on E350 2002 diesel home build my self. If you like what you got just do it. Surferguy575