Another "sweet-spot" Dodge SMB FS

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Yeah, my use of the term "sweet spot"....
....but dang, these Dodge B-vans are still a great little package, and really seem to nail a lot of the most desirable requirements for a camper van.

Simple layout, small/fits in parking spot, stealthy, robust V8, has all the essential elements packaged onboard (Water, Propane, Heat, Stove, Refrigerator)...and is still an affordable to own/maintain "see-the-country-on-the-cheap" machine.

One of the few SMB's that can believably claim to be usable as a "daily driver," as well.

Way cool. (No affiliation.)

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1998 Dodge Ram 3500 Sportsmobile, Pop top, Immaculate condition, Solar - $14500 (potrero hill)

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/rvs...477735832.html

Planning a long trip? A family weekend? A spur-of-the moment getaway? The Sportsmobile is for you! With a fully-equipped galley, sleeping, and living areas, there's no limit to the fun you'll have.

1998 Dodge Ram 3500
Sportsmobile Pop top, full conversion
Automatic, 5.9L V8
(18) mpg hwy
Power everything!
Very well maintained.

111,xxx miles
Clean title
Registered till Aug 2018
Smogged

Key features
Norcold 12v fridge
Sleeps (4) people. 4 seat belts
Self sustaining solar system, no smelly generators!
Power everything
Penthouse pop top,

Full coach Features
Penthouse pop top, mesh screens, vynil windows, window drapes
Ac, DC convertor for shore power or solar panel use
240watt solar system, flexibile flat solar panels for 0 wind resistance, mppt controller, deep cycle battery and 400 watt power invertor, convenient dc outlet with USB
Tri fold bench seat
12V Florescent & Incandescent Lights Throughout
City Water Hook Up
Euro style cabinets and interior
Front window cover, side window curtains
Day/night kitchen shade
Sink and electric water pump
Fresh, grey water tank
Under chassis propane tank
Folding table
Portable toilet with vynil cover

Full cab features
Keyless entry and alarm
Aftermarket stereo with USB and aux support
Upgraded speakers
Captains chair
Power steering, windows, doors and mirrors
Cruise control
Rear Mounted Continental Spare Tire
Side Bifold Doors Plus a Rear Barn Door With Pop-Out Window.
Aerodynamic Running Boards
Anti Lock Rear Wheel Brakes
9"x 6" Power Side Mirrors
AC, Heater, defrost, intermittent wipers
Center console with unfolding storage capability.

Safety features
Smoke Detector
Propane Detector
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Fire Extinguisher

For everyday Unlike most RVs, you can drive your Sportsmobile every day. It feels and drives like a van, with an overall length shorter than most SUVs. That makes it easy to maneuver and easy to park, plus it packs plenty of power for towing and mountain driving.

Recent, new tires. $1200
Smogged 3 months ago
Pop top is in great shape, no rips or tears.
Great mechanical shape.

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[86Scotty]

In my trendy opinion, that thing is black wheels and a fender flare delete away from being an amazing intro in to SMB life for someone.

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

In my trendy opinion, that thing is black wheels and a fender flare delete away from being an amazing intro in to SMB life for someone.

Agreed
Those fender flares/running boards would ideally be separated from that van within the **first hour of ownership**....

Seriously though ---
Yeah, that van is rad just the way it sits, too.

Gotta say....
....truly, the van we have now was similarly "simple and original 1990's SMB" when we first picked it up back in the summer of 2014....and it had quite a bit of this Dodge's vibe of "grandpa's fishing van" at first. Aluminum running boards, tiny wheels with hubcaps tucked wayyyy under the van, no lift kit or anything.....

BUT --- jeez, haha, I kinda blame you guys, lol..........all it took was several months of reading this forum / looking at the pictures of six-figure 4x4 rigs.....and then BAM! The fully-inspired drive to modify the heck out of that unsuspecting Grandpa van was ON! Lift kit, locker, big tires, blacked out parts, etc.....and we honestly don't regret any of that one bit.

HOWEVER.....
......while it's indeed nice to have the van's updated suspension/lift kit/modernized wheel and tires, I often miss the simplicity (and not-quite-so-financially-vested) original arrangement. It was indeed still fun as heck. And when its suspension made funny creaking noises every once in a while, I didn't get all worked up about it....because, hey --- it was the original 20-year-old suspension....cut it a break, why don't ya?

And this Dodge really seems to be trying to remind us of that.....it seems to call out to us with a voice of "Hey man, I can deliver 95% of the fun of a six-figure SMB, 95% of the time.....and for only 10 percent of the cost.....just sayin, guys...."

Simple Formula for all one really kinda needs?
[ Totally-as-Dodge-built-it-Van + Camper stuff inside + Pop Top ] = DONE

Do we over-complicate things with how we pursue and build our vans sometimes? Perhaps?

[Pntyrmvr]

It’s not a 1998. The 98’s were the last version of the van Dodge built. The gas tank was moved mid ship ahead of the rear axle and the front end gained a goofy scoop shaped black plastic piece over the front bumper.

This example has the rear gas door and the flat plastic bit on top of the front bumper.

Likely a 1996 with a dyslexic owner.


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[MountainBikeRoamer]

^^ good spot!!
Yeah, totally agree, to my eye those 1998-and-newer Dodge van front ends aren't nearly as nicely shaped as the older ones.

Perhaps 1998 was the year that SMB did the build-out on this van.

[Pntyrmvr]

In fact as SMB was the builder of record it could be a ‘98 SMB. Built on a 1997 “incomplete” Dodge chassis. Those are not Dodge factory seats. The usual definition of an incomplete chassis is one delivered without seats.


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[SMB OCD]

Here's my 1994 B350 RB with 318 V8

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Originally Posted by SMB OCD

Here's my 1994 B350 RB with 318 V8

Dude! That thing is sweeeeet!!!
Gonna have to go look to see if you have any more pictures of it in your albums.

(If you ever think of selling that thing.....gimme a ring?)


Hell yeah, sweet-spot Dodge.

[SMB OCD]

Thanks, Mike!

I need to upload photos. If I ever think of selling, I'll let you know.

Lee