Finalizing my Sportsmobile Design

PeasBugs · 05-18-2007, 10:49 PM

Well I was at the Sportsmobile West factory today to finalize my Sportsmobile. It was nice to sit down with Jonathan and really go over the entire list of options (I was there half the day at least). Well here is the build-up so far:
EB 350 SMB 4x4 diesel with 50 floor plan Electric PH top
16 gal water tank
smallest refer
no propane
12v A/C
Espar air tronics heat
Porta Potti
Exterior Shower
Flat Plate with Espar Hydronic
XL under cab storage
1 agm battery
2 solar panels
Inverter
Microwave
Front and rear Trojan bumpers
Ralley, Fog and backup lights
Winch
Extreme air
Front lockers
Brake pad upgrades
17" Rims and tires
Awning
Yakima rack
I think thats it, except I am still trying to figure out my audio/visual options.

jage · 05-19-2007, 12:00 AM

Sweet... what color? (I'm guessing baja tan or gold from the smiley

Jeffrey · 05-19-2007, 10:11 AM

Wow, Peas, that is one heck of a well equipped rig. And amazingly similar to mine currently under construction.

Mines an RB without the power roof, 16" wheels, 10 gallon tank, and 2 AGM batteries.

I spoke with Rob about the sound system, and I'm sure you saw some at the factory. As you maybe saw in my previous post, the sound/nav/alarm system is adding another $6K. But, I don't think you are going to stop now!

PeasBugs · 05-19-2007, 10:43 PM

Jage: It is the pueblo gold color. With the tan colored fabric and almond colored cabinets.
Jeffery: I really don't know what I am going to do with the audio system. I think I am going to use my laptop for DVD's and there is a way of running the sound thru the vans stereo system. I think I am going to get new speakers and I like the idea of having a wireless remote for the stereo's sound. I also would like to have the bluetooth option because we will eventually have to have hands free devices for phones in our vehicles in California.

PeasBugs · 05-19-2007, 10:47 PM

I also took some pictures of vans at the shop last Friday but I just haven't had the time to post the pictures. But I promise I will post them.

**daveb** · 05-20-2007, 09:52 PM

Hea Peas, also very close to mine. As I posted make sure that your bumper can handle all you wish to put on it. I have talked to a few owners about how the hinges can't take too much weight. Also I talked with Aluminess about the bolts eating away at the hinges. Others have had problems with this but I am not too sure how wide spread it is. What happens is the tail gate has to be lifted to get it closed. So far I have not had this problem but if I were to do it all over again I would add a heavier duty hinges (a special order) and different bolts. I talked with Dave from Aluminess and they plan to make future changes to the "all thread" bolts they use. They think that I have not seen the problem that some others have had because I keep the tail gates pinned together while driving. But if you plan to add weight to the rear bumper talk to Aluminess. Have fun with your purchase and maybe I will see you on the road...DaveB

PeasBugs · 05-20-2007, 11:09 PM

Daveb: I had not heard of this problem and the option of getting a heavier duty hinge. Is it an on going problem or something new. I have noticed that the people at Sportsmobile have been pretty pro-active in listening to problems that have occured and taking corrective action. I have asked Sportsmobile about several issues that have come up in the owners group and this forum and they had corrected the problems.

**daveb** · 05-21-2007, 03:56 PM

I have met 2 people that have had the sagging hindge problems. While talking with one of these persons, he went over the problem and showed me that the bolts are all stainless steel thread. They eat at the aluminum when you swing the gate open and close. I noticed that I have to lift my baja box to get it closed. I thought it was due to the weight and it probably is, but even with the box unloaded I still have to lift it up to get it to close. The next day I returned to SMB and saw 2 guys looking at my tailgate discussing the same problem. One of the persons was Dave from Aluminess. I showed him what the gentleman from Santa Rosa had shown me and he plans to make a change. The solution is straight forward, dont use all thread bolts. I plan to change mine, and Fastenal has the parts. This can be done by anyone and is a simple fix. But Dave explaned to me that many people are overloading their bumpers. He said he saw one guy standing on it something its not designed for. Their solution is more hinges to compensate for the weight. I want a custom box that can hold wood and 4 jerry cans. He said thats too much for this bumper but they can build a custom bumper. Too late for me and adding extra hinges destroys the powder coat. If you plan to add extra weight (more than 4 jerry cans of fuel/water) you should talk with Aluminess. Dave also thought that because I keep my tailgate pinned while driving, it helps with stress on the hinges. It might be interesting to see if others have had this problem. For now I will change out the bolts just in case which should be no more than a 20 dollar fix and is cheap insurance IMO. Hope this helps...Dave B

Jeffrey · 05-21-2007, 04:48 PM

What? You can't stand on the rear bumper? That monster custom welded bumper? Don't you think that people will at least put their weight on it momentarily while entering the van from the rear or use it to step up to view the roof and racks up there?

As an engineer/fabricator myself, I'd say there should be bronze bushings inside the hinge and lose the threaded bolts for pins, if Aluminess continues to fab them from aluminum. Or, better yet, fasten stainless hinges to the aluminum and grease 'em up.

I'll take a close look at mine when it arrives, and machine some custom stainless hinge pins with threads at the ends. Then put on a nice Nylock hex nut to maintain tightness under vibration.

**daveb** · 05-21-2007, 09:09 PM

I am talkin about the part that swings open and close folks. Not the lower bumper, but standing on the spare tire is not a very smart move especially if you see me. Heck I was worried about the penthouse holding me. SMB said 500 lbs so I made it by 200 lbs

But in all fairness someone standing on the spare does put some stress on those hinges and Aluminess is looking into what people do in the field. I agree they need inserts and I am gonna put in pins myself. They make special bumpers for boarder patrol and other law enforcement agencies who need masive weights like me. Well maybe I will still stay off the spare. But if I were to do it again I would make a change. I am thinking of selling my scratched up bumper and having a box and bumper that will hold boo-coo weight but those things are expensive!... DaveB