2004 E250 Need advice/possible Penthouse top?

[bprh]

Hi Everyone!

I picked up a 2004 E250 Conversion van and need expertise and advice. The van was converted by "Ride Away" in MA- they fabricated the 6" "drop floor" which adds some interior room.

The van apparently has an 'RV Plus" package?? It has 72 amp/hr(650-CCA) battery, 130amp alternator, trailer hitch, 3.73 rear axle ratio, front stab. bar. The body has a 2" lift.

The van previously had a Braun Vangater wheelchair lift in it, but it was removed and a floating floor of 3/8 birch plywood and LVP was installed.

It has a small ceiling mounted flip-down DVD player and one 120V plug and RCA inputs for a gaming system. How do I know what the plug is rated at?

I questioned installing Bilstein comfort shocks on the vehicle, but the forum had great things to say about the brand, so front and rear shocks/struts go on next week.

The current tires need to be replaced immediately for safety reasons and as I understand it, 245/75/16 BFG T/A would fit. I am hoping someone else can guide me with what I might expect visually with a 2" lift and driving impressions with the new shocks and tires?

I am also interested in the SMB Penthouse top, but do not fully understand the 10K cost. Is the "top only" conversion completed in 1 day or 1 week at the production facility?


Thanks in advance!

[Grampswrx]

265/75/16 tires fit on a stock van. They look like they would fit here. With a 2" lift and those tires, it would look pretty aggressive. Ride will be similar to what you have now.

For the penthouse top, SMB charges about $10k for the non-power top and about $12k for a power top. Install with them is about 2-3 days, but that is after whatever wait they have to get in. Colorado campervan makes a better top, but the cost is $13k and the install is 1-2 weeks once they can fit you in. I would do the CCV top as I have had both and it's way better. That said, you can get away cheaper with the manual SMB top. Wait times will probably be the same for either place.

[BrianW]

You likely have the “RV Prep” (not Plus) package, which is basically a cargo van but with additional power options. I’d consider removing the fiberglass running boards; often they can contribute to hidden rust due to the many screw penetrations when they are installed. At least take a good look behind them to see if any rust is starting. Most folks think the vans look better without them, too, but that’s a personal preference.

[bprh]

Thanks for the quick reply. I saw this thread on tires:https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...an-5117-4.html

I would like to put 285/75/16 as shown in macmctires photos, but I definitely do NOT want the tires to rub.

Do you know a "safe" size of tire and brand with a 2" lift?

[Grampswrx]

The action van lift in that thread is a 4", so I really doubt you can fit a 285 with a 2" lift and not have it rub. You can definitely fit a 265. I will post a pic of my stock van with those. Falken Wildpeaks run smaller than BFG all-terrains, I know from experience. Can't speak much to other tires.

[Grampswrx]

These are 265/75/16 BFF all terrains on a stock van. No rubbing.

[Grampswrx]

Same van

[bprh]

Wow those look fantastic in my opinion! I likely will be going with the 265/75/16 as you suggested.

[Grampswrx]

These are 265s on a van with a 4” weldtec lift

[Grampswrx]

265s on an action van 4” lift. I think these looked a bit small. 265s on a 2” lift will look very nice.