Another new guy....

PDXDave · 07-01-2023, 04:59 PM

Hey all, I'm Dave from Beaverton Oregon and I'm just starting to shop for a used Sportsmobile.
We're currently traveling and camping in an off road teardrop pulled by either my 96 Landcruiser or my wifes 22' Gladiator Rubicon diesel. After our last two week plus trip the decision was made to switch things up and go with a 4x4 van.
Hope to network here a bit and maybe find the next rig.

vandiesel · 07-01-2023, 05:16 PM

Dave, welcome. You live in van Mecca with quite a few members nearby. I’m in tualatin. Hopefully meet at some point.

PDXDave · 07-01-2023, 08:26 PM

Thanks.
Hopefully we can find something in the PNW, but worst case we travel a bit and have a fun trip bringing something new home.
I have the typical must have list and like to have list and a decent budget, so we shall see.
Now I need to sell a tear drop...

86Scotty · 07-01-2023, 10:15 PM

Welcome Dave. Coming from 'Cruiser' land you are used to thirsty vehicles. A Sportsmobile will be right up your alley in this respect.

PDXDave · 07-03-2023, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Welcome Dave. Coming from 'Cruiser' land you are used to thirsty vehicles. A Sportsmobile will be right up your alley in this respect.

Yeah, ten MPG in the Cruiser and mid/high teens in the wife's diesel gladiator.
It's the price we pay to drive what we want...

vandiesel · 07-03-2023, 09:20 PM

Have you seen some of the sweet rigs for sale locally?

PDXDave · 07-03-2023, 09:38 PM

I've seen a few locals, but we're pretty specific in what we want...
Pop top EB-50, 06+, preferably a bulletproofed 6.0, all the drivetrain upgrades for Sportsmobile and of course low-ish likes and pristine condition.
Lol
You know, the usual.

susswein · 07-06-2023, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDXDave

Hey all, I'm Dave from Beaverton Oregon and I'm just starting to shop for a used Sportsmobile.
We're currently traveling and camping in an off road teardrop pulled by either my 96 Landcruiser or my wifes 22' Gladiator Rubicon diesel. After our last two week plus trip the decision was made to switch things up and go with a 4x4 van.
Hope to network here a bit and maybe find the next rig.

I have an e350, 2001 diesel with Quigley 4wd and a fixed top that I'm getting ready to sell. Price will be 25K.

PDXDave · 07-08-2023, 06:28 PM

Well, we just returned from making a deal on a on an 06 out in Bend.
Thoroughly bulletproofed 6.0 with low miles on the work, impeccable maintenance history and two very meticulous previous owners.
I think we did ok....
Now, the fun begins!
I definitely want the passenger side gear box for the back bumper...
Is this retrofit able to a bumper that doesn't have one?
Definitely needs some lighting updates all around as well.
Needs tires and an alignment, but I knew that going in.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...ibextid=6ojiHh

1der · 07-08-2023, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDXDave

..... I definitely want the passenger side gear box for the back bumper...
Is this retrofit able to a bumper that doesn't have one?

Congratulations!

That is going to be a challenge. Aluminess, in the past, made a stand-alone swing arm for the passenger side. You will need to check with them to see what they might do.

The problem with the standalone units, especially the passenger side is the weight carrying capacity is very limited. Missing the side support tube that wraps around the side makes a huge difference.

If you are set on having the double swing arms and $$ are available, I would sell the two components you have (plus the ladder which will not work) and buy a new bumper and side ladder from Aluminess. Re: the box - there are better options out there than Aluminess.