Houston worker bee looks to move into Sportsmobile

[allenl]

My fiance and I, with the two pups, are making plans to hit the road fulltime next july. I've seen Sportsmobiles around since my Colorado days (born and raised), but until now I never had a need for anything other than a 4x4 pickup or SUV.

Now I'm here to help decide what platform we want for full-time living and roaming.

1) 4x4 Transit Build - $90-100k

2) Used 4x4 Sportsmobile - $??

3) New 4x4 Sportsmobile

[86Scotty]

I would look for a used one until you decide what you really want.

But, no matter what you decide to do, hanging out here will cost you money.

Welcome!


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[larrie]

X2 with the comment above. Welcome to the addiction.

[daveb]

You might want to try to rent something to see what suits you as far as space is concerned. Obviously most 4x4 SMB's will let you tackle more rugged off road trails than a Transit 4x4 can but maybe those kind of places are off your list. I started looking at a class b RV back in 05 but felt the SMB was fine size wise. After I found out where I can go with my Ford 4x4 SMB I was so glad I moved away from the larger RV. But it sure is nice having more room especially if you're full timing. New vs old? You can spec out a new vehicle but it will cost you. Also the Ford SMB's are now built off the cutaway body however the newer Sprinter 4x4 is worth a close look as well.

[allenl]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I would look for a used one until you decide what you really want.

Good advice. The layout options that are available for these are pretty overwhelming. Seems like the EB50 is pretty common.

Any layout recommendations for constant use / living onboard?

[allenl]

Originally Posted by daveb

You might want to try to rent something to see what suits you as far as space is concerned. Obviously most 4x4 SMB's will let you tackle more rugged off road trails than a Transit 4x4 can but maybe those kind of places are off your list. I started looking at a class b RV back in 05 but felt the SMB was fine size wise. After I found out where I can go with my Ford 4x4 SMB I was so glad I moved away from the larger RV. But it sure is nice having more room especially if you're full timing. New vs old? You can spec out a new vehicle but it will cost you. Also the Ford SMB's are now built off the cutaway body however the newer Sprinter 4x4 is worth a close look as well.

I like being able to go pretty much anywhere. Much to the chagrin of my fiance, we end up driving many trails just to see where they go. Losing the freedom to do this was one of my bigger concerns in going with a Transit or Sprinter.

On the other hand, I'll be hauling dirtbikes around a decent amount as well. And the slightly more space in the Transit seems like it would be pretty useful.

[boywonder]

allenl: Where are you located?

[allenl]

Originally Posted by boywonder

allenl: Where are you located?

Houston area. Montgomery, TX to be exact.

[BroncoHauler]

Here are two threads I recommend reading.

How do you use your SMB?
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...-smb-7253.html

Why did you sell your SMB?
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...why-10382.html

The bottom line is really, really thinking about how you are going to use your rig, especially if you are going to full-time in it for a period of time.


Herb

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by allenl

Houston area. Montgomery, TX to be exact.

I supposed I could have just paid more attention to the thread title.....