Howdy after Hiatus

ExitFetish · 07-25-2018, 02:09 PM

Hi Folks!
It's been nearly 2.5 years since we bought our Sportsmobile. We've been loving this thing!! It's time for us to do some maintenance and upgrades now and so we're hitting the forum to learn from the experts. It's good to be back. We love this forum, so many cool people with solid information!
Thanks in advance and if we can lend some advice to newer-b's than us- we're happy to!
Cheers,
Hannah

Twoxentrix · 07-25-2018, 06:31 PM

Welcome back. Lots of info here to search for, and talented people with great advise. Pulled up the photos from the Van when you first purchased it - Good looking van!

ExitFetish · 08-09-2018, 02:10 PM

Thanks! We love it and are continually improving it. Got the PH bed installed last year. Going to install a grey water tank (for coastal camping b/c we've been turned away due to new coastal commission requirements for rv's), curtains, seat belt and fridge repairs. Hoping to upgrade the brakes, install a locking differential or truetrak (still in research mode on that), and figure out a way to tow a dual sport and bass boat at the same time!
Consider advice solicited!

mikracer · 08-09-2018, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExitFetish

Thanks! We love it and are continually improving it. Got the PH bed installed last year. Going to install a grey water tank (for coastal camping b/c we've been turned away due to new coastal commission requirements for rv's), curtains, seat belt and fridge repairs. Hoping to upgrade the brakes, install a locking differential or truetrak (still in research mode on that), and figure out a way to tow a dual sport and bass boat at the same time!
Consider advice solicited!

The grey water thing is a bit annoying but luckily you can add the tank on your SMB. I had a tent trailer and it was beginning to be a hassle not having tanks on board.

ExitFetish · 08-09-2018, 04:46 PM

Mikracer you're from SLO! It was actually Avila Beach that turned us away. Have you been able to camp there with your SMB? They were super weird about it. Asked me all sorts of questions like- is this an RV? Are you self contained? Was your grey water tank installed by the manufacturer? It was a friend and I, and our two four year olds. They turned us away after we were fully set up. It was heavy handed in my opinion. I guess some people aren't very respectful of the coast, especially with so many characters living in vans nowadays- it must be warranted from their perspective. Next time they're stuck with us!!!

marret · 08-10-2018, 06:15 AM

Welcome back.

My SMB originally had the sink drain over the rear tire. I now have a 2.5 gallon water container as a grey water tank under the sink. Not "manufacturer" installed...

mikracer · 08-10-2018, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExitFetish

Mikracer you're from SLO! It was actually Avila Beach that turned us away. Have you been able to camp there with your SMB? They were super weird about it. Asked me all sorts of questions like- is this an RV? Are you self contained? Was your grey water tank installed by the manufacturer? It was a friend and I, and our two four year olds. They turned us away after we were fully set up. It was heavy handed in my opinion. I guess some people aren't very respectful of the coast, especially with so many characters living in vans nowadays- it must be warranted from their perspective. Next time they're stuck with us!!!

We don't have an SMB anymore, just a van. My wife has wanted to camp at Avila for staycations for a while now but they said no to our tent trailer because we didn't have an onboard grey tank. We had an external one and they weren't having it. We have a toy hauler now thats fully self contained so it shouldn't be an issue. I think as long as you can show your tank is onboard, you shouldn't have a problem.

Another place we had issues was Coronado. We drove 8+ hours to get there and we were almost turned away because we didn't have a grey tank. They allowed me to stay that night, but had to get a sealed container for the grey by 10am the next morning. It was Sunday and the only RV store was closed, so we made one out of an aquatainer. Getting the grey tank installed will relieve you from hassles, so it would be money well spent in my opinion.

Annie O · 08-10-2018, 03:25 PM

Interesting thread, good education. I have no plumbing and have not tackled design of a self-contained system.

Camping is much more complicated (and expensive) than it used to be but the environmental awareness issues are good I guess

**daveb** · 08-10-2018, 04:49 PM

My gray tank is only for the sink water. Are these guys now asking if you also need to show a tank for a toilet?