New Owner - 2013 E350 V10 SMB

[Bowser]

Hello all,
Recently purchased my first SMB - E350 with Triton V-10 Gas motor. 4x4 conversion done at the Fresno shop in CA. it has Fox suspension upgrades from Agile Off Road and a 46 Gallon fuel tank. 40K Miles. Aluminess front and rear bumpers. No camper build... yet....

First on the check list is that penthouse pop-top.

thanks for all the great info i've already learned from perusing the site here!

[CGgonzo12]

Looking good, welcome to the forum!

[Steve C]

Looks like a great platform to start with. As a proud owner of a Sportsmobile pop-top, may I suggest you look really hard at the Colorado Camper Van's versions...

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by Steve C

Looks like a great platform to start with. As a proud owner of a Sportsmobile pop-top, may I suggest you look really hard at the Colorado Camper Van's versions...

I've looked at them. What do you think makes them superior? Seems like they're a little higher profile than the SMB lids.

[Grampswrx]

You can store your bedding in the pop top on a CCV top. They have nice lights in them. They are power, the mattress is thicker and nicer. They can have a vent. They have a USB plug. The bed is longer. The bed is wider. The canvas material is better. They have zip up shades instead of roll down.

The SMB top is better looking though. Thats the only pro.

[86Scotty]

All true. I've had both.

[Steve C]

Originally Posted by Bowser

I've looked at them. What do you think makes them superior? Seems like they're a little higher profile than the SMB lids.

Other than the previous comments, I'd say they offer more headroom especially if you choose the highest one (I believe you might even be able to stand up with the top down?).

Admittedly my top is 19 years old, but I am starting the process of replacing rusty bolts, Line-Xing the fiberglass and possibly replacing the shoulder bolts on the lifting device. These pop tops also suffer from bent lifting rods at times...

Overall I'm happy with what I've got, just wanted to mention options available to you.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by Grampswrx

You can store your bedding in the pop top on a CCV top. They have nice lights in them. They are power, the mattress is thicker and nicer. They can have a vent. They have a USB plug. The bed is longer. The bed is wider. The canvas material is better. They have zip up shades instead of roll down.

The SMB top is better looking though. Thats the only pro.

Awesome guys, thanks for all the info. Gonna consider my options. I really like the idea of a roof vent. I'll keep ya'll updated and post pics.

[palsing]

Originally Posted by Grampswrx

You can store your bedding in the pop top on a CCV top. They have nice lights in them. They are power, the mattress is thicker and nicer. They can have a vent. They have a USB plug. The bed is longer. The bed is wider. The canvas material is better. They have zip up shades instead of roll down.

The SMB top is better looking though. Thats the only pro.

Also, with the CCV top you get a whole lot of storage that becomes available, when the top is up, over the front seats. This is where we put our luggage, when camped.

[whwv]

Looks like a great starter van! Make sure to check out ExpeditionPortal when you are doing your homework as there are some write ups on CCV which might influence your decision.