2011 E350 RB w/top - WE HAVE A RIG! - Page 7

flyfisher · 01-05-2015, 04:32 PM

Just a comment on the manual top...I have an RB 50 SMB with the manual top. And even with a 25 pound solar panel on the top, my 67 year old back doesn't have any problem getting it to go up. Just make sure you have at least one door open to equalize the negative air pressure when the top goes up. When I picked up The Van in Fresno, Jonathan Feld did the orientation with me, and he stressed the need to have a window or door open when pushing the top up. Of course, with the excitement of the moment, I promptly forgot that little detail, and my first attempt to get the top up, with no doors or windows open was a disaster. Same goes for lowering it. Leave a door open.

Congratulations on your new rig!

boywonder · 01-05-2015, 09:03 PM

You can also crank the spring preload up a little if the top seems heavy. There are helper springs (for the first part of the top travel) and lift mech springs that can both be cranked up with additional preload.

Dia · 01-05-2015, 09:26 PM

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'm not too worried. The hubs and I are sturdy peasant stock, plus we have a six-foot kid to use as a jack if need be.

I bought the plane tix today, so I'm starting to get excited. The poptop is what sold me on getting a SMB. We had a tent trailer when I was growing up. Towed it all through the Rockies and Sierras. I loved sleeping in that thing, especially in the rain, or with all the windows open so it felt like you were floating in the outdoors. In my imagination, sleeping in the PH is that way.

ctb · 01-05-2015, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Pictures show a bed in it.

What you should do is stop somewhere and get it converted to 4X4 - Transmission has to come out for that.

BRILLIANT idea! Get two birds…eh?!?

ctb · 01-05-2015, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

Quote:

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

5.4l engine would be a deal breaker for me.

If you are not towing they are great engines with better fuel economy.

The Coachman I have has a 5.4L and it really impressed me on the way home from Denver, even at altitude and on those climbs - can't say my V10 would have been much better.

If you have a fully built out SMB, that's still a lot of weight to tow about. If you leave it as a passenger van, sure.

I called our local Ford dealership and talked to a mechanic about what to do (when I ordered Sporty No plans on towing, mountain driving on occasion, 4x4, etc…)He said that the v-8 would work hard and be sufficient…the v10 wouldn't work as hard but suck up a lot more gas…he said he would rather have an engine that worked hard, as he found they tend to be tougher engines from usage than an engine not…I chose to believe him, but understand the dilemma...our v-8 has been great averaging around 12.2 MPG, and only having to use low gear and hum up a STEEP hill on the Depmster…still able to pass a Dodge pick-up hauling a trailer (hunter)...

ctb · 01-05-2015, 11:35 PM

Hey Didn't know yo were on line! GREAT for you! That is all that matters is the attitude and want to see the good ole USA! I am so happy for you!! Making the leap is 80% of the battle! The rest is worth the price of having an AWESOME vehicle to do just what you are describing!! The trip home should be a great way to break in the new SMB!!! Stop in Gooseneck Canyon on the way back home (southern Utah/N New Mexico) It doesn't take 4x4 to get to the rim where you can camp and have a great night! Happpy trails and Congrats!!!!