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Old 03-06-2012, 10:38 PM   #1
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Mental Support

I have been shopping around for awhile trying to decide what I wanted to do... Buy a built (used) SMB likely with high mileage, or a much newer cargo van and build it out myself. Now, I think I am close to committing (Low mileage 2011 cargo van) and am having a small touch of cold feet about trading in my other car. I will be trading in a Mustang GT I bought brand new and was my dream car at the time, but no longer really suits my habits/lifestyle. I just don't want to have regrets.

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Old 03-06-2012, 10:56 PM   #2
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Re: Mental Support

I gave up my Ducati to help fund the purchase of an '84 E350. Make you feel any better? I miss the moto, but the van gets more use and makes my family happier. Makes sense to me, at least for the time being!
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Old 03-07-2012, 12:03 AM   #3
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Mental Support

I gave the 05 Subaru outback top of the line to my wife and we sold her Mitsubishi lancer rally and I drive my 05 SMB daily. No regrets. I miss the Suby but it's in the driveway anytime I want it. She misses her car but we sold it to my brother do its only a 45 minute drive. The SMB is truly the most amazing vehicle I have owned. I have the e-350, 5.4L v8 gas with ph top, big bed, fridge, tinted windows, shower, sink, best stereo I have owned, and even though it is only 2wd I still love it. I don't know what else to say. Good luck. Check out home builds on here. Lots of guys gave me great ideas on things I could have and still could do. I think get a used van with relatively low miles. Diesel or gas? Im not the one to answer on that. I think you always want what you can't have. I would love a 7.3 diesel. But I'm fine with the 5.4 after that you have a blank canvas. Do some yourself and hire pros for the harder stuff. If I had to do it again I would do that. Oh, windows or no windows? Lots of questions. Look around, price, dream, and then live out your dream.
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Old 03-07-2012, 04:17 AM   #4
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Re: Mental Support

Hi:

I'm in the same boat....can't afford even a used 4X4 SMB so for the past year i have been on the forum everyday looking and learning and asking questions regarding home builds. The people on the forum have been very forthcoming with advice. Gradually I am coming to the conclusion after talking to the forum members that i will buy a used (2011) Cargo Van E-350RB (recreational model?) 2WD and go for it.

There are many pics and details on home builds so jump in and have fun. Since I am not a skilled carpenter etc I am going to have a local guy do some of the stuff I can't do myself.

My design will be similar to the RB-50 layout without all the whistles and bells such as stove, heater, water, tv, etc. Since my main goal will be to travel light and be camping I will use my coleman 2 burner stove, 5 gal water containers, lil Buddy propane heater (careful there), Ipad, Kindle, you get the idea. Need plenty of inside storage for camping, fishing, shooting, backpacking, etc. No PH top right now. But a good rooftop cargo carrier.

Can't wait to start the build this spring.

Goiod luck,

jjtwiser
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Old 03-07-2012, 05:45 AM   #5
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Re: Mental Support

Gave up:
'02 F250
'85 FJ60 w/Chevy 350 & twin transfer cases
'95 Honda del Sol VTEC
'91 Ducati 907ie

Do I still miss each one, you bet.
Do I regret my SMB experiences, not a chance.


Herb
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Old 03-07-2012, 08:04 AM   #6
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Re: Mental Support

Thanks all. I guess that was the reality check I needed. I will let you all know what happens.
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Old 03-07-2012, 09:14 AM   #7
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Re: Mental Support

Since I bought my SMB, my SS Impala just sits, my Harley has a dead battery, the Camaro’s fuel has gone bad, and I haven't been Bass fishing in my Ranger for over four years. I still drive my pickup to the dump from time to time.
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Old 03-07-2012, 09:05 PM   #8
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Re: Mental Support

My wife and I used the money set aside for remodeling our master bathroom to cover what we couldn't finance in order to buy our SMB. It's funny how fast my aversion to the pink tile shower and black linoleum flooring evaporated. I also sold my cherry 1978 Volkswagen Westafalia which was, before discovering Sportsmobiles, my ultimate dream machine. When I find myself longing for the Westfalia, I just think about all the great places I have been since we got our SMB that could never have been reached in the VW.

Steve in L.A.
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Old 03-10-2012, 07:51 PM   #9
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Re: Mental Support

hey 2horsegarage -
if you are a DIY kind of guy and have lots of time then that is one approach..... because it will take a long time. And, do you want 4 wheel drive? Can you do that yourself? Can you lift it yourself? So it really depends on what you want ....

If you can swing it I recommend buying a used SMB - as you know this site and Sportsmobile.com constantly list inventory for sale.

Eventually all kinds of SMBs come across for sale ... for example, you might find Cargo RB with just a 4x4 package and/or maybe a PH ... you could buy cheaper than new and DIY the rest.

I looked to buy used for months because you can save a lot of money that way and there are plenty of later models out there. IF you want diesel engine you will have a lot of choices if you are willing to wait for what you want. I wanted the V10 gas engine so my choices were very limited and eventually I bought new and went that route - RB-50 plan, 4x4, etc.

It is OK driving around town as a daily driver but it is BIG and sucks fuel when in town .... so IMO you don't want to drive it daily IF you can help it.

But .... if you like the outdoors, driving to anywhere and camping, hiking, etc. you won't regret the SMB .... but there is a lot to learn about an RV and all it's systems, and the SMB is a class B RV if you upfit it like that ... so that is somehting you have to become smart on ....

However, getting the 4x4 package is, to me, what is so great about the SMB because it will go almost anywhere add to that an electric PH and it's fantastic!!

warholic
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