Mitsubishi based Sportsmobile

[daveb]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

I would think SMB is just nervous based upon Ford's back and forth of the future of the Econoline based van platform. Twice Ford has announced it was going away, only to have Ford completey prove themselves wrong the first time, and the second time, Ford later came back and said the cut-away platform would be around longer (though I'm not sure Ford provided an absolute drop dead date).

If I were in SMB's shoes, I'd be very concerned about the longevity of the platform that makes up the majority of their business, and I'd be actively looking at options.


Herb

Seems it might be their idea to use a cutaway that comes with factory four wheel drive over something converted although I don't know how any of these companies build their 4x4 systems...maybe they're all contracted out.

[billwilson]

SMB could also go the way of the Tiger.......
Gives factory 4x4
full factory warrente

[carringb]

Last I read, the vans will be continued through at least 2015, and the cutaways through 2019.

There is likely some parts commonality underneath the vans, between the E-series and T-series. And as S/K & WhiteFeather has shown us, you don't need any commonality whatsoever to stick a Ford front-end & T-case underneath a Sprinter. So I don't think anyone needs to worry about E-series conversions coming to and end. Not to mention, they last so long there is nothing wrong with converting a used van.

[Steve_382]

Originally Posted by bratworst

Is Salem Kroger still in business?

I tried to get on their website and a garbage site came up.

http://www.salemkroger.com/

[Ford_6L_E350]

Salem-Kroger went out of business last year.

The new company with most of the same people is Whitefeather Conversions:

http://whitefeatherconversions2.com/

Craig Jackson is still the main contact.

Mike

[Jeffrey]

I must have just fallen off the turnip truck, but what is a 'cutaway'?

[Ford_6L_E350]

In van speak, a cutaway is van that has no body behind the cab. Frequently used in the RV industry. You didn't think they took van and 'cutaway' the body to make an RV, did you?

Mike

[carringb]

Whoa. Those Sprinters sure look awkward with a lift. Somebody needs to stick bigger tires under it and get to work with a sawzall so the fender profile matches.

[BIGVANS]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

I must have just fallen off the turnip truck, but what is a 'cutaway'?

Basically the base model for building "Box Vans"

[BIGVANS]

And Ambulances....