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Old 09-28-2014, 02:40 PM   #1
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Noob looking for opinions...

This is my first post and hopefully I can get some opinions from you seasoned vets.
I'm in the market for a used Ford EB 4x4 SMB probably around the $50 to $70K range.
Any thoughts about floor plan for a taller than average guy? Sleeping in particular
Im 6'6 and will be traveling with the wife now that the kids are almost out on their own.
I live in the four corners area so the mountains and the desert are both within an hours drive so full on wilderness camping is the goal.
Thank you in advance.

Dave

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Old 09-28-2014, 06:50 PM   #2
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

Have you driven a Ford van? Not much room for a tall guy with big feet - not joking.
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Old 09-28-2014, 07:07 PM   #3
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

Hey Baja, Thanks for the reply. Yes I have and you are right. Not much room up there but there are very few things that fit my size. Just looking to be as comfortable as possible.

Thanks,

Dave
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Old 09-28-2014, 07:51 PM   #4
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

Chevy's have a lot more foot and leg room. Lots more.

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Old 09-28-2014, 08:18 PM   #5
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

Thanks for the heads up on that guys. I will look into it.
I do prefer the dmax to the 6.0
Any other thoughts?

Dave
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Old 09-29-2014, 09:59 AM   #6
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

I'm not sure I've ever seen a bed on the downstairs that can support your height. I've seen some custom length gaucho beds but I'm pretty sure they're shorter than 6'6". I'm thinking your best bet might be an extended body penthouse. Although, I have a regular body with a penthouse top and it has an extension for the bed. I can measure the total length of the bed with extension if that will help at all.
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Old 09-29-2014, 10:35 AM   #7
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

At 6'5" I faced similar concerns as the top bunk in penthouse seemed like it may be short. Had SMB West build me a custom "extension" before I ever used the van, that gave me another 18". I used it twice, then decided to try without and there was really no problem without it. I suggest getting the van, using it, then deciding if uncomfortable.
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Old 09-29-2014, 11:47 AM   #8
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

At 6'6" I'm afraid you won't be able to drive a stock ford van. I'm just 6' and cramped when I drive.

You can modify the seat base for a few extra inches. Here are some threads on seat mods.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=8261

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5510

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6042

For an off road camper van, Ford not Chevy, is the way to go and these mods would just be a drop in the bucket on your total investment.
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Old 09-29-2014, 07:18 PM   #9
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

Looks like I have a lot to consider here.
I think I will keep my search limited to a Ford EB as I will be using the van offroad.
I own a 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC diesel and it is a great truck but I would prefer to stay away from IFS if possible for this.
I have had a couple of people offer to sell their vans so I thought I should offer a little more information as to what I am interested in. I found a local credit union that is willing to finance with the limited information available from NADA or KBB but it does need to be 10 years old or newer.
Your thoughts and recommendations are very welcome.

Dave
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Old 09-29-2014, 07:28 PM   #10
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Re: Noob looking for opinions...

I'm 6'5", we have an rb-50 with smb 4x4. The lower bed is a bit short if I stretch out, but fine when I sllep on my side. The standard penthouse bed is plenty long. As far as driving position, I don't find it terribly cramped. It would be nice if the seat slid back a couple of more inches, but it's workable as is.

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