Penthouse on 15 passenger?

SnacktimeKC · 11-17-2010, 09:01 PM

Hey all,
I'm thinking of buying a 15 passenger Ford and was wondering if you can put a Penthouse Top on one. Only reason I ask is I haven't seen any pictures of one. Thanks in advance, Snack

Ford_6L_E350 · 11-17-2010, 09:18 PM

Sure, you can do it. You haven't seen one because most SMBs are camperized, not passenger vans. But you can do it.

Mike

carringb · 11-17-2010, 11:11 PM

**daveb** · 11-17-2010, 11:13 PM

If you're planning on buying a new van from Ford, you might want to talk with SMB before the purchase. SMB can design a passenger van that might suit your needs better than a standard passenger van from Ford especially is you don't actually need a full 15 person van. Storage, fold down lower bunks, and even a small compact stove/refridgerator or sink can be added if you wish. But they can also remove or add items to your liking as well. You can see some different configurations in my album on this site or at this site here

SnacktimeKC · 11-18-2010, 02:43 AM

carringb, is this yours? That looks real slick however it doesn't look like the the offerings on the Sportsmobile website http://sportsmobile.com/1_penthouse-top.html ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

Hey daveb, thanks for the advice but I'll be buying a used van. I race motorcycles as a hobby and I'm wanting to have a place to sleep while the bikes are still in the van if need be.

I was quoted about $5500.00 over the phone from the place in Texas, does this seem accurate? (now that I think about it I did not specify it was a 15 passenger) -Snack

**daveb** · 11-18-2010, 08:02 AM

The large PH carringb showed is a custome job done by a forum member who owns a company that also does conversions. Definately worth looking into. Normally a passenger van is loaded with windows and bench seats if that is what you're after. Most conversions have custom windows and seats as a rule.

jage · 11-18-2010, 08:02 AM

That's a Colorado Camper Van CCV top I believe. Look for dsw4x4 on the forum.

Also look at jessenej posts- not a traditional 15 passenger, but certainly proof that you don't have to do a standard build.

I've seen 15 passengers for sale with the SMB PH from time to time too.

sledmods · 11-18-2010, 09:10 AM

I am in the process of building a pop top 4x4 camper van that can hold motorcycles. Right now it looks like the design is going to have a Colorado Camper Van (CCV) Pop Top, Fold up bed/couch (similar to what you would find in a toy hauler), sink/stove/12V fridge/heat.

It will ultimately sleep 4 and seat 4/5 people but at first (because of budget) it will only sleep 2.

I am not sure if it will hold 1 or 2 bikes yet.

My van is a 15 passenger van. I am only keeping the 2nd row bench.

carringb · 11-18-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnacktimeKC

carringb, is this yours?

No. I wish I had a top like that. As others have mentioned, the picture is a top from Colorado Camper Vans.
http://www.coloradocampervan.com/ind...9_Van-Projects

I do think the passenger van a good starting point for a conversion. It sure saves a lot of $ vs having SMB trim out the interior and add seats. And they comes with rear HVAC.

I plan on building a removable kitchenette (fridge, sink, stove, micro) that can replace a row of seats when I don't need them all.

rockbender · 11-19-2010, 11:24 AM

If you're on a budget, don't mind salvage title and 2wd, check this out:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2016929880.html
Not sure if it is still for sale or not, and no relation to the seller. I just see it every time I search. Looks like just what you're looking for!