The one reason I'd prefer a pickup/camper combination over my SMB setup is having a Ford or Dodge pickup, engine and engine compartment over a van-based engine and engine compartment. For everything else, I prefer the van-based camper.
Herb
I agree with that. The power loss (de-tuning of the 6.0) of the diesel engine hurts as well as the heat problem which might help keep your legs warm in winter but is a big negative issue in summer for a host of reasons. Not sure if the V-10 or 6.4PSD are de-tuned and if heat issues affect these motors.
Dave.
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2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
We have had all the power we have ever needed in our first year of SMB ownership.
We also have seen no unwanted Heat problems in the cab from the doghouse or otherwise. We did notice heat from the dogouse when we were in low temp (30's and lower) weatherduring the winter.
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Greg in Austin
2008 Ford 6.0PSD EB/E-PH SMB 4X4 Aluminess f/r bumpers (13.5mpg avg, 15mpg hwy) 52k miles [Texas McBeast]
2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (15 to 18 mpg) [Johnnie]
2012 Mitsubishi MiEV (no gas required) ($.50/day in electricity) [Evie] https://badge.facebook.com/badge/1232...3.32047100.png
Thanks for all the responses. I think the main issues for me come down to the trade-offs between the better handling and stability of a Sportsmobile vs. the bigger interior space of a Truck Camper. The fact that the living space in an SMB is accessible at all times is nice, but is not mandatory for me. Maybe because I don't plan to be doing alot of cross country excursions. Either way, I need space for 4 people. Anybody know where I could test drive an EB-50?
David
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Trek777
Designing my first SMB.
Actually I would like to see SMB incorporate a smaller design similar to the Xplorer that is equal to the size of an Econoline van if Ford ever decides to phase it out that series. But with the state of the economy I wonder if Xplorer or Revcon can even hold on. At this point in time I would think that companies like Earthromer could be having trouble as well. Their little Jeep thing is a solution but I heard some mixed reviews on it. http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_xpeditio ... rview.html
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2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer