Hello from Los Angeles!

[AckCamp]

We bought our 2014 RB E350 V-10 SMB 4x4 (done by Sportsmobile) with poptop and solar in 2023 but haven't had time to post or even camp as much as we'd like. We are the third owners and feel so lucky to find one in pretty much SMB stock shape and well taken care of. I think it had just under 60,000 miles. The few times we've used it have been great! Our first big trip was to (successfully!) see the solar eclipse in TX and we'll soon be taking it along the CA and OR coast. Because the layout didn't come with a sink or stove, we added a portable washbasin and an upgraded toilet. Today, I bought a Jackery to power an electric space heater, and we will be adding a Wolfbox rearview mirror (I'd like to get the new one that has a rear, front, and front bumper). The mirror will be helpful since the van barely squeezes between our gate posts to park. (We didn't anticipate that we might have to restructure our house to accomodate the van!) Those are pretty much our only "modifications," and I shared my thoughts about some of those items (and the fact that Jackery is having a big sale) in other posts. It's definitely been a learning curve and we've appreciated all the wisdom and knowledge in this forum. The first time we got it home and turned the key, we heard a terrible noise that sounded like our engine was going to explode! Over time, we figured out it's our air compressor. So, stuff like that keeps happening, which is both frightening (cause we don't want to carelessly break things) and intriguing to figure out (at hopefully no cost). If folks have thoughts, I am curious to know our interior layout name and any suggestions for an interior ladder that doesn't take up so much footprint space. We have a 3-step folding ladder (the 2-steps were too short for me), and it takes up a lot of room. Thanks!

 

[Twoxentrix]

It's a good looking rig, worthy of any home remodeling!

This thread has some links to the different interior build layouts:

Interior Build - What do I have?

I recently was notified that JD Power has a Sportsmobile category for determining valuation, and all of the models are listed by the floor plan. Unfortunately, I don't know which floor plan I have. Is there a data base somewhere with layouts that I could review to determine which build out I...

www.sportsmobileforum.com

I'm assuming you have the 2 shifters for the Atlas II Transfer case so your drivers seat doesn't swivel...otherwise you could have used the seat as your first step onto the cabinet counter top, and then onto the upper bunk. Otherwise I think storing a small 2-step foldout step-stool is your best bet (stored between the back of the drivers seat & fridge cabinet). I've seen another van where they used a small rope ladder, but it just looked like it would be more of a challenge than anything else.

 

[AckCamp]

It's a good looking rig, worthy of any home remodeling!

This thread has some links to the different interior build layouts:

Interior Build - What do I have?

I recently was notified that JD Power has a Sportsmobile category for determining valuation, and all of the models are listed by the floor plan. Unfortunately, I don't know which floor plan I have. Is there a data base somewhere with layouts that I could review to determine which build out I...

www.sportsmobileforum.com

I'm assuming you have the 2 shifters for the Atlas II Transfer case so your drivers seat doesn't swivel...otherwise you could have used the seat as your first step onto the cabinet counter top, and then onto the upper bunk. Otherwise I think storing a small 2-step foldout step-stool is your best bet (stored between the back of the drivers seat & fridge cabinet). I've seen another van where they used a small rope ladder, but it just looked like it would be more of a challenge than anything else.

Thx Twoxentrix and I always learn from your posts! Yes, driver's seat doesn't swivel due to the shifters. And, since I never could climb to the top of a rope ladder back in my P.E. days, that would definitely be too challenging.

 

[Twoxentrix]

You’ve probably already found the upper mattress bed isn’t too comfortable to begin with, and many here have opted to add the Exped mattress (come in 2 sizes for the double, the smaller size works well for that space) - you can leave it up there when you bring the top down (just open the air valve so the pad can compress).

https://www.rei.com/product/238243/exped-deepsleep-duo-sleeping-pad?sku=2382430001&store=169&CAWELAID=120217890018998040&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=147758270119&CATCI=pla-2023809122865&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2382430001%7C2023809122865%7CNB%7C71700000074091828&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11306272688&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_uLs6PjrjQMVA6JaBR3nLiGLEAQYAiABEgKH3fD_BwE

***Shop around since you can find them at a discount quite often.

Believe in one of the past Threads someone here mentioned the have a 6ft telescopic ladder which they use to access the top bunk - when not being used they stored it between the mattress pad and the base of the bed when not in use (may have been something I read elsewhere on the internet). Worth considering if you really need a ladder of sorts.

 

[1der]

Congrats on the new rig. What part of LA?

btw - Just to show the driver seat can swivel w the Atlas Shifters. Tilt the seat all the way forward, slide forward a bit and with the door open (may not require), release the seat swivel lock and start to turn. Likely need to slide the seat back again to clear.

 

[AckCamp]

Woah--that would be amazing to turn the drivers seat even a little bit. We'll try it. The rig is in the shop so I'll check when we get it back. It spends time in the shop every couple trips, alas. We're near the LAX airport and take it to Hubert at South Coast Car Care. The new issue is that the Atlas transfer case shows signs of seepage. Unfortunately, he pointed out that our transfer case doesn't have any indicator for visibly checking fluid levels. So he is going to open it up, clean it, and add new gaskets. He said that he's never seen this particular Atlas transfer case before (without a spigot indicating fluid level). That's a bummer because we'll never be able to check the level without opening it up.

Congrats on the new rig. What part of LA?

btw - Just to show the driver seat can swivel w the Atlas Shifters. Tilt the seat all the way forward, slide forward a bit and with the door open (may not require), release the seat swivel lock and start to turn. Likely need to slide the seat back again to clear.

 

[AckCamp]

You’ve probably already found the upper mattress bed isn’t too comfortable to begin with, and many here have opted to add the Exped mattress (come in 2 sizes for the double, the smaller size works well for that space) - you can leave it up there when you bring the top down (just open the air valve so the pad can compress).

https://www.rei.com/product/238243/exped-deepsleep-duo-sleeping-pad?sku=2382430001&store=169&CAWELAID=120217890018998040&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=147758270119&CATCI=pla-2023809122865&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2382430001%7C2023809122865%7CNB%7C71700000074091828&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11306272688&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_uLs6PjrjQMVA6JaBR3nLiGLEAQYAiABEgKH3fD_BwE

***Shop around since you can find them at a discount quite often.

Believe in one of the past Threads someone here mentioned the have a 6ft telescopic ladder which they use to access the top bunk - when not being used they stored it between the mattress pad and the base of the bed when not in use (may have been something I read elsewhere on the internet). Worth considering if you really need a ladder of sorts.

Thx for the tip. I think I saw that too but I'm worried that a telescoping ladder will be too easy to kick over accidently. I'm short but my husband's feet hang off the edge. It is ridiculous how many ladders we've gone through to figure out the right setup.

 

[Twoxentrix]

The new issue is that the Atlas transfer case shows signs of seepage. Unfortunately, he pointed out that our transfer case doesn't have any indicator for visibly checking fluid levels. So he is going to open it up, clean it, and add new gaskets. He said that he's never seen this particular Atlas transfer case before (without a spigot indicating fluid level). That's a bummer because we'll never be able to check the level without opening it up.

Odd...Thought all Atlas transfer case's have the sight tube. It's possible someone may have replaced the clear tube with something different. They do discolor over time and become difficult to read, so I replaced mine with a new one I sourced through them. I'd contact Atlas to confirm.

 

[AckCamp]

Odd...Thought all Atlas transfer case's have the sight tube. It's possible someone may have replaced the clear tube with something different. They do discolor over time and become difficult to read, so I replaced mine with a new one I sourced through them. I'd contact Atlas to confirm.

Yup--that's why it's now in the shop longer than anticipated. Hubert at the shop is reaching out to Atlas to ask why it doesn't have the sight tube, and he said that it also looks different but that it's still definitely Atlas. So it's a mystery.

 

[DosMars]

Is that Thornhill Broome in that beach shot? Beautiful day you got out there!