Houston worker bee looks to move into Sportsmobile

[allenl]

Any thoughts on using a diesel 4x4 sportsmobile as a daily driver? It would be easier on the finances and driveway space to get rid of my '14 4Runner once we buy a sportsmobile. There will be several months of commuting though...

I read a couple of threads on here about this, just wondering if there were any more opinions out there.

 

[rallypanam]

Good reference, thanks. I haven't seen any used 4x4 Sportsmobiles with one of these CCV tops installed. I'm guessing that's pretty tough to find.

Probably, yes.. Used 4x4 SMBs are hard enough to find, but with a CCV top would be rare.

As much as I'd like the ability to stand without raising the lid, I like the lofted bed and the additional space it provides more. We've got 1 big and 1 medium dog, but overall they're space hogs.

Yes, with the penthouse you can sleep up, and leave the dogs downstairs... as opposed to hard top, where generally everyone sleeps downstairs.

As for hauling dirtbikes and living in the van.. get a trailer or hitchhauler. While modern FI bikes definitely don't leak as much as carb bikes, it's not that nice to sleep next to a dirtbike. Plus, they are much bigger space hogs than your dogs.

 

[rallypanam]

Any thoughts on using a diesel 4x4 sportsmobile as a daily driver? It would be easier on the finances and driveway space to get rid of my '14 4Runner once we buy a sportsmobile. There will be several months of commuting though...

I read a couple of threads on here about this, just wondering if there were any more opinions out there.

Sure, why not? I wouldn't do it in perpetuity, but for a few months no problem.

 

[daveb-SMB]

Mind you I'm no diesel mechanic but I've been told it takes a few miles before the 6.0 PSD comes up to normal running temps and in most cases you want to avoid short (cold) daily runs. They also don't do well if the engine idles for long periods of time. On the other hand this motor needs to be ran on a regular basis. When I first got my van I would idle the engine before going to work because it was only a few miles away. I had an EGR failure and lost an injector before about 25K on the OD. The shop suggested cetane booster and to reduce my idle times. I had no more problems with EGR or injectors after that or should I say "yet".

I do have an ESPAR block heater that I use on cold days before I head out and I also let the engine warm for a few minutes before I head out on the road. I always watch the EGT's and let them cool a bit before I turn off the motor.
At 92K I had the engine bullet proofed and the shop said the engine looked fine including the turbo. In fact I never had any turbo problems at all which seems to be a pitfall of the 6.0.

 

[Annie O]

I like being able to go pretty much anywhere. Much to the chagrin of my fiance, we end up driving many trails just to see where they go. Losing the freedom to do this was one of my bigger concerns in going with a Transit or Sprinter.

On the other hand, I'll be hauling dirtbikes around a decent amount as well. And the slightly more space in the Transit seems like it would be pretty useful.

Just for a little female perspective I'd say to consider what will keep your fiancé
comfortable and happy (Of course that would apply to consider for a man too!)
If it takes a more comfortable rig for her to enjoy the lifestyle then a compromise there with ability to tow your trail toys along, right?

:g2:

 

[Annie O]

Mind you I'm no diesel mechanic but I've been told it takes a few miles before the 6.0 PSD comes up to normal running temps and in most cases you want to avoid short (cold) daily runs. They also don't do well if the engine idles for long periods of time. On the other hand this motor needs to be ran on a regular basis. When I first got my van I would idle the engine before going to work because it was only a few miles away. I had an EGR failure and lost an injector before about 25K on the OD. The shop suggested cetane booster and to reduce my idle times. I had no more problems with EGR or injectors after that or should I say "yet".

I do have an ESPAR block heater that I use on cold days before I head out and I also let the engine warm for a few minutes before I head out on the road. I always watch the EGT's and let them cool a bit before I turn off the motor.
At 92K I had the engine bullet proofed and the shop said the engine looked fine including the turbo. In fact I never had any turbo problems at all which seems to be a pitfall of the 6.0.

really good info- valuable to consider for us shoppers on here