New member looking for advice

[ghetto fireman]

Hello All: thanks for this great website. Retiring shortly after loooong time with a So. Cal fire department and looking for my 1st 4x4 Sportsmobile. I've owned two Ford diesels 97 7.3 and a 06 6.0. Diesel will be my first choice when deciding my pre-owned purchase for my Sportsmobile. Looking for any advice from the wealth of knowledge out there.

Best

Mike

 

[daveb-SMB]

Not to start a gas vs diesel thread (we have too many of those) but I have an 2006 6.0 PSD. The money I've put into the motor would have bought a lot of Gasoline. Just something to think about. I do like the mileage though. I did a side by side run with a buddy who owns a V-10 RB and towards the end of the trail he was running low on gas. I still had enough to go an extra 100 miles or so.

 

[ghetto fireman]

Not to start a gas vs diesel thread (we have too many of those) but I have an 2006 6.0 PSD. The money I've put into the motor would have bought a lot of Gasoline. Just something to think about. I do like the mileage though. I did a side by side run with a buddy who owns a V-10 RB and towards the end of the trail he was running low on gas. I still had enough to go an extra 100 miles or so.

Thanks Dave I had an 06 F350 6.0 towed a 10k boat, didn't have one problem. Stock motor, no chip. I've heard some horror stories. Looked at one that was a lemon law buy back, owner stated he spent big bucks "bulletproofing" it, scared me off. Thanks for the reply much appreciated

 

[Bbasso]

Advice of what nature?

 

[ghetto fireman]

Advice of what nature?

Just starting my search, really wet behind the ears when it comes to sportsmobiles. This forum will probably answer most of my concerns. 6 liter vs 7.3 extended wheelbase vs standard. Any years better than others. It will be traveling up and down the west coast, eastern sierras and Baja probably no more than two people. Would need to tow my Turtleback trailer.

 

[Gooseberry-SMB]

Look at as many builds as you can to see what works for you. I like the RB and a 30 layout because it's easier to wheel to cool camp spots and if you get stuck in said cool spot with weather you can access everything in the van.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Flux]

how much you looking to spend and do you want turnkey or do some stuff on your own?

Diesel is great for mileage and power. Gassers are great for quiet motor and low maintenance.

 

[ghetto fireman]

how much you looking to spend and do you want turnkey or do some stuff on your own?

Diesel is great for mileage and power. Gassers are great for quiet motor and low maintenance.

As turn key as possible, but willing to do some work. 70k would be my max. Gassers are not out of the equation.

 

[bettyford-SMB]

Mine would be perfect for you.
I replied to your PM with my phone number give mne a call
Ron

 

[MSD-SMB]

Mine would be perfect for you.
I replied to your PM with my phone number give mne a call
Ron

I agree check out Ron's rig, it looks amazing and a long time knowledgeable forum member 86Scotty vouched on how nice it is and drives. :d5:

 

[86Scotty]

Vouching.....I was in it a few weeks ago. Drives good, looks good, rides good.

 

[ghetto fireman]

Vouching.....I was in it a few weeks ago. Drives good, looks good, rides good.

Thanks, I'm planning to give Ron a call tomorrow. Just A little gun shy of the 6.0 gremlins.

 

[ghetto fireman]

Pros and cons, SMB vs Quigley 4x4 conversion?

 

[bettyford-SMB]

Neither one will do a 4X4 conversion on a used vehicle.
Other than that I've had a few Quigley's never had an issue. If you buy a used van with the Quigley conversion they will have records of the build they are really good about that. I don't know anything about the Smb conversion. Except they have a two stick set up seems kind a cool .
Ron

 

[daveb-SMB]

Pros and cons, SMB vs Quigley 4x4 conversion?

I don't know much about Quigley but here is an old article about the SMB conversions back in the day:
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Sportsmobile 4WD Articles

 

[BrianW.]

Neither one will do a 4X4 conversion on a used vehicle.

Just called Quigley the other day. They will still convert used vans 2011 or newer and with under 60,000 miles.

 

[ghetto fireman]

Thanks, this a pre-owned Sportsmobile, Quigley did the 4x4 conversion. Just wondering about Atlas transfer case SMB vs New Venture in the Quigley also Dyna Trac front axle SMB vs Dana 50 front axle Quigley.

 

[deserteagle56]

Thanks, this a pre-owned Sportsmobile, Quigley did the 4x4 conversion. Just wondering about Atlas transfer case SMB vs New Venture in the Quigley also Dyna Trac front axle SMB vs Dana 50 front axle Quigley.

Can't speak to the Atlas transfer case but the New Venture is what both Ford and Dodge puts in all their heavy-duty pickups. A stout, relatively trouble-free unit. But I'm wondering - the New Venture transfer case is what was used in the later Quigley conversions, so how did that one end up with a Dana 50 front instead of the Dana 60? I'm thinking the main difference between the Dynatrac and the Dana that Quigley uses is that the Dana uses Ford's unit bearing setup versus the serviceable bearings used by Dynatrac.

 

[Flux]

SMB will convert 2010 and newer V10's with less than 50k