dbhost
Senior Member
This is not my first Sportsmobile rodeo as it were, my parents had a 71 VW Sportsmobile when I was a kid. I have been wanting one for years and came across a deal on a 93 Ford E250 Penthouse roof model with what can be best described as an RB11 interior layout.
It needs work, it is 30+ years old after all. The flip up counter extension has blown out screw holes, the storage access door on the passenger side rear the MDF is slightly swollen in a corner, but far more importantly, at some point in its life, the original owner decided to remove the sink and plumbing.
I have a plan to get this van to the condition I want.
#1. Service / get working properly the Starcool AC system.
#2. Upgrade / replace the 12V house system with a DC to DC charger / MPPT solar controller and 2 200amp hour Lifepo4 batteries.
#3. Add additional 12V and USB charging outlets along with an updated electrica data / battery monitor panel.
#4. Restore the cabinets to how they should be, including installing an undermount sink in a maple butcher block counter top with the cutout piece done super carefully so as to be able to use it as a cutting board and drop in sink cover. Hoping to be able to fit a 15 gallon fresh tank in there...
#5. Install chinese diesel heater.
#6. Add reverse camera system and Boss Android Auto infotainment system with reverse camera input, GPS, streaming, Wayze etc...
At some point in the next 2 years, I want to drag it out west to AJs 4x4 Vans in Oregon and have them do a 4wd conversion. I know a lot of money into an old van, I am however in my mid 50s now, and with proper maintenance I intend to keep this thing until it becomes a point of contention for my heirs. FWIW I am a widower who never had kids so any potential heirs are nieces and nephews... Not super worried about that. One of my best friends kids shows a real proclivity for camping, might leave it to them, but hoping to get a couple of decades of use out of it before then...
I am planning on getting a few minor things ironed out before Halloween this year, and get camping once temps start coming down here in Texas...
It needs work, it is 30+ years old after all. The flip up counter extension has blown out screw holes, the storage access door on the passenger side rear the MDF is slightly swollen in a corner, but far more importantly, at some point in its life, the original owner decided to remove the sink and plumbing.
I have a plan to get this van to the condition I want.
#1. Service / get working properly the Starcool AC system.
#2. Upgrade / replace the 12V house system with a DC to DC charger / MPPT solar controller and 2 200amp hour Lifepo4 batteries.
#3. Add additional 12V and USB charging outlets along with an updated electrica data / battery monitor panel.
#4. Restore the cabinets to how they should be, including installing an undermount sink in a maple butcher block counter top with the cutout piece done super carefully so as to be able to use it as a cutting board and drop in sink cover. Hoping to be able to fit a 15 gallon fresh tank in there...
#5. Install chinese diesel heater.
#6. Add reverse camera system and Boss Android Auto infotainment system with reverse camera input, GPS, streaming, Wayze etc...
At some point in the next 2 years, I want to drag it out west to AJs 4x4 Vans in Oregon and have them do a 4wd conversion. I know a lot of money into an old van, I am however in my mid 50s now, and with proper maintenance I intend to keep this thing until it becomes a point of contention for my heirs. FWIW I am a widower who never had kids so any potential heirs are nieces and nephews... Not super worried about that. One of my best friends kids shows a real proclivity for camping, might leave it to them, but hoping to get a couple of decades of use out of it before then...
I am planning on getting a few minor things ironed out before Halloween this year, and get camping once temps start coming down here in Texas...
