Newbie almost ready to buy, and confused!

[Montanami]

I’m looking at 2 mostly identical 5.4l e250’s...one has the gaucho behind the driver, one is the SMB 50. I have a 13 yo that loves our Westy...so she likes the 50. I’m drawn to the gaucho. HELP! WOuld love everyone’s pro’s and con’s of both layouts, please!!!! We also travel with 2 border collies, if that plays into an opinion or layout or not. Yes, I know it is personal preference. And....I want to hear it all!!!! And...worth converting 2 wd to 4 for ice and snow...live at 9000 ft.
Thank you in advance!!!

 

[velo47]

The 50 has a shoulder belt in the back. Good for the kiddo. Plus, forward facing seat can be a plus if someone tends to get a little queasy in the twisty bumpies.

We like our 50 because to us it seems more spacious than a walk-through design with a gaucho. But many like the gaucho because you can sit and look out the side doors at the sunset...

 

[BenJJ-SMB]

Personally I would always prefer a 50 setup to a side gaucho setup.

 

[simplesez]

Anyone with kids is going to be drawn to the 50 layout. With just dogs the long couch set up is ideal.

 

[Grampswrx]

50 all the way. If the 13 year old was 16 and driving, would you want to be sideways for 6 hours? I wouldn’t.

 

[Montanami]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/264595601367



https://sportsmobile.com/preowned-sportsmobile-west-inc/

 

[Montanami]

On SMB site, the 2006 5.4l
Both in San Diego, both 2 wd, one 2007 vs 6, similar mileage, same color, different layouts, 2006 slightly lifted and has suspension work. I’m agonizing. To the point I’m ready to scrap them both and stick with the Westy. I cannot thank you all enough for your comments and opinions and tolerating my agonizing.

 

[BrianW.]

Either will be a big step up from your VW Westy (I moved from an 88 Westy to my SM. If you are happy with your current Westy layout then get the 50 layout and don’t stress out about it. Pick whichever van is in better overall shape.

 

[simplesez]

I'd get that Ebay one. Looks like it didn't hit reserve at $21k. SMB one is $33.5 which seems overpriced but they always are on their website.

 

[Montanami]

Ebay one wants 33250.
Once again, thank you to everyone for all of your help

 

[Montanami]

Do you miss your Westy?

 

[BrianW.]

Do you miss your Westy?

Eight years now since we got our SMB and haven’t missed the VW once.

 

[Blowby-SMB]

I'll throw my 2 cents in as we have the Gaucho behind the driver seat and it has worked well for us.
As all have said it is personal preference and what works for you.We have a large dog and with the walk through I have been able to adapt a ramp for the rear hitch so that he can safely get in and out without trying to jump in.
You mentioned that you lived at 9000' and for us at 6000' 4 wheel is a must as it is a daily driver and winter can be a challenge.
The V10 has been great and I dont think the 5.4 would have been a good fit for us due to the mountain environment.
Good Luck!

 

[Montanami]

Thank you for your 2 cents. Appreciate it!!!

 

[mikracer]

Did you see the 06 extended body on the SMB site? It has 4 captains chairs and a rear dinette/bed. With a kid, I would choose that layout over any of the others. 99% of the time, those rear captains are quick release so you can remove one or both of them for extra space/storage.

The rear dinette bed is much bigger than the gaucho bed and maybe similar to the 50 bed. You can also throw stuff back there if you need to. This one also has an electric top.

 

[Montanami]

No. I admit to not being much of an EB fan, for me, anyway.
Thanks!

 

[Glen-SMB]

We've had our van for a couple of years, but just now getting around to deciding on a final layout for the interior. It's insulated and carpeted, but that's it, so we have somewhat of a blank canvas to start. In the past, we've had trailers and motorhomes, but never something like this.

If there's one thing I've learned so far, it's that there is no "perfect" layout. Especially when there are two people involved in the decision making.

We are at the point where we've considered several options and how those options best fit into how we plan to use the van. It may sound kinda silly, but one thing that really helped us is we kind of role played how we would use the van. We tried to think of all the different scenarios we might be in and what gear would be needed for that particular type of trip. We also tried to figure out what gear would always stay in the van and where it would be stored, regardless of what type of trip we were taking. We then walked through each scenario to see how it would go with the different layouts. Our neighbors got a little worried, but it really did help.

I think in the end, we will have to go with the layout that comes the closest to checking off all the boxes and has the fewest compromises, what ever that is...

 

[Montanami]

Great thots-thank you!!!!

 

[Grampswrx]

That gold one on ebay was bought from norcal about 2 years ago viz the SMB website for $35k. I almost bought it, but it was more than I could spend at the time. It looks very clean. I have other pics of it from the original listing. I would get that one. Or the EB with the 4 captains chairs on the SMB website. That has been my favorite layout of all the ones I have owned.

 

[Montanami]

Thank you!!!!