Rookie with a van

[radchad-SMB]

Hey all, just picked up a 98' Sportsmobile and really do not know much about them except I am stoked to explore and use ir for mountain bike trips and backcountry ski missions! I bet this site is a great resource and will be asking some questions I am sure!

Like where to get a furnance? The PO removed it for some reason.

 

[Twoxentrix]

Congrats, that looks like it will be a fun toy!
We are a curious bunch...can you lift the skirt a little with more pic's (interior & exterior) to satisfy our (my) curiosity?
While you're at it, what engine? Probably had a Suburban heater...did the previous owner pass on the Sportsmobile Books with the sale (lot of good info in those, including the original heater)?
Cool paint & color scheme.

 

[N147JK]

From the photo, one can see the furnace intake/exhaust port on the left rear corner of the van. That looks like a typical port for a Suburban propane furnace. Is there nothing behind there? If not, there might be electrical and propane lines left in place back there. If they are still there, getting another Suburban might be easiest - just reconnect everything.

 

[radchad-SMB]

Of course, I have a few photos to share including the original book from Sportsmobile.

 

[arctictraveller]

You cant beat an inexpensive Chinese diesel heater. They work really well and will overheat you in below freezing weather if left on high. They sip fuel and are ridiculously cheap (under $100.00) There is a bit of a learning curve involved in installing and maintaining one but there are tons of forums with all the needed info. You will need to install a little diesel tank, but they come with the kit.

 

[bigriver-SMB]

Yeah loved that rig when I first saw it. Tons of personality. Enjoy

 

[bigriver-SMB]

+1 on the diesel heater. Much quieter, cheaper and more efficient

 

[Timerider-SMB]

Gosh, a 98-foot Sportsmobile!

Now that's a BIG rig!

Just kidding . . . Welcome to the forum!

 

[marret]

Congrats and welcome. Nice van. Diesel heater recommendation here too.

 

[KTMRIDER-SMB]

That’s a neat looking rig! Congrats!

 

[The_Vermonster]

That painjob is one of the best I've seen. Reminds me of 80's Toyota's.

 

[bosco53]

Such an epic van! You really did score! And another vote for the diesel heater. Can't go wrong. :b5:

 

[porschedpm]

I thought the paint job’s stripes had an Magnum PI/Island Hoppers vibe to it

http://www.staradvertiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FTR-MAGNUM-P.I.-BLESSING-110.jpg

 

[geoffff]

Wow, I've never seen poptop fabric with graphics on it!

 

[radchad-SMB]

I think it was redone a few years ago.

 

[radchad-SMB]

Yea, I am not big fan of them TBH. But that van as a whole package fit the bill.

 

[radchad-SMB]

That painjob is one of the best I've seen. Reminds me of 80's Toyota's.

It is OK. Not a huge fan, I think it is. cool but a little to flashy for me... I bought it because it checked the boxes in other areas.