Should I look for EB or RB vans with 4x4?

[jage]

Hey I'm looking for a used Sportsmobile and I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is of EB vs RB, both for offroad and for space inside with some version of the "50".

Thanks!

 

[EMrider]

Hey I'm looking for a used Sportsmobile and I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is of EB vs RB, both for offroad and for space inside with some version of the "50".

Thanks!

The extra storage room available in the EB is substantial and we find that it is almost always fully utilized. For 4x4 use, there is probably more chassis flex and stress on the suspension with the EB, but nothing beyond reason or spec. You may also scrape the bottom more often on climbs etc....with the EB. For us, the extra room is very well worth the minor downsides.
R

 

[jage]

My DW wants to know exactly how much extra space there is..?

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

Take a good look at the SMB website. All your answers are there.

I don't think four wheel drive is warranted in the long bed except for the pulling power you may need to tow a big toy. For real off-roading, don't even consider it. I have decades of 4x4 experience, and currently own my second Land Rover.

 

[jage]

Yeah, see that's kind of six of one with me. I've been wheeling for years as well and plan to flat and trailer tow my Jeep behind the van, but I also expect to put the van thru some paces when needed. So it needs to be both a steady tow rig for the toy and capable in and of itself... the RB is also cuter and the EB has the extra space. It will probably depend on what come up for sale in the next few months.

 

[Burklin]

RB vs. EB

Should you be looking for a 4X4 to climb trails, you need to consider the angle of depatrtue. The Ford EB has an additional 19" behind the rear axle. While transitioning from a level surface to a steep slope, the rear of the EB could come in contact with the ground. We have yet to have any difficuilties with either of our Ford SMB 4X4 RB's on trails.

 

[jage]

Either? So you make up for less space by taking two?

Heh heh. Couldn't resist... :twisted:

 

[Jammyauto]

I don't think four wheel drive is warranted in the long bed except for the pulling power you may need to tow a big toy. For real off-roading, don't even consider it. I have decades of 4x4 experience, and currently own my second Land Rover.

I don't think that the decision is quite this simple. Everyones use slightly different. My family is 4 people (wife and 2 children). We went to the SMB because we outgrew the Syncrowesty. The EB was a no brainer. I don't think that the rb cabinetry would accomodate the clothing and gear (wetsuits, etc.) for 2 weeks in a remote area for 4 people. I have competed many of the black diamond trails at Hollister Hills SRVA in my EB and only scraped the rear end a couple times. This was just playing around to see where the van would go. I have yet to be in a real life situation where the EB has limited me not reaching a desired campsite or completing a trail because of the rear end. I'm not saying that I can go where ever a landrover or jeep can go but 4 people eating and sleeping in a landrover for 2 weeks is no fun!

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

Hi Seth,

Howdy neighbor!

Of course you are correct about each family's needs dictating what they drive in. I wasn't referring to family use or passenger count in my comment. I was recallng how many great trails I've been on that have taken me to the most remote and beautiful canyons and valleys in the west, that a van of any kind just won't fit in, at least without serious brush scraping and possible body damage. Not to mention the wheelbase length and tight switchbacks. Keep in mind that this is the bulk of my 4x4 travels and so my comments reflect my own experiences. I am painfully aware that when I'm trail hunting in my soon-to-exist Sportsmobile, I won't be able to take any trail I find, including many that I really want to go back to. I still have my Rover for that.

 

[Jammyauto]

Jeffrey, I guess the most important thing to remember about a sportsmobile is that it is a compromise. It's not a class A RV or a Rover but rather a mix of the two. If you think of it this way then it's a great vehicle. If you make direct comparisons then it comes up short. BTW did you ever find a RB50 in SB to look at?

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

Seth,

Yes, it's a compromise. I know I won't do what I've done before, but I'll have comfort I never had. I've been doing tough trails for a real long time and I feel fulfilled. The idea of still being quite remote AND real cozy is sounding good to me in my mid 50's.

Mike Wilson from Creston, CA was kind enough to visit me in SB with his 4x4 RB-50. The wives chatted about the interior and it's features while Mike and I went over everything. What a nice guy. I knew I was close, but after that I was sold. Sent in my deposit to SMB the same afternoon.

 

[Guest]

BR vs RB

The best way to compare and EB vs RB on trails is to run both on the same trails, and that is exactly what was done at the SMB 4X4 Rally in Silverton last summer. In the past SMB seperated the RB and EB vans as they felt some trails were too severe for the EB but this was not done last year. There was not a whole lot of diference noted on the EB being hindered. Yes, I saw a few crushed backup lights and lots of scrapes, but no one got hung up. Driver skill and tire diameter was the biggest factor. i have an RB with 35" tires and was purposely looking for hard lines to drive and never hit once on some pretty ledgy stuff. I doubt an EB could have followed me w/o some damage or even getting hung up with the rear tires clawing air.

I full time in my RB and find it roomy enough for myself and my Golden. I doubt that I would feel comfortable in either an EB or RB if I was a family of four, whether full timing or just for a few weeks. But if your trips are usually just a weekend I don't think storage would be much of an issue. Other options come to mind: the roof mounted storage boxes allow a lot of extra stuff as long as the weight is kept low, and the SMB off-road trailer practically allows you to carry everything, and it is very off-road capable as long as you don't have to back up.

In 2005 I did a trail in Colorado that was a very serious 4X4 trail with one of those warning signs that say "for experienced drivers only in high clearance short wheel base vehicles only". I was told if I could get past a certain difficult section the rest would be no problem. So I walked in to this part and decided it was pretty sketchy, but doable, so I started up the trail. I got past the hard part and breathed a sigh of relief, but it was premature as the trail never let up all the way to the top of the pass. For those that may know CO trails well this one went from Marble to Crystal then looped back to Marble. The section about 1 to 4 miles above Crystal was the hardest. It was so narrow there was one point were I wanted to get out for a photo but there was a very long drop right at my door edge and a cliff face on the other... no safe way to even exit the vehicle! This trail was no place for an EB, and at the max limits of an RB. If I had known in advance I would not have driven it, but once started there was no way to retreat, as backing a van would be impossible, and no place to turn around. Besides, I was challenged, but often thought "This is my home, be carefull!