what makes it a sportsmobile

[mk216v]

“What makes it a Sportsmobile?”

Lots of L brackets and MDF.

ROFLMAO!!!! Oh, and jagged metal, some staples, and a wavy fiberglass penthouse top.

 

[VocalVirgo]

How do you like the CCV top?

 

[VocalVirgo]

ROFLMAO!!!! Oh, and jagged metal, some staples, and a wavy fiberglass penthouse top.

Re: What makes it a “sportsmobile?”

Leaks, things falling out of the ceiling, bad fit/finish... and top it off with deplorable customer service! Ha Ha!

Sorry, couldn’t help myself, this last year with SMBW has changed me for life, lol. What a freakin’ reality check this has been. My van is great, and beautiful, but because of their handling of, well... everything, we bought a new van and are selling our 1 year old sportsmobile. Not ever having to deal with them again is a HUGE relief and a ton of weight off my shoulders. I’ll only ever have to deal with them while this Class Action Suit is running its course.

Yep, that’s how you know it’s a sportsmobile, lol. Be happy you got a CCV, trust me.

 

[BrianW.]

@VocalVirgo Your experience with SMB-W sucks, for sure, and I fully support you getting the story out there. But bringing it into so many threads where SMB is mentioned is getting old. You’ve made your point multiple times in multiple threads. Please consider toning it back a bit.

From another vocal Virgo ;-)

 

[REF]

At first I thought this was a question of what makes a Sportsmobile a Sportsmobile, as in: Is having just a SMB pop top still a SMB? Or “I’ve got a swivel seat base, can I call it a Sportsmobile”[emoji3061]
Any and all are welcome here! SMB or any of the numerous other up fitters out there these days, home builds, hack jobs (professional or otherwise) wannabes, lurkers.....I’d be kicked off this forum if that weren’t the case as I’ve completely de-Sportsmobilized my Sportsmobile, although I’ve just enacted a grandfather clause. Then where would I go? You guys (and gals) are the only social media outlet I’ve got!
And yes, I can attest to the comment about MDF and brackets[emoji79]
For me, it all started years ago when I peeled off the Sportsmobile stickers, was it still a Sportsmobile then? I know what I’m driving, and even if they wanted to pay me for brand advertising, I’d still probably say no, just not a decals kind of guy.
I also peeled the CCV stickers off the new pop top the day I got it home, even after I said not to put em on, so it’s not just a SMB thing.
.....I might just have to get some “Frankelmobile” stickers made[emoji848]

 

[Maxacceleration]

The only thing Sportsmobile on my van is the pop up penthouse top. It says Sportsmobile on it. Naturally everyone thinks its a Sportsmobile. I remind that only the top is SMB. 4x4 QuadVan, Van Specialties interior, both of which I claim, lol, might be of better quality that the SMB variety. I'm sure I'm biased.
Great leeway on this site for your camper van to be here. :d5: And your rig being called a SMB is not such a bad thing, as a SMB is a big sturdy camper van.
Its about camper vans, and great ideas from smart people.
And this site is a great community to boot.

 

[KyleC]

They haven't kicked me out yet!

I found this forum before we purchased a van. I was directed here quite a few times from Google. It has been a wonderful tool that aided us in buying the van. After we lurked around getting ideas, we knew this was the idea we needed for a van. I can honestly say the Sportsmobile forum helped us know we were not alone in thinking family vehicles don't have to be ugly!

just joked today with my wife that we would have to coolest van at the homeschool convention this year! Hahahaha.

 

[VocalVirgo]

@VocalVirgo Your experience with SMB-W sucks, for sure, and I fully support you getting the story out there. But bringing it into so many threads where SMB is mentioned is getting old. You’ve made your point multiple times in multiple threads. Please consider toning it back a bit.

From another vocal Virgo ;-)

I appreciate your politeness in your comment. And yes, I fully own that I have mentioned SMBW and what they did to us several times, in several threads. I just did a count, and I have more threads/comments WITHOUT SMBW being mentioned than ones where I did, so, so far I'm ahead! (that was a joke of course). Yeah, I know it can get old. My apologies if it has gotten on your nerves. But it has been a truly frustrating experience. We had to buy another van just to get them out of our lives, and I was so sad to find out so many others did the same. I REALLY wanted either a SMB or a Rialta when I was a kid, and the SMBW experience crushed a childhood dream. It was upsetting enough that it spilled over into many threads and comments... and that can be frustrating to OTHER members, and I don't want to do that, so, for that, I'm sorry.

And again, really- thank you for stating your feelings so politely. I appreciate that.

-VocalVirgo

 

[daveb-SMB]

Back on topic, I've always considered a trademark Sportsmobile as any total build (inside and out) done by Sportsmobile. Doesn't matter if it's on a different chassis. The term Holy Grail gets thrown around a bit which refers to a Ford Econoline van with a Sportsmobile designed 4x4 conversion that has a 7.3 PSD and is more specific to the body, engine and drive train.

As mentioned, this is a adventure van Forum and was built around that. Even if van might not actually be a SMB, there is a lot good info here that might apply to van camping. However an owner of a specific vehicle such as a Airstream, Roadtrek or even a converted Jeep might be better off finding a site dedicated to their vehicles. But anybody is welcome to contribute positively to the site even if you don't own a van.

 

[86Scotty]

Well said Dave, well said.

I think this is worth sharing as well. There are many of us here who previously owned a Sportsmobile but either changed/upgraded to a different or newer van or even a different type of camper altogether but we never left here. There is a specific reason for this. Even with highs and lows of participation, changes of ownership and so on this continues to be a mature and helpful crew of camping van fans. I hope we'll be here long after the #vanlife craze dies down a bit. Most of us were doing this before it became in vogue.

:b5:

 

[TomsBeast]

I have a 2010 ford e350 with a Colorado Camper Van pop top, u joint 4x4 conversion, custom interior

I wondered the same thing back when I joined. Yours might not have the SMB badge, but it's got all the same stuff. Welcome!



A different question is this: What kind of person is drawn to an SMB, and hangs out on this forum?



From my experience, a pretty self reliant and accepting lot, that seem to struggle with many of the same things in keeping our campers alive, maintaining them, often modifying so they better suit individual and often specific needs, and trading very valuable information.

 

[BrianW.]

And, although “Sportsmobile” has become kinda generic for a 4x4 van, those of us with real, albeit 2WD, Sportsmobiles would like to remind you that there are lots of us on the road and we’re legit, too! I have the coveted SMB sticker on my van

 

[ctb]

Yes glad to hear your going to drop the complaining VV!! Being a SMBEast freak, I found it more and more difficult to hear you throw ALL SMB locals under the bus as if it was a universal problem...which is so unfair to the great people like Nancy Nix and Big Jim, Chad builder extrordinair...so thanks again for just getting over it.......I on the other hand can NEVER get over being lucky enough to listen to the members here and order a van I just can't get over...it's a lover story and I am glad to tell you my wife is just as in love...

I USED to be pro-SMB snob about this forum, BUT as pointed our many times by Senior members, mod's etc, ALL van owners have good input that just might help you out in a jam...and at the very least, make you feel good about your van, traveling, and sharing good times with others that look forward to and might follow the same great adventures....whether building or traveling, maintenance or sharing...this is the place for folks that love that kinda stuff (n' things)...so welcome...and you got a taste fo the drama that follows any close family....lololol

Ps This guy welcome too....

 

[Janet H]

Folks - a number of posts have been removed form this thread. Let's get back on topic please and leave the personal comments out of this thread.

Topic reminder: what makes it a sportsmobile

 

[saline]

I owned an 04 SMB and absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the premise of what it was designed to do and I feel that it did it well.
I no longer have a SMB per se but I now have my homebuilt van with all of the same amenities. The input from many members on this forum throughout the years has been invaluable.. I can't say enough how appreciative I am of that fact.
I view a SMB as a full build from the company but many of us have variations of such.

 

[Maxacceleration]

Besides the van, its the people who make this forum a great place. Smart folks with pc attitudes has kept it a great source for info. Whether pre ownership or well into your ownership.
I learn a lot here. :d5:

 

[VocalVirgo]

Folks - a number of posts have been removed form this thread. Let's get back on topic please and leave the personal comments out of this thread.

Topic reminder: what makes it a sportsmobile

Thank you Janet. I very much appreciate it.

 

[GAR-SMB]

Folks - a number of posts have been removed form this thread. Let's get back on topic please and leave the personal comments out of this thread.

Topic reminder: what makes it a sportsmobile

Thank you Janet, I very much appreciate it as well.

Gar

 

[VocalVirgo]

Since a few people have mentioned that the sportsmobile stickers make it a sportsmobile, LOL… I have two, brand new, new style (cursive) sportsmobile stickers that I’m happy to mail to anyone who would like one or both. . They are the puffy decals, not flat like a bumper sticker… (Edit: Addes a photo link of which decals they are).

https://vocalvirgo.com/sportsmobile-decal/

Anyway, if anybody wants a pair that have never been removed from their backing (a.k.a. brand new)… Let me know. They’re all yours. I’m happy to pop them in the mail if someone wants them. .

 

[GAR-SMB]

Since a few people have mentioned that the sportsmobile stickers make it a sportsmobile, LOL… I have two, brand new, new style (cursive) sportsmobile stickers that I’m happy to mail to anyone who would like one or both. . They are the puffy decals, not flat like a bumper sticker… if I could take a picture and post it, I would… But maybe somebody else can do so. Anyway, if anybody wants a pair that have never been removed from their backing (a.k.a. brand new)… Let me know. They’re all yours. I’m happy to pop them in the mail if someone wants them. .

I’ll take them. You can mail them to:

Gar
3631 S Bagley Ave, Fresno, CA 93725


Gar