Well goodbyes are never easy. Especially after you pour your heart into a rig and use it for what you built it for. A few months back i was approached by a person that was interested in purchasing a "turn key" expedition rig. Well after months of going back and forth and telling the person it wasn't for sale, we made it work. So the cruiser was sold and the new rig was bought.
Her name is "Sand Box". She's a 2003 Sportsmobile 4x4 van. They're built out of Fresno and they're made for serious off road with all the comfort of a larger RV. Many people use these vans for trips to Baja and up north to Alaska.
The first thing you'll notice that stands out with the Sportsmobile is the penthouse top. Because of the lift on the van and it being made for off road situations the height of the center of gravity really matters. To keep the top heavy weight down they use this top. The penthouse top raises and lowers in seconds and enables full walking function head room while in camp without sacrificing the COG while on the trail.
The SMB is loaded with options. On board air compressor, 16 gallons of fresh water, 50 gallons of fuel, porta potti, you name it. The list is a long one. Powered by a V10, she can lift up her dress and really run.
Yosh and Dixie trying out the penthouse bed. There's one bed up stairs and one down stairs. Total sleeping for 4.
The Sportsmobile is capable of many trails that we already travel with our landcruiser. It is equipped with Dynatrac 60 front axle, Atlas t-case with 10 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. This gives the van many options for all different types of terrain including 2wd low range.
It's also equipped with front and rear rock bumpers with built in winch, off road lighting and recovery shackle points.
Now for a look inside..
The Sportsmobile is equipped with 2 portable stoves, large Norcold fridge, kitchen sink, heater... basically anything anyone would need in the middle of no where.
A view from the galley.
Everything including the kitchen sink..
In dash GPS, satellite radio, DVD, mp3, radio and 10 disc changer take care of the entertainment.
Looking forward in the Penthouse.
Looking backwards at the Penthouse with the upstairs bed in closed position.
The couch folds out for another bed.
Comfortable seating is a must for long hauls. The Sportsmobile is equipped with leather captains chair seating from Ford that rotate backwards for the living room area.
Dual spares are a must if your traveling south of the border up into Alaska.
CB radio and 2 Meter HAM radio equipped for all your communication needs.
Back up camera for those single rig trips where you are the only ones and you need to make sure you don't back off a cliff.
Under floor storage for all the tools, recovery gear you may need.
Shot of the rear doors open and more storage. The jack, wheel wrench, air compressor and heater are all located under the right cushion.
Our first night camping out in the new SMB. A driveway? Well yes, we had to do a dry run right??
So anyways, i could go on and on explaining the features and capabilities of this rig.. but i won't. I'll leave that part up to you guys. Go ahead and visit Sportsmobile.com and check out their full line of vehicles and options. They have many pictures and details regarding their SMB 4x4 and can answer any questions you may have.
Next time we post it will be with some dirt on the new "sand box".