Home
About Us Two
Brothers
Disclaimer
Donate Life
Photo Gallery
arrow graphic Motorcycle    (BMW GSA)
arrow graphic Sportsmobile    (4x4 RV)
 
  Sportsmobile -> Build
 
 

After owning and enjoying our 2004 BMW R1150 GS Adventure motorcycle for the past three plus years now, we have decided to add one more step-up in enclosed boondocks luxury. We continue to use the motorcycle for a number of summer camping trips, however, this new vehicle allows us to tackle those months that are more associated with inclement weather. This vehicle also gives us much more equipment carrying capacity (adding bicycles, dual-sport motorcycles, kayaks, etc...). We now have even more options - like fly fishing from a kayak in a remote lake, in early spring, for a week at a time.

 
 
Base Vehicle Suspension Exterior Interior Electronics Misc      
Base Vehicle Top
Item Availability Comments
2007 Ford E350 EB, GVWR 9,400
 Opt. We decided to go with a 2007 Ford E-350 Extended Body (EB) in order to maximize our internal storage capacity. This EB option gains us 20 additional inches (exterior length) and 12 additional inches (interior length). Also, we ordered the "RV" option, which (among othe things) deletes the rear passenger window glass.
6.0L Diesel w/5-speed transmission

 Opt. The engine choice was a bit more controversial. I wanted to go with the diesel for the following reasons...
  1. With turbo charger (available on diesel), engine performance does not degrade at higher altitudes (compared with naturally aspirated engines).
  2. We have the option to run Biodiesel.
  3. The 440 lb-ft torque rating of the diesel option peaks at significantly less RPMs (2,000) than that of other gas powered options (for example: V10, 420 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM). This was important as I can foresee us slowly crawling up steep off-road mountain jeep trails in order to become separated from other less capable vehicles.
We had our deposit check in Sportsmobile's hand by Feb, 05. They then placed the order for our van the same day. On Feb, 20... Ford issued this statement:

"E-SERIES 6.0L DIESEL SUPPLY ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT
This notice is to inform you of a diesel engine supply issue which affects the 6.0L diesel engine that is currently offered in the E-Series vans, wagons and cutaways. We can no longer accept orders which include this engine. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our dealers, customers, and pool accounts. All orders will show on Material Hold effective Wednesday, February 7th. "
Exterior Color: Dark Shadow Grey - Metallic
 Opt. This van will spend more time in the cool rains of the Northwest than in the heat of the southern deserts. As such, the darker color will aide passive solar heating in addition to helping us blend into the rocks and forests of the Northwest.
RV Package 763A
  1. Air Conditioning (in dash)
  2. Air Bags (driver & passenger)
  3. Speed Control / Tilt Wheel
  4. Brakes (anti-lock on all 4 wheels)
  5. Power Door Locks
  6. Power Mirrors
  7. Console Engine Cover
  8. Remote Keyless Entry (w/panic alarm)
  9. Radio (premium w/single CD)
  10. Windshield Wipers (interval)
  11. Power Windows (cab)
  12. Chrome Bumpers
  13. Service Package (HD)
 Std. These items are part of the default list for the RV package.
Additional Van Options
  1. Light & Convenience Group
  2. Courtesy Light Switches
  3. Headlights (on alert)
  4. Illuminated Entry
  5. Dual Electric Horns
  6. Front Stabilizer Bar
  7. Trailer Wiring Harness
 Std. This optional equipment was provided on all vans order by Sportmobile.
Trailer Towing Package Opt. This van will be used to occasionally tow a fully enclosed single axle trailer.
Daytime Running Lights Opt. Added for general safety.
Auxilary Fuel Port Opt. Required for generator.
HD 140Amp Alternator Opt. Added to keep pace with the additional load of off-road lighting.
Suspension Top
Item Availability Comments
Sportsmobile 4x4 Conversion
  1. Replacement 46 Gallon Fuel Tank
  2. Atlas II Transfer Case
  3. Dynatrac Pro Rock 60 Front Axle
  4. Track Right Wheel Spacers
  5. Old Man Emu Shocks
 Std. We anticipate that our travel and camping destinations will often include locations that are difficult to get to. The level of difficulty significantly reduces the common vacation traffic often associated with overcrowded parks and campgrounds. A key element in our decision to purchase a vehicle such as this is that - properly outfitted - this vehicle gives us the option of remoteness and isolation. We can then focus on our surroundings, each other, and our hobbies rather than trying to tune out the neighbors kids, barking dogs, tv programs, taste in music, their bargain generator, choice of drinking games... and the like.
ARB Air Lockers (front & rear)
 Opt. This gives us the absolute best possible chance of getting there... and then getting back out.
Dynatrac Full Floating Rear Axle
 Opt. For added strength. Crawling around in remote mountainous locations with a 10,000lb van is nothing to be too cavalier about. I want to ensure that we have the best possible chance of making it out of where ever it is we decide to explore. A broken axle would totally shut-us-down in stock trim. With the full floating rear axle, this same failure might not be a showstopper.
Gearing


 Opt. In order to accommodate for the increased tire size (and keep the engines towing performance as close to stock as possible), we decided to add more gear ratio. Using the stock tire size of 245/75R-16E we discovered that this tire was approx. 30.7" in diameter. We then found that our new tire was 34.8" in diameter. Using a slick little calculator on 4Lo.com we figured we needed to increase our existing gear ratio from 4.10 to 4.56 to keep things roughly the same. Additionally, we found other calculators on Randy's Ring & Pinion

It should be noted that we originally intended to go with 37" tires. Sportsmobile was unwilling to do this as they stated that the modifications needed to fit tires of this size inside the fender wells was more than they were willing to tackle.

Additional Leaf Spring (load, rear) Opt. To compensate for additional load over EB wheelbase (270lb dual-sport motorcycle on a hitch extension, 35" spare tire, fuel, etc...).
Rear Air Bag Spring Assist w/ Dash Control Opt. To compensate for the already overloaded rear end of our EB chassis and while towing a fully loaded single axle trailer.
Exterior Top
Item Availability Comments
Electric Penthouse (PH) Top for EB
  1. Electric
  2. Zippered windows
  3. Top color matched to van exterior color
  4. PH bed
 Opt. We opted to go with the electric penthouse top. This lower profile option will help with gas mileage while on the road - as opposed to 'fixed' top. Additionally, with the zippered windows... I can use the whole vehicle as a 360 degree shooting blind while photographing animals. The electric top option can still raise with approximately 200lbs of gear on the roof.
Aluminess Trojan Front Bumper

  1. To include a 12,000lb Warn Winch
  2. 2 x HID driving lights
  3. 2 x fog lights
  4. Integrated tow hooks
 Opt. This is required equipment for the mountainous places we intend to travel.
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch
 Opt. Used to mount second motorcycle to van.

Update: Sportsmobile said that they would mount their own hitch and not use the Draw-Tite front mount unit.

Aluminess Trojan Rear Bumper (Option A)
  1. To include a 9,000lb Warn Winch
  2. Reverse lights
  3. Integrated tow hooks
 Opt. A great many of the places we go are narrow (one lane) forest service roads in the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. There is often no place to turn around (especially a vehicle of these dimensions). In order to provide maximum extraction capability, we are opting for winches in both the front and the rear.
Aluminess Custom Double Camp Box
  1. Enclosed.
 Opt. Used to carry misc outdoor camping gear and dirty riding gear. The custom part of this unit will be that the doors do not open from the back. They will open from the passenger side instead. That is due to the fact that we will have a motorcycle on the back most of the time and having doors that open into the motorcycle yields too little access. There will also be a small railing welded into the outter top of this box so that we can use it to tie down other items.
Aluminess Baja Tire Carrier
  1. Swing out tire carrier (for 35" tire).
 Opt. Mounted on the back/outside of the van to save space on the inside of the van as well as free up space underneath of the van. Also, it was deemed that this tire was simply too heavy to put on the roof (plus our other stuff) - with our Penthouse top option.
Aluminess Trojan Side Mount Ladder
  1. Passenger side, rear
 Opt. Gives us the ability to get onto the roof of the van.
Baja Designs Soltek Lightbar (pre-configured)
  1. 5-Light System
Opt. Roof mounted light bar will house 2 x Euro beam HIDs, 2 x Pencil beam HIDs, and 1 x center mounted spotlight. This additional lighting will aide in our safety while night driving on remote forest service roads. This lightbar has a cab mounted switch that controls an actuator that allows the driver to control the tilt of the lightbar from inside of the cabin.
  • 2 x 8" HID Euro Beam (front, outside corners) used to cast wide beam and illuminate the sides of the road.
  • 2 x 8" HID Pencil Beam (front, inside corners) used to focus light far down the road.
  • Front center slot to be reserved for spotlight.
Work lights (mounted on safari rack)
  1. 5 x exterior work lights (total).


Work lights arranged on exterior of vehicle, integrated into overhead rack, as follows (yellow)...
 Opt. Individually controlled accessory lighting used to aide 360 degree visibility after nightfall.
Bush Wacker Cut-Out Fender Flares
 Opt. Used to hide the fender modifications needed to fit larger wheels and tires. Also, used to keep the fender-well spray down as much as possible.
Billet Grill (black) Opt. Improve the looks of the front of the van.
Bug Deflector
 Opt. Used to keep majority of bugs off of windshield.
Awning (black) Opt. Used as shelter from direct sunlight.
Aluminess Full Length Cargo Carrier, Safari (roof mounted, custom, black) Opt. Gives us the option to mount/store/pack items on the roof and load balance these items at the same time (distribute the weight).
Brake Upgrade (Brake Man)
 Opt. Safely slow that 10,000lb vehicle with significantly oversized wheels and tires down.
American Racing Crater Wheels
  1. 17 x 9
  2. Teflon coated
 Opt. These were recommended by Sportsmobile.
BF Goodrich Mud Terrain Tires
  1. 35x12.50R17/D
 Opt. Max Load is 3,000lbs@50mph.
Interior Top
Item Availability Comments
Floor Plan

Opt.

After much deliberation, this was the cutom layout that we arrived at. My biggest concern was 'interior access'. I wanted to be able to get to all of the compartments internally (unlike the RB/EB 50 plan). As we will often have a motorcycle hanging off of the back, access to the rear doors might not be readily accessible.

Counter Clockwise, from the left:

  • Gaucho (73 to 78 inches), dark grey, ultra leather.
  • Cabinet GC (4CF Fridge + StarCool)
  • The tall custom sliding pantry on the left side of the vehicle (drivers side) will be used to store my photo gear.
  • Closet B, the porta-potti goes under the rear closet when not in use.
  • Cabinet GA, tools, chairs, grill, outdoor gear, etc...
  • Cabinet HA, storage, overhead microwave.
  • Slide Pantry, canned and packaged food storage.
  • Galley.
  • Overhead shelf (contrary to the drawing, this only goes over the sink and cooktop).
  • Pantry/Storage, this pantry attatches to the door... and not the end of the galley as shown.
Microwave Opt. Installed by Sportsmobile.
Captins Chairs
  1. Heated
  2. Adjustable lumbar
  3. Dark Grey Ultra-Leather
 Opt. Installed by Sportsmobile.
Dynamat (xtreme)
 Opt. Sound and temp insulation. This unlisted option is installed by "Integrated Audio Solutions". We opted for basic coverage which includes the engine cover and all of the doors. They will do the entire van, however, the value (impact/dollar spent) has diminishing returns.
Porta Potti
 Opt. This has to be one of the most uncomfortable options (visually) in putting this entire package together. I am sorry, I personally just cant see using this device in the super enclosed space that is the inside of our van. I know it is there for emergency sake, but I will try my level best to avoid having that kind of emergency.
Water Heater (none) N/A For what we can foresee using the van for, we cant find a really good reason to have heated water. This might make sense if we needed to shower in cold climates, but really thinking about it... we - or I - just dont anticipate being out-of-bounds for that long. Keep in mind that we are ordering the outside shower anyway. If it is cold out, there wont be any avoiding a polar experience - warm water or not.
Espar Air Tronics Heater
 Opt. Diesel powered cabin heater.
Starcool III Air Conditioner
 Opt. This is an expensive option, but I have been around my wife when she gets too hot and regardless of cost... keeping her cool is worth nearly any price. :-)
Marine Vinyl (flooring)
 Opt. Durable, color neutral, high traction easily cleanable surface.
Day/Nite - Blinds on Van Doors/Side & Rear Opt. Blinds installed by Sportsmobile.
Cabinets (lt. grey) Opt. Color neutral, matching the other areas of the van (interior and exterior).
Fresh Water Tank (16G) Opt. The standard water tank is 10Gal. We opted for a slightly larger 16Gal tank to accommodate for both of us taking showers on our longer summer outings.
3CF Refrigerator Opt. We chose the 3CF electric refrigerator as there will be two of us sharing the space. This 12V refrigerator draws 2.5 amps and can run off of existing (unassisted) battery power for up to two days.
Limo Tint (all windows except windshield & front doors) Opt. Keep prying eyes - out.
Sun Shades (all windows) Opt. Help maintain desired temperature.
Privacy Curtain (behind drivers seats) Opt. Keep prying eyes - out.
Electronics Top
Item Availability Comments
Xantrex Prosine 2.0 Inverter (2000W)
 Opt. This will be used to convert the van's 12V DC to 110V AC. This is needed to run a very few small set of select electronics (see below).
110 Volt Outlets Opt. Needed for the following items:
  1. Living Space: External hard disk, misc computer peripherals, & printer.
  2. Kitchen: Coffee maker/battery chargers, etc...
  3. Exterior: One outlet that can be accessed externally.
1 x AGM 4D Battery
 Opt. For my own personal safety margin, I would like to store up to three days of 'limited' cabin battery power without the need to recharge.
Solara Boost 2000E
 Opt. I am still a new student regarding solar technology but I know that I would like to have solar panels mounted on the roof of the van. I would really like to compartmentalize the solar panels below the roof rack (totally enclose them in a form fitting drawer) and then be able to pull them out of this protective drawer system when they are needed. This custom design is to be discussed with Sportsmobile and Aluminess.
Also, I think I would like to go with the Solara Boost 2000E controller with the added batter temperature sensor and in-line 30 Amp switch (to disable charging the batteries as needed). All of these suggestions came from BadgerTrek
2 x Kyocera Panels Solar Panels


Solar panels will be hard mounted to the forward deck of the safari rack (for now). Approximate locations below.
 Opt. I tried to get four panels, however, Sportsmobile said that this many panels would 'most likely' exceed the weight of the electric penthouse top. For now, I will go with two panels instead of four and then spend my energies working on a mounting system that will enable these two panels to capture more of the available sunlight by allowing them to be aimed twoard the sun... as opposed to simply being 'fixed' to the safari rack.
Cobra CB Radio Opt. Adding a 40 Channel CB Radio to enhance safety while on the road as well as facilitate vehicle to vehicle communications.
Power Tech Diesel RV Generator
 Opt. We are going to use this diesel powered generator in order to run the StarCool A/C system while the van is not hooked up to 'shore power'. The hope is that this can be mounted where the van's underside spare tire was formerly located? This system will also be tasked with operating the on-board PC + peripherals, coffee maker, and microwave as needed.
Voyager A0M7694 Backup Video Monitor
 Opt. Used in conjunction with A0C130XP observation camera.
Voyager A0C130XP Ultra Performance Observation Camera
 Opt. Ensure driver has rear visibility. Used in traffic, parking lots, and narrow mountain roads where successfully negotiating a 180 degree multi-point back and forth turn-around is paramount. This specific camera can also capture the rear-view in near total darkness.
Viper 5900 Alarm
 Opt. Also has remote start and turbo timer capability.
Garmin 276C GPS
 Opt. Customer supplied.
Guidepoint Vehicle Tracking
 Opt. Guidepoint 24/7/365 response center can immediately locate and track the vehicle anywhere in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Chief Code3 GLB3200 Searchlight

 Opt. Directional spotlight. This spotlight will be mounted front and center on the custom Baja Designs light bar. This light can be fully controlled from within the vehicle via a control panel or even from a remote control from a hundred feet away.
Wilson RV Trucker Antenna
 Opt. Used to improve cell phone reception in semi-populated areas.
Misc Top
Item Availability Comments
Exterior Shower & Curtain Opt. Just for those extended stays away from civilization.
Extreme Air, On-Board, w/Tank
 Opt. On-board air compressor used for the ARB air-lockers as well as to air up the tires after off-road to pavement transitions. This option must come with a manual shut-off (operated by the driver) in cases where the van is partially submerged in water. This will prevent this unit from auto-powering on while the intake is underwater.
Warn XD Recovery Kit
 Opt. Tools used in conjunction with front and rear winches to aide with vehicle extraction.
Max Tool Kit
 Opt. Time to dig one's way out.
Gorilla Wheel Locks Opt. Used to keep wheels on van while van is unattended.
Safety Seal Tire Repair Kit Opt. Emergency flat repair.
Amsoil Synthetic Oil and Dual Remote Filter System
 Opt. Improve oil filtering and filter access.
Computer Equipment
  1. 3 x Mobile PCs.
    1 x master system w/DVD burner.
    1 x travel system (very small and light weight)
    1 x spare system that can replace the master.
  2. Wired USB mouse
  3. External media drive
  4. External 1394 disk drive (backup only)
  5. Bubble jet photo printer (5x7)
  6. Ink jet color printer.
  7. Wireless NICs & router
 Cust. Use these computers to track and record our expeditions (pictures, video, gps logs, and text). Also, we will use this equipment to archive and print our images - taken while on the road. Living in a disconnected state (disconnected from the Internet) while on the road is not ideal for us two due to our jobs/hobbies, but we will have to make due with utilizing free wi-fi when we find it to keep the costs in check.
Satellite Phone and Cell Phone Cust.

Rather than go with a satellite dish system to access the Internet while boondocking, we are going to have to manage without Internet access. The cost of the system plus monthly fee is more than I can handle. That said, we still need to have some means of contacting help (regardless of where we are) should we absolutely need it. To this end, we will be purchasing a satellite phone for emergency use only.

Cell phone's we already have.
Moto Jack Rack

Cust. I already have the Moto Jack Rack motorcycle rack, however, I need ensure that the hitch extension will be long enough to clear the Baja Box and rear tire carrier. The bike is approximately 270 pounds soaking wet. Obviously, with the EB series van plus all of my additions... there is a great deal of weight a long way aft of the rear axle. Hopefully, this will help counteract the weight of the diesel engine.. :-] At some point, we would like to add a much smaller second motorcycle up front so that we can both take advantage of the extra mobility.
 
 

Special Thanks To:

  • The Yahoo Sportsmobile Owners Group - Thanks to everyone who takes the time to participate in sharing their experiences and information).
  • BadgerTrek.com - Thanks for sharing such detailed information about your specific configuration, your experience, and your travels).

Thank you!!