1995 Sportsmobile (94k; 5.8l V8; 2WD)
This is a 1995 Ford Econoline E250 which was converted into an RV by Sportsmobile (SMB) West in Fresno, California, direct from the factory.
I purchased this SMB from the family of its second owner, who had passed away last year. The van hadn’t been operated in a few months (save the occasional warm-up), primarily because of an out-of-alignment penthouse top. The picture below shows the vehicle before I purchased it:
Upon receipt of the van, I immediately began restoration back into a happy working condition. This included a trip to SMB West, where the penthouse was repaired and the wheels and tires were replaced with new Hankook tires and steel wheels from a new Econoline.
In addition, the front rotors had warped, so before returning to Oregon I had them completely replaced with factory parts and new brake pads. While up on the lift we noticed the driver’s side CV boot was in disrepair, so it was also replaced.
Once home, I removed the running boards, commissioned custom steel bumpers, and began cleaning the interior. I removed half of the built-in shelving to create more interior space for movement when parked, which can be added back for additional storage space. (It just bolts in through the floor.) I replaced a bad battery in the rear and verified that the refrigerator and electrical system were working. I flushed every fluid I could get to, then took it into a local shop and had them flush a few more. Then I started traveling!
It’s a great van. I’m moving in a few months and am considering selling it—hence this listing. It’s extremely comfortable to live in for extended periods, drives like a dream on the highway (and does okay on forest roads and uneven surfaces, although it’s certainly not an “off-road” vehicle.) It’s surprisingly nimble around town, although it is extended body Econoline, so you’ve got to watch your mirrors.
Let’s get the imperfections out of the way first:
• A few scratches here and there, including a white one on the driver’s side rear wheel well, as well as a pretty good sized groove on the passenger side’s front fender. The most prominent is on the passenger side wheel well, where the previous owner drove too closely to a support pole in his carport. It’s entirely cosmetic. I’ve included a close-up of the passenger side so you can clearly see it.
• Cruise control does not work. I have not begun to troubleshoot this.
• There is typical undercarriage surface rust on the frame. This was a California and Oregon van, though, so nothing beyond what you would expect for a fifteen-year-old van and certainly nothing structural.
• Passenger-side barn door handle does not open from the outside.
• The sliding pantry shelf has a tendency to open up on its own, despite that I replaced the latch with original Sportsmobile equipment. I just need to put in a larger metal tab on the top, but that’s why there’s a bungee holding everything closed in the picture below.
• I’m keeping the cast-iron Dutch oven I found in the back. Sorry!
Now for the good stuff!
• A/C works great. It’s cab-only. There’s no HVAC system for the camper.
• Brand-spanking-new Pioneer head unit, complete with iPod/iPhone hookup. (The iPhone hookup was basically why I bought it.)
• Working refrigerator/freezer.
• Four 360° Captain’s chairs that can be pivoted to surround a pop-in table for meals or relaxing.
• Trademark SMB “Penthouse” pop-top with drop-down bed. If you know Sportsmobiles at all, you know what this is.
• Rear bed with storage underneath.
• Day-Nite shades.
• Dual batteries for power away from shore power. (No inverter yet. 12v always works from battery; 110v needs shore power.)
• Air bags! You can see the “saggy butt” in the early picture, but I got the airbags working and am happy to report they fix both any sag as well as greatly improve the ride quality. There fill nozzles in the rear bumper.
• Power windows and locks.
• Custom front and rear bumpers, fierce enough to make the van look tough but not so overblown as to make it appear like a 4×4 poseur. There’s even a storage locker in the front for rope and other safety equipment.
• 14-16MPG highway. It has tended toward 15MPG in the few thousand miles I’ve put on it, but that was primarily through the mountains. I’ve done over 17MPG on freeway miles. As anyone who drives a van can tell you, the difference between 55 and 65MPH on the highway can make a big efficiency difference, as well.
• Restored headlights using a surprisingly awesome 3M grinding and polishing kit.
• All Ford recall work has been performed.
• Complete records and receipts from my ownership time.
• New basic steel 2010 Econoline wheels and Hankook tires with less than 3k miles on them.
• Blacked out front grill for that Comfortably Menacing™ look.
I’ve had a blast getting this van back into shape. If you’re interested, feel free to email me: joeljohnson ACK gmail.com