Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - 4WD (4 Wheel Drive, 4x4)

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Photo by Oksana Perkins

Ford discontinues
van diesel engines November 2009

9/29/09 — We have just been informed that Ford Motor Company will discontinue the diesel engine option for vans effective Nov. 20 this year. New orders for Ford vans with diesel engines can be placed until Nov. 20. After that date, only existing inventory with this engine will be available.

Ford advises us that the diesel motor option for Ford vans might not be available for up to three years. So if you are interested in a Ford van with the diesel engine, we advise you not to wait until Nov. 20 to place your order. The closer to the cut-off date, the less assurance your order will be built.

Get Serious with Sportsmobile's 4WD System

The Sportsmobile 4WD Vehicle is for the most discerning of off-road enthusiasts. Only the best heavy-duty components are used to give the absolute best off-road performance while maintaining exceptional on-road performance.

This combined with over four decades of experience designing and manufacturing van campers makes the Sportsmobile 4WD a truly unique product.

Sportsmobile 4WD Conversion Includes:

For Ford E350 Regular/Extended Body Vans
Advance Adapter Atlas II all gear driven transfer case Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 front axle Dana 60 rear axle High Knuckle front end for extra tie rod clearance True horizontal drag link Spicer 1350 one-ton rated driveline components Reverse Shackle leaf spring design Your choice of open, limited slip, or locking differentials Partial military wrap springs designed specifically for a Sportsmobile conversion Front sway bar with quick disconnect system and custom shocks Sportsmobile West Inc. limited warranty 36 months/36,000 miles parts and labor. U.S. sales.

4WD Upgrades for the '08+ Ford Van

Because Ford redesigned the van's front end, it was necessary for Sportsmobile West to redesign the 4x4 front axle. This upgrade consists of a new casting, larger knuckles, hub and F550 rotor. Ford also beefed-up the calipers. The calipers, rotors and ABS sensors are Ford factory parts, making this system easier to service.

These changes are comparable to a $2,000 upgrade.

However, the redesign caused two other issues:

With Sportsmobile West's larger brake rotor, the factory 16" wheels will not fit. Sportsmobile West 4WDs will require 17" wheels, which are available through Sportsmobile.
Ford's factory tire monitoring system is not adjustable. It is set for 55 PSI front and 80 PSI rear. If you use larger tires designed to run different PSIs, then an after-market tire monitoring system will be required.

We recommend the Hella Remote Monitoring System. This system is adjustable, and if a tire is low it will tell you how much and which tire. It also monitors the temperature of each tire. Ford's monitoring System only tells you when a tire is low. The Hella System is available from Sportsmobile for $475 installed for a set of 5.

Features

Ford E-350 1 Ton, GVWR 9,500
6.8L V-10 or 6.0L Diesel
Advanced Adapters Atlas II All Gear Driven Transfer Case
Dynatrac Pro-Roc 60 Front Axle
Dana 60 Rear Axle
High Knuckle Front End for Extra Tie Rod Clearance
Extra Heavy Duty Steering Arm
Horizontal Drag Link Eliminates Bump Steer
Spicer 1350 One-Ton Rated Driveline Components
Your choice of Open, Limited Slip, or Locking Differentials
Partial Military Wrap Springs Designed Specifically for a Sportsmobile Conversion.
Manufactured by Sportsmobile West Inc.

Specs

Vehicle Dimensions/Characteristics
Length: RB 211.9” EB 231.9”
Width: 79.3”
Track Width: (Front/Rear) 70.5” / 70.5”
Height with Penthouse: 94.0”
Wheel Base: 140.3”
Ground Clearance (Van Center): 16.5”
Approach / Departure Angle: 44º / 32º
Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs.
Turning Circle: 49’ 2” curb to curb
Wheel Travel: (Front) 22” nom. (Sway Bar Disconnected)

Equipment Specifications
Engine: 6.8L V-10 or 6.0L Diesel
Transmission: 4R100 / Torqshift 5-speed
Transfer Case: Atlas II (3.0 or 3.8:1 gear ratio)
Axle Gear Ratio: 4.10:1 (Towing Package)
Tires/Rims: BFGAT LT285/75R16 (33” nom.)
Suspension: Partial Military Wrap Leaf Shackle System
Front Sway Bar: Standard 1.38” Dia. With Quick Disconnect System

Optional Equipment, Also See 4x4 Options

Front and/or Rear Performance Differentials, ARB.
Rear Sway Bar & suspension Up-grades, Improve handling and side wind stability
Full Floating rear end
On board air, comes with receiver for airing up tires, cleaning filters, running air tools
Available for retrofit, Ford E-350

Additional Information

Sportsmobile West Warranty
Covers 36 months/36,000 miles. The Sportsmobile system does not affect the original factory warranty on the unaltered portions of your van. For future ease of service, each four-wheel-drive system is provided with a detailed list of all component parts and a maintenance schedule.

The Sportsmobile 4WD is manufactured and warrantied by Sportsmobile West Inc. of California.

Cost?

Around $60,000-$90,000 for the van, Sportsmobile and Sportsmobile 4x4 conversion.
Financing is available up to 15 years with 15% down.
All interest charges may be deductible from your Federal Income Tax returns as a second home (motorhome). Consult with your accountant.
RV insurance is less than a car.
There is no luxury tax on motorhomes.

How Long Does It Take?

Manufactured by Sportsmobile West.
If we special order the van for you - 3 to 8 months including the time to convert the van to your specifications.
If we have a chassis in stock – around 8 weeks.
If we have a 4x4 converted van in stock – immediate delivery.
Please see our “New Stock” page for what’s available.

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