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When the others stop this rig keeps going.
Bring your clothing and food, it is ready to go anywhere in the world.
Don't let the year of the base vehicle deter you. Read the specs, look at the photos review the design and the engineering. This is the rig others try to be.
So if you are looking to buy or just researching to build your own, this is the one that sets the bar quite high.
This is not nor has ever been a Sportsmobile.
This rig was built ground up for long range, long term off road excursions.
Other than some wear and tear the rig is like new. The rig has been highly maintained. After every trip we go thru from the front to the rear inspecting and refining the rig. The transmission, transfer case, differentials, braking system, cooling systems and motor upgrades all have less than 50K miles.
Overall, the rig is low maintenance; general inspection, greasing, changing oil filters and cleaning is all you need to do.
2 or 4
The rig is great and very comfortable for two people as is, but if you have a couple of kids no problem. With the penthouse top open you can place a plywood platform on top of the bottom rails of the pop top, add a mattress, install seatbelts (included), on the back seating area and you’re good to go.
This one is too small, This one is too big, This one is just right.
Can this rig go where the big rigs go? Yes, and many more places they can’t. They get 4 to 5 mpg; this rig gets up to 20mpg.
Can this rig go where the Jeeps go? Not everywhere. It’s a matter of geometry. Can the jeeps go where we go? Not everywhere. They simply don’t have the storage for fuel, water and food.
The Good
We researched for over a year with over landers from around the world. We wanted to know what issues they had with their rigs. This rig addresses the majority of the issues they were having below:
Fuel mileage, on road this rig gets 18 to 20 mpg, off-road we have a range of 400 to 600 miles depending on the conditions.
Tired of being tired-a 6-inch 100% latex mattress full length a couple inches narrower than a queen size. The bed coverts into a small couch with the push of a button. The passenger seat swivels around facing the couch. Making it very comfortable.
Not being able to stand up while inside: with the pop up top no problem, and I am 6’3”.
Too Cold-Webasto diesel heater. No matter how cold this will run you out. We've been in sub-zero with the top up, if you want to be at 85 degrees, no problem. If it is really cold you could lower the top. Less area to heat, the bed is on the lower level.
Too hot: We do have a small portable AC unit.
Too Wet: Not an issue with the popup top and the outside awning with the walls installed.
Cold showers: Webasto diesel heater with a 42 plate heat exchanger.
No Storage: Look at the photo. What is not shown is all the food storage and 3 seasons of clothing.
Cold storage for food, one large and one small. Properly used we have food for 3 weeks.
Bad Water: We filter water going into the tank and then thru 3 media filters and finished with a UV light.
Break downs: Not that you won’t have some; I believe that the components that have been used and the design eliminated most. The specs clearly show the quality of this rig. The differentials and transfer case are known worldwide in the off-road world for their strength and long life under the harshest conditions. The suspension, driveshafts, bumpers, and running boards have been built for this rig, not low-quality high-priced parts off the shelf.
The transmission and torque converter have been built for this rig, using the same parts as they use in this transmission for a 1200hp drag car.
This rig is very easy to work on. If you need to take it to a shop any mechanic around the world can make repairs. This rig is not over computerized. The fuel injection is handled by the computer as is the shift points of the transmission. However, the transmission and torque converter can be run manually.
No space when the weather is bad: With the walls installed you have a great room that is protected from the harsh environment.
Rough riding and noisy: Not this rig. This rigs ride is amazing on road and off road. With the sound proofing and insulation, it is quiet. You will be amazed with both.
What could be done:
Install a differential lock in the front
A larger skid plate. This has never been a problem. Everything sets up high in the frame. But you never know.
The Bad (not really)
The exterior paint could be refreshed, not that it is bad. There is no rust, a new coat of paint would protect the body for many more years. I have always used marine grade wash, cleaner, and wax yearly to protect the body.
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