I know this might be a sacrilegious question but does anyone have any
experience with Sportsmobile (http://www.sportsmobile.com/
<http://www.sportsmobile.com/> )? They used to provide conversions build off
of VW busses back in the 60's. Now they make camper vans built off of
standard passenger vans (Ford, Chevy, etc.). They have many different
layouts to choose from including one that mirrors the layout of a Westie
(pop top and all). I am the owner of an '85 Westie that I am happy with but
as I approach a time when my wife and I will be doing some extended
traveling in the van, I am concerned about the reliability of the engine and
transmission. I would love to take the van to Alaska or even on the trip to
South America but I can't imagine getting there without serious mechanical
difficulties. The last thing I want is to be stranded on the highway
somewhere.

Here is why the Sportsmobile vehicles interest me:
1)      You can get them made from of a new van with a brand new motor you
choose (V8, Diesel, Turbo Diesel, etc.) that any mechanic can work on.
2)      You can choose the type of transmission from limited slip
differentials to even a four wheel drive option (after market).
3)      Because the vehicles are so "standard" parts are cheaper and easier
to find.
4)      They have 40 pre made designs for the interior and you have the
option of designing a custom interior.
5)      Did I mention you can get a V-8 engine?

Ok, here are the negatives:
1)      Price. These things are expensive. But they are not much more
expensive then a Eurovan (unless you add a bunch of options like 4 wheel
drive - then they get very expensive).
2)      American Made. Let's face it. The Germans know how to engineer
things (except water cooled boxter engines :-)). The American made vans are
just not as well crafted and innovative as the Vanagons are.
3)      Gas mileage. That V-8 comes at a price.
4)      No mailing list. The existence of this list was one of the factors
that led me to purchasing a Vanagon. I doubt such a list exists for
Sportsmobile owners (although with standard engines and transmissions, dare
I say they might not have as many discussions about alternative engine
choices and head gasket problems?).

I know this is slightly off topic for Vanagons. That is why I posted on
Friday. I don't want to be seen as bashing the Vanagon but I am just
interested in some options.

Here is the photo and story that caught my attention:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/4x4/truktren.htm
<http://www.sportsmobile.com/4x4/truktren.htm>