Scott:

There are probably about two dozen of these puppies running around here in
Santa Barbara.  (One of the preferred Soccer Mom vehicles I guess, along
with the Suburbans and Humvees)

All of the owners I have chatted with are very pleased with them.  I talked
to one guy up in the Sierras who had passed me going about 60 on a steep
hill (pulling a trailer LOADED with about 6 kayaks, 4 bikes, and  about
1,000 lbs of other gear).  I caught up with him at the next gas station and
we chatted about how great pop-tops are.  As it turned out, his gas mileage
wasn't that different from our Syncro - about 15 MPG on the Highway (though
a lot worse around town).  It was a 4WD version built on a Ford chassis, and
had huge winches mounted front and back.  He spent about $50k on it and was
on his maiden voyage.

They have very roomy interiors that seem to be well thought out.  Nice and
clean, like a Westy (not like a typical RV) much more utilitarian looking.
Some of the real nice touches include things like climate control (heat and
AC) while camping, auxiliary power subsystems, spacious reefer, and a good
kitchen layout.

I have to confess, I would love to have one, since when it comes to REALLY
rugged off-road use, my confidence has always come from American iron...
(and 35" tires...)  :-)

I'll never part with the Syncro, though!  :-)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Scott Semyan
> Sent: Friday, March 24, 2000 10:19 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Sportsmobile
>
>
> 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>
>

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