Sportsmobile vs Four Wheel Campers

[DirtyDog]

From the blog comments (no longer available) :

How strange. I’m going through the same thing. Sportsmobile over the Four Wheel camper. But I didn’t like the idea of everyday driving a van around. Is the Four Wheel Camper easy to on and off load when not needed? I’m really leaning towards a 4×4 Tundra access cab and a Loaded Hawk. About 52 grand total. Alot lesss then a loaded Sportsmobile. Let me ask you, is there any option you wish you got or.. could do without.

Mark

The camper is easy enough to load and unload that I wouldn't mind doing it a couple times per month. I wouldn't want to load and unload it every weekend, but if thats what you need to do I'm sure it's feasible. I have only unloaded my camper once in the year I have had it. I really don't have anywhere to store it right now so it lives on my truck permanently.

I am happy with the options I chose. I have yet to use the Arctic Pack insulation kit but I hope to in the near future. I had a scissor step mount added just below the rear door by my local RV dealer. Having steps in the back makes accessing the camper much easier - especially when you are carrying things. If this is an option from FWC, I'd have that added at time of order.

 

[simimike]

I too looked at the sportsmobiles, very nice but the vehicle is one use only.I like the option of having a pick-up and an RV. The wife and I looked long and hard at what we wanted in an RV. We finely decided a 4X4 Dodge truck with the FWC fit our travel and camping needs.
Options, options, who can say. I plan to get the following options, awning (a must), second vent with fan, large refer, roof rack,outside shower, extended cab over, left side window, rear steps, battery, porta poty, screen door, and maybe some others I can't think of right now.
I was looking at another forum and a guy was saying that FWC will be coming out with a model with a interior shower and toilet. A Keystone? I will be asking the factory rep at the Outdoors Show in Pomona in February. I'll keep you all posted on what they say.

 

[captainkettel]

Sportsmobile vs. Four Wheel Campers

I have a 1984 Xplorer van right now. I am going to be up grading to either a 4X4 Sportsmobile or a 4X4 pickup with a Four Wheel camper. After reading all the material on thier website and checking http://www.turtleexpedition.com/ site I still haven't made up my mind. The Sportsmobile has way more room. But like stated earlier is single purpose. I already have a Jeep 4X4 pickup and am thinking of doing a build up on that and then adding a "Ranger" Four Wheel camper. Can't seem to find too many used campers. Found one on craigslist but it sold in one day. Guess people are always looking for them. Anyone have feelings or comments about the interior size limits?

 

[DirtyDog]

The Four Wheel Camper is spacious enough for one person when the top is up. Two people is tight. The shorter Sportsmobile isn't really bigger than a truck camper, but the fact that it's open to the cab and the passenger seat rotates to provide more seating space definately makes the Sportsmobile feel bigger. Also, I would think the sliding side door would make exit and entry far easier and increase the feeling of size.

If price was no object, I'd rather have the Sportsmobile. However, the price difference is huge and I'm not sure the value is there in a 90k van.

 

[captainkettel]

Sportsmobile vs. Four Wheel camper

Well the Sportsmobile of my liking came up first. I just purchased a 1994 E350 4X4 Sportsmobile. I had been looking to find a good used Four Wheel Camper but it just didn't happen. Everytime one came up it either sold before I could get to it or the owner could not be contacted. I called and emailed a guy who had a Ford 150 4X4 with a Hawk on it 5 times. Either he liked it to much or changed his mind! Never would make contact. So this great deal came up for the Sportsmobile and I took it! I plan on still perhaps getting a Four Wheel camper if the price is right. I'm interested in a "Ranger" for my Jeep Comanche
4X4 pickup. So I'll keep coming back for updates and tips on Four wheel Campers.

 

[DirtyDog]

Congrats on your purchase captain. Post some pics if you get a chance. I'll probably add a Sportsmobile forum to this site later this year.

 

[captainkettel]

My new 1994 4X4 Sportsmobile

Here is a photo of my 1994 Sportsmobile 4X4 I just purchased. Drove it from Reno back to Washington state. Went through the High Desert in Oregon. It is the Ford E350 EB w/460 gasser! It has a very nice camper package.Took it a little off-road to try out the 4X4. Boy it climbs and handles really well. Looking forward to another trip in the near future.

 

[DirtyDog]

Looks great captain! Mind saying what you paid for it?

 

[captainkettel]

Sportsmobile

I bought this unit from Lynn at Sportsmobile West. This was a pre-owned consignment rig. Totally fully loaded. Paid 26k for her. It has a nice winch and custom bumper. The Quiggley 4X4 conversion. Just about anything else you could ever want. There's a TV/VCR, DVD, CB, CD mulit-disk changer. Has the large 4cf refeer. Penthouse, running lights and even a remote spotlight. The stove and furnace are propane fired. The cabinetes are like new and done in white not the dark woodgrain. Has a grey interior and seats. Forgot the alarm system with power just about everthing. I was satisfied with the price, and the service was the best I have ever had. Really nice people to work with!

 

[DirtyDog]

Wow, looks like you got a great deal! How do those long vans do off road? I'd have a hard time choosing between the short and long models if I were to get a Sportsmobile.

 

[captainkettel]

Climbing in a Sportsmobile

My Sportsmobile which has the long wheel base seems to do well climbing. The first hill I went up was in a ORV park. It was a gravel pit. The climb, a small one was about 75 ft. @ almost 45 degrees! I was amazed that I didn't bottom out on the back end. The top of the hill had a slight roll to it.That's probably why I didn't high center midship. This sportsmbile has 33x12.5x16.5 tires so I have a LOT of ground clearence body wise. Pumpkins are still only 12 or so inches though. I saw a nice Dodge Dakota with a Four Wheel Camper today on my way to work at the fire station. Boy, it looked pretty small in comparison to the size of a lifted, extended length, full sized cargo van! But still, for what I paid for a used rig I could have gotten a REALLY nice truck and Four Wheel Camper! Sometimes smaller IS better. I really like my Sportsmobile though. See ya down road...Dennis...

 

[dustinbriq]

I just found this thread and forum...

Hi,

I'm a new Sportsmobile owner. I have both a 4x4 camper and just recently purchased a Sportsmobile 4x4 Extended Body. For me, the Sportsmobile fit the bill. I have a wife, small child, and 3 dogs that we take on trips. I couldn't fit the dogs comfortably in the camper, thus creating the need for more room. I also didn't want to be confined to rv parks, so I had to find something small yet capable off road. That left only one choice for me. Anyway, it's really nice having more room, 2 beds for the 3 of us, and floor space for the dogs. The dvd/lcd monitors, gps, nice stereo system, and all of the amenities of the sportsmobile are an added bonus.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2274307/1

 

[DirtyDog]

Hi Dustin,

Thanks for posting the pics. Looks great! Where did you pick that up at? Yeah, Sportsmobiles are some sweet rigs alright.

 

[dustinbriq]

I picked it up via private party sale locally. (San Diego) It only had 26k on the odo and was in extremely clean condition.

 

[chamster]

Hey Dustinbrig,

I'm shopping around for Sportsmobile or FWC, probably whichever comes first that I can afford. Mind answering a couple questions about your rig?

1. How much did it cost you?

2. Have you tested the gas mileage on it?

Sweet looking rig!

Thanks,
Bob

 

[captainkettel]

FWC & Truck

Thought you might like to take a look at set up I found on Craigslist. This is a package deal. I always keep my eye out. I was going to buy a FWC but found a Sportsmobile instead. I have a 1994 Ford E350 4X4 Sportsmobile. I paid 26K for it. But it IS loaded! I had the exhaust re-done and the injectors just cleaned. I was getting 9.4 with the 7.5L (460) gas motor. After the work I am now getting 11.5-12.2 depending on how I drive. "Got to let them breathe"! Anyway check out this package if you like. Good luck with your search...captainkettel...

1990 Ford F150 4x4 with 8ft Pop-Up Camper - $6000

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: sale-209843912@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-09-20, 9:48AM MDT


Up for sale is my 1990 Ford 4x4 Pickup and 4-wheel brand 8ft pop-up camper.

Truck details,
5.0 Liter V8 engine, 5-speed manual trans, 4 Wheel drive, locking hubs. Many new parts, runs good, very dependable.

Camper details,
1994 4-wheel pop-up brand 8ft camper. Has sink, stove, heater, etc. Very nice condition. Used very little. New $400.00 set of camper jacks included. Has new propane tank with the newer type connections.

Hunting season is just around the corner. This is a great hunting rig.

Asking $6000.00 for the truck and camper, or will separate and sell each for $3000.00

Email Scott at: scottsmopar@yahoo.com OR call 303-823-6490




this is in or around Lyons, CO

no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests




209843912


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[captainkettel]

Sportsmobile

This is a photo of Matanuska Glacier range on the Glen Hwy between Tok and Palmer. This is in south central ALASKA. The Van is my 1994 4X4 Sportsmobile. This was taken in late August before the the snow. When I raise my penthouse I have a ton of room. I think probably even more than in the Grandby FWC models.

 

[captainkettel]

First years worth

Well I have owned my 1994 4X4 Sportsmobile for just a little over a year now. I have put a little over 12,000 miles on my rig! This first year I have gone farther and seen more Adventure than I would have ever hope for! I traveled from Reno to my home in Washington. Then around the Scenic Olympic Loop in Washington. I did my usual trip to Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula. For the holidays I went on the Turtle Expeditions Baja Adventure. Then to cap off my first years ownership I traveled to Death Valley to see the spring bloom which never happened. Yet all these Adventures were just that. An Adventure! I have seen and talked to a number of FWC owners. I convinced my brother how wonderful a FWC was and he purchased one to bring on this years adventures. Throughout the whole year this has been a very informative and useful crowd. I would just like to say thanks for the help and trip info. I hope to see you on my travels for this year...captainkettel...

 

[EdoHart]

When I retire!

I have a 1994 Ford E350 4X4 Sportsmobile. I paid 26K for it. But it IS loaded! I had the exhaust re-done and the injectors just cleaned. I was getting 9.4 with the 7.5L (460) gas motor. After the work I am now getting 11.5-12.2 depending on how I drive. "Got to let them breathe"! Anyway check out this package if you like. Good luck with your search...captainkettel...


The first time I saw a Sportsmobile I thought it was a great idea. A truck camper kind of separates the amenities of the cab from the camper (though with the sliding window on the camper, at least the dogs can use the front at night). I think you paid a great price, especially when you compare to new. I think I've seen diesel Sportsmobiles. Those would bring a hefty price, but would be great combination for economy, torque and engine life.

 

[dustinbriq]

Hey Dustinbrig,

I'm shopping around for Sportsmobile or FWC, probably whichever comes first that I can afford. Mind answering a couple questions about your rig?

1. How much did it cost you?

2. Have you tested the gas mileage on it?

Sweet looking rig!

Thanks,
Bob


Sorry for the long delay, as I just found this thread again. Cost on the Sportsmobile was pretty heavy, around $62k. The gas mileage isn't the best at around 10-12, depending how I drive. It does have a 44 gallon tank, so the range is way over 450 miles.