Topic: Sportsmobile Penthouse Raised Roof (Read 9506 times)

Len and Jo · « **on:** October 16, 2008, 11:47:21 PM »

My Wife and I are considering remodeling our camping van. We have a 2000 Chevrolet Extended Van (see picture Library - Conversions and Remodels for pictures of it) and think we want to add a Sportsmobile Penthouse roof. See attached photo for how they look. The picture is of a regular Chev. van and not the extended.

They cost about $5k installed (I think). Looking for people who have long term experience with them. How is the wind and road noise while driving? Have you had any water leaks with this type of roof? Have you been happy with it and Sportsmobile workmanship?

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2008, 07:55:47 AM »

This thread will answer many of your questions.

This Thread

Jack

Betty Brewer · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2008, 04:20:02 PM »

Jo and Len,

Many years ago we purchased a Sportsmobile brand new with all of the custom features we requested. We loved the rig. It did not leak and it got many tests with rain. The top did not make noise when driving down the road. But sometimes at night if the wind blew very hard, we opted to close the lid and sleep below. Those Anza Borrego winds can be fierce.

Alan was part owner out of Fresno, California. He had a plant in midwest someplace as well. Very honest , personable, reputable. We have fond memories every time we see a Sportsmobile on the road. We liked the Quality of the product they freatured. Now it has been 0ver 13 years since we dealt with them but we have spoken to Alan at each FMCA Show where he displays and he always seems to be a nice guy! I always look at his rigs as a potential one day to downsize.

Betty

Len and Jo · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2008, 04:28:33 PM »

Thanks for the first hand feedback Betty. The gentleman who owns the one I posted feels the same as you do. He did a lot of the inside work (and design) himself but had them install the top. This was the 4th 'B' he has built over the years, so he also should know what he is talking about. I believe his is a 1997 van and has 130,000 miles on it.

Sportsmobile's web site gives the impression that they are a "can do" group of people. They have a plant in Indiana and we want to go down there and see how they are built and see some samples.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #4 on:** January 08, 2009, 03:00:36 PM »

Well we are going to visit the Sportsmobile factory in Indiana on Tuesday morning. We are taking our van with to see how much 'stuff' I have to remove it for them to install a penthouse and to tour the plant. I really think I know the answer- - most everything. My main problem will be remembering how I installed cabinets, wiring, paneling, etc. and taking it all out in reverse order. We have two things to think about besides if we want to do it:

1. Penthouse roof color. Van dark green or leave it white? Green is a "better" match of course but white would be cooler in the summer.
2. Maybe also add a swivel seat base on passenger side. Have a 4" walkway between the seat and the center console but not sure if that is enough room to swivel the seat. Can modify the console if needed of course.

We plan to lot of photos and will post when we get back.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2009, 08:36:33 PM »

Well we took a two day road trip that included a stop at the Huntington, Indiana Sportsmobile plant and up to Shipshewana, Indiana in Amish country. There are several quilting stores in Shipshewana. Lots of wind and blowing snow on the second day. Home now and am writing thins in front of a nice warm fire.

Below or pictures of our short travels. First few of the Sportsmobile plant and the last of Shipshewana area.

PS: If you keep your mouse arrow on the thumbnail for a couple of seconds the photo caption will pop up.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2009, 08:42:29 PM »

This set is of the Shipshewana, Indiana area. Shipshewana is 60 miles north of Huntington Indiana and was on our way home. There was a strong steady wind out of the west but as long as we drove 35-45ish we had no problems with our van.

Ron · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2009, 09:12:17 PM »

Looks a though Shipshewana has more cotton along the roads than we do here at Sam's Camp.

Sam recognized the Yoders Quilt shop. She has been there more than just once or twice.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 13, 2009, 09:28:24 PM »

Ron,

The photo's are of Lollys Quilt shop. We also went to Yoder Department Store. Jo bought a bunch of fabric at Yoder for a "mystery quilt" she will be working on with her quilt group. I liked Yoder's myself, the hardware section had some good tools and stuff. Never saw a gasoline powered (heated) clothes iron before. Similar plumbing as a Colman lantern but built into an clothes iron. Several clever items for people who do not have electricity.

This was our first trip to Shipshewana. Joanne just HAD to go there and it was fun. Will go back when we have more time and the weather is nicer.

Ron · « **Reply #9 on:** January 13, 2009, 10:01:42 PM »

Might be that Sam got her quilt shops mixed up.

We have always enjoyed visiting Shipshewana too. They do have some interesting things at Yoders. Best Beef jerky we have had came from Shipsewana.

ArdraF · « **Reply #10 on:** January 14, 2009, 05:26:02 PM »

Oh, BRRRR! It looks cold.... But I love the two photos of the horse-drawn buggies. So very Amish! Also very picturesque.

ArdraF

aka Porky · « **Reply #11 on:** January 14, 2009, 08:19:45 PM »

We were just there in Shipshewana in August. I grew up on a poor dirt farm just a hundred miles or so, southwest of there. We weren't Amish, but lived so far back in the hills that I recognized many of the items in Yoders hardware department. My grandmother and mother had a gas powered Maytag ringer washing machine that they shared and Grandma had flat irons that she heated on the wood burning stove to do her ironing, but Mom had the gas powered model that you mentioned.

I've turned many of those old cream separators, that they sell there, by hand, after milking 8 or 10 cows, morning and night. I'll spare you the five mile uphill walks to and from school

That weather sure did look familiar though.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2009, 11:26:54 AM »

Well we ordered the penthouse top yesterday. Will have it installed in mid March. Going down to Haiti in early March so I better get the van stripped prior to Haiti trip. Just in case I get a bug.

We will build our own bed for the penthouse.

I also ask about getting a swivel base installed under the passenger. They seem reluctant to want to do that. $:-\$ $:-\$

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2009, 02:45:10 PM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on January 08, 2009, 03:00:36 PM

Well we are going to visit the Sportsmobile factory in Indiana on Tuesday morning. We are taking our van with to see how much 'stuff' I have to remove it for them to install a penthouse and to tour the plant. I really think I know the answer- - most everything. My main problem will be remembering how I installed cabinets, wiring, paneling, etc. and taking it all out in reverse order. We have two things to think about besides if we want to do it:

1. Penthouse roof color. Van dark green or leave it white? Green is a "better" match of course but white would be cooler in the summer.
2. Maybe also add a swivel seat base on passenger side. Have a 4" walkway between the seat and the center console but not sure if that is enough room to swivel the seat. Can modify the console if needed of course.

We plan to lot of photos and will post when we get back.

Not a big fan of taking a virtual can opener to the roof of a perfectly structured/street reliable van. JMHO Jack

S J Strait · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2009, 09:18:51 AM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on January 22, 2009, 11:26:54 AM

Well we ordered the penthouse top yesterday. Will have it installed in mid March. Going down to Haiti in early March so I better get the van stripped prior to Haiti trip. Just in case I get a bug.

We will build our own bed for the penthouse.

I also ask about getting a swivel base installed under the passenger. They seem reluctant to want to do that. $:-\$ $:-\$

What ever happened with this? Is it done? Are thier any pics?

Len and Jo · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2009, 04:58:50 PM »

We drop of the van on March 24th and the job is completed on the 25th. WE WILL HAVE PICTURES! I still have to get out and "gut" the van. Temperatures are expected to be up in the 50's and 60's by this week end. So I have to get started.

S J Strait · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2009, 05:43:51 PM »

Hey if I would have payed more attention to what I was reading I would have saw right sorry about the stupid question. I look forward to seeing the pics.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #17 on:** March 09, 2009, 04:33:05 PM »

No problem. I started today stripping the interior of anything that is attached to the ceiling. I need to have the ceiling area clean so Sportmobile can cut it out and install the penthouse. Below are some before and after photos of todays activity. You can now see the foam insulation that I had sprayed in the van. I have the two remaining aft walls, drivers side overhead storage, and front ceiling panel to take out yet. Will post more as I progress further. I want to have it all stripped by Thursday.

S J Strait · « **Reply #18 on:** March 09, 2009, 06:57:23 PM »

Are you reusing these cabnets or are you building new? Looks like you are well on your way.

RV Roamer · « **Reply #19 on:** March 09, 2009, 07:03:43 PM »

Big job, Len, but it looks as though you made a good start. Then another big job to put it back together again. I'm guessing there will be some design changes to accommodate the pop-up roof.

wkndfun · « **Reply #20 on:** March 09, 2009, 08:13:45 PM »

My wife and had a Sportmans E150 Van loved it!! No water problems no noise. Just a tip open a window or door when lowering the roof and the canvass should fold in with no problems. If you lower is with the van all closed the air will push the canvass out and under the seal of the top and your van roof. Get into the habit of walking around the van and checking the canvass before you lock it down and travel.

Just my experience....

Len and Jo · « **Reply #21 on:** March 09, 2009, 08:22:28 PM »

I figure if I can rig a hose from a window to the fire pit. I could use the penthouse as a bellows to get camp fires going. If I do it I will have Joanne take a picture.

wkndfun · « **Reply #22 on:** March 09, 2009, 08:26:26 PM »

LOL Thats great!! We actually used it as a bedroom for our son when he was young. All his toys and him, he loved to look out at the windows.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #23 on:** March 09, 2009, 09:00:06 PM »

Everything in the back will be re-used. Will have to trim about 1" off of the top of the four walls and the cabinet over the sink. Will also need to add a top to the sink cabinet and the hanging closet. They used the roof before. I will loss 4cf of overhead storage. In the fourth photo you will note the blue painters tape near the outer side walls. That is the approximate finished opening width of the roof cut out for the penthouse. I may reuse the overheads but they will need to be reduced to only a few inches deep. Enough to hold a deck of cards or two.

The fourth photo on the right side shows (in blue painters tape) where a floor to ~~ceiling~~ bed rail cabinet will be made. I will get an overall increase of about 6cf of storage when it is built - that is also accounting for a SECOND house battery being added. We did not want any such cabinets in the previous design because of not being able to stand up. Did not want a door in our face. Now with our heads in the penthouse area most of the time the added storage will be nice.

Re-wiring and new light locations will have to be developed.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #24 on:** March 12, 2009, 08:20:12 PM »

Well I have most everything out of the van. Have one move wall to take out. Who ever built this van ran some after thought 110 volt wiring through one of the walls. So the wall and wiring were trapped together. The hole in the wall was near the bottom edge so rather than removing wires I was able to open the hole to the bottom edge and remove the panel. Never thought about taking this thing apart.

Joanne called Sportsmobile and confirmed our installation date. We drop the van off before 4 pm on March 23rd. They supply us with a car and a hotel room at the Holiday Inn and the van roof job is finished by 4 pm the next day - March 24th.

Looks like I will get my passenger swivel seat base after all.

I leave for Haiti tomorrow at 3 am in the morning

so I am done working on the van until I get home on March 20th. Everything should be fine as long as I don't bring "Montezuma" home with me.

After I get the roof on I have some re-design ideas I want to explore and see about getting in before the start of our summer travels.

wkndfun · « **Reply #25 on:** March 13, 2009, 08:51:11 AM »

Lots of photos Please!!

S J Strait · « **Reply #26 on:** March 20, 2009, 06:11:29 AM »

Can't wait to see this going back together its going to be neat.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #27 on:** March 23, 2009, 07:51:49 PM »

Got back from Meribalais, Haiti without any problem. Left a week ago Friday at 4am and got back this Friday at about 11pm. I was with the group called Haiti Outreach Mission (HOM) that is centered in the Detroit area. I worked construction installed shelving and coat hanger bars in a orphanage. It was good work. Rested up over the week end and finished getting the van ready to go down to Indiana and have Sportsmobile install the new penthouse roof. Will only take one day and we will be home Wednesday evening.

Below are a few pics of Haiti and the final prep. work on the van. Will leave for Indiana tomorrow (Tuesday) am.

S J Strait · « **Reply #28 on:** March 24, 2009, 03:54:05 AM »

Looks like an old work van now LOL

Len and Jo · « **Reply #29 on:** March 24, 2009, 03:26:29 PM »

They are very close cousins.

We are at the Huntington, Indiana Holiday Inn right now. Sportsmobile is putting us up here for the night for "free". They also have supplied us with a car. As soon as we pulled in at 2:30 pm they started opening the top with a can opener. Wanted to know if I wanted to keep the roof fans. Took me about 0.000001 seconds to respond that yes I want both Fantastic Fans. I may be dumb but I ain't stupid.

Found the local quilt shop but it has been moved to another town. Typical.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #30 on:** March 25, 2009, 09:29:47 AM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on March 24, 2009, 03:26:29 PM

They are very close cousins.

We are at the Huntington, Indiana Holiday Inn right now. Sportsmobile is putting us up here for the night for "free". They also have supplied us with a car. As soon as we pulled in at 2:30 pm they started opening the top with a can opener. Wanted to know if I wanted to keep the roof fans. Took me about 0.000001 seconds to respond that yes I want both Fantastic Fans. I may be dumb but I ain't stupid.

Found the local quilt shop but it has been moved to another town. Typical.

Keep the pics come'n!...Have fun in Indiana!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #31 on:** March 26, 2009, 07:40:39 PM »

Sportmobile wanted us to stop by between noon and one on Wednesday to get an estimate of when the van would be done. I figured the job should take about 4 hours so I was expecting them to be done when we came in at 12:30 pm. We found two quilt stores during our morning wait. I watched and Joanne shopped.
Sure enough they were just vacuuming the van out when we got there. We were on the road home by 2 pm. Started putting the interior that we are re using back in today.

S J Strait · « **Reply #32 on:** March 26, 2009, 07:54:04 PM »

Wow! looking good . will your bed be up top?

Len and Jo · « **Reply #33 on:** March 26, 2009, 09:32:39 PM »

That's the plan. Sportsmobile could have provided us one for ~$500 if we wanted it. Have heard some negative comments about the 2" foam they use. We also already have Thermarest sleeping pads we really like and want to use. So we will make our own platform. It will store on the ceiling during the day and set on the van roof rails at night for sleeping - same as the Sportsmobile design.

S J Strait · « **Reply #34 on:** March 27, 2009, 04:40:51 AM »

I bet you can't wait to get it done and get to try it out.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #35 on:** March 31, 2009, 09:03:18 PM »

Well some progress is being made

See photos below. My "old" back end (the van that is) went back in with very little modification. Was fitted for roof crown and I had cut the tops of straight across to fit below the penthouse bed. Was getting things rolling along: sink back in, water tanks filled w chlorinated water and leak checked, rear buttoned up. Then as I tested the 110 volt electrical (ie: it was cold outside so I thought I would run the electric heater) the GFI tripped and tripped and tripped. No matter how hard I punched it to reset it it would trip as soon as I turned the heater on......and then when I started to try and run the battery charger. $:-\$ $:-\$

So I am draining the water tanks and pulling the sink cabinet so I can EASILY get at all the 110 volt wiring. The 110 wiring was the ONLY thing that I had not touched (so I thought).

Well anyway I have started making a bed platform. I did not like the sharp pointed rope cleats that Sportsmoble uses to hang the bed from. I know I would back into them when the bed was down and scrape them across my back. Or smash my head on one as I ducked under the bed at 2:00 a.m. on the way to the head. Just like I had a magnetic attraction for my old SHARP cornered van ceiling light fixtures. At least early in each year. I did re-learn fast. So see my "better mouse trap below.

1st Pic. "Is it done yet?"

2nd Pic. Some progress...over confidently I put the toilet back in. Maybe I needed a place to think while I was out working in the van. Our sub-consciously I thought it might be a good safety feature after just getting back from Haiti. $:-\$ $:-\$

3rd Pic. Snow, it snowed, but but but

4th Pic. Bed IS stowed below the ceiling if you look really close. Also note the toilet has been removed while exploring for the milli-amps that are leaking under the sink and tripping the GFI

5th Pic Bed to ceiling attachment method

6th Pic Close up of my better mouse trap. As long as it does not snap on me.

S J Strait · « **Reply #36 on:** April 01, 2009, 05:39:18 AM »

Hey looks like you are moving forward now. I had one question on the bed. Are the S hooks the only thing holding the bed up to the ceiling when in transit? Just wondering if they bare strong enough to hold if you hit a big bump in the road. Thanks for sharing looks good.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #37 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:31:32 AM »

Sportsmobile says the bed should be supported by the bed rails when in transit. The 'S' hooks support the bed only when stored at the ceiling level while camped. Also I weighed the bed last night when I installed the supports and it weighs (as of now) 58 lbs which is about 15 lbs per corner. Probably will be about 20-23 lbs per corner when completed and if stored with bedding in place (our plan).

davemittan · « **Reply #38 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:39:25 AM »

I'm curious about the number and configuration of the bed supports. Got pics?

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #39 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:47:58 AM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on April 01, 2009, 06:31:32 AM

Sportsmobile says the bed should be supported by the bed rails when in transit. The 'S' hooks support the bed only when stored at the ceiling level while camped. Also I weighed the bed last night when I installed the supports and it weighs (as of now) 58 lbs which is about 15 lbs per corner. Probably will be about 20-23 lbs per corner when completed and if stored with bedding in place (or plan).

Looks really cool Len!

Is that a 'Ryobi' cordless drill lying on the passenger side bed?

Len and Jo · « **Reply #40 on:** April 01, 2009, 12:31:58 PM »

Dave,

If you go to: http://www.sportsmobile.com/1_rb-50.html you will find their photo's of the optional penthouse bed. You will see that the bed when down is supported by the two side rails of the penthouse assembly. If you look close you will note the two cleats (two more at other end of bed) that they use to attach bed to ceiling for out of the way storage. They have stainless steel 1/8" cable loops attached to ceiling that when you push the end of the bed up to the ceiling that you rap around the cleats.

Jack,

Photo 4 shows both of my drills setting on the drivers side bench. The small dark one is a 9.6 volt Black and Decker and the yellow one is one of my two Ryobi 18 volt drills (one a drill and one with hammer drill option). The Black and Decker (very old model) is my favorite: light weight (good for overhead use), good torque, reasonable battery charge life, and batteries last for years before needing replacing. Ryobi: has more torque (of course w 18v), battery charger charges battery reasonably fast, BUT the batteries DO NOT last for years like the B&D $$$.

I took my pet ("old reliable" B&D 9.6v w two batteries and charger) to Mirebalais Haiti with me but recharging took 24 hours with the cities 96 volt line voltage. I got a fell days work out of the drill drilling cinder block walls for wall anchors. Second battery did not die until end of work day. Put one battery on charger in hotel room and at 1 am got up (5 hr charge time) and switched to second batter on the charger (another 5 hours of charge time) only to discover that neither battery had a charge when I got to work that morning. Had to leave one battery on charger for 24 hours to get it charged. We had a 18 volt DeWalt and it would recharge in a reasonable time with that sub-standard voltage (but only had one battery for it).

Len and Jo · « **Reply #41 on:** April 04, 2009, 07:50:20 PM »

I see I reported having a GFI tripping problem on March 31st. Well today April 4th, and working on it every day, I FINALLY have the problem fixed. I have been humbled. Everything I thought it was, it was not. After spending 3 days not getting anywhere I decided to start where the power comes into the van and replace wiring. Clean up some past sins. Turns out the problem was not close to were I was working. Lot of wiring cleaned up.

Sportsmobile used an air chisel to remove the roof. Lots of vibration. Found an outlet box where the ground wires had vibrated loss or off. Anyway cleaning up some wiring and re-attaching those wires fixed the problem.

Now I can start going forward again.

S J Strait · « **Reply #42 on:** April 04, 2009, 08:21:37 PM »

Damned gremlins anyway LOL

Len and Jo · « **Reply #43 on:** April 10, 2009, 06:59:58 PM »

Well the rear of the van is now complete. I did salvage some of the overhead storage cabinets and installed small sections of them at the top of the rear compartment wall. Good place to mount lighting on. I also installed lighting (2 10w 12v fixtures) in the hanging closet. Note the white light switch mounted above the closet.

Next task is to figure out how to mount an awning on the side of the van. My old roof rack mounting method has been eliminated by the Sportsmobile penthouse roof. My thoughts are to add a roof ladder to the rear passenger side of the van (just forward of rr bumper) and some sort of attachment above the passenger front door. That would give me two locations to mount an awning. Need to find away to make the awning weather tight where it meets the van. The awnings trailers, motor homes, etc. are tight against the RV so that you don't get wet when you first step out under the awning on a rainy day.

RV Roamer · « **Reply #44 on:** April 10, 2009, 07:59:18 PM »

Looking good, Len!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #45 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:22:22 PM »

Thanks Gary,

It will be different. Still can't get used to the new roof. I get in the van and walk around like a very old man. Then I remember I can stand up. Then I forget almost as soon as I remember. It will take awhile to undue 8 years of hard knock (literally) training.

S J Strait · « **Reply #46 on:** April 10, 2009, 09:33:48 PM »

looks great!

davemittan · « **Reply #47 on:** April 11, 2009, 04:59:53 AM »

Most impressive. Looks like great workmanship from where I sit. Clever space utilization, too.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #48 on:** April 11, 2009, 09:10:37 AM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on April 10, 2009, 06:59:58 PM

Well the rear of the van is now complete. I did salvage some of the overhead storage cabinets and installed small sections of them at the top of the rear compartment wall. Good place to mount lighting on. I also installed lighting (2 10w 12v fixtures) in the hanging closet. Note the white light switch mounted above the closet.
Next task is to figure out how to mount an awning on the side of the van. My old roof rack mounting method has been eliminated by the Sportsmobile penthouse roof. My thoughts are to add a roof ladder to the rear passenger side of the van (just forward of rr bumper) and some sort of attachment above the passenger front door. That would give me two locations to mount an awning. Need to find away to make the awning weather tight where it meets the van. The awnings trailers, motor homes, etc. are tight against the RV so that you don't get wet when you first step out under the awning on a rainy day.

Looks wonderful Len!...I like it!...

BTW, is that white 'Dercora' switch approved for 12 volt application?

Len and Jo · « **Reply #49 on:** April 11, 2009, 04:14:12 PM »

Yes, I approved it.

It would be interesting to hear some other comments though. I figure they can handle 10 amps A/c or so, so a couple of amps ( my case 20watts at 12 volts...about 1.8 amps DC) DC should not hurt.

Jim Godward · « **Reply #50 on:** April 11, 2009, 04:19:40 PM »

Len,

You're OK with the switch. The problem with AC or large amperage switches in low voltage applications is usually there is not enough current, say a few ma, and the contacts build a film and insulate from the low voltage so they no longer work. With over 1 A you are fine, 1 ma, no.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #51 on:** April 11, 2009, 05:39:39 PM »

I used to use toggle switches once and awhile....seems to me (my memory

) is that they came with different current ratings. One for 120/240 volts AC and a different rating for low voltage DC. Does my memory serve me correctly??

Jim Godward · « **Reply #52 on:** April 11, 2009, 10:20:47 PM »

Len,

Without going and looking at one, my memory is the same as yours.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #53 on:** May 06, 2009, 01:52:39 PM »

Since I'm the only class B owner on the RV forum

I will continue this epistle.

I have now installed my awning and Fantastic Vent on the Sportsmobile penthouse top.

I have been on a Sportsmobile forum but evidentially none of its members have done what I wanted to do. They are mainly into trick suspensions and off road driving.

Sportsmobile installed awnings are attached to the drip rail and then some screws into the van side sheet metal. The awning brackets must raise the awning up so that it clears the side doors when deployed. The sheet metal tends to develop cracks at the screw attachments from this cantilevered awning load over time. I finally decided to attach my awning to the SMB penthouse top. I used every other hole in my new white awning rail and backed up the #6 machine screws with fender washers and acorn nuts. See attached photos of awning installed and deployed.

We set the awning up and then raise the penthouse roof. To take the awning down we must lower the roof first.

Oh yes, I found a roof raising assist method! The penthouse roof is spring loaded. You have to push up from a crotched position to start raising it. (When it is down it wants to stay down and when it is up it wants to stay up). After it is about 1/3 of the way up and you have to hold onto the it as the spring load now wants to pop it up and hold it up. Trying to push up while bent over is not a trivial task. So, instead of opening doors to let air in as you raise the top.....close the camper up tight....run the van engine and turn the van blower to outside air and put it on HIGH. Now with the van internal positive pressure the penthouse roof goes up real easy!!

Sportsmobile does not recommend installing a fan in the roof. Oh well. The main roof structure is five strips of fore aft running plywood encased in the fiberglass roof material. The outboard strips are probably 3/4 inch plywood and the inboard three strips are 1/2 inch plywood ( see photo below of center section).

I mounted my year and half old Fantastic Vent 6600 over the foot of the bed. As far from our heads as possible and still fit in the roof. The 12 volt electrical wiring between the two penthouse ceiling lights goes right through this area. Easy place to get power for the fan after I cut them making the fan mounting hole.

Oh yes, even if you mark all the 12 volt wiring clearly as to what is positive and what is negative you will blow the fuse on the Fantastic Vent if you connect them backwards. Just can't get good help these days

RV Roamer · « **Reply #54 on:** May 06, 2009, 02:49:02 PM »

You do nice work, Len. Maybe I should hire you for my next remodeling job...

Len and Jo · « **Reply #55 on:** May 06, 2009, 03:53:16 PM »

I do OK, but my "progress rate" per "hour worked" ratio is fairly low. Even if you paid me 50 cents an hour you probably couldn't afford me.

$:-\$

S J Strait · « **Reply #56 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:11:52 PM »

Very nice job! I 've got to say you are a brave man cutting a hole in that new roof . It took me 2 years to get the nerve up to do any mods to my TT. looks great! Have you been camping in the new set up yet? Keep us posted. Thanks for the update.

Ron · « **Reply #57 on:** May 06, 2009, 10:32:31 PM »

Nice job. Looks like you know what you are doing.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #58 on:** May 09, 2009, 09:38:36 AM »

Great job Len!

FTR, you are not the only 'Class B' owner on this forum!

S J Strait · « **Reply #59 on:** May 09, 2009, 02:10:58 PM »

Quote from: Hit The Road Jack on May 09, 2009, 09:38:36 AM

Great job Len!

FTR, you are not the only 'Class B' owner on this forum!

Hey! looks nice any more pics of it.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #60 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:25:49 PM »

Quote from: S J Strait on May 09, 2009, 02:10:58 PM

Hey! looks nice any more pics of it.

Yes I do S J Strait !

BTW, I did all the conversion on my own...

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #61 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:28:00 PM »

Quote from: Hit The Road Jack on May 09, 2009, 08:25:49 PM

Yes I do S J Strait !

BTW, I did all the conversion on my own...

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #62 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:29:02 PM »

Quote from: Hit The Road Jack on May 09, 2009, 08:28:00 PM

dvsmith86 · « **Reply #63 on:** May 09, 2009, 09:12:34 PM »

Len, Jo should be very proud of you. Nice work! When is your first trip planned in the new configuration?

S J Strait · « **Reply #64 on:** May 10, 2009, 08:55:43 AM »

Quote from: Hit The Road Jack on May 09, 2009, 08:25:49 PM

Yes I do S J Strait !

BTW, I did all the conversion on my own...

Very nice! You did a nice job. It will give you many years of enjoyment. You take pride in your work and it shows.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #65 on:** May 10, 2009, 08:58:24 AM »

Quote from: S J Strait on May 10, 2009, 08:55:43 AM

Very nice! You did a nice job. It will give you many years of enjoyment. You take pride in your work and it shows.

Thank you so much S J Strait...You've got me pegged!...I do take pride in my work!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #66 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:07:19 PM »

We just got back from a 3 day shake down trip to Pentwater, Michigan and the Charles Mears State Park. I will post the trip later in the trip report section.

S J Strait · « **Reply #67 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:28:26 PM »

Very cool !

Len and Jo · « **Reply #68 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:38:26 PM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on May 06, 2009, 01:52:39 PM

Oh yes, I found a roof raising assist method! The penthouse roof is spring loaded. You have to push up from a crotched position to start raising it. (When it is down it wants to stay down and when it is up it wants to stay up). After it is about 1/3 of the way up and you have to hold onto the it as the spring load now wants to pop it up and hold it up. Trying to push up while bent over is not a trivial task. So, instead of opening doors to let air in as you raise the top.....close the camper up tight....run the van engine and turn the van blower to outside air and put it on HIGH. Now with the van internal positive pressure the penthouse roof goes up real easy!!

I commented on a way to ease raising the PH roof in a previous posts Well today I did some measurements. I know I have to much time on my hands.

I made a simple manometer out of some tubing, colored water and a measuring tape. Then ran the manometer through the back doors and measured various blower combinations. See picture below.

Fantastic Vent .... 1/16 inches of water.....must be designed for air volume not pressure
FV plus van blower ..... tat less than 3/16 inches of water
Van blower only.....7/32 inches of water

The PH roof is 50" x 128" or 7552 sq. inches
7/32" of water is 0.01823 feet of water. A column of water generates 0.5 psi per foot of water

PH Roof Lift Assist = 7552 x 0.5 x 0.01823 = 69 LBS
So if one does uses this method rather than the Sportsmobile method of just opening the doors and pushing the roof will go up easier. FYI

And again, Yes I know I have to much time on my hands.

wkndfun · « **Reply #69 on:** May 19, 2009, 06:54:12 PM »

Look Great That the same one i had on my Sportmans E150 Van. Loved it!!

vangal · « **Reply #70 on:** May 20, 2009, 12:55:39 PM »

Quote from: Len and Jo on May 18, 2009, 05:38:26 PM

PH Roof Lift Assist = 7552 x 0.5 x 0.01823 = 69 LBS
So if one does uses this method rather than the Sportsmobile method of just opening the doors and pushing the roof will go up easier. FYI

Nice numbers.
Nice work.
Thanks for posting!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #71 on:** May 26, 2009, 11:51:40 AM »

Some progress being made.

Right now we ONLY stand up when we REMEMBER we can

Being able to stand (when we remember) means that we can have a different interior design. We did not have floor to ceiling cabinets installed before so that we had ample room to turn around. Now standing up that issue has gone away and we are installing a 5 drawer cabinet unit. This unit also more than makes up for the overhead storage we lost when the penthouse top was added.

The unit carcass is made out of 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch birch plywood. The bottom two drawers are for heavy canned goods and have 1/2 inch bottoms. The large bottom drawer also has drawer guides installed for ease of opening and closing.

Jo has decided that she wants to take her small portable sewing machine when we travel. So I made one drawer at the right height for her to set up to and made a small table top for the machine that will fit in "the sewing drawer". She's happy then I'm happy.

Found the push button locking knobs at Rockler's. In the tight space of our 'B' they will stay out of the way when the drawers are locked and only stick out when we want to get into a drawer. They only had four in stock when I got them, hopefully I can pick up the last two I need today.

Hope everyone had a safe holiday.

S J Strait · « **Reply #72 on:** May 26, 2009, 02:49:20 PM »

very nice work looks real nice.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #73 on:** June 04, 2009, 08:15:59 AM »

Hey Len!

What do you keep in your cargo carrier box?...any issues with rear ground clearance?

I've got one also for our generator and 20lb propane bottle hook-up!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #74 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:03:38 PM »

See Growing 'B' Experience with Food and Space that is posted in this section. It has many photo's.

Basically one carries our oven supplies:
1. 12 inch dutch oven
2. 8 inch dutch oven
3. charcoal box containing 3/4 of a large bag of brickets.
4. charcoal lighter
5. charcoal lighting can
6. various pans for holding hot coals or other stuff

The second box:
1. two cloth folding chairs
2. a small cloth folding table
3. a 'large' (everything is relative in a 'B') aluminum folding table
4. bag of pie irons
5. various pieces of heavy aluminum to keep the dutch oven heat away from the folding aluminum table top.

Ground clearance has not been a problem to date.....have driven very slowly a few times when I have left gas stations.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #75 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:35:05 PM »

Will here is my last post for this project. The van revisions for our new penthouse top is complete. It was a fun project. We gave it a try for a long week end. We went up to the Mio Michigan area. Joanne now has the Kirtland's warbler on her birding life list. There are only about 1000 pairs of these birds and we were lucky to see 3-4 of the males on our trip.

davemittan · « **Reply #76 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:51:22 AM »

I'm almost sorry to learn that you've finished, because I have enjoyed the updates and the pics.

Great job!

S J Strait · « **Reply #77 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:44:28 AM »

I'll secound that. You did a great job. Hope it brings you many years of enjoyment. Happy trails.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #78 on:** June 10, 2009, 09:32:28 AM »

A fine use of available 'B' space Len!

I can only hope our paths will meet!...to pick each others brains...

Len and Jo · « **Reply #79 on:** June 20, 2009, 11:17:30 AM »

Postscript...

Thought I could add some follow-up info.

1) Drip, Drip. My wonderful Fantastic Vent installation had to be redone sooner then planned. When I installed it I was thinking painted metal van roof not fiberglass roof. The caulk I used "sealed" very poorly to the fiberglass. That being said I was planning on redoing it when I first did it. Just not so soon. The penthouse has effectively 5 joists (strips of 5-6" wide plywood) running fore-aft and when I installed the fan I had to cut one. So I did want to revisit the vent and sister the cut middle "joist" into the ones on either side of it. So I made an oak frame out of 4/4 oak to tie the joists together and to really stiffen the area around the vent. Also used my personal favorite sealer (sticky rope caulk) to seat the frame in and the fan. The frame is a true 1" thick at the vent and tapers down to 1/2 inch at the edges. It is also 4-5 inches wide. When I screwed it down is setting on a bed of caulk as wide as the frame...lots of squish out. The oak is sealed with epoxy and is yet to be painted white.

See first two pics.

2) When I first did the van in 2000 I had a 500 watt Tripp-lite inverter wired to the house battery with 6 gage wire. The 500 watter was toasted on our Alaska trip and I replaced it with a 1000 watt Tripp-lite but DID NOT upgrade the wiring. With the penthouse upgrade I now have two house batteries and have upgraded the wiring going to the inverter too double 4 gage wires. Our inverter has been (and still is) mounted out of the way in the back of a cabinet. So any time we want to turn it on or off we have to open a door. Out of sight out of mind. Result being we have left if on many times while dry camping when we did not need to and wasted some precious battery amp-hours. Following the Tripp-lite lead I stripped the controls out of the front of the inverter and now have them mounted on the face of the storage cabinet. THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE REALLY CONVENIENT AND A NICE MODIFICATION. Joanne and I both really like it.

See thrid pic

3) We liked moving the inverter switches so much that I have also done that for our battery charger. Also added a 12 hour mechanical timer to the charger controls to control charging time (ie: In the past I have sometimes forgotten it and have left it on when parked in our drive way).

See 4th and 5th pics

4) Now having two house batteries with 230 amp-hours of capacity my trusty charger MIGHT not be large enough to recharge the batteries in a timely manner. Have been investigating replacement chargers. Will not act on this until we have spent some time camping with our present configuration. Could be O.K. Oh yes, my present charger is the Exide 10amp two stage charger on the graph.

For those interested pic 6 has some over lays of APPROXIMATE charging curves of various chargers I have been looking at.

For thse interested pic 7 represents my latest van wiring.

Happy Trails to you

RV Roamer · « **Reply #80 on:** June 20, 2009, 05:21:54 PM »

As usual, a very professional job, Len.

Len and Jo · « **Reply #81 on:** June 20, 2009, 06:22:55 PM »

Thanks Gary,

Keeps me out of trouble (most the time) and off the streets. Should have spent more prep time before I installed that roof vent the first time.

Hope all is still going well with you and Nancy. Your last report really sounded good. Really shows that you have to be aggressive and NOT assume the doctor is an "expert"...what ever that really is.

Hit The Road Jack · « **Reply #82 on:** July 01, 2009, 08:30:46 AM »

Hey Len!

I think you & Jo can take the winter coats off now...

I like the 'curb mounted' vent install...

SuperiorBound · « **Reply #83 on:** September 13, 2009, 09:09:12 AM »

I have been trying to decide the best RV/camper for my husband and I. This has me seriously looking for a B now. Great job.

MomMikel · « **Reply #84 on:** September 17, 2009, 02:08:21 PM »

Hey Len,
Where did you get your awning from?

(If you don't mind me asking...)

Len and Jo · « **Reply #85 on:** September 17, 2009, 03:09:47 PM »

Got the Trim Line awning at our local General RV outlet 8 years ago. Had to order it and it was in in about 2 weeks. It is a bag awning and all telescoping poles are attached to the awning, roll up with it and store in the zipper bag. We have been very happy with it. Do wish though that you could order it in a solid white for better heat reflection.

MomMikel · « **Reply #86 on:** September 18, 2009, 10:01:15 AM »

Thanks Len. I'll keep that thought about the color in mind when we pick out ours.

Happy Traveling!

Len and Jo · « **Reply #87 on:** October 01, 2009, 07:52:05 AM »

Our ship has sailed but yours has not yet. If you are going with the SMB penthouse top I would recommend asking questions about the two florescent lights they install on the top. The ones they installed in my rig were model TL-616 two tube 30 watt fixtures. There is also out there a TL-690 model that is also 30 watts and two tube BUT allow the fixture to be use as a 15 watt fixture (one tube on) or a 30 watt fixture (two tubes on). Each bulb is separately switched. I would guess that $$ was the reason they choose the 616 model but I really don't know.

Potential advantages to you of the TL-690 model:

1. You can adjust the light lumen level (high/low).
2. You have redundancy. If a bulb burns out you still have 15 watt fixture.
3. If you plan on dry camping for any period of time, you can reduce your battery drain and still have a light in that location by going to single tube mode.

Your lighting needs, cost and if they will switch it out are all factors.

Have fun.

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Author Topic: Sportsmobile Penthouse Raised Roof (Read 9506 times)