Disabled Explorers rig to replace the FJC

[1leglance]

Just so you guys don't think I am running away from the FJ & Toyota without some kind of reason I figured I would post up a build thread on the new rig. That way we can get some thoughts from the disabled folks around here and you guys can see why we are making certain choices.
So enjoy the build...

I would rather not type "Disabled Explorers Sportsmobile 4wd Wheelchair Accessible Van" over and over so let's just be friends and call it the DE SMB WAV and that will be much easier


We are working on a new project vehicle and thought it would be interesting to document the process and our thoughts behind the choices we make.

Up until recently this was the Disabled Explorers demo rig, but not any longer. While the FJ Cruiser is a great off road machine and I have been impressed over the two years I have owned it, there are requirements that it just doesn't meet. One is payload as we tend to take alot of gear to events, presentations, gear test and general outings. Another is passenger space as we haven't been able to work with anyone in a power wheelchair or who can't boost themselves up into the rig.

So this is the blank canvas that Sportsmobile West will use to create our 4wd Wheelchair Accessible Van (WAV for short) using their proven 4x4 conversion, adding a custom interior layout that includes sink, fridge, porta-potty, stove and more. To give everyone an idea of what the end result will look like just check out Andy T's rig.

The plan calls for a wheelchair lift, tie-downs, a power drivers transfer seat and hand controls. This should give us a great platform to take almost anyone out for their first backcountry experience and since the rig has a nice sleeping setup we can offer overnight outings . I hope to post some pictures soon of the already completed 4wd conversion and the roof installation. I also hope to get out to the SMB West Fresno factory before too much longer to do work myself on the camera system, laptop mount, gps, and adding some extra insulation. But until then please enjoy some previews of the project and our reasons for the choices we are making.

[1leglance]

At the Overland Expo I had a chance to really look over just about every option for a new rig there is to dream about. However it was Andy T. who was cool beyond belief when he offered me a chance to drive his rig on the demo course. This was a perfect opportunity to see how much interior room is available, how stable the rigs are and how the diesel engine and Atlas transfer case work together.

Once the choice is made it is a only a matter of money, right? Well from Alan at Sportsmobile West I learned some pretty cool things, one was that the rigs are RV's and thus qualify for longer term financing, two they often qualify for a second home tax deduction or in the case of Disabled Explorers as a business expense and lastly as an RV insurance is often cheaper. All of these facts combined help me work out the numbers, for while we will seek out sponsorship from many of the component makers and Sportsmobile West is assisting us, in the end I am personally responsible for covering the project cost.

Part of the fun of working on a custom rig like this is making your choices and then changing your mind. SMB is well versed in this process as can be seen by the number of pre-planned layouts they offer. But even better is their DYO online tool that is very valuable to the disabled community. Because there are so many different mobility issues in the world it really helps to be able to change the floor plan for a wheelchair user or a upper limb amputee or someone who just can't bend over easily. In our case I wanted something that would work across a wide range of users. The front seats will swivel and allow easy transfer from wheelchair The 3rd seat is removable with wheelchair tie-downs so we can secure someone in place who must stay in their chair and the sideways gaucho sofa allows access to the rear of the rig without having to exit. I also opted for a large bay window by the 3rd seat and long windows along the side to allow maximum visibility during trail time.


When it came to the type of roof on the Disabled Explorers Sportsmobile 4x4 Wheelchair Accessible Van (from now on know as the DE SMB 4wd WAV) I was presented with two great options. The penthouse pop up top allows a low profile when driving and plenty of upper sleeping room when camped. However I went with the Voyager fixed top so that someone who needs to stay in their wheelchair would have plenty of headroom, so that we could "stealth camp" much easier and so that if we needed to make a quick road or trail side stop for hygiene there would be no need to attract attention by raising the roof.

[FJCamel]

Nice, this doesn't really compare to the fj, but it will definitely suit your purpose more. It will look even cooler on the trails

[Montana Tailgunner]

WOW Lance that's way cool! It's not an FJ but it's going to help some people with needs to go places they may not get to go otherwise. I can't wait to see the build. You're awesome helping others like that. Thanks for being a great role model. Your Bud MT

[Woodsman]

I have ogled the Sportsmobiles for several years and am quite envious of your plans. Though they are very large, they are remarkably capable.

[NBFJCruz]

Thats funny....I was just looking at a 2006 model on Ebay last night thinking how cool it would be.....Nice choice.

2006 SPORTSMOBILE E350 CHASSIS 4X4 POP-UP ROOF DIESEL :eBay Motors (item 370250552534 end time Sep-01-09 18:00:00 PDT)

[1leglance]

Thanks guys...
If it was just me and the family I would more than likely keep the FJ..with the Roof Top tent and side awning room we have the space. Only my 11yr old son Martin suffers when my wife is along as he doesn't like the lack of view from the backseat.

I really think the FJ is a great 2 person rig not to mention very very capable offroad.

However with Disabled Explorers there is a need for something else, something bigger and something other disabled folks can enjoy.

Montana I really want to get up your way and run some trails and you will be welcome to drive the rig and compare it to your dads FJ.

Woodsman you are right about how tough they are, most owners don't push the rigs hard due to the cost, but I have seen a couple of them in action during Overland Training courses and between the Dynatrac 60 axles & hubs, ARB lockers, Atlas II transfer case and that low end diesel torque these beast will crawl over some serious hazards.

Cruz, I really thought about going with a used rig but I need a specific floorplan with a pass through from font to rear and the fixed top...both rare options. Although I would have liked an older 7.3L diesel over the 6.0L that my 2008 will have. I even gas serious thought to going with the V-10 gasser so it would be quieter at presentations and public events...but range, torque and motor life pushed me into the diesel camp.

[fjrohrs]

So what is the fate of the FJ?

[Woodsman]

For those that aren't real familiar with the Sportsmobile. Here ya go !

Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - 4x4 RB-50 Overland Journal
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Four Wheeler Magazine
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Power Stroke E350 4WD Article
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - Sportsmobile 4WD Articles
Truck Trend Magazine: Building Sportsmobile 4x4 Perfection
Truck Trend Magazine: Building Sportsmobile 4x4 Perfection II
Sportsmobile Custom Camper Vans - 4x4 Maxim Magazine Article

[Woodsman]

NBFJCruz previously said:

Thats funny....I was just looking at a 2006 model on Ebay last night thinking how cool it would be.....Nice choice.

2006 SPORTSMOBILE E350 CHASSIS 4X4 POP-UP ROOF DIESEL :eBay Motors (item 370250552534 end time Sep-01-09 18:00:00 PDT)

Oh, crap in a can. Man, that is a sweet looking rig, at a not-so-bad price, and it's in Sandstorm to boot. If the economy this year was as good as it was last year, I'd snag that beaut.

Edit: Of course, that is not a buy it now price, just the current bid.