T Minus 7 and Counting
We’re initiating countdown!
Jonathan touched base last week and we’ve set a date for pickup of the Sportsmobile! We’ll be in Fresno on Thursday April 13th to do a final check of the build (and any last-minute tweaks), and set for delivery in Las Vegas on Friday the 14th. We wanted to wait until we had the latest build photos before we posted this (and to get the new blog site up), but since the photos arrived this afternoon and the website/blog is up, there’s no reason to wait.
A few things you can tell right away from the front shot. Most significantly is that they’ve loaded up the accessories from Aluminess - which means the roof rack is on! Looking up you can see the solar panels, as well as a remote-controlled rotating spotlight we requested (for scouting out camping sites at night if we have to, or to check out strange sounds in the darkness!). You can also see that the snorkel has been added, as has the 20” LED light bar in case we want to illuminate the world in front of us. It also looks like they’ve installed the canopy too that extends over the sliding side door area.
Finally, it may mean nothing to most folks, but the tread pattern of the tires means the 33” BFG KO2 all terrain tires have been installed (and we’re assuming our rims too!).
The inside is also looking great.
As you can see, everything is pretty much installed. You see can see the kitchen area with the drop-down and pop-up table extensions on the near side, and the bathroom, microwave, fridge and pantry on the far side. Everything is looking amazing!
Stepping into the inside, you can see what our rear bulkhead cabinetry design looks like from the inside. The dinette area is turning out to be a much nicer area than I’d thought (read “feared”). And that storage cubby-hole space on the top is going to be incredibly useful I think.
Finally, turning to the back side, we’re thrilled at how the back storage area has turned out. You never know how a design will turnout until it’s built, but I have to say, I’m pleased. Jonathan had told us that they would do a great job with the insides of the back doors (since they didn’t have to deal with windows) and I’d have to say they have. Four big mesh pockets and two drop-down tables! If I remember correctly, there is yet another storage area behind the table. Talk about storage space. I even know already what will fit in some of the smaller areas in the cabinetry.
As I mentioned, the Aluminess stuff has been installed, so you can see our recovery box on the right, with a rail on top in case we need to strap anything down, and the spare wheel on the left (confirming that the BFGs are on). We can’t tell if they’ve installed the ladder yet, but that should be next. However they have installed the rear light cubes on the roof rack. Again, for backing up at night - no need to say we can’t see anything!
There are still odds-and ends we see that need to be done. The Spray liner needs to be done in the mud room to the left, and we suspect the side rocker panels as well (probably why we haven’t got a shot of that). There’s also an antenna I know we’re supposed to have, but can’t see yet. I suspect that some of that electrical work comes at the very end, which means that our dash board may be pulled out as they’re installing the multiple electronic gizmos we’ve ordered. Still, they have a week to finish it.
This week has been a hectic one for me. I’ve already made 1 trip to the DMV, contacted Sportsmobile, and our insurance agent. Yesterday we paid our insurance bill, and I got stuff back from Sportsmobile so that tomorrow I can make another trip to DMV to get Trip Tags for the drive back!
While we’re not making a real trip of it, we are taking a scenic route back (scouting a bit for the return route on the May adventure). We hope to be spending Saturday night by the Alvord Desert next to Steens Mountain!
The Monday after I get back will be another trip to DMV to get permanent tags! Oh yeah, and I have to figure out how to get an ATV permit/sticker.
And did I mention that I’m in the middle of writing a LUBA appeal brief, and had a Court of Appeals oral argument today?
It has been awfully busy and exciting lately