Hard-Sided PopUp Class B

qtla9111 wrote:
The only hard-sided popup Class B I know of is the Safari Condo. I recently sent an email to Sportsmobile to see if they could do that or had interest. The response was, "we don't produce hard-sided popups".

The Safari Condo has so much to offer. Looks like a regular van when not in parked top up mode. Has a full wet bath that is hidden under the dinette.

Why don't other Class B manufacturers have interest in a hard-sided Class B pop-up?

My Sister has one built on a VW Transporter 2 Litre Diesel, goes very well. Gets in US Terms US 37mpg. Surprised at the performance and especially the fuel economy.
She uses it for pulling over in National Parks or stops to make a " pot of tea" or lunch.
Has not slept in it, or used the external shower as yet. Kitchen / Stove can be detached used outside as well

qtla9111 wrote:
The Safari Condo has so much to offer. Looks like a regular van when not in parked top up mode. Has a full wet bath that is hidden under the dinette.

Tell me more about the full wet bath under the dinette. I'm puzzled! I found nothing on their web site, but in all honesty did not perform an extensive search. I'm just over 6 foot, there's no way I can fit under the dinette.

std containers are 8'6" inside, "High tops" are 9'6"

my 2006 Pleasureway Lexor TDis 8'10" from the factory, (easily removeable) cover on the vent takes that to 9'4"

so would fit

has the storage under neath- which is a good thing when you consider stowing the poop hose.

and you can stand up in it while it is being driven- we often move around in the van, use the head, prepare snacks while driving.

if the priority is "looking like a van", it'll cost you in funds, convenience and practicality.

I'm sure that SC could answer questions about importing to MX and what if any mods would be required ( most RV's have CDN and USA versions, different DOT standards)

one thing I notice they appear to offer the 4.8 l motor- I have this in my pick up and it is ok, but marginal- I would not be able to use this for towing or hauling.
My B has the 6.0 which is well sized for the weight of the motorhome and tanks etc.


Mike

I like the SC because it looks like a regular van. It doesn't have all the fiberglass around the bottom which I know is for storage areas. It is also the right size because it would easily fit into a cargo container for shipping to South America and beyond.

I wonder if I wanted to import a SC into Mexico if I would obtain a permit for intransit through the U.S.?

an aspect which may or may not apply-

I have neighbors with truck campers.

the soft sided popups are chosen for reduced weight, lower CG and lower clearance- all of which make sense for forest roads.
side benefit is better mpg

but colder/hotter/ noisier

I had asked around once we decided to get out of tenting and before we chose our B

mike

Maybe they didn't attract enough of a market. Just guessing but many class Bs in current production are built into existing delivery van models (like MB Sprinters and Ford Transits) that are already designed to be high enough inside for most people to walk around in. No need to change the structural integrity of the steel body to add headroom. Others have employed a lowered-floor design to gain headroom inside for years.

Probably because there is not enough demand for a hard sided Pop Up.