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2014 GMC Southern Comfort Conversion Van 27 Jun 2014 11:52 AM (10 years ago)

This video attests to the sheer luxury inherent in the 2014 GMC Southern Comfort Conversion Van. Check out some of the features below, or see for yourself!

Exterior: Black/Blue Fade Paint w/ Running Boards, High Top Raised Roof, Mesh Chrome Grill, Dual Exhaust, LED Running Lights,
Interior: Ebony Color Decor with Premium Leather Seating
Engine: 5.3L Vortec V8, RWD,
Body: GMC 1500 with Seating for 7 Passengers
Doors: Rear Passenger Doors on Both Sides of Van
Front Seating: Premium Leather w/ Power Lumbar, Power Slide, Power Recline, Heat
Mid Seating: Premium Leather Captain Chairs
Rear Seating: Power Sliding & Power Recline 3 Section Sofa / Bed
Features: AM/FM Stereo w/ CD and USB Input, Steering Wheel Controls, Premium Speakers, Premium Wood Accents, Rear Sunroof, Rear Backup Camera,
Rear Entertainment: 31″ HDTV, DVD/Bru-ray, Premium Kicker Surround Sound System w/ Subwoofer, Multicolor LED Accent lighting, Rear Climate Control, AC Power Outlet, Rear Stereo, HDMI Input,
Wheels: 20″ Premium Bright Powder Coated Wheels
Towing Package: Class III Receiver

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Seasonal Conversion Van Tips 27 May 2014 11:50 AM (10 years ago)

With the weather heating up, it’s time to clean out the conversion van and get it ready for travel. Over the winter, your van has probably suffered from the effects of cold weather, and the inside could use a good scrubbing. Below is a list of things you need to take care of before heading out on your summer vacation.

Eliminating Mold And Mildew
Even if you gave the inside of your van the once-over last fall, you should make sure the appliances and upholstery are completely sanitized. If your vehicle has a liquid propane stove, the burner elements need to be removed and thoroughly cleaned. Pay special attention to the burner plates, as soot particles can easily become lodged in tight areas around the base of the unit. A diluted cleanser – preferably an organically formulated one – should be used to clean the exterior cabinetry. The van floor is susceptible to moisture condensation during the winter months, so it is a good idea to use a carpet cleaner. A mold-killing spray should be applied to the floor and walls of the van.

Sealing Cracks
Many of the late model conversion vans have sliding doors and windows. These should be inspected for dirt particles that have gotten trapped in the space between door and frame. If the sealing strips are becoming cracked or brittle-looking, remove them and install new weather stripping. The base of the doors should never be sealed. The vehicle manufacturer designed the sliding doors to allow moisture to drain out.

Inspect the windows of the van carefully for signs of mildew. If discoloration is seen, use a seal compound to make the area waterproof. The roof vents should also be inspected for leakage. During the winter, cold temperatures cause contraction and fatigue to the seals.

Electrical Inspection
If your conversion van came with a set of kitchen appliances, the electrical circuitry needs to be checked before heading out on a road trip. The vehicle experiences constant vibration during travel, and this causes eventual problems with electrical connections.

Auxiliary power sources such as extra vehicle batteries should be checked at a tune-up shop for voltage and amperage output. Running the engine several times during the winter months is insufficient to keep the batteries at optimal output level.

Propane And Water Tanks
If you leave propane in the tank over the winter, chances are some of it has escaped. Fill the tank completely and do an odor test by opening the burner valves. If you smell gas, locate the source by applying soapy water to the tank and line valves.

The holding tank should be flushed prior to your road trip. Make sure you inspect the holding tank valves carefully. The connection gaskets also tend to become weak during the winter. Replacing them now is far less expensive than dealing with the problem while on the road.

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Dave Arbogast Named #1 Explorer Conversion Van Dealer 25 Apr 2014 11:38 AM (10 years ago)

Dave Arbogast, the proud owner and operator of Dave Arbogast Conversion Vans, has recently added yet another honor to his long list of stellar career achievements. His company has just been named the #1 Explorer Conversion Van Dealer of the Year. This prestigious award is not handed out lightly to any Johnny come lately who asks for it. Dave Arbogast has a long history of experience and quality customer service in the industry, and is well deserving of this unprecedented recognition.

Conversion Vans At Specially Customized Prices

Dave Arbogast Conversion Vans is located in Troy, Ohio. The company has a longstanding reputation for convenient pricing, top notch quality products and customer care. Mr. Arbogast has owned and operated his conversion van business in the area for over a quarter of a century. The company specializes in selling a wide and comprehensive variety of conversion vans. Interested customers will also find great deals on recreational and sport vehicles such as watercraft, RV, and custom travel trailers.

Being named as the 2013 Explorer Conversion Van Dealer of the Year is a special honor. This recognition from the industry signifies that Dave Arbogast Conversion Vans has been named the single most important custom van dealership in America.

This special certification is given each year to the dealer who best exemplifies the industry ideal of quality merchandise, fair pricing, experienced and knowledgeable staff, and world class customer service. It is an honor which is never earned by newcomers to the field, and is not to be taken lightly.

Explorer: The World’s Top Name In Conversion Vans

The Explorer itself has recently become the world’s top name in custom conversion vans, and for good reason. The Explorer is simply the hottest selling and most reliable custom conversion van currently being produced on the modern international market place.

The fully customized Explorer conversion van is loaded with a full range of features which are designed to enhance your driving experience. Several package options are available for purchase, from budget priced vans to full luxury vehicles. Build your fully customized Explorer conversion van today!

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2014 Mobility Conversion Van With UVL Lift 3 Mar 2014 8:44 AM (11 years ago)

In this video, Conversion Van Specialist Larry Oaks walks you through a 2014 Mobility Conversion Van with an Under the Vehicle (UVL) Lift. Dave Arbogast Van Depot is your number one conversion van dealer, and can help you with all of your Conversion Van needs.

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Using A Roadtrek As A Daily Driver 31 Jan 2014 10:04 AM (11 years ago)

Can You Really Use A Roadtrek As A Daily Driver?
Class B motorhomes have many of the features drivers are looking for in a vehicle to use every day. The Roadtrek is becoming one of the most popular options for this purpose. This is partly because it shares some convenient features with traditional vans. It is best to understand the pros and cons of using a Roadtrek as a daily driver.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the main advantages of a Roadtrek over other types of motorhomes is that it is very fuel-efficient. The Roadtrek gets roughly the same efficiency per gallon of gas as comparable vans. This means the cost of ownership as an everyday vehicle is not any more than other vans. The high fuel-efficiency also extends the range of the Roadtrek so that drivers can go farther every week without needing to refuel constantly.

Easy to Handle

A Roadtrek has the advantage of being built on top of a standard frame. The transmission, brakes and suspension all combine to make the motorhome easy to handle. This allows the Roadtrek to be used on tight city streets as well as winding highways. The issues with handling that affect some other larger motorhomes are not present with the Roadtrek. This means a smoother and safer drive each day.

Low Ground Clearance

One of the issues that some drivers have with the Roadtrek is the low ground clearance. The lowest parts of the motorhome are closer to the ground than traditional cars. This is not really a problem on streets and highways. It can present issues when driving on uneven dirt roads or when driving over large pieces of debris.

No Problems with Parking

The length and width of a Roadtrek is very close to traditional vehicles like vans. The size allows the Roadtrek to avoid the parking restrictions imposed on larger motorhomes. This is very important when using a Roadtrek for everyday driving. The motorhome can park in most areas along with standard cars and vans. It will not be a problem to find a parking spot when shopping, going to work or attending an event.

Changing Tires Can Take Extra Effort

Drivers might have to exert extra effort if the Roadtrek gets a flat tire while on the road. Although changing the tire is fairly straightforward, dealing with the weight of the motorhome could cause problems for some people. Flat tires are not really an issue for drivers who have roadside assistance plans.

Space and Convenience

Inside storage and convenience are two benefits of using a Roadtrek as a daily driver. Driving in the motorhome means there is always a bathroom and sink nearby. The wide aisles and rear bed provide enough space to transport nearly anything back to the home. The extra space and convenience make a Roadtrek a very practical everyday vehicle.

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Class B Camper Vans: 10 Ways To Become a More Respectful Driver 16 Jan 2014 12:13 PM (11 years ago)

Driving a Class B Camper Van like a Pleasure Way or a Winnebago Era can be an amazing way to see the country, reconnect with family, and enjoy the pleasures of the open road. However, with the power and freedom of a camper van comes a responsibility to share the road and be a respectful and safe driver. Here are 10 ways to become a more respectful and considerate driver while driving one of these RVs.

1. Keep the left lane for passing vehicles

Most states already have laws that state that the left lane should only be used when passing or when turning. If you aren’t doing either of the two, you should be in the right lane.

2. Learn to zipper merge

Zipper merging is a good way to make construction zones or quick lane closures work more efficiently. Most drivers think that they’re supposed to merge as soon as possible when they see lane closures on the highway. However, the most efficient way to merge is actually to wait as long as possible to merge and to do so at a higher speed. Doing so helps keep traffic jams to a minimum.

3. Keep an eye out down further when driving

The farther ahead you look when driving, the better you are able to react and avoid potential accidents, traffic jams, and other problems on the road. A number of accidents happen when people are simply looking at the car right in front of them. Learning to anticipate is crucial when driving a larger vehicle.

4. Maintain a safe following distance

Just as it’s important to look out further down the road, it’s also important to keep a safe distance when following other vehicles. This helps prevent accidents and helps you anticipate what’s coming up next.

5. Don’t be a rubberneck

Accidents are an unfortunate part of driving, but we can reduce the risk of causing additional accidents by keeping our eyes focused on the road ahead rather than by looking at accidents that have already happened.

6. Keep those high beams off

Unless you’re in the middle of the night and on roads where there aren’t lights set up, you shouldn’t be using those high beams. They blind other drivers and increase the risks of accidents.

7. Maintain the right of way when it’s yours

It might seem polite to yield the right of way when it’s yours, but don’t do it, as it leads to accidents.

8. Use your hazard lights to say thank you

It’s a quick way of being polite and acknowledging others when they let you in on the road.

9. Remember those turn signals

It’s a way of showing your manners to signal before you turn. It’s also the law.

10. Leave extra time for your trip

Finally, haste makes waste. Leave early to arrive on time.

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All Wheel Drive Class B Motorhomes? Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Gets 4×4 7 Jan 2014 8:55 AM (11 years ago)

An all-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 vehicle model was introduced recently, thrilling both Mercedes-Benz and 4-wheel drive enthusiasts. Since the chassis used on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the same chassis that is used on several types of Class B Motorhomes, this opens many possibilities and the potential to see a 4×4 class B motor home in the future. These possibilities are something dreams are made of for those who love cruising the open highway in class B motor homes.

Several models of class B motor homes now use this chassis, including the Winnebago Era and the Airstream Interstate. This all-wheel drive system is not the kind that stays on all the time. Instead, it is more of an on-demand system where the driver pushes a button to activate it when it’s needed or wanted.
How The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 Works

Once a driver has decided to use the 4WD system in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and has pushed the button to activate it, a specialized electronic traction system called the 4ETS system kicks in. In addition drivers have the choice to start the 4WD either while the vehicle is still, or when it reaches a slow speed of about 5 mph. Drivers also have the choice to use this new 4WD system under off-road conditions, at a lower speed, by choosing the option of a special low range reduction feature.

There is also the option of a Downhill Speed Regulation, or DSR, to keep the vehicle traveling at a safer speed when one is going down hills. This works because of a unique new way the brakes, transmission and engine interact with one another to allow drivers to keep a steady speed, even downhill. With so many choices, drivers can have exactly the right system that works best for their needs and the conditions they plan to drive in.

Road Adventures Are Enhanced With A 4-Wheel Drive Option

No matter what road conditions are waiting to be faced on a challenging and exciting road adventure, a 4-wheel drive class B motor home would be able to handle the toughest conditions. From peaceful sandy shorelines to snow-covered, shimmering, untouched white mountain roads, 4WD capabilities would allow adventurers to go anywhere with ease and style.

Whether going off-road or steadily cruising down a gleaming black top highway, a class B motor home with all wheel drive would help to create a safer way to experience all the thrills of the road. The world is full of so much natural beauty just waiting to be explored. It would be nice to have the convenience of 4-wheel drive at your fingertips to use when it’s needed. The future may be closer than we think.

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Winter Tires vs All Wheel Drive: Which is Best? 2 Jan 2014 7:27 AM (11 years ago)

There has long been a debate concerning the necessity of buying winter tires for vehicles that are already equipped with all-wheel drive. For instance, Conversion Vans come equipped with this drive-train capability, leaving most owners scratching their heads when it comes to potentially investing in winter tires as well. By looking at the actual results when facing winter conditions in a four-wheel drive vehicle without winter tires versus one that is operating with winter tires alone can provide some answers to this long-standing debate.

The World Awaits

There are many situations where all-wheel drive falls short to actual winter tires where snow and ice are concerned. The first of these is when you are faced with a steep hill or driveway. In this case, your main concern is traction. The fact that you have four wheels spinning rather than two for a straight climb up hill does very little to help you. In this situation, the need for traction far outweighs the need for power. When you consider the physics behind the situation, all-wheel drive vehicles typically fall short of the abilities given to you by snow tires. All the elements of your average all-weather tires that are designed to allow for better traction during every part of the year other than winter work against you when there is snow and ice on the road.

When the Science Comes Into Play

On top of the real-world situations, the advanced engineering that goes into winter tires simply cannot be matched by the advantages that all-wheel drive alone provides. These tires are designed specifically to channel snow, slush, and other nasty winter things away from the tires as you drive in order to prevent accumulation. All-wheel drive does nothing to prevent snow and ice build-up. Winter tires also are constructed with specially formulated rubber that allows it to remain pliant during extremely cold conditions. Again, all-wheel drive offers no special features that assist the tire itself in staying in top driving condition during the winter. The one area where all-wheel drive does have an advantage is in starting off from a standing position in snow and ice. The movement of all four tires simultaneously prevents spinning tires and drifting, particularly while making turns. However, road test have shown that the larger and heavier vehicles will perform better in winter conditions when operating with all-wheel drive than those working without it.

An Extra Investment

When the option is available, it is always worth taking the winter tires. In the example of conversion vans, when given the option of getting all-wheel drive for winter weather, drivers would be advised to make the additional sacrifice as well. For the absolute most safety on the road, one should combine the best of both worlds. Added traction and stability that comes from all-wheel drive in combination with winter tires is about as good as it gets when it comes to facing hazardous conditions on wintery roads.

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Are There Benefits to Warming Up the Engine on a Cold Morning? 25 Dec 2013 7:00 AM (11 years ago)

Metal-to-metal contact is when all machinery components wear. The application of lubricants to a mechanical environment is what diminishes that wear. When your vehicle has been sitting for any appreciable time like overnight, the oil has settled into the bottom of the oil pan of the engine and into the lower areas of all the other components containing fluids. When the vehicle starter is activated and the engine begins to turn over the oil pump comes to life before the engine can fire. Oil is quickly pumped forcefully throughout the engine and then the engine starts. With lubricants already in the upper areas of the engine from which they drained during the shutdown, there is minimal metal-to-metal contact.

Even in warmer climates or summer weather the oil must reach operating temperature before it works most effectively. The colder the ambient temperature, the longer it takes for the oil to be warm enough to do the job. A vehicle owner who wants to prolong the life of the mechanical components of their car, truck or conversion van should plan on allowing the engine to warm up at an idle for at least a minute in warm weather and up to four minutes when the temperature is hovering around freezing. At near freezing temperatures it may take as much as three minutes or more before the oil is warm enough to circulate freely in an engine.

When the vehicle is first started after a long, cold night, the driver should avoid revving the engine until the temperature gauge begins to rise. This ensures that the metal parts are protected from frictional wear. This practice may add thousands of miles to the mechanical life of the engine. To warm up the transmission and differential fluids the vehicle should be driven slowly for the first few miles. If the vehicle has been parked for only a few hours and had been adequately warmed up when first started, it isn’t necessary to be so protective.

Another consideration is to select the proper lubricants for the season. Modern multiple viscosity motor oils are the best because they will perform like low viscosity oil when cold and then act like a much more viscous oil when they are hot. This is accomplished by the addition of polymer viscosity enhancers that expand when warm, thus making the oil thicker and more protective of the warm engine parts.

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