Introducing Starr Van

In mid-March, a short 4 days after returning from Argentina, Martha and I flew down to Sportsmobile in California to pick up our new Sprinter camper van, Starr (viz. Walter "Pete" Starr & "Starr's Guide"). Due to a long Sportsmobile production queue, European "dieselgate" delays, & limited production of the 4WD option, he was 23 months in gestation. And let me tell you, that is a friggin long time to wait for something in these days of 2 day Amazon Prime expectations! In any case, Sportsmobile did a fabulous job building him to our specifications:

• Diesel Sprinter 2500 4x4 chassis (144" wheelbase, low-roof);
• Sleeping for 4 (lower convertible sofa and upper pop-top bed);
• 300AH Lithium house battery with 2nd alternator, solar panels, & shore-power charging;
• Diesel space and water heating;
• Galley with sink, fridge, portable induction cooktop, & microwave;
• Porta-potty and outside shower.

After taking delivery, we drove on to San Diego to visit family while a 2nd fuel tank and an air compressor were installed. Then, after the long drive home, we added a 2" raised and beefed-up suspension, under-body skid plates, front bumper receiver hitch, and winch wiring to front & rear bumpers. The full nitty-gritty details will be described over the coming weeks (months?) in this Sportsmobile Sprinter Forum thread.

Now we are looking forward to many future photographic and other adventures in Starr! Below are some pictures of the final product (and thanks to Andy & Sally for the great Central Oregon photo location).

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