Our January 2020 newsletter featured an interview with Mike and Allison, part of our RB Adventure Family.
Their adventure van started as a moto van for their stand up paddleboard company. Today it's a 4x4 RB Sprinter they use for family weekends on the coast and in the Sierras, cycling races, and even a week on the Mendocino Coast during a fire evacuation.
RB Adventure Family: Mike and Allison
Welcome Mike and Allison. What attracted you to look for an adventure van?
It all started with acquiring a moto van for our stand up paddleboard company. We used it the way it was for 3 years. Then we wanted to make it more modern, so we gutted it and remodeled it with RB gear. A year later we wanted to convert it to 4x4, but couldn't justify another $12-15k. That's when the search began for a 4x4 adventure van.
How did you hear about RB Components?
An RB Instagram post came across my feed about a year before we remodeled the moto/SUP van. We actually built it out with RB stuff.
Building out an adventure van is fun but there are so many options. How did you decide on the layout and what you wanted in your RB Adventure Van?
It started with inquiring about a base 4x4 build that was shown as available. I called and talked to Raymond (owner) one day, and it just happened to be a couple days after a buyer backed out of a scheduled build, so I slipped into the schedule with a deposit on the van. Over time it progressed a bit at a time with ideas that I wanted, with Raymond consulting on the best locations. I left it pretty much up to him and just kept adding stuff over time... well, my wife too.
What is one of the favorite things you like most about your van?
The versatility of it. It's largely modular, so we can change the configuration as needed. The bed can be used as 3 panels for both of us and the dogs, or just two panels leaving more counter space if it's just me on longer trips, or a single panel suspended lengthwise, opening up the back to move freely between the cabin and the shuttle/shower. Also never having to look for a place to go to the bathroom or take a shower! And the way it drives! It's an amazing rig!
Now that you have had an RB Adventure Van for a while, where are some of the places you have visited?
No big trips yet, as we are both so busy. Mostly weekend trips to the coast or the Sierras for us as a family. I use it all the time for weekend cycling races or destination training rides. We did live out of it for a week on the Mendocino Coast when we were evacuated during the fires.
We really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions. What would you say to people who are on the fence about getting into the adventure van lifestyle, and why should they choose RB Components?
I personally can't express enough how much we love the adventure van lifestyle! The versatility of it, weekend trips or weeklong excursions, it is AWESOME! We do not miss our toy hauler at all! We are both so happy with the quality of the build and the customer service from RB Components. The level of detail is incredible. Everyone who checks out the van is amazed when they look closely. It truly is well built!
For months while waiting to pick up the van I wondered, "Have I made the biggest financial mistake of my life?" I was truly stressed about it, and even after driving it home I had second thoughts. After my first trip in it, I've had zero regrets! In fact, every time I travel in it, I think to myself... I LOVE THIS VAN!
Follow Mike and Allison
Instagram: @mendolakesup
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