#thatvanlife

Carl and Kathy bought the Sportsmobile in April of 2011 with the idea that they could help expand Sportsmobile’s market on the East Coast. Kathy came up with the idea of adding other companies to the project as sponsors, and Carl set out to sign them on. With the goal of providing a benefit to sponsors that far exceeds their cost, Xtreme Mobile Adventures was born!  

We started with a 2010 Ford E-350 built by Sportsmobile West in Fresno, CA. Their builds are known for being the most extreme for both on and off road use. [See a preliminary sketch and some photos below.]

The first few years were a challenge, as we worked hard to earn credibility with such a unique concept in the overland market. Unlike traditional advertising, we get the products right into the hands of the consumer, where they can touch them, test them, and, most importantly, get our feedback. We only work with sponsors that have exceptional customer service and end relations, and we only add products that we personally use. We know that time in the outdoors is precious and limited, so we won’t waste time promoting anything of poor quality!

We’re based on the Connecticut shoreline, and you’ll find us at various local events during the year. We also attend major East Coast outdoor shows and expos including Mid-Atlantic Overland Festival, Vermont Overland, Overland Expo East and Muddy Chef Challenge. And sometimes we’ll just jump in the van and take a road trip ... it’s a great way to meet people and share our story and our sponsors’ products in a casual setting!

I’m trying to winterize the van a little with thicker curtains and blankets to cover the cold metal.  Eventually I might add cedar paneling, but for now I’ve got a house of cloth.