One Seriously Amazing NCV3 for your Conversion

[mhiscox]

Well, gang, all of our Sprinter conversions are now officially ho-hum. ;)

Andy Mauck, who was the project director for CMI when they built out my mid/tall T1N camper, has been working for a couple of years developing a company that will be making a RV conversion body for NCV3 cab and chassis units and possibly some other trucks. I've kept in touch with him as the design and development took place.

Recently, the first body got molded, mounted and finished, and you've got to admit, it is a distinctive-looking thing with a whole bunch of room for your stuff. Lots of flexibility for a high-end RV, but it'd also make one really trick motorcycle carrier, band van or anything else. The idea is that you arrange with a coach converter to build whatever you want inside Andy's shell.

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp283/mhiscox01/M2Sprinterwidebody3.jpg

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp283/mhiscox01/M2Sprinterwidebody4.jpg

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp283/mhiscox01/M2Sprinterwidebody2.jpg

On the off chance you want one :clapping: . . . Andy's contact information is at

http://www.mauck2.com.

Mike Hiscox
2005 mid/tall 2500 Expedition Camper

[MercSprinterConversions]

Feels Like Deja vu looking at these images - I was only speeking to Andy the other day over an email about this creation!

It has to be said it is a magnificent vehicle and has certainly had a lot of time and effort put into it! and it finally answers the age old question..... What happens when you cross a Sprinter with a Lincoln Navigator? At least at the back anyway!!:bounce:

[312 diesel (closed)]

Holy crap that's ugly, it looks like a hearse on steroids!

[mhiscox]

It has to be said it is a magnificent vehicle and has certainly had a lot of time and effort put into it! and it finally answers the age old question..... What happens when you cross a Sprinter with a Lincoln Navigator? At least at the back anyway!!:bounce:
Whoa, nice catch . . . and THANKS! . . . I'd been goin' nuts trying to remember where I knew that tail light assembly from.

[Altered Sprinter]

Looking like a Toyota Tarago backed bean type "hearse".:eek: But very stylish:tongue: but Lincon lights that committing the cardinal Sin a definite NO NO:thumbdown: Mind you if lights up top were the adaptive LED brake lights type from Mercedes it would be better, but dam one nice unit. Must be a Banker:smilewink:
Richard

[OrioN]

I'm torn... I don't know whether to laugh or cry... I almost feel like falling off the wagon, after 18 years.





Ps... It could have been worse.... gullwings

[nebep]

I say Kudo's to Andy for using what could remotely possibly be a US manufactured part for the tail lights...you know...since they're ford and all...but, really, probably built by the cheapest bidder in East Bejing - but here's to hopin'!!

[BaywoodBill]

Well, it's original. The resemblance to a hearse is overblown. And when there's a good taillight assembly you can use, what does it matter that it's from a luxury car?

[bladerunner]

And the inside is???:thinking:



And then there was this...........

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c354/doublecab/vw-air2AIRSTREAM.jpg

[OrioN]

The original rear lights, or a variation of, would have served well.

[qualityair]

It looks mighty roomy on the inside, I hope its built with alot of carbon fiber thou, otherwise its motor and suspension is overloaded.

I don't really care one way or another about the tail lights, as I can't see'um when I driving down the road anyway.

[Andy Mauck]

Howdy !

As a matter of fact, the body is quite light, owing to careful layup of panels, efficient structural engineering, and the use of tempered steel tubing. The body weighs a bit less than 1900 lbs. Adding the 4696 lb chassis curb weight, the total is about 6800 lbs, give or take, depending on fuel load, cab seat, etc. So, out of the 11,000 lb. GVWR, over 4000 lbs of capacity remains for interior, passengers, and luggage. Believe me--when this was conceived, I was quite aware of the Sprinter's weight carrying limitations, having worked with Sprinter custom conversions at CMI. Let's face it--from a dollars-per-payload pound perspective, it's well short of a Ford or GM, and that's why we went with the more expensive special tubing (that, and the fact that it is galvannized, and so needs no anti-rust treatment). But, now having driven our prototype for about 3000 miles, I can say "what a great chassis !" The thing handles so much more like a car than the old Sprinter, and so much better than the Fords and GMs, it's a real pleasure drive.

The key design advantage is that it provides 10" more interior width, which makes a huge difference in how the interior can be configured. Our body has gained the approval of Walther Bloch, the Daimler point man for Sprinter body builders and converters. We are offering it to conversion manufacturers in several different markets--touring, guest transport, limo, personal luxury / custom conversion, and RV. We have met with, and have received very strong interest from several companies. We won't be able to supply many of them, but we do look forward to a relationship with a good one in each segment. We are --for a time, at least--making it initially available to individuals who may do their own interior or otherwise make arrangements for conversion (we can assist in hooking up with a suitable converter), but this may be precluded later as our contracts with brand manufacturers may require. We are now beginning a run of the 6 more units, with full production to begin later this fall.

With best regards,

Andy Mauck

[creativemobileinteriors]

The Mauck 2 is a special vehicle, no questions asked. The added room, and the added style are unparalleled. Take it from us (Creative Mobile Interiors - the conversion company that did conversion work on two of the first three M2's on the road), when someone sees it in person - they LOVE it. It adds wonderful room and views, but maintains the drivability of a typical Sprinter. Check out our full conversion of this unique vehicle...

http://www.creativemobileinteriors.com/sections/portfolio/sprinter/Mauck2/MRS.asp

This vehicle is also featured on our Facebook page (Creative Mobile Interiors)

[vasprinter]

The Mauck 2 is a special vehicle, no questions asked. The added room, and the added style are unparalleled. Take it from us (Creative Mobile Interiors - the conversion company that did conversion work on two of the first three M2's on the road), when someone sees it in person - they LOVE it. It adds wonderful room and views, but maintains the drivability of a typical Sprinter. Check out our full conversion of this unique vehicle...

http://www.creativemobileinteriors.com/sections/portfolio/sprinter/Mauck2/MRS.asp

This vehicle is also featured on our Facebook page (Creative Mobile Interiors)

What was the total price out the door for these conversions?

[TommyG2bad]

Not my style, I want brawny, but you gotta appreciate the craftsmanship and design. That's a seriously nice looking van.

[1hen2ducks]

It's smoothe and shiny.... like a suppository.

[icarus]

O gotta say, it doesn't rattle my chain,, way to pimped looking for my tastes,
Sorry,
Icarus

[creativemobileinteriors]

The M2 conversion shown on our website (the link above) climbed over $110,000 (including the van). Of course conversion costs are based soley on how much you want to do. An M2 can be had for much less (with less of an interior), or much more (for more amenities, etc.).

[creativemobileinteriors]

Check out the new photos of the M2.

http://www.mauck2.com/page8/page3/page3.html

The original photos (posted on this thread) are nice, but these are really sweet. Scroll through on the web page, it's worth it!

[gary 32]

OK, I looked at the images.
Love the amount of effort required and the original thought.

The amazing product rule: great design, then wonderful materials with excellent craftsmanship, sorry but that's 1 (craftsmanship) for 3.

[creativemobileinteriors]

OK, I looked at the images.
Love the amount of effort required and the original thought.

The amazing product rule: great design, then wonderful materials with excellent craftsmanship, sorry but that's 1 (craftsmanship) for 3.

Well, my opinion differs, and so do the opinions of many people that have been able to see this vehicle. It is definitely a different kind of beast - and "different" brings both praise and criticism. Even if you aren't a fan of the exterior, let me assure you - the interior (with the windows/views and the added room) will impress.

[Graphite Dave]

This thing makes the Nissan look beautiful.

[K-9 SPRINTER]

the perfect use for it

[johnshmit]

This thing makes the Nissan look beautiful.

+1 For 110k i would buy 2 fully loaded sprinters. One with seats and one with pool:thinking:

[Neil2]

Please tell me it goods 25mpg because that's the only thing that'd get me to disregard the ugly all over the outside.

[Top2004Cub]

Wow! I'm surprised by the comments. I think it is beautiful! Flowing lines, large windows, more room... What's not to like? :idunno:

[gary 32]

Well, my opinion differs, and so do the opinions of many people that have been able to see this vehicle. It is definitely a different kind of beast - and "different" brings both praise and criticism. Even if you aren't a fan of the exterior, let me assure you - the interior (with the windows/views and the added room) will impress.

I erased my negative post yesterday, very interesting interpretation of my comments...

A self promotion area for vendors should be added to this forum.

[hkpierce]

A self promotion area for vendors should be added to this forum.

Actually, MHISOX started this thread - with an invitation for more inquires, and both the creator of the shell and a conversion company that has performed such conversions have chimed in. Further, the thread is under "Sprinter RV's & Conversions." There are many conversion companies listed under this forum, but no CMI. I certainly do not consider CMI's use of positive adjectives to describe its work any more self promotion than when either Docktor A or WayneRodd use similar adjectives to describe their work and products. Opinions may vary as to the conversion or product, but that should not result those who do not like the product from closing discussion of those who like it or believe in it. If there are not enough who like the product, that will be the end of it.

[Colorado_Al]

Looks luxurious, but who has that kind of money these days?

[creativemobileinteriors]

Actually, MHISOX started this thread - with an invitation for more inquires, and both the creator of the shell and a conversion company that has performed such conversions have chimed in. Further, the thread is under "Sprinter RV's & Conversions." There are many conversion companies listed under this forum, but no CMI. I certainly do not consider CMI's use of positive adjectives to describe its work any more self promotion than when either Docktor A or WayneRodd use similar adjectives to describe their work and products. Opinions may vary as to the conversion or product, but that should not result those who do not like the product from closing discussion of those who like it or believe in it. If there are not enough who like the product, that will be the end of it.

^ We appreciate that! Thank you. We are proud of our work at CMI. We also never meant to discount any of the negative feedback - as I said, this vehicle is different... and different typically brings positive and negative responses. The other thing I want to add is that our compliments were focused entirely on the vehicle shell, not the conversion. For example, the comment about the interior/windows - that was said to amplify the features that the shell boasts (large, expansive views and 10" more interior width).

[gary 32]

Hi Gary,
I wanted to apologize for the miscommunication on the Mauck2 thread. I was not trying to discount your feedback. I appreciate (as does everyone on this site) both positive and negative feedback regarding projects and shells. We really are believers in the Mauck2, and we were simply trying to pick it up off the ground (in this specific thread). This site is a great area for us to receive exposure, especially since we aren't a huge company. We are proud of our work, and we want to share it. Our praise was intended for Andy Mauck and his vehicle, not for our selves. From here on I will be more cognizant of that - we want to make our company look/sound good, but we don't want to 'toot our own horn.' Thank you for your understanding.

-Aaron

Thanks Arron,
Very decent of you, good example of grace under fire.
If you are looking for constructive feedback my question might have what did you not like?

[creativemobileinteriors]

Hi Gary,
I wanted to apologize for the miscommunication on the Mauck2 thread. I was not trying to discount your feedback. I appreciate (as does everyone on this site) both positive and negative feedback regarding projects and shells. We really are believers in the Mauck2, and we were simply trying to pick it up off the ground (in this specific thread). This site is a great area for us to receive exposure, especially since we aren't a huge company. We are proud of our work, and we want to share it. Our praise was intended for Andy Mauck and his vehicle, not for our selves. From here on I will be more cognizant of that - we want to make our company look/sound good, but we don't want to 'toot our own horn.' Thank you for your understanding.

-Aaron

Thanks Arron,
Very decent of you, good example of grace under fire.
If you are looking for constructive feedback my question might have what did you not like?


To be honest, there was nothing that I didn't like. I don't mind the criticism, especially considering that the Mauck2 is not our design (we have simply converted a couple of them). Since it seems that Andy Mauck doesn't frequent this website, I thought I would defend the vehicle a bit (in part because I personally like it). No hard feelings - it is pretty hard to decipher tone when it's in text form.. I just wanted to make it known that there are people that love the Mauck2 (since several people have expressed not liking it). The two M2's in Ohio frequent Ohio State tailgates and they truly do draw crowds. Thanks for communicating with me!

[AddicksAir]

One of the goals of this site is to share ideas. Some of us use our Sprinters for work, but that doesn't mean we don't look at the conversions. Others are DIY'ers and might be working on a limited budget. But look at the photos again, because there might be just one small detail that might fit your plan. Isn't that how we learn new things? Don't chase off the messengers.:hmmm:

Dennis

[gary 32]

One of the goals of this site is to share ideas. Some of us use our Sprinters for work, but that doesn't mean we don't look at the conversions. Others are DIY'ers and might be working on a limited budget. But look at the photos again, because there might be just one small detail that might fit your plan. Isn't that how we learn new things? Don't chase off the messengers.:hmmm:

Dennis

Thanks Dennis,

At your request I again reviewed the subject photos and yes I do like the stainless pullout drawers but on a Sprinter truck. My problem is that I live by less is more...

My opinion: looks like an airport shuttle that should reside on a ford or chevy frame.

[Amboman]

Not convinced its functional for travel.

[attermann]

I really like the concept of the Mauck2. That extra 10" of width could open up a whole new realm of possibilities for an RV, with interior space more along the lines of a class B+/C coach, but without the classic (old-school) motorhome shape, and better fuel economy due to the aerodynamics. The CMI conversions are nice but clearly more of a limo look. I would really like to see an RV interior in a Mauck2. Anybody know of one?

[jjrubino]

I saw one of these on the road a few weeks ago. It cuts quite a figure. I like that it is a bit larger, but not much. Very sleek looking.