Finally beginning my build! 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan

[GCAdventurer]

So, the build starts! I have been given a 42" curved light bar and am in the process of making custom brackets so that it will attach to the OEM roof side rails. They have been mocked up and road tested, now to clean them up, and paint them black, and still wire them up. Its a work in progress. Next step will be a roof top basket, some new All Terrain Tires. Obviously not ever going to be a true off-roader but for the highways and dirt roads this will do fine for a family of 5.

 

[eporter]

Nice. Is that an AWD caravan? There are so many AWD vehicles these days, the used expo options are getting good.

 

[GCAdventurer]

Nice. Is that an AWD caravan? There are so many AWD vehicles these days, the used expo options are getting good.

I wish but with the in floor seats there’s no room for the running gear. On the up side, it does have a limited slip differential so the plan is to go with a real good set of grippy tires. 70% of the time it’s on pavement anyway

 

[GCAdventurer]

Something new coming this way, not sure if it’s been done before... photos coming shortly as soon as install is done!!

 

[GCAdventurer]

BF Goodrich A/T KO2. My rig’s got new kicks!

 

[Raul]

Interested in a side view of the whole van with the new shoes.

How is the noise from the light bar mounted up there?

 

[GCAdventurer]

Finally the light bar is on! Not where I originally intended but now with the roof rack, I can store gear safely up there. Now to find a good spot to take some glam shots!

 

[GCAdventurer]

Interested in a side view of the whole van with the new shoes.

How is the noise from the light bar mounted up there?

When I had it mounted without the roof rack there was zero noise, haven’t tested yet with the rack, literally just finished working on it. I’m sure I won’t hear a thing over the tire noise!

 

[GCAdventurer]

Next up will be the cargo management system for up top and then outfit the trunk space for a ‘kitchen of sorts’

 

[GCAdventurer]

It’s always nice when your Amazon order unexpectedly shows up. Next project is here, sort of. The only way to lift the van without major modifications. Mr. Gasket 1” lifts. Just need to order 2 more...

 

[GCAdventurer]

Finally got out of the city today and onto some dirt with the new BFG KO2’s. handles washboard roads and ruts sooo much better. Lift coming VERY soon! The original light bar idea didn't quite work out after I had installed the roof rack so had to scrap that idea and order another size light.

 

[gmtech]

you need a camel caravan sticker or a nomad sticker for it! cause where ever your going your in a Caravan!

 

[eporter]

Looking good! I’m thinking about getting an AWD Sienna and doing similar.

 

[762X39]

I drove our company Caravan to Happy Valley Goose Bay in Labrador last year. I went up in the middle of a snow storm and came back in the spring (10 days later). It was 20 times more surefooted on the gravel roads of Northern Quebec than any of our 4WD vehicles (except the Mog but 25 times more comfortable and quiet). Glad you are going this route. The fuel economy is awesome if you stick to about 105km/hr and they are comfy to sleep in. I travelled about 1100 km all told on gravel and bad winter roads with no cell phone service for several 250 km stretches without any real concerns.

 

[GCAdventurer]

I drove our company Caravan to Happy Valley Goose Bay in Labrador last year. I went up in the middle of a snow storm and came back in the spring (10 days later). It was 20 times more surefooted on the gravel roads of Northern Quebec than any of our 4WD vehicles (except the Mog but 25 times more comfortable and quiet). Glad you are going this route. The fuel economy is awesome if you stick to about 105km/hr and they are comfy to sleep in. I travelled about 1100 km all told on gravel and bad winter roads with no cell phone service for several 250 km stretches without any real concerns.View attachment 464690

762X39, thats why the van is awesome, you've got your weight already on the drive wheels and as long as you know how to drive properly (effectively using your momentum) the van is unstoppable on crappy dirt roads. I used to have a 2wd Dakota and unless I had a few hundred pounds in the bed, it was horrible on dirt roads, especially washboard roads. My old man has a TRD Taco (absolutely love those trucks) but for me to haul 5 bodies including a car seat, on long journeys forget about it, the van is the way to go. BTW the second shipment of my lift kit came in today, now only if I had an A/C'd shop to work....its too bloody hot today.