ExpoMike
Well-known member
Hi all,
I am looking to dive back into the camping world again. My biggest requirement for a new camper setup (based on our last two rigs and the one thing we really didn't like) is being able to put an actual full or queen sized home mattress into the rig. The wife and my biggest complaints was always the comfort of "camper" mattresses. I even had a custom made, "micro spring" one made, which helped but still did not give us the comfort we want. Long story short, we are looking at box vans/ambulances. Downside is, most are 2WD. I know there are a ton of conversions available for the Ford vans, to convert to 4x4 but sadly the passenger foot well tends to be cramped and the doghouse is offset to the passenger side. For my wife, that precludes her from sitting with her feet/legs in a comfortable position for any length of time. We did happen to notice that the Chevy Express vans don't seem to suffer this same problem and we test drove a 05 box van (with pass thru) and both found it comfortable.
Now here is where I am seriously having major debates with myself. In all of my years of offroad traveling, I have always had a 4x4 vehicle. The only 2WD I ever used was VW Baja Bug, which is a whole different animal. I keep reading how a 2WD with a locker will get you 90% of most places a 4x4 would get you. If that is really the case, I would be totally happy with that but I am having a hard time with that idea, thinking about where I typically go. We mostly do the southwest area of the US, which can have a lot of sand washes, among the normal stuff like ruts, rocks, etc. Can a larger, heavier 2WD vehicle really be useful in these areas?
A little info on the vehicle I am looking at. '05 Chevy Express box van, 6.0L V8, 4L80E 4 speed auto, what looks to be a Dana 60 or 70 rear with 4.10 gears. It is a dually which has me concerned. Loaded weight will be about 10K lbs. (empty is 8500, so I plan to build it light but figure 10K to be safe, GVW is 12K). The box is 96" wide x 12' long and the overall rig is 21'. WB is 139" I am looking at WeldTech Designs 3" lift spindles and custom rear springs and something in a 32"-33" tire. I will also have a locker installed as well.
So for those who have used 2WD larger rigs offroad (especially ambulances), is this rig really feasible to get me around without being stuck every 100 yards? I am no means a novice offroad driver and took my old Ram/FWC setup up Mingel Pass in Death Valley and our Cherokee with Kamparoo trailer up it. No problems doing it and I am really good at picking lines. This rig is just the biggest, heaviest and only 2WD I would have any experience with.
Thoughts, ideas, comments????
Thanks
I am looking to dive back into the camping world again. My biggest requirement for a new camper setup (based on our last two rigs and the one thing we really didn't like) is being able to put an actual full or queen sized home mattress into the rig. The wife and my biggest complaints was always the comfort of "camper" mattresses. I even had a custom made, "micro spring" one made, which helped but still did not give us the comfort we want. Long story short, we are looking at box vans/ambulances. Downside is, most are 2WD. I know there are a ton of conversions available for the Ford vans, to convert to 4x4 but sadly the passenger foot well tends to be cramped and the doghouse is offset to the passenger side. For my wife, that precludes her from sitting with her feet/legs in a comfortable position for any length of time. We did happen to notice that the Chevy Express vans don't seem to suffer this same problem and we test drove a 05 box van (with pass thru) and both found it comfortable.
Now here is where I am seriously having major debates with myself. In all of my years of offroad traveling, I have always had a 4x4 vehicle. The only 2WD I ever used was VW Baja Bug, which is a whole different animal. I keep reading how a 2WD with a locker will get you 90% of most places a 4x4 would get you. If that is really the case, I would be totally happy with that but I am having a hard time with that idea, thinking about where I typically go. We mostly do the southwest area of the US, which can have a lot of sand washes, among the normal stuff like ruts, rocks, etc. Can a larger, heavier 2WD vehicle really be useful in these areas?
A little info on the vehicle I am looking at. '05 Chevy Express box van, 6.0L V8, 4L80E 4 speed auto, what looks to be a Dana 60 or 70 rear with 4.10 gears. It is a dually which has me concerned. Loaded weight will be about 10K lbs. (empty is 8500, so I plan to build it light but figure 10K to be safe, GVW is 12K). The box is 96" wide x 12' long and the overall rig is 21'. WB is 139" I am looking at WeldTech Designs 3" lift spindles and custom rear springs and something in a 32"-33" tire. I will also have a locker installed as well.
So for those who have used 2WD larger rigs offroad (especially ambulances), is this rig really feasible to get me around without being stuck every 100 yards? I am no means a novice offroad driver and took my old Ram/FWC setup up Mingel Pass in Death Valley and our Cherokee with Kamparoo trailer up it. No problems doing it and I am really good at picking lines. This rig is just the biggest, heaviest and only 2WD I would have any experience with.
Thoughts, ideas, comments????
Thanks
