Any feedback about Advanced 4x4

[DjDrewDigital]

I test drove a van with their conversion. It was a dream! It had parabolic leaf springs that taper towards the ends so it had a super smooth ride. I could barely feel the bumps. It also had a really tight turning radius so it was easy to park.

If I get someone to convert my van, they'd be my first choice.

[jatorresrv]

Based in Salt Lake City?

Close to me and prices about the same as Quigley. Awfully tempting but I can't find any info other than their website. Randy says they've done a few Pleasure Way Traverses like mine.

http://www.advanced4x4vans.com/

CSG

I had my Roadtrek converted to 4x4 by Advanced 4x4 in 2006. I would say for the most part they did a great job. Its 4x4 capability is awesome. I have taken it through some pretty rough stuff. Keep in mind, it's an RV that is 4x4 and not intended for rock climbing. Although it just might be capable-except I just might not have any RV at the end of the climb. The vehicle draws attention just about everywhere it goes. Even mechanics and techs at Chevy were impressed with the 4x4 conversion.

However, their customer service is terrible and I have verbalized that to Randy on several occasions. But the product is great. Check out some of my posting on Expo. Jose

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...&postcount=249

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...&postcount=250

[CSG]

Jose, I just happened to catch your YT video yesterday. Very cool!!

What I keep hearing is the guy does a good to great job on the conversions and pretty much sucks at customer service, follow-up, and dealing with problems. If so, that's a real shame. In many respects, a 4x4 conversion on my existing van would be the best solution and least expensive alternative.

[jatorresrv]

CSG,

To Randy's credit his workmanship is great. Its the business part of the company that he isnt good at. My primary issue was the air compressor would stop working after a month or two. Reason never found. But as long as I was able to get it to him he would change it out. Driving up to Utah is not an easy venture to embark on whenever a service was needed. Hope that helps. Jose

[ejenter]

It is amazing to me to read the complaints and "reviews" by people that obviously fall into one of two categories. 1. They couldn't by a clue. or 2. They are THAT type themselves and are put out by someone who puts them in their place.

Please remember... Experience ALWAYS trumps a THEORY! Randy is by FAR one of the most knowledgeable 4X4 expert in the Nation, BECAUSE he has done it all. If you don't know what you are talking about, he will be sharp, because you obviously don't know what a locker is or how it is supposed to work, and you are lazy. So, you ask him to do some work and are displeased with the result, LIKELY because you had no idea what a new technology or piece of hardware should work. If you don't know what you are talking about, but you ACT like you do? Then he will be what some may call and @ss, and it is a GOOD thing. If you can't take it. Go get some experience breaking your 4X4, and then come back and get it right.

When I have a "good idea" or a request, I just go and ask. He either tells me why it won't work, or how to do it right, or if it is just plain stupid.

His business is called "ADVANCED Four Wheel Drive Systems"! This ain't some glorified tire shop...

I have known Randy for YEARS and NOW he is a very good friend. I feel great about taking EVERYTHING to him. He is fair, he is TOP quality, and he is honest.

And shut your mouth, and he might share some of his experience with you.

[RocKrawler]

ejenter - me that you havent read the previous posts - nobody said he didnt do good work or have a great product, they said after the sals they couldnt maintain or repair their vehicle because he was unwilling to provide or ship replacements, and had to fight just to get a part number to service the vehicle they already had if they werent in town to have him do the work.
In my opinion, if you can prove ownership of the vehicle there should be no issues with being provided a build sheet or bill of materials for that vehicle so the truck can be serviced after the sale with common aftermarket parts available at any auto supply store. If its a special built piece thats different, but something like a tie rod end should be a fight.
Because there are a couple people that that have had the same experience I tend to believe them, as its a common theme. You are referring to "ideas" and his solutions, that is irrelevant in the discussion that is taking place here because his work is not in question, his follow through after the sale is.

[Maximus Ram]

It is amazing to me to read the complaints and "reviews" by people that obviously fall into one of two categories. 1. They couldn't by a clue. or 2. They are THAT type themselves and are put out by someone who puts them in their place.

Please remember... Experience ALWAYS trumps a THEORY! Randy is by FAR one of the most knowledgeable 4X4 expert in the Nation, BECAUSE he has done it all. If you don't know what you are talking about, he will be sharp, because you obviously don't know what a locker is or how it is supposed to work, and you are lazy. So, you ask him to do some work and are displeased with the result, LIKELY because you had no idea what a new technology or piece of hardware should work. If you don't know what you are talking about, but you ACT like you do? Then he will be what some may call and @ss, and it is a GOOD thing. If you can't take it. Go get some experience breaking your 4X4, and then come back and get it right.

When I have a "good idea" or a request, I just go and ask. He either tells me why it won't work, or how to do it right, or if it is just plain stupid.

His business is called "ADVANCED Four Wheel Drive Systems"! This ain't some glorified tire shop...

I have known Randy for YEARS and NOW he is a very good friend. I feel great about taking EVERYTHING to him. He is fair, he is TOP quality, and he is honest.

And shut your mouth, and he might share some of his experience with you.

Nice first post....
Dig up a thread that is almost a year old and flame people for stating their expierences.
From what I read , he does great work but customer service is lacking...sounds like constructive critizism...not always a bad thing..

[mountainsoul]

It is amazing to me to read the complaints and "reviews" by people that obviously fall into one of two categories. 1. They couldn't by a clue. or 2. They are THAT type themselves and are put out by someone who puts them in their place.

Please remember... Experience ALWAYS trumps a THEORY! Randy is by FAR one of the most knowledgeable 4X4 expert in the Nation, BECAUSE he has done it all. If you don't know what you are talking about, he will be sharp, because you obviously don't know what a locker is or how it is supposed to work, and you are lazy. So, you ask him to do some work and are displeased with the result, LIKELY because you had no idea what a new technology or piece of hardware should work. If you don't know what you are talking about, but you ACT like you do? Then he will be what some may call and @ss, and it is a GOOD thing. If you can't take it. Go get some experience breaking your 4X4, and then come back and get it right.

When I have a "good idea" or a request, I just go and ask. He either tells me why it won't work, or how to do it right, or if it is just plain stupid.

His business is called "ADVANCED Four Wheel Drive Systems"! This ain't some glorified tire shop...

I have known Randy for YEARS and NOW he is a very good friend. I feel great about taking EVERYTHING to him. He is fair, he is TOP quality, and he is honest.

And shut your mouth, and he might share some of his experience with you.

Randy, get off the computer. Your hotdogs are boiling over.

[spurious]

WOW! Take it so personal do you.
It's funny never mentioned him by name. It seems to me he holds all the knowledge you and you are just the voice of non-reason. If you were privy to my conversations with Advanced you would be quite embarrassed that you are lashing out on something you know nothing about. You may have good experiences with them, that is fine but there are those of us that have had trouble with Advanced (the company). I still to this day own their conversion, I have not tried since to order anything from them and maintain I would do everything possible to avoid doing so unless I was standing on their doorstep.
Just my honest opinion......

[Ozrockrat]

So just go with it. But put in as part of the contract that you want a full parts list at the end of the job.

For what it is worth I have one of their conversions with over 250,000 miles on it and it handles and steers well, turns better than my 2wd van and I would be prepared to jump in it tomorrow and head to Alaska (if someone comes up with the vacation and funding )

Personally I would rather have someone who does a well engineered job that works than good sales support afterward.