2wd vs 4wd

[dsw4x4]

I to am a big fan of 4wd and would not think of going to ak without it. It sounds like your budget is calling for the burb or astro. I would give up the 2wd and extra space to have 4wd if budget is the deciding factor. I had a friend that camped out of his suburban with two people for long periods of time and it worked fine. Just have more of a backpacker mentality when packing for a long trip instead of a RV family mentality. Be creative when you outfit the truck or van you use with nets on the ceiling and stuff like that. Remember 4wd does not make you super man and when you stick a 4wd way back in the wilderness be prepared to dig out for hours or even days if you do not make wise decisions when driving especially at night. (ask me how I know) Help could be a long ways of and even if you have sweet 21 sped huffy help could still be a t least a day or two away.
Derek

[adi]

We've been having some snowstorms here in Seattle, and I've also been looking at vans locally to start my slow 2+ year project with.

One van had issues getting out of the apartment complex. We had to get a few running start to get up the slight incline with snow on the ground. Tires and LSD would help, but it really made me re-consider pushing my 4x4 conversion plans a lot sooner than I had originally planned. This is compared to my Land Cruiser, which had zero slip going up the same incline (nothing locked, just normal unlocked center 4wd).

Granted, both of them eventually got out, and a shovel is a lot cheaper than a 4x4 conversion, but one way to look at things is use the 4x4 to get you out of trouble, not in trouble, or deeper in trouble.

[GregB_00XJ]

2WD van in snow = no fun.

If you are going to go Econoline, which to me makes the most sense...engine and space are a win win, then why not look at a few things to make your 2WD that much better? Pick up a good set of All Terrain tires with as much sidewall as you can fit. Something like the BFG AT's, lots out there used and lots of options for brands/makes etc. If you can afford it, and if it doesn't already have LSD, drop a locker in it? Aired down with a locker will get you a lot of places comfortably. You could also pop a front receiver on it and pick up a receiver mounted winch? I know you can get a 10K one here for in and around $399? Ok, not the greatest winch, but it might just save your arse? lol Receiver mount is great, put a hitch front and rear and carry it around and mount it as needed.

The Ford is a great van, but the Suburban is also a good vehicle. The Astro is a pretty good choice as well in AWD, but I hear they have relatively weak front ends, and can be expensive to fix? Tough call...but in my mind the Ford with a 7.3 and some add-ons is the winner!

Check out this van, used to run around Vancouver Island, best shuttle vehicle ever. Diesel, 4x4 custom setup by owner, custom bike racks and seating for 10. Ahh the good ole days.

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[Rosco862003]

As far as pics go chris, I'll send some your way when I get to the casa, and I've toyed with the idea of a locker, but figured with install its close to $800 if not more..that amount of loot would go a long way towards gas and food, and I don't care too much about winter..this is just a summer trip and am thinking that I might sell it afterwards for a dd with good mpg. The reason I want 4wd is for sand not snow..the first leg of my trip is going to take me to the OBXand I would rather not have to park and walk to the beach when I can drive on it. Everywhere else though 2wd is ok by me. By the way sweet van in the above post!

[Creature]

http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2783692668.html I know this is the pre94.5 7.3 but it may be worth taking a look at.

Keep searching, they are out there...

[pr39]

Hello Rosco,
I have been rolling in my 2x4 Sportsmobile since 2005, this would be my second van and had some concern how it would do in Baja to my home in -25 degree weather with plenty of snow. Through years of testing and exploring many beaches and extreme weather I have found my 2x4 very capable. I have winched out flatbed tow trucks to government 4x4 vehicles at work with no chains or assistance besides the winch or tow strap. What makes this such a good vehicle is the weight and correct sipped tires. I would never recommend 2x4 over 4x4 but what I can tell you I get to all the places I need to go. When it gets really challenging I unload the dinghy (KTM) and explore with the right tool for the job at hand.

[Tennmogger]

I have owned two E-350s, both 2wd. With all the weight in the front, especially the heavy 7.3 Diesel (which one of mine had) you have zilch traction on the powered wheels. You can get stuck in a low spot on wet grass, been there, done that. Tires help, and I ran BFG All Terrains which helped but did not solve traction issues. A heavily loaded rear axle would help too, but will also cause that axle to sink in sand or mud. My advice, learned from experience, is do not get off the gravel with 2wd E-350.

[JCMatthews]

I think that he needs a video. Someone go out in you van and show how easily it can get stuck in 2wd and then throw into 4wd and show how easily it get out of the situation. Just a thought.




EDIT: I found one. Check out how little snow the van really is in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuIUE-JOPTA Here is a good one showing how effortlessly the van goes over sand with 4wd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1sdY...eature=related

[Rosco862003]

A little update. I did my taxes last night and decided against selling my car. My friend is suggesting we scoop up a Subaru of some sort. I like Subarus, don't get me wrong. But I think using one as my mobile studio for 3 months would get old..very quick. So I'm leaning towards a full size van shes leaning towards a station wagon. The compromise vehicle should be interesting!

We have also decided to volunteer with the Muskoka foundation along the trip and were both pretty excited about it to say the least. The route is constantly changing as we try to make way for friends weddings and family events, and it sounds like Alaska is out of the picture..BOO I know. But once I get some solid plans I'll keep you guys updated!

[86scotty]

Howbout a cheap Subaru toad behind a cheap 2wd e350 to live in? I know, not ideal, but i've actually thought about this, or at least i did until i sold my Subie. An e350 will probably get about 1-2 less mpg with a car behind it, not bad. First, for your trip, i'd try to find a 7.3 diesel, so much better for long miles, and will haul everything. The front receiver, at $150 shipped from Etrailer, and a winch, is actually a pretty good idea. Maybe 500 total and you know you can get out if you get stuck, most places. Everyone here will stress 4wd, and i don't blame them, but just to note, i have driven vans for about 20 years for Fedex, and gotten through many horrible icy, snowy days with a 2wd econoline with virtually no weight in the back and the most horrible retread, garbage tires you can imagine. I always got where i needed to go, and not just on flatland. We've got pretty good hills on the west side of the Smokies. You will come home with some good stories and you'll be a far superior driver.