2015 Work Vans - What happened to AWD/4x4?

[Harry]

Austin: Good luck with the new business !

[Foggy_Goggles]

If you go to the boise craigslist and type in "champion" to the search box you'll see all these 4x4 vans owned by the Federal Government.

[MontuckyFried]

Austin: Good luck with the new business !

Thanks, vato. I'm still going to keep doing my current work as long as it's still available, but with the way the oil markets and drilling schedules have been, I'm trying to have a back up plan ready to launch almost the moment I inevitably lose my job. In this town it's a good thing I know how to turn a screwdriver, because it doesn't seem like having a degree is worth anything here from what I've experienced. Seen too many ads that say "[Insert degree here] and minimum 4 years experience required: $11-12/hour." Only make peanuts AND miss out on pow days? Umm, nope! I still don't plan on making a ton from my new business, but at least I can schedule appts for AFTER we get first tracks, and THAT'S what matter most. Well, that and keeping the lights on.

[plugboots]

It sounds like you're already going the trailer route, but that's what I would have suggested, considering it's what I did.

[MontuckyFried]

If you go to the boise craigslist and type in "champion" to the search box you'll see all these 4x4 vans owned by the Federal Government.

Hey! Thanks for the heads up! That may be the ticket. Just looked them up and they have excellent prices. The good thing about government vehicles is the maintenance is typically hyper scheduled. I had to do a a thorough walk around every time I drove our squadron van, and had to fill out this silly maintenance form like every day. The bad thing is that many of those vehicles rarely get driven over 30 miles/hour (if they're stuck on base). Still, I'd take my chances with one at those prices. Will definitely check into those guys again when it's go-time!

[riser4]

Or this? http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...utm_medium=cpm

[MontuckyFried]

Or this? http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...utm_medium=cpm

Yup! After comparing all my options, I had actually decided to go that route. Now I'm just having to wait until I make enough money from the new business to have the loot for one. No matter how you pay for it, MB dealers want $10,000 down before they'll place an order.

If I were to get a new Ford or GM van plus the Quigly conversion, it quickly puts you up there in the price category of the Sprinter, which comes factory with 4WD and heck of a lot more work space inside to boot. I don't know about the 4WD versions, but the old 2WD ones get fantastic mpg for their size. Hope I can get the business to grow enough to justify one soon, as I'm quickly growing tired of working out the back of my SUV. A trailer's probably next as something to get me by in the meanwhile.

[frorider]

I researched the hell out of this when I decided to buy a new van and convert to a 4 season camping vehicle.

The awd sprinter isn't a Mercedes conversion per se. Think of it as a Mercedes-approved awd aftermarket. Quigley and Quadvan 4wd Transit conversions are Ford approved, can be serviced at Ford dealerships etc

Sprinter forums give you all the details but bottom line is that older versions had great drive trains but body rust issues, current ones have a good body but DPF system issues and a poor dealership support network compared to the ubiquitous Ford dealerships across NA.

Basic gasser Transits go for $29k; 4wd conversion adds $12k but is real 4wd with hi/lo transfer case and Ford Raptor parts. Interior dimensions etc similar to Sprinters.
I bought the turbo diesel Transit 250, up sized tires to 29.5 inch dia BFGs,and 3.55 Detroit true trac rear end. Getting 4wd conversion this summer. Big plus of any Transit is 6 spd trans, very reliable and shifts well.

Awd sprinter owners report 17-18 mpg. Diesel transit owners get 21-24 mpg with 2WD; I'll be one of the first to have diesel 4wd transit but guessing I'll get around 19. Heavy AT tires impact mpg but that's life.

I don't think there are any vans other than Transit and Sprinter worth considering.

[frorider]

Mine will be a moderate 4wd truck ie no addl lift, but since it's a Ford you can go for a true off-road system with ARB lockers front and rear, 4 inch lift, etc. It's basically an F150/raptor drivetrain so sky is the limit. Aftermarket aluminum bumper with winch, etc etc.

[frorider]

Mercedes helped create this unibody van market in U.S. but now Ford has swooped in and is outselling the Sprinter by 12:1 ratio last I heard. I see tons of transit wagons and cargo vans on the road these days. Saw none a year ago.

[BmillsSkier]

Or this? http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...utm_medium=cpm

Roof-mounted A/C unit?

[Jax]

Mine will be a moderate 4wd truck ie no addl lift, but since it's a Ford you can go for a true off-road system with ARB lockers front and rear, 4 inch lift, etc. It's basically an F150/raptor drivetrain so sky is the limit. Aftermarket aluminum bumper with winch, etc etc.

This is rad, and purposefully built. Nice work.