Great thread. Just moved from our 08 144 low roof to a new 144 high roof. Family of 5 with 3 boys entering their teens, we spent many years talking about how to do the "next van". We stuck with the 144" as we have been in some pretty tight double-track turnarounds. We got our prior 2WD stuck in dense mud 30 miles from pavement, thick deep dirt and def snow over 4" in any incline even with what I found to be the best snowtire (Mastercraft Courser MSR studs) and even got pulled out once when chains failed.
Regardless, my first thoughts is that the 2wd ride was much smoother and MPG was 18/23 with +1 size tires. But the tradeoff is worth it as we leave the pavement often to get to climbing sites, camping sites, backcountry ski, MTB and hiking areas. Here are our thoughts others may be interested in:
Buy the passenger version. Sell some of the seats and windows. Best bang for buck as many amenities are already included (lots of 12v, comfort, basic insulation and liners, etc.)
Doing flares so we can sleep sideways in the bed means no need for the 170 for us.
Need maximum flexibility. No fixed anything. We haul lumber, gravel, furniture, small boats, etc. It has to all come out. We also want max configurable seating with the family.
Clothing goes in cabinets above to get rid of bags everywhere.
Carry a tent so kids or adults sleep separate.
Roof tent is great, but $$.
Galley used to be many bins and plastic drawers to keep it cheap. This time, building/buying rear sliders but attaching to drawers so that whole system fixed to tie downs but can remove. Also, a nice campbox functions as the main part of our galley which will be on its own slider. So slider left is cooler and pull out for stove. Slider right is campbox. Drawers in the middle.
Bikes in the van looks cool. But they are dirty. We ditched having bikes inside, did Thule swing away that works well by folding rear door then moving bikes to side of van. Also considering making a swing version of a lolo rack
Rooftop acccess has been with a telescope ladder. Cheap and keeps folks from being able to get up there easily. We did a roofbox for water gear, fishing gear, muddy gear too.
Loved our solar, had it on separate system/house battery running roof vent, all 12V outlets and could switch audio to it. This time going for Luna fridge too.
For music festivals we took out all seating and put galley where Err has. So hence modular will work great for us...move same system from back to behind driver.
Love the Dometic power awning, autocloses if it detects wind.
Working on a custom rear awning with roll up/down sides for protection when cooking out back.
Thinking of a slider system for the bed rails...slide that baby 1/3 right out the back on nice nights when backed to the beach. Will post if it gets done.
We went against installing sinks, water tanks, toilets etc. Modular modular. We do have a nice camp toilet but rarely have used it. Have a 12v sprayer we throw in the back. Makes a nice faucet in the kitchen too.
Mac track everywhere, ski racks on rear sidewalls.
Did stock fuel fired aux heater...has remote for when you leave the slopes...
Did curtains but think will get window covers all around from RB components this time.
Change the ceiling lights (passenger van) to LEDs.
Using sony MPCL1 mobile projector on a homemade screen in space over driver...can also project outside for movie nights (though usually discourage electronics when outside with kids...nice to have a treat)
Also, working with some friends on new ideas. What do you all think about:
1. Rear awning noted above, attaches to roof rail.
2. Bumper integrated hammock stand front/rear
3. Soft cabinets/shelving that can be removed
4. HAM radio system with van as repeater for handhelds used when out, anyone try something like this?
5. Wheel chairs...chairs that attach to the wheels.
6. rooftop passive solar heated water roof rack
