2005 4x4 Chinook Glacier E-450 v10

rawtoxic

Well-known member
I like this more than a concourse because you get the side door but not sure how much the rear overhang will limit you getting back into those cool places.

Also wish the tank sizes were a little bigger.

Sweet overall checks a lot of my boxes.

 

rawtoxic

Well-known member
As I hinted in my original post the rear overhang will probably effect the departure angle. I think this rig would do good in sand and snow but off-road trails may not be it's strength. Probably do a bit better than a standard class c 4x4 conversion. The build quality on Chinooks is very high so it will survive well on rough roads much better than standard crap RVs. The lowest hanging thing in the rear is the waste tanks it looks like - so you will really regret snagging those. My tiger has the same deal but much better departure angles.
 

bri

Adventurer
Considering the limits of the vehicle size wise. You a are going to have to replace a all cabinet latches and hinges with active/positive lock and reinforce them if you stuff with any weight. Interior build is just like a Lance or othe generic truck camper or trailer.

First time offroad with ruts an moguls and EVERYTHING will be on the floor.
 

robtbritn

New member
I had a 2005 Chinook a few years back, the thing was built like a tank and never had any problems with anything falling apart or breaking. The rear overhang is something you need to be mindful of and would be the limiting factor on some trails. Another factor is the width, if the trail starts getting narrow I started looking for somewhere to get turned around. It was a great rig for getting into some remote areas but definitely had some limitations, oh and it was heavy!
 

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rawtoxic

Well-known member
Considering the limits of the vehicle size wise. You a are going to have to replace a all cabinet latches and hinges with active/positive lock and reinforce them if you stuff with any weight. Interior build is just like a Lance or othe generic truck camper or trailer.

First time offroad with ruts an moguls and EVERYTHING will be on the floor.
I have thought and researched heavily about getting a Chinook brand RV (want a side door is my main hold up) and if you read reviews everyone raves about the build quality. The latches could be upgraded for a small investment. The initial sale price on some of these units was in the 6 digits or close. I have toured 2 Concourses in person and looked closely at cabinetry joints, built ins, undercarriage and it all seems much better than other crap including my Tiger. I think the build quality has improved on new Tigers but my 2005 is probably closer to a Lance. Lots of particle board on my Tiger!
 

robtbritn

New member
I have thought and researched heavily about getting a Chinook brand RV (want a side door is my main hold up) and if you read reviews everyone raves about the build quality. The latches could be upgraded for a small investment. The initial sale price on some of these units was in the 6 digits or close. I have toured 2 Concourses in person and looked closely at cabinetry joints, built ins, undercarriage and it all seems much better than other crap including my Tiger. I think the build quality has improved on new Tigers but my 2005 is probably closer to a Lance. Lots of particle board on my Tiger!
The build quality is second to none, the price new reflected that. I was able to find a garage kept example, took it to Quadvan in Portland for the 4X4 conversion. As it turned out, Quadvan did many of the conversions for Chinook back in the day and are very familiar with the ins and outs of the Chinook. If you call Quadvan talk to John, he can give you some good history regarding Chinook. Only thing we did not like about the coach was the lack of perminit bed. Here is a link on how they made the shell, good read. rv-manufacturer-converts-to-all-composite-motorhome-shells-and-floors
 

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68camaro

Any River...Any Place
Considering the limits of the vehicle size wise. You a are going to have to replace a all cabinet latches and hinges with active/positive lock and reinforce them if you stuff with any weight. Interior build is just like a Lance or othe generic truck camper or trailer.

First time offroad with ruts an moguls and EVERYTHING will be on the floor.

I do not know about Lance, but Chinooks really are not built like other "generic truck camper or trailers" that I have been in. Not sure how much weight you think will cause the issue, but I am sure at some point it will, but my cabinets are stuffed pretty good.

Mine is 2WD, and lifted with suspension upgrades and mods, while I do not "wheel" or go mudding or rock crawling, I have had it down many unimproved roads and never had ANY cabinet open - ever. As matter of fact worst to happen was heavy glass tray in microwave spilled out, but that was on new replacement microwave so it was microwave issue.

New heavier rated leaf springs really smoothed out off-road ride and reduced squeaking a bunch.

As you say, these are wide heavy tall vehicles not made to go 4 wheeling and keep up with jeeps, but they are capable off road to get to remote places with a little bit of commonsense but no, you do not have to worry about your stuff flying all over.
 

Delsh

Active member
For those of you who've had these, were there any seat belts in the dinette? If not, do you think it would be hard to install some?
 

robtbritn

New member
Thats a good question, not 100% sure as we never rode with passengers. The sofa had seatbelts and I'm pretty sure the dinette had them as well.
 

68camaro

Any River...Any Place
For those of you who've had these, were there any seat belts in the dinette? If not, do you think it would be hard to install some?

I have Lounge Layout and each chair has factory seat belts and couch has three factory belts, I assume dinette has one on each side as well.
 

Craig_C

Active member
I have a 2000 Chinook Premier (lower optioned, square window and shorter than the Glacier above.). Mine has 4 lap belts in the dinette, 3 for the couch and obviously 2 seatbelts for the front seats. That was part of the appeal.

I would have preferred a side door with the fixed bed in the back, but got a great deal on mine because it was high miles and needed some work. Fixed bed side doors were only made a few years 97-99 I believe. There is one for sale on Facebook. It has been for sale a while. People were slow to respond. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/624356925753735/?mibextid=6ojiHh
For reference it is a 1996 diesel asking price is $39k that is dirty on the inside with no quarter skull stickers.
I saw another for sale in Colorado 2 years ago, asking $32 ish that had the v10. He was firm on price, but it took him a while to sell it.
 

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