Any tips on driving a 2wd van?

[Sleam]

Hi folks, I'm the new owner of a 2003 Dodge B1500 conversion van. It's been a long time since I've had a 2wd and so I thought I would ask for your help! Mostly the upcoming trip will be on small local highways from NM to the NW over 3 months, taking it slow. I like to camp in the forests, dispersed cg, quiet... Any thoughts on taking the extra large doghouse on NF roads? I was thinking of getting All Terrain tires next week or so. I have basic tools and skills.
I'll post photos from the laptop as i can't work out how on my phone. Thanks, s

 

[Bbasso]

Just drive within your comfort levels and be able to reach out for help when needed, CB- cell- sat- spot...

 

[dar395]

We've been off roading some what for the past 20+ years many of that with 2 wheel drive. We did install a simple winch on our last Van with a simple c-channel mount and a 9000# Harbor Freight winch ($300) In 17k of traveling we used it 3 times, twice for our unit and one for a fellow travel in the national forest (Huron), saves the tranny!



On tires I like the "Firestone TransForce A/T LT's" they come in 10plys and preform well on the open road and your able to purchase
on the road just about any place.

Our new build will have both of these item's, our ford E350 is able to mount the winch on a front mount hitch, tires being mounted this week.

Rob's advise on being to having contact when in need is right on as well, and we follow this process also.

 

[Sleam]

THanks fellas. My neighbor Pete suggested bringing the snow chains for mud but, yeah, just be aware and don't push it. It's true, all these years of driving a 4x4, I rarely had to use it. The van has good clearance and I reckon with good tires, we'll be set. Thanks again, s

and it looks like Cat Stephen is coming with us…not to Expo but up north. Should be interesting!

 

[spencyg]

A/T tires in a load range D or E are a mandatory start if you're venturing in 2WD into the woods. The winch idea is a good one, and I've never found my hi-top to be a limiting factor in the selection of trails I decide to venture down. I would agree that for likely 75% of the time, that second set of drive wheels isn't necessary. When you get into a situation where 4WD "would have been nice", make sure you can pull yourself backwards as well as forwards. A winch in front and rear receiver mounts makes the most sense given the options it affords you. I'd also invest in at least a pair of maxtrax or TRED's.

SG

 

[XJINTX]

Not sure what the standard jack is in your van but possible look at something like a safejack if you travel alone? I use AAA on the paved roads

 

[tgreening]

A decent rule of thumb for off road in a 2x is if you wouldn't walk through it don't try to drive through it. . A little extreme maybe but you probably get the point. Be very wary of watery/muddy stuff and know what it is before you get into it. Sometimes what looks like a couple of simple water filled ruts will swallow you whole. Actually the be wary part is good advice no matter what you're driving.

 

[Sleam]

Yep, good reminder. I think with the tires for better traction and stopping to check out the road conditions is a good idea. I've been getting a little over confident in the Rover and 4Runner so this will be a good attitude adjustment. I'll be at Expo and thought I'd wander round and talk to the van owners and see what they have done. Thanks,
s

 

[Sleam]

Okay, hitting the road tomorrow, a slow meander to Expo, taking a few days to drive 450 miles! First time out in the van so we won't be far off the highway 60, probably Quemado Lake, NM to start with. It'll be interesting! Then back for a week after that to fix screens and get the AT tires, a better jack, etc. I'll look at the maxtrax type stuff at Expo.
Thanks for the feedback fellas. Appreciated.

s

 

[philos]

Happy travels!


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[Sleam]

Happy travels!

Thanks!

 

[Raul]

Limited sleep differential and good tires. I like my Cooper Discovereer AT3. They work fine on snow, rain and pavement I don't do much off reading though.

Something like the Track Grabber may be helpful. I carry a homemade version but I've never had to use it.

 

[tgreening]

Forgot to mention, all the 2wd advice is nice and all but I'm still of the opinion there's few vehicles in the world that can't be improved by the addition of a transfer case and a 2nd driven axle. Those that can't, probably already have them.

 

[philndz]

If your running boards will come off you'll gain a lot of clearance. I just started with my van and it was my first job. Much improved, although mine were a lower design than yours may be. Before & After:

 

[simple]

A 30' tug strap, some spectra fiber rope, a small shovel. Maybe a cheap harbor freight come along. Don't forget that airing down tires can improve floatation and increase grip. If you're not doing anything silly in a 2wd, usually the stuck factor is not that severe and a couple feet of reposition gets you out. I like a simple cheap tool kit and bag of all the cheap fix it stuff like jb-weld, radiator stop leak etc.