Hi all. Just poking in to see what's happening at ExPo. Just finished a nice little trip up to Canada with the family. #boomerthecampervan did very well (as usual) despite its age. As with all trips, we returned with a laundry list of things to do before the next outing. Unfortunately the engine needs to come back out due to a incessantly leaking head gasket (external leak, thankfully). I'm not happy at all about having to do this, as the effort to get that engine out is phenomenal. I think while everything is apart, the front radius arms will finally get swapped out for something better, and the front calipers upgraded to late model 1 Ton Ford gear. The rear springs are shot so I'll have my friends over at Agile Offroad bang out a custom set of high leaf count springs. It may also be time for that turbo and a gearvendors OD....
To answer a couple of the questions here:
1. The roof has been holding up great and the rack mounts are as solid as they were the day I installed them. Couldn't be happier. We use the roof rack extensively for all manner of packing logistics. I honestly can't remember how we lived without it for so long.
The Fluid Film is doing a great job keeping the underside of the van in near-perfect condition. It is messy to apply, and messy to work around afterwards, but it keeps ALL the rust away which is my primary concern. It gets a fresh coat every fall and lasts right thru the year until the next application. We don't use the van in the winter (historically, that may change) so it is protecting things while parked on dirt all winter and spring, and often a couple days of road salt during the annual DRAM trips.
The tires are 285-75-R16 Load E BFG A/Ts. They are a perfect size for what we do and I wouldn't change a thing in that department. We do run close to their recommended GVW ratings and at some point we may need to look at 20" wheel packages to get into the next weight class of tire.
Boomer is fine with mild to medium grade trail work. It actually flexes just fine and given the length, the RTI ramp numbers are surprisingly good. The height is what most people think is my limiting factor, but it has never proven to be the case. That isn't to say I don't bounce branches/limbs off the roof on occasion, but when I did all the glass work on the front quarters, I beefed it all up to the point where I don't worry at all about thwacking a tree limb from time to time. The biggest issue with the van is turning radius and departure angle...neither of these I can do anything about without really chopping things up. It isn't a trail machine, but often plays the part when the need arises.
SG
