I was pretty set on the Ford 4x4 path, even already have a van (still 2wd), but a potential deal popped up locally as a turnkey rig with the 6.0 and already 4x4 (IFS, not SAS), plus some goodies. I had shied away from the Chevy's based on wheelbase and turning radius...but does anyone have any real world data on how they do off road? Think BDR type exploring - rough backroads with the occasional rock obstacle and off kilter pitch. The benefit is the rear departure angle is IMMENSELY better than the Fords, but at the cost of breakover. I have seen the vids of Weldtec taking theirs off pavement, but it seems to be mostly sand and groomed roads? Not that they are the same animal but the Powerwagons are pretty impressive off road and they are in the 150-170" wheelbase length.
Chevy 155" LWB Off Road
- Thread starter b. rock
- Start date
sackettmw
Member
I have an IFS Quigley Savana and I love it. I am always mindful of the breakover angle (especially because I have my house batteries mounted on the frame) but haven't found it to be a limiting factor so far. As with any big ass van the size itself is the limiter on where you can go (off camber in tight trees for example). I use mine much as it seems you intend to, accessing the best camping spots and trailheads, back road exploring. I also pull a car trailer with it at times which is one of the reasons why I wanted the extended wheelbase GM over the extended rear frame Ford. The IFS rides good on the highway and has good control at speed on dirt roads. I'm not anti Ford in any way but I'm glad I ended up with the GMC for my uses.
Sorry no action shots but here is my van for reference. And yes I have bent my rear rack a little. Need to make one higher up.
Sorry no action shots but here is my van for reference. And yes I have bent my rear rack a little. Need to make one higher up.
sackettmw
Member
I haven't found the turning radius to be an issue. Its a little more than a 2wd I-beam Ford with the shorter wheelbase but I bet by the time you add a leaf spring front suspension it would be about the same. Overall length of the van is the limiter on getting turned around vs backing out (I guess unless your on a shelf rd).
Since your in CO maybe you're familiar. The second picture above is at Alta Lakes by Telluride.
I have One Up van trays on the inside and that's how I use it during the week or around town. But no one has tried to steal my bikes of the back yet.
Since your in CO maybe you're familiar. The second picture above is at Alta Lakes by Telluride.
I have One Up van trays on the inside and that's how I use it during the week or around town. But no one has tried to steal my bikes of the back yet.
Len.Barron
Observer
I had an 06 CCSB 2500hd silverado before my 155" Express, there isn't much difference to me, either on or off road, I've got enough lift that the break over isn't much concern and having the rear axle so far back makes it better for towing and departure..
vintageracer
To Infinity and Beyond!
Both short and long Ford van's wheelbase is 138 inches versus 155 for the long GM van. A difference of 17 inches longer wheelbase in the GM van!
The rear overhang in the extended Ford Supervan is 63.8 inches with the rear bumper. The long Ford Van has a total overall length of 231.9 inches with 8.1 inches of front and rear ground clearance stock.
The GM van has a rear overhang of 49.4 inches. The overall length is 244.1 inches with the bumpers and 8.1 inches front 7.7 inches rear of ground clearance stock.
Take the Ford 63.8 inches of overhang and SUBTRACT the GM van 49.4 inches of overhang gives you a difference of a 14.4 inches LONGER rear overhang in the Ford van. Interesting in that the long GM van is OVERALL is a full 12.2 inches LONGER than the long Ford van. The 0.4 inches of LESS rear ground clearance on the GM van stock versus the Ford van stock might be an issue for some folks.
The 138 inch wheelbase Ford van makes a good looking van IF you can go with the standard overall length Ford van. The standard length GM van has a 135 inch wheelbase and also looks good.
What's better for off-road? Depends on where you go and how much trouble you want to git into!
Personally I never cared for the LONG Ford van appearance as the design proportions are way off with the long rear overhang looking like it was tacked on to the back which is exactly what Ford did. The GM van proportions look much better with the longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang in the long GM van.
I'll take the longer wheelbase/shorter overhang and resulting better appearance over the longer overhang/shorter wheelbase as I think the GM van looks better proportionally. At the end of the day both vans should go where you want to go as long as you still remember that you are still driving a big ****** VAN!
Above vehicle specs quoted from ICcars.com website
The rear overhang in the extended Ford Supervan is 63.8 inches with the rear bumper. The long Ford Van has a total overall length of 231.9 inches with 8.1 inches of front and rear ground clearance stock.
The GM van has a rear overhang of 49.4 inches. The overall length is 244.1 inches with the bumpers and 8.1 inches front 7.7 inches rear of ground clearance stock.
Take the Ford 63.8 inches of overhang and SUBTRACT the GM van 49.4 inches of overhang gives you a difference of a 14.4 inches LONGER rear overhang in the Ford van. Interesting in that the long GM van is OVERALL is a full 12.2 inches LONGER than the long Ford van. The 0.4 inches of LESS rear ground clearance on the GM van stock versus the Ford van stock might be an issue for some folks.
The 138 inch wheelbase Ford van makes a good looking van IF you can go with the standard overall length Ford van. The standard length GM van has a 135 inch wheelbase and also looks good.
What's better for off-road? Depends on where you go and how much trouble you want to git into!
Personally I never cared for the LONG Ford van appearance as the design proportions are way off with the long rear overhang looking like it was tacked on to the back which is exactly what Ford did. The GM van proportions look much better with the longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang in the long GM van.
I'll take the longer wheelbase/shorter overhang and resulting better appearance over the longer overhang/shorter wheelbase as I think the GM van looks better proportionally. At the end of the day both vans should go where you want to go as long as you still remember that you are still driving a big ****** VAN!
Above vehicle specs quoted from ICcars.com website
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