Making a B+ or C Class more capable.

[Photobug]

I am narrowing in on either a Class B or Class C camper. There is a very similar C class 22 feet, and I would guess 11-12,000 lbs. I don't see myself trying to take either outside of Forest Service Roads or in snow where getting stuck is a concern.

If I end up with a class B, I would consider adding 4wd in a year or so. If I go with a Class C, I would probably not go to the effort to add 4wd but want a bit more clearance and capability. What would it take to alter a Class C for more capabilities?

 

[Deleted member 9101]

locker and better tires.

 

[Photobug]

locker and better tires.

I kept seeing Locker is that something to do with a differential? Any link to whats involved or price estimate for that upgrade?

 

[Photobug]

locker and better tires.

The class C is on Dual Rear Wheels. How will this affect a locker upgrade?

 

[jkam]

The main thing I wish I had is about 4 more inches of ground clearance.
I'm not willing to take my home too far off the beaten path. Not worth the hassle of damage.
With more clearance I would feel better going to a few more places than I already do.
But overall, forest roads are fine for me.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I kept seeing Locker is that something to do with a differential? Any link to whats involved or price estimate for that upgrade?

A locker goes in your differential and when activated creates a solid link between both rear wheels...meaning they both turn. With out one as soon as one wheel loses traction you're stuck.

Price all depends on which locker you choose and what rear end you have.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

The class C is on Dual Rear Wheels. How will this affect a locker upgrade?

Might cost a little more due to it being heavier duty, but that's all.

 

[Photobug]

A locker goes in your differential and when activated creates a solid link between both rear wheels...meaning they both turn. With out one as soon as one wheel loses traction you're stuck.

Price all depends on which locker you choose and what rear end you have.

Still better than a whole new axle.

 

[iggi]

The class C is on Dual Rear Wheels. How will this affect a locker upgrade?

It doesn't affect it. The locker options are determined by what axle you have.

 

[Jonnyo]

The main thing I wish I had is about 4 more inches of ground clearance.
I'm not willing to take my home too far off the beaten path. Not worth the hassle of damage.
With more clearance I would feel better going to a few more places than I already do.
But overall, forest roads are fine for me.

4'' extra clearance isnt that hard to get. If it s a ford and mercedes platform, a simple lift kit and oversize tire will get you there and you will be able to go in most forestry road if you drive slow. You rarely need 4wd on those road unless they are in very bad shape.

 

[Photobug]

The main thing I wish I had is about 4 more inches of ground clearance.
I'm not willing to take my home too far off the beaten path. Not worth the hassle of damage.
With more clearance I would feel better going to a few more places than I already do.
But overall, forest roads are fine for me.

Thats how I feel as well. I want to get out to cool and less crowded places but never want to risk my vehicle, getting hurt or stuck. Figure a few inches height will keep me from scraping the frame on rougher roads and a locking differential will keep me from getting stuck. Now i just got to close the deal on the RV I want.

 

[i bike]

Those RVs are all undersprung and sloppy from the factory. The two options I usually see people go with are WeldTech for 2wd lift or full 4x4 via a U-Joint conversion or the likes. Either will yield you 4”+ of lift, plus taller tires. Smart to go with a mild AT tire to avoid punctures on dirt/gravel roads.

Whatever route you go, make sure you opt for a custom leaf pack designed to handle the actual weight of the vehicle and not just blocks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rruff]

If I end up with a class B, I would consider adding 4wd in a year or so. If I go with a Class C, I would probably not go to the effort to add 4wd but want a bit more clearance and capability. What would it take to alter a Class C for more capabilities?

Need to know what chassis you are looking at. Some will be harder than others.

It's a shame more RVs aren't built on a 550/5500 4x4 truck chassis. The manufacturers probably want to avoid that crowd! And for good reason... their POS materials and construction would fall apart.

 

[jkam]

Once you jump up to a 550/5500 you get into a higher cost chassis than a Ford E 450 chassis.
A reason it is still used for so many smaller RV's
I've been living in an E series base RV for a long time and am ready for a truck chassis.
I'm not a very big guy and the E series just doesn't give you very much legroom.
The doghouse sticking into the cab gives you access to the rear of the engine, but it also allows a
fair amount of engine noise into the cab.
Truck chassis's can be had with factory 4x4, better than all the aftermarket ones required for the van.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Lockers are relatively inexpensive, compared to an entire 4wd conversion. You would be surprised how much more traction you will get with both rear tires spinning than just the one. If I had to choose between a rear locker or conventional open differential "4wd", I'd pick the the rear locker option every time.