rruff
Explorer
10% isn't that much considering all the shortages. Hopefully most of that is over now.
New kid on the block! AWD Transit with composite camper AEONrv
- Thread starter Victorian
- Start date
Forgive me if this has been addressed--I skimmed through the thread and didn't see it, but there are lot of entries.
Now that a few more of these have been delivered, can anyone speak to their offroad capabilities?
There's a lot to like about the Aeon, and the company seems to stand behind their vehicle as an offroad capable RV, but I guess I'm a little skeptical. I know it has a 2" lift and some suspension upgrades, but at the end of the day it's AWD, not 4WD.
No one's intending to rock crawl with one of these--I realize that--but I've driven Medano Pass and Cinnamon Pass in a Tiger RV (based on a Ram 3500 chassis) with no problems. These aren't especially challenging trails, but would the Transit-based vehicle be able to do something like that? Aeon has said that with the lift kit and the tires they upfit that those trails are completely possible.
What do you all think? Anyone really put the Transit's AWD to the test?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Now that a few more of these have been delivered, can anyone speak to their offroad capabilities?
There's a lot to like about the Aeon, and the company seems to stand behind their vehicle as an offroad capable RV, but I guess I'm a little skeptical. I know it has a 2" lift and some suspension upgrades, but at the end of the day it's AWD, not 4WD.
No one's intending to rock crawl with one of these--I realize that--but I've driven Medano Pass and Cinnamon Pass in a Tiger RV (based on a Ram 3500 chassis) with no problems. These aren't especially challenging trails, but would the Transit-based vehicle be able to do something like that? Aeon has said that with the lift kit and the tires they upfit that those trails are completely possible.
What do you all think? Anyone really put the Transit's AWD to the test?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
I own a regular 2wd transit with a similar set up. Other than in slippery conditions, the limiting factors have been the ground clearance of the rear differential. A transit is for sure not as capable as a F350 or Ram3500 when it comes to off road driving. But they are still very compfortable and economic to drive and own. Regular forest service roads or skihill parking are perfect for the Transit platform.
Spencer for Hire
Active member
There is an Aeon FB page for owners and wanabees. I haven't seen much discussion here. At least there you will be getting a lot of firsthand experience. https://www.facebook.com/groups/aeonrv
rruff
Explorer
You mean the shock mounts? They really hang down, but raising the lower mount 2" along with a 2" lift and bigger tires can help a lot.
Victorian
Approved Vendor : Total Composites
I have the biggest tires that fit and a 2” lift. The shock mounts are lower, that’s true…. But on most roads the center part is always taller than where the tire tracks are. Meaning that the differential has always be my main concern.
causa
Adventurer
That biggest tire being a 30.4" tall 245/75 R16 BFG AT... as is on the AEON RV?I have the biggest tires that fit and a 2” lift. The shock mounts are lower, that’s true…. But on most roads the center part is always taller than where the tire tracks are. Meaning that the differential has always be my main concern.
Corgi_express
Well-known member
I picked up my AeonRV recently and have done some very mild offroading with it. I would be worried about the sheer size and weight of the thing (especially height vs width) well before I'm worried about AWD vs 4WD (unless it's super muddy or something like that).
I have no delusions that this is going to be as capable as a Tiger - primarily because the Tiger can be had on a platform with better articulation and ground clearance than a van. At over ten feet tall and just around eight feet wide, the Aeon can feel very top heavy, even though most of the weight (including the 13kWh of batteries) is pretty low. As an example of this, we drove down to the dispersed campsites at the base of Ophir Pass in Colorado. Entering these campsites is not challenging offroad terrain. At all. This area is easily doable in a 2wd car. It's a dirt road. However, there was a bit that was relatively steep and a bit off-camber, and while the Aeon didn't struggle at all, it felt kinda spooky to be leaning in something that tall AND NARROW. As we get more comfortable driving a rig with these dimensions I'm sure our confidence will increase, but when it starts swaying side to side in ruts it can be jarring.
The Transit has a very different stance than a truck, even a truck loaded with a huge house on top of it. The drivetrain ain't really gonna change that, and any suspension lift is just going to accentuate feeling just how narrow and tall the thing is.
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wfv56
Active member
Thanks for the review.
Corgi_express
Well-known member
I mean, I wouldn't call what I wrote a review - just some early initial impressions that reinforce the obvious fact that this ain't gonna be doing the Rubicon.
A review would focus on the absolutely amazing off-grid performance of the rig. With the total composites box and efficient mini split, I was able to comfortably keep air conditioning running all day, every day for a week in the desert in temps over 100 degrees, without ever dropping below 60% battery capacity due to the 800 watts of solar. I only occasionally used the supplemental alternator charging.
I have not done anything that would actually push the limits of its capability, and honestly living on the East coast I'm not exactly getting tons of opportunities to do so. It's certainly a heck of a lot more capable than my Travato was, but it's not a Tiger either.
A review would focus on the absolutely amazing off-grid performance of the rig. With the total composites box and efficient mini split, I was able to comfortably keep air conditioning running all day, every day for a week in the desert in temps over 100 degrees, without ever dropping below 60% battery capacity due to the 800 watts of solar. I only occasionally used the supplemental alternator charging.
I have not done anything that would actually push the limits of its capability, and honestly living on the East coast I'm not exactly getting tons of opportunities to do so. It's certainly a heck of a lot more capable than my Travato was, but it's not a Tiger either.
86scotty
Cynic
Thanks for the review. Did you put your order in yet?
@Victorian - These are very nice. A little spendy and there are other manufacturers out there that make something similar but not as robust to lift the shock mount. These seem to be the "Go-to" for most people that spend time off pavement in their Transit as they're skid plate like design can take a good hit.
quadvan.com
Quadvan's Transit Accessories
Disclaimer: Quadvan only installs accessories in the shop and only on Quadvans. At this time, no shipping of products is available. More information can be found on the FAQ Page. Hub Switch Without the hub switch, the user would have to come to a complete stop before shifting into 4×4. With the...
quadvan.com
What mini split are you using?