Roadtrek to 4wd--another option

[pfacdb]

I thought I'd introduce some of you to another option in terms of 4wd conversion. This is as 2011 Roadtrek 190 popular (built on Chevy 3500 extended Exrpess van) that was very recently converted to 4wd by some great folks at Boulder Offroad vans, in Erie, Colorado. There are a few people on this and the Sportsmobile site that are familiar with their work, and it is top quality, and great folks to boot. While they also work on Fords etc, I'd say they are undoubtedly one of the top places to go in the US for Chevy Express conversions.

Some of the details include Dana 60 front axle from Ford 08 or newer Super Duty 250/350 with accompanied 6" lift with springs; BOR did a beautiful job on the front bumper fabrication, and did a great modification and install of rear Aluminess bumper etc; they also did a nice installation and fabrication for 3-100 watt solar panels (with fabricated rack holding all three--including faring); Hellwig stabilizers front and rear; Eaton Truetrac front and rear diff. and geared to 4.10; 17" wheels at 33 inch etc.

We went with the Roadtrek because we were impressed with the interior design and quality: Well-made cherry cabinets; motorized fold down bed IN BACK!!; quartz counter and thankfully full kitchen height (after nearly being crippled from bending over in older Sportsmobile, this was great); full standing height for 6'2" lad/lass; and other nice stuff.

Indoor photos were lifted from Roadtrek site; outdoor shot--first from outside a pot grow warehouse in Boulder (overpowered by smell while getting upholstery redone); other shots from a recent trip to Crested Butte, CO.

One of the best things we found from our recent trip is the fully screened rear door, which functions really well and is like living outdoors.
Dana

 

[Grngiant]

Beautiful van!

 

[SDSteve]

Nice!

 

[boardrider247]

I have said it before but I will say it again
:drool:

 

[calicamper]

We'll done!! Always liked the RoadTreks. Check out Roadtreking.com former professional mainstream Media guy everyone knows he has some great stuff on his site. Likes boondocking too!

 

[Johny5]

Beautiful van . Any pics of how they mount the radius arms to the frame and a pic of how they do the steering.
I'm in the middle of converting my van to 4x4 and would love to see how others do it.

 

[pfacdb]

radius arm etc for Johnny5

I have said it before but I will say it again
:drool:

Nice!

Beautiful van!

We'll done!! Always liked the RoadTreks. Check out Roadtreking.com former professional mainstream Media guy everyone knows he has some great stuff on his site. Likes boondocking too!

Beautiful van . Any pics of how they mount the radius arms to the frame and a pic of how they do the steering.
I'm in the middle of converting my van to 4x4 and would love to see how others do it.

 

[pfacdb]

thanks all for your comments/compliments

thanks all!!!

 

[kmlacroix]

nice job.

 

[GHI]

I'm not sure how long you've had the conversion, but looking back would you do anything different? For instance, I see B.O.R has a 4 inch lift available. Did you entertain that or were you set on the 6 inch from the get go? Have you towed anything yet or do you plan on it?

 

[pfacdb]

doing it different

One of the things I wanted to make sure of was to have no regrets about the planning and conversion. Standard 4x4 conversion at BOR is 6 " to allow room for everything. The Roadtrek with it's extremely low clearance and low side compartments needed all that 6 inches. I won't be towing, but there was another RT 190 being converted that will, and they added air bags in rear with a remote. So for towing that would have likely been the way to go. I'm quite happy with the way things have gone.

 

[tienckb]

Congrats! Tastefully done


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GHI]

I'm familiar with the whole low clearance issue as I basically have the same vehicle, a 2011 Pleasureway. I've been dragging my feet on getting out to Colorado because I want to do it right the first time and can't decide if I just want a few inches or the whole 4x4 system. Also, it's a 20 hour drive for me.

Our current set up is working, but we are missing out on some great camping spots because of our clearance issue. We've kicked around getting a different vehicle, but quite frankly we love the PW. It has just about become my daily driver. My wife is interested in an Airstream for longer journeys because we now have 2 kids. i'm not yet sure how much I can reasonably tow though. I hope to have this sorted out in the next few months.

Either way, your post and pictures were very motivating for me. I need to make contact with BOR to see how much lead time they need for an appointment. I do plan on making my way out to California in October/November. Maybe I can get this worked out sooner rather than later.

 

[DzlToy]

Those radius rods look rather beefy; is there much articulation in the joints? I know it's not going to rival a rock buggy, but off camber sections or a trail or ruts are much easier to conquer with a good suspension that keeps all four tires on the ground.

I looked through their website and did not see any pics of Express vans off roading.

Nice to see something different.

 

[pfacdb]

For our offloading, articulation and getting wheels off the ground matters little--actually I like keeping all 4 on the ground. Working for over 30 years for the USGS, I have had my fill of rough roads, and it was the least favorite part of a job I loved. The van however, is perfectly capable of getting where I'd like to go, and keeping us out of trouble.

That being said, I do know the places that Don the owner takes his Express vans built on the same platform (he does go full float rear and springs in rear), and i have no doubt that he can well keep up with any other vans that are made--yes this includes the beloved Ford's, which are great.