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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 09:14am PT
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those 4x4 Sprinters sure don’t seem to have much more clearance than the 2x’s, which isn’t saying much. No probs so far?
My 2017 sprinter 4x4 has pretty good clearance, a few more inches than 2 wheel drive. I can roll around under the thing in my driveway. I was fine on some seriously rutted roads and places that Pellucid Wombat would not take his Subaru.
That said, I did test it in deep dry sand to find the limits, and I got stuck. I didn’t air down though and I still have the stock tires which are not supposed to be that good.
I also couldn’t get past the first rock at the start of the Dusy-Ersheim trail out of Courtwright reservoir. But I can get another 2” lift and go from 30” to 35” tires if I want, and get skid plates for the rear transfer case, gas tank, engine, and transmission.
It’s not like a souped up Tacoma for off-roading, but it’s good enough to get me lots of places. Worst thing is the length for tight turns (better off with a Jeep Wrangler), and the height which would stop me from going through Saline Valley to Eureka Dunes via Steel Pass. Also the height catches lots of trees on roads that would otherwise be trimmed for shorter vehicles. I am afraid of getting a roof fan now unless I reinforce the front side.
All in all, I still would pick this vehicle. We almost got low roof sprinter to add a pop-top, but as we age we will like the convenience of permanent height.
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Timmc
climber
BC
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Apr 26, 2018 - 09:17am PT
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Right on Jim! I bit hard. LOL
JLP: like I said up thread I own half this van. Perhaps you are referring to what a rock guide makes in America? I work year round as a Mountain Guide and also work in the avalanche industry. There is a good thread somewhere discussing this discrepancy between America and the Euro/ Canadian wages in detail.
But, you are right- I still live behond my means.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 09:31am PT
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Good beta Tim and Nut. Thanks. Now I just have to find a trustifarian to steal his identity.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 09:53am PT
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One other key point I’ve learned on mileage:
Going 70-80 mph I get 16-17 mpg.
Going 50-60 mph I get 20+ mpg
It pays to not be in a hurry!
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Timmc
climber
BC
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Apr 26, 2018 - 09:57am PT
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NutAgain: could not agree more on mileage and speed.
Also agree that these vans are not meant to hammer like a Tacoma. Which is fine.
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Off White
climber
Tenino, WA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 10:05am PT
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I recently found a photo of my first camper shell, Lee Vining in January 1978. The government surplus International Harvester truck was the worst of both worlds - underpowered 6 cylinder engine that got terrible mileage.
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AKDOG
Mountain climber
Anchorage, AK
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Apr 26, 2018 - 10:45am PT
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It’s annoying and somewhat amusing to keep hearing that sprinter ownership is automatically a trustifarian thing.
My girlfriend and I bought a brand new 4x4 2016 sprinter to use for work and play. We are full time mountain guides and work our asses off to balance work and climbing/skiing.
I just figured all guides were rich :-)
Still using my old Westfalia for summer trips would love to update to a new VW California Ocean camper van, all-wheel drive. Nice small van if only you could get one in the states. Saw this one in Italy this winter.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Apr 26, 2018 - 12:07pm PT
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The real danger is actually to your finances. 4x4 has been added to these vans only to sell more vans.
It's not just the size DMT mentions, it's also the weight, both applied to a long wheel base.
Lots of pix in the Sprinter forums of windows breaking out on simple cow paths as the entire body twists and bends.
The vehicle is not a 4x4 beyond applying power to 2 more wheels. The CV axles, ball joints, suspension travel, etc etc etc, are not capable of much at all.
I could see the 4x4 being useful for winter roads, for the winter types out there - but beyond that, frequent off road use, IMO, is going to cause the vehicle to rip itself apart in a very expensive way.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 12:31pm PT
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What, you didn’t scout it with yer drone, bra?
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Apr 26, 2018 - 12:39pm PT
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I am still fearful of getting in (or up) over my head. I think that applies across the spectrum. Maybe you're in a Civic, maybe the most capable of modified Wranglers. I've seen many a 4x4 sitting out there abandon until spring, or possibly as a pile of ripped up and bent metal waiting for a helicopter or something - they pushed it too far.
You don't see these roads and understand their destructive nature until you get into something that will take you there - and maybe pay a few towing and repair bills afterwards - hopefully it's not your new $$ Sprinter, IMO.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 12:40pm PT
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HaHaHa! On our most recent adventure La Femme got out and walked on some gnarly side hill sections. A Sprinter woulda been in deep doo-doo, even if it managed to stay upright.
The ranger at the Bristlecones told us about the $2500 towing bill quoted to a Wrangler owner!
I can’t imagine any tow truck getting to where a Wrangler would get in trouble.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Apr 26, 2018 - 12:55pm PT
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I'm sure anyone who's ever 4wd'd alone on remote roads can relate to the gnawing anxiety you start to feel when you're 'up innit.'
Ha, like a moth to a flame.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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Apr 26, 2018 - 01:19pm PT
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So it must have to do with the time of year? There have been Sprinters crossing my path near daily since this thread popped. I saw this sweet ride while gasing up the Hybrid, a rare thing, both gassing up the Hybrid and this Black Dually RigWhats really weird is they knew to set up camp in my neighborhood. A day after seeing the rig at the gas station. I passed by the Golf course/Town park, to check if this was dry. Its rattley Big hands where it counts and my overhanging, leaning crack technique Is weak, I should tape, but cant pull it.
Woodson .11?Anyway, It was there in the back of the parking lot, I did not knock.
I have no idea, Nor my cousin,as far as I gnow?( Hey Steve My name is Schneider) could be?
The last I looked when there were 30 some posts. then 70,
anyway as I point out is that site any better describe?
Then I Went to the Reject, to see the HealyJ & Tut beatdown, & this is a ridiculous post that has just posted, and is being savaged as it should be. but there is a good thing that the seller will be softened vup,
https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/114269438/ram-promaster-2500-high-roof-159wb-totally-built-out
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skitch
Gym climber
Bend Or
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Apr 26, 2018 - 01:38pm PT
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Saw that someone else had a lemon of a promaster. . . my friend bought a brand new Diesel Promaster 2 years ago and has had nothing but trouble. . . he doesn't know enough about cars to understand the reputation of Fiat. . .
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 26, 2018 - 02:32pm PT
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the Astro has done a fair bit of wheeling. I get out and scout when nessicary. Teluride a few years ago our campsite up an old mining road near alta lakes turned out to be the turn around spot for the 4X4 guide outfit. they payed big bucks to take a 4x4 tour and when they get to the end of the line there is an astro van and a civic kicking back with a campfire :) Had to pile rocks and push a few times to get the civic up there :)
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Apr 26, 2018 - 04:24pm PT
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That's not a Colorado 4x4 road, all you did was drive up a pussy little dirt road.
Places like that can be insanity in the summer. The day after you left a bunch of guys probably showed up with chain saws and machine guns. I know it well, I've lived in this state for a long time. If all you need is a beater and and a tank of gas to get there, expect crowds.
Couple miles away, see if those same vehicles get up Imogene Pass, or if that was too easy try connecting Black Bear road - both actual, legit 4x4 roads - and busy ones too. The latter will, absolutely, 100%, send a Sprinter and its occupants to their death.
Point is - people spend all this money on 4wd for what - solitude? The adventure of 4wd - in a Sprinter? It's a joke, you know nothing, you have not seen these places yet, there is no solitude there, just fat asses riding motorized vehicles of every shape and size, making noise and dust, tearing the place apart.
If you want solitude, get a mtn bike, or even better some trail running shoes. Fitness is what gets you solitude.
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WBraun
climber
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Apr 26, 2018 - 04:30pm PT
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If you want solitude, get a mtn bike, or even better some trail running shoes. Fitness is what gets you solitude.
Solitude is never found outside of onself ......
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Apr 26, 2018 - 04:51pm PT
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It's always funny on these threads when it's mentioned that dirt bags slept in their car when they were 20 years old living in the valley, while the average super topo poster is about 60 with a bad back.
99%+ of driving is on the road but people all the time get 4wd, big tires, raised suspension, etc for a little off road at the detriment of on road handling (corners) ride (bumps) mpg, parking, and most importantly safety. Tall rigs are more likely to flip in single or multi car accidents. I think a lot of people do it because it does look cool.
Get a small dual sport bike and you'll get anywhere that stops your rig and spend about $2000 and never worry about getting stuck or wrecking your expensive rig. For about the same cost as a set of big tires.
Of course it's all trade offs. What fits your needs Doesn't necessarily fit mine. I needed 4wd for sand and snow. And a big rig for 4 people so what I got doesn't get great mpg, and doesn't handle well. But I understood those trade offs when I bought it.
Airing down in sand is even more important than 4wd. Drop down to 12-15 psi it makes a huge difference.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Apr 26, 2018 - 04:52pm PT
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whatever cool guy. I find it pretty effing helpful to be able to get in and out of campsites when I am on a road trip. Also like to be able to get up to my cabin in winter and mud season. 4 wheeling just for the sake of building an expensive toy and breaking it is not my gig. Just like to be able to get where I am going..
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Apr 26, 2018 - 04:58pm PT
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There's also a big difference between an AWD option on an otherwise similar car vs a truck. On my truck it's taller and much heavier than a 2WD truck. But I'm not going to make that worse with big tires and jacking it up. It's a camper not a rock crawler.
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