Editor: We recently ran across
this trick Offroad Van and it immediatly coaught our attention. We
asked Robert from RoadsideSecrets.com to tell us a little more
about it and what motivated them to build it.
RoadsideSecrets.com needed a vehicle that
could transport our adventure researchers to remote trailheads, hot
springs, abandoned ghost towns, lakes, and all the other places
that we travel to. Our vehicle had to be able to store our gear,
maps, and survival equipment out of sight, and function as a base
camp that could reach our remote destinations while out traveling.
A 2002 Ford E350 equipped with a 7.3L turbo diesel engine, four
speed overdrive automatic transmission and four wheel drive was
chosen for the perfect base rig.
Our van was sent straight from Ford to Quigley
where they converted the van into four wheel drive and added a
couple of extra goodies. The stock steering was beefed up for mild
rock crawling and trail abuse, and a 4 inch lift was added to make
room for our 35x12.5 inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/As mounted on
Weld Racing rims. To get us out of the really sticky situations is
an onboard air compressor that runs our front and rear ARB air
lockers and allows us to deflate our tires for the trail and then
fill them back up once we hit the highway. The one ton frame and
axles makes for a solid foundation for the long haul adventures and
allows us to carry plenty of supplies for any type of adventure.
Two high output alternators provide the electricity for our van and
all of its equipment. Front and rear air conditioning units, plus
heater, and power windows with privacy glass makes for the perfect
home away from home after a long day of hiking or mountain biking.
We stop all of this with a set of disc brakes on all 4 corners and
ABS in the rear.
There is a lot more that we want to do our rig before it is
completely finished. We are trying to decide on a winch to mount to
our Hanson Enterprises front bumper, and plan on adding a
completely custom interior with a Sportsmobile pop top roof. To
allow us to get way out in the middle of nowhere we are going to
add an extra fuel tank once we find where to put the filler cap and
tube. If you ever see us on the road or on the trail don't hesitate
to stop and say hi.
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