Community Forums

RVBlogger · 01-09-2019, 01:41 PM

Has anyone ever considered converting their RV to a 4x4 RV? I do a lot of surf fishing and was considering it so I can drive my RV right out onto the beach.

I mainly surf fish at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey. There are many Class C RVs there that are driving up and down the beach so I assume they are all 4x4 or they would definitely get stuck.

So, I thought I would see if anyone has any intel on the subject...

steve52 · 01-09-2019, 02:00 PM

Like converting a 2 wheel drive truck to 4x4, it's an involved process. Front axle, transfer case, driveshaft, suspension, control systems, frame, all must be changed out or modified. It would be very pricey. Worth it? Like beauty, the value of something like this is in the eye of the beholder.

A32Deuce · 01-09-2019, 02:54 PM

Really cuts into your load capacity when you do that. There was someone on here a couple years back that had one and complained about poor gas mileage(much worse then now) and the fact after weighing was close to his max load and couldn't tow. I say no but your choice.

mobilemike · 01-09-2019, 02:54 PM

There are 4X4 rvs already. Converting one would be more expensive and time consuming and frustrating than just buying one.

twinboat · 01-09-2019, 03:07 PM

Quigley has been converting E series chassis for a long time.

http://www.quigley4x4.com/Quigley-Pr...oduct-Overview

SilverBob · 01-09-2019, 03:48 PM

Many many years ago I had a 1975 Tioga 22' Class C motorhome. It was on a Dodge 2WD chassis. I loved to surf fish at Pismo Beach and Guadalupe Dunes. That motorhome spent three years hauling my girlfriend and me and our friends up and down the beaches. I can only remember getting stuck in soft sand twice, and both times we were quickly yanked out by pickup trucks.

My point is, I doubt that all those Class C motorhomes you see are all 4WD. The drivers just know what they're doing. The whole "secret" is to air down your tires to 20 lbs or so. They get plenty of flotation and will only sink in the softest and deepest beach sand. Momentum helps too. Also, you want to drive just above the waterline while the tide is going out. Damp sand is like the Wal Mart parking lot, NO Problem! Of course, if you get too close to the water, well you know what happens then!

Even with those old 16.5" tires I never popped a bead in those years.

It's funny how the older I get, the crazier I was!

twogypsies · 01-09-2019, 04:49 PM

I'll agree with 'SilverBob' above, I doubt the Class C's you're seeing are 4x4s. Why not talk to some of them? I suspect they know where to drive and that they also air down their tires.... just as 4x4 drivers do on rock trails.

RVBlogger · 01-09-2019, 08:22 PM

I have looked for new 4x4 RVs for sale. Do you know which brands offer 4x4's?

Sherpa Vern · 01-09-2019, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVBlogger

I have looked for new 4x4 RVs for sale. Do you know which brands offer 4x4's?

https://newatlas.com/hymer-sprinter-...er-vans/56100/

. . . and for the more robust budget,

https://www.caravancampingsales.com....780000-111445/

xrcris · 01-09-2019, 08:48 PM

It's worth it if you want to get to some place and also take your own bed with you.

4x4 Van Conversion kits

These guys have done a bunch of conversions. If Lotto comes through for me, that's what I'm buying first.