Picking an Adventure Rig – The Full Size 4×4 Van

I haven’t had much personal experience with vans so I’ll be looking for some great input from you, if you have some insight. There was an occasion where I rented a minivan for a Hawaiian vacation and my kids loved it – it may have been their favorite thing about Hawaii, sadly. I wanted to rent a Jeep but there’s just no way the four of us and luggage would fit into a JK. I wilted a little every time I put the key into the ignition of that minivan. What we’re talking about now is not a minivan – not even close. I’m talking about a full-size 4×4 van!

Photo courtesy of exploringelements.com

After following the adventures of Bryon Dorr with Exploring Elements, I have learned a great deal about the pros and cons of van life. Bryon’s adventures have shown that it’s easy to live comfortably with the space in a full size van. The ability to run the creature comforts on shore power or a combination of solar and battery power makes living the middle of nowhere a comfortable endeavor. I have also seen photoraphic evidence of the “results of a large van digging itself a van sized grave” in the sand along the Mojave Road. So while the comforts and space of a full size 4×4 van are appealing, I feel as though a lot of concessions must be made in the capability department.

Photo courtesy of exploringelements.com

Photo courtesy of http://www.ujointoffroad.com/

Let’s go ahead and run down the pros and con’s of a full size van.

Advantages

• Easy pass through from sleeping area to seating area
• Plenty of room for creature comforts
• Has the possibility for lots of seating
• May be able to tow my XJ on a trailer
• Could serve as a daily driver if needed
• Kids would love it

Disadvantages

• Low break over angle
• Poor visibility
• The layout of the drive train in the engine bay makes them more difficult to work on
• Most likely would not have enough interior sleeping space for whole family without adding a RTT or pop up section on top
• Did I mention that it’s a van?  My wife hates vans. I’m not particularly fond of the van silhouette either.

Photo courtesy of http://www.ujointoffroad.com/

I’ve already received a few messages that have been encouraging me to look closely at the benefits of a van travel.  What are your thoughts on using a van as the basis for adventure travel?

Some options for full size 4×4 vans come from:  Sportsmobile, UJoint Offroad, Agile Offroad, and Quigley.