Do you really need 4x4 for your Overland Campervan?

Van life is really on trend at the moment. And those who add 4-wheel drive, suspension lift, differential locking and all-terrain tyres to their van are supposed to have the whole world at their feet. But how much off-road tuning is really necessary? We take a cold hard look at the technology under the sheet metal.
It’s not for nothing that a modern van is the popular basis for many do-it-yourselfers... It can also be used in everyday life, it’s fast and economical and has enough space for a family of four. Anther practical point: as a rule, the total weight remains under 3.5 tons. So anyone with a class B driving licence can get straight into van life. There’s also a huge variety of models - whether it’s the class leader Mercedes Sprinter, the VW Crafter or another one from the Citroen/Fiat/Peugeot family... any one of these vehicles can be converted depending on the budget.
Powerful engine performance, permanent all-wheel drive, three differential locks, undercarriage protection, chunky tyres - of course that’s how we imagine the perfect all-wheel drive van. You can do it with a Sprinter like this - it costs a lot of money. But what about if I don’t have that much money? Should I settle for something a little bit simpler - for example the Renault Master. It has selectable four-wheel drive, only road tyres but it does have undercarriage protection, I can save several thousand euros. Perhaps that’s really sufficient for the terrain … and that’s exactly what we’re going to test today.
Check out the German video: explr.de/o6
#4x4 #campervan
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[@dimitry4463]

I’m so glad you guys started doing English voiceover. Thank you.

[@BenzinioB]

English, finally! Thank you so much! Then OK, but 4WD conversion is still a bag of money - can you made exact test how far will a regular RWD van can go if fitted with AlL terrain tyres and rear diff lock to a van with AWD but no tyres and locking diff, which will be still much more expensive? That would be the interesting comparison!

[@smilerpacey]

A review done how I would do them! Thank you for making the effort to do them in English, they are great. Keep them coming : )

[@whitevanman9500]

Great reviews! With Proper testing 👍👍👍🚐

[@fookdatchit4245]

Love this channel now its in English TY

[@9limits]

No tyre can outtraction momentum. A strong bashplate is a cheap addon to safeguard the said momentum

[@remcochervet7492]

Hallo, schönes Video und lehrreich. jetzt frage ich mich nur, wisst ihr was für eine Höherlegung verwendet wird (beim MAN TGE 3.180) um den Bus höher zu heben? Und für Motor und Hinterachse sind Bodenschutzbleche erhältlich. Gib mir Bescheid. Ich bin immer noch im Zweifel zwischen dem MAN oder einem Sprinter 4x4, aber ich bevorzuge MAN, wenn er sich gut im Gelände bauen lässt. Grüße aus den Niederlanden

[@phatmeow7764]

so if i decide to travel mostly on roads i would be fine with 2WD and all terrain tires right?

[@Wildgoat24]

what are the names of the companies that do these conversions? Oberaigner, Dangel and ... ?

[@vanderlustforever7134]

Is any of this available in the USA ? Not that I know of. I have a Ram Promaster which is the US equivalent of the Fiat Ducato, but unlike the Ducato you can’t get it in AWD and I have yet to find anyone who will convert a FWD to an AWD in the states.

[@14KiloWhisky]

Different powertrain in your country

[@auladepiano]

Nothing like a Landcruiser Troop Carrier HZJ78

[@Seqhael]

I bought a 4x4 T1N Sprinter with low range and diff lock for $8k Euro, nevermind this $45k+ business

[@DoctorFish10]

Someone has to do the 45k+ perchance before you can do the 8k purchase 🤔

[@paulmanning9540]

So the answer is yes then!

[@ricardoaguiar8841]

It's complicated. FWD with good tyres would be enough for most people.

[@karlsanderson8127]

Because more vans are becoming 4x4 now dose that mean the government going to put higher road tax on them

[@DustyCowdog]

4wd will ultimately cost you a lot ... a lot more than a 2wd system. You might just decide to not go down really shitty roads that get you screwed. Just mount a great winch to get you out of trouble. Save your money.

[@kloppskalli]

no you dont ... until you need it :)))

[@tefamilyadventures]

Nice content! Keep up the good work. If you have a second you could take a look at my account 😃👍

[@Animalignis]

4x4 is "nice to have", but is not really necessary. In many (most?) Countries, "off-road" driving is illegal other than on a track or closed area. What you need is an "all road" capable van. Then you get very far with short overhangs and wheels with chains, and a tow rope. (- And that disqualifies the largest 4x4 motorhomes, because they have problems with both access and parking in populated areas.) In the worst case, help is never far away. - Wait or call for help, make some food or coffee and relax, you are already at home.