First Drive with Fred. A 400HP 4x4 Chevy Van by Quigley

Vans are cool, and I've been on the hunt for the perfect van to fit all my needs. I like van camping, but I also like towing a 4x4. Plus I want the van itself to have 4x4. On this episode I try out what might be the perfect van. This Quigley converted 2022 Chevy van has 4wheel drive and a 6.6L gas v8 engine pumping more power than most of the competition in the current van segment.

[@Jagermonsta]

Geocaching with Fred would be a cool series, 4x4 all around the place leaving hints to goodies along the way

[@pdx650]

Fred, I plan on sticking with a 6.0 liter gas engines. These engines have the more reliable port injection. The 6.6's have the more costly direct injection. Costly due to the added maintenance required to remove the carbon build-up on the intake valves and you have to buy more expensive injectors that are serialized specifically to each numbered cylinder. There is a hpfp (High Pressure Fuel Pump) as well and all of the steel tubing required for the added PSI. No thanks. I think a port-injected 6 point oh is more than powerful enough to do the same job a 'six-six' could do for less cost. a six-point-oh and a''6L90' transmission and, maybe, a G80 locker in the rear...or ARB 'air' lockers front, if you go with a 4x4 conversion, and rear, you are set to go. Yes, a lift too and slightly larger tires....maybe 4:10 gears. A mildly lifted roof for added head room for us 72 plus inchers among us. An extended wheel base (155") and an ability to haul a trailer too would be nice.

[@Joe-fi4hv]

I want to see a Quigley/Explorer Conversion. Full interior w/hightop, lifted, 4x4, no body kit, off-road bumper and sliders.

[@davidwilson1430]

I work for the city of Green River and was in the buildings just North of this monument on Saturday. The amount of traffic heading up there was unusually high. Now I get it.

[@jaredoaks6317]

The 2.8 diesel has been discontinued and not available in the vans. The regular wheelbase is 135 inch and the extended version is 155 inches. I have 130k on my 2021 Express with the 6.6. So much better than the 6.0. Plenty of power

[@Bket666]

what about fuel consumption

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Great to see you Fred 👍😆 These vans are an AWESOME blank canvas for DIY adventure camping conversion. 13mpg is pretty good for a huge V8 Van 👍

[@donhappel9566]

Fred, it's not just the high-top but the fact that the GM vans are so rounded on the sides. As a work vehicle the modern euro style vans like the Sprinter or Tradesman or even the now discontinued NV series from Nissan are far more vertical and have 'wider shoulders' giving them MUCH more usable interior room. Aside from that they are just available in far more configurations of length and height. If you spend any time working out of them you'll quickly come to love them regardless of how you feel about the styling. The downside is none of them have enough tow rating to comfortably tow a crawler on the weekend, maxing out at 7100 (maybe up to 7500 these days?). Give a typical built up 4x4 is 5-6000 lbs and a trailer rated to handle that much is going to be another 2500-3000, you aren't going to (legally) tow much with one of them. The NV2500/3500 was the exception at 9500 lbs towing but it's long truck like hood was wasted space and it's discontinued now anyway. That said, if they just offered the 3.0 duramax in this thing I'd have still bought one.

[@witcher71]

I completely agree with you on the box shape being more user friendly.

[@Biggja22]

Promaster is just a garbage rebadged Fiat. That Chevy is rad tho. I'm rocking a Toyota Hiace I imported and converted for weekend fun.

[@4x4_mark]

Road trips with Fred 🤙🏼

[@mikepoint4717]

Fantastic video Fred , what a great rig for the hunter as is , plain Jane , with loads of room for your game and can simply hose out afterwards. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@brianfackrell4139]

My brother bought a government surplus quigly conversion to pull his quad and boat. Great van.

[@witcher71]

I'm rockin a '96 E350 SWB 7.3 Powerstroke. 16 average mpg 4x4 +05 Superduty axles, 3.73 on 35's. I built is to pull a TJ on a car trailer and camp out of. It rips with no trailer. Fastlane on the Grapevine no problem. Current project is a '94 E350 LWB 4x4 with a Cummins 12 valve this time. No slowing down with Jeep in tow. I personally thing Ford screwed up killing the Econoline series.

[@bladenrexroth2555]

Spent a lot of time between the express and econoline. Good platforms for contracting and families. But the first year I used a grumman bodied step van it changed my whole perspective. Had more than enough room for tools and could tow a 35 foot camper. 5.9 cummins and allison 2300 rds transmission never let me down. I should of 4x4 swapped it and kept it. Even with a true track in the rear it didn't do very well on grass or snow. Only thing that van needed was 4x4.

[@paullane7489]

Nice van! 👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸. A Ford version with the 7.3 liter Godzilla would be a cool van too.

[@ectolle54]

Is it just me or is Fred starting to look like the dude?

[@vincenzopromedia]

First I wanted a G20 because I thought it was cheap but Facebook market place only has junk for sale and I can't bother with something unreliable so I'm looking for an 2010-ish express 25-3500 155" wheelbase instead. I don't care what motor because I would just swap it to a 6.2l from an escalade and a 10 speed from the new trucks to get better gas mileage. I need the 155 wheelbase for van life. These vans aren't that roomy but like you said they have better engines. Even though it never came with a 6.2l or a 10 speed transmission, they're plug n play in Chevy vans. 4x4 kits are so stinking expensive. It's like $10,000 and they're only for enthusiast driving not everyday driving so all I need is a rear locker which is a $700 part. I'm 5'10 and I can't find a high enough high top. The last thing I want to do is install it myself. They're in such low demand that I don't have much choice. A turf top is $7,000 stinking dollars for an express van. I want a 20-24" aerodynamic high top roof and I don't know where to look for one or where to find an installer. The 2015-ish vans also have both stabilatrack and rollover stability control which can simply be added to a 2010-ish van with the same body frame engine and majority of electronics. These vans are a gold mine but you would have to be in the know so it would be sad to see the leave just because GM is out of touch and doesn't even know what good things they have that people actually resonate with.

[@edwardpeders9582]

Not bad . The vk5.6 liter dohc all aluminum with forged steel crank 6k redline normally aspirated true dual into a single exhaust/single outlet V8 in my Nissan 3500 cargo van is just shy of 400 hp . The newest engine version hit the 400 hp marker and if I install a Nismo dual exhaust I’d get there too . . All I need now is a 4x4 swap using their Titan xd pickup truck parts . Simple bolt in swap as they share the same frame just add a 5” spindle lift and big tires and I’m good to go . Drives like a dream compared to the GM and Fords thanks to this pickup truck frame . Roadtrek put a pop top on these vans back in the day wish I could find one to put on my van ! 🕺👍

[@tomaskey6844]

I’m getting a 2006 2500 with the 6.6 Duramax. A friend gave me a newer 3500 4x4 chassis that had a Duramax in it. Hmmmmmmm…..

[@jamesonpace726]

Good old fashioned MPG, but hay, given current choices, I'd pick the Chev too....

[@johntaylor1947]

I have a 3/4 ton chevy Quigly express van and I love it. I camp in it and also use it for towing and hauling large stock ect. I have found it rides better with the rear tires at 60 psi the 80 is too high if the van is not loaded down.

[@carldarlington7395]

GM has said that commercial vehicles will continue to be available with internal combustion engines.

[@DMSparky]

I know people are going to say I’m an idiot, but as a tradesmen who uses these vans in a professional capacity I think GMC needs to spend a bit of time and money updating this platform. Yes the L8T is probably an absolutely fantastic motor but lack of a high roof version and the fact that the van isn’t that different from the one 25 years ago is a bit sad. I will say they are comfortable and do drive better than the Econoline vans.

[@donhappel9566]

Same deal here - I work out of my van, but I also need towing capacity. Until last year I was using a V8 NV2500 as it had a 9500 lb tow rating. I would have preferred a euro style van for the functionality but none of them can tow my crawler on the weekend as they top out at 7100 lbs towing. Living in CA with high fuel prices and doing around 25K/year, I ended up going with a 1500 Silverado 3.0 duramax. Not nearly as good a work platform as a van - even an obsolete van body style like this - but it can tow 9300 lbs and I can regularly get 30 mpg on the highway even with the topper, bedslide, and all my work gear. Had this been available with the 3.0 it would have been my choice. I can only assume there is some sort of packaging problem getting the 3.0 into the van or they would offer it.

[@kevinwittenauer6892]

GM & some Fords vans are body on frame. Mercedes, Dodge & Transit are uni-body. Body on frame IMHO is far superior.

[@judgedredd8876]

The ONLY thing that these vans really SUCK about is their steering box. The Sprinter and Transit has zero steering wheel play.

[@dalecurrier5631]

Fred I think Fiberine in Los Angeles make a fiberglass High Top !!

[@DirtyLarry2]

So does Tufport

[@malimish]

Super cool van. I use to own a 2007 GMC Savana 2500 with the Duramax diesel. Didn't come with cruise control. But the only thing I needed to add cruise control was to change out the control stick on the steering column for like 150 bucks. Everything else was ready to go for cruise control. It died on me on our way up to Alaska. Instead of fixing it, I just traded it in for a truck so I could continue the trip without losing out of the short summer season up there. Still sad that I let that van go. I wish Quigley did Chevy.GMC van back then. I don't think they were into doing IFS back then.

[@brianwills4398]

I will never EVER ride in a sprinter van as long as I live.. I was passenger in a new one and was in a big collision, zero airbags deployed.. 3 back surgeries later and I'm still screwed.

[@georgecarousos6735]

What a great road trip....a short wheelbase full size V8 4WD van is in my future.

[@imtonedeaf1]

Take it straight to get hightop and ac/heat system and solar

[@bobqzzi]

13.5 mpg? Goodness gracious

[@plokmko0]

that van with the straght 6 duramax would be an ideal start off overlander platform

[@donhappel9566]

I assume there is some sort of packaging issue with the 3.0. That's the only reason I can see they don't offer it. I really don't like the old-school chevy van body compared to the euro style vans like the Transit or Sprinter for a work vehicle but they simply don't have enough tow capacity (toping out at 7100 lbs) to haul my trailer and crawler on the weekends. If they had the 3.0 in this I'd have gone with it anyway. As it was, I went with a 1500 Silverado with the 3.0 for the economy and towing and just put up with the lack of work space compared to my previous NV2500.

[@90MHOTMUD]

some advise.... get the heck out of California..... it sucks here.. only two things worth staying.. the sunshine and the wages... that's it..

[@witcher71]

Yeah the important things (weather and wages}. I was leaving here too but I'm going to stick it out and fight.

[@abefroman606]

We switched to the express 4500 cutaways a few years ago, from isuzu npr's. I've bought 9 of them. WAY BETTER. I was hesitant on the 6.6 bc the 6.0 was so reliable, but so far, so good. Don't forget- you can order the g80 rear end too! We do.

[@MrEbug68]

What. I’m live in Fresno. I’m assuming you are giving it to me. Thank you. 😂

[@MrEbug68]

I figured you were going there.

[@tjsean0308]

I've driven the Transit 250 and 350 long distances. They are the new GoV vans, so I've got a few days behind the wheel. The cab ergonomics don't work for me at all. The wheel is angled in a very upright way even with the tilt column and the pedal box is super tight. It kinda felt like I had to sit angled in the seat to have my feet in the right spots. Kept making my legs go numb. Edit: Hopefully we can see your return trip in the rig back to PA with all the camping goodies.

[@judgedredd8876]

The GM vans lack telescopic steering adjustment but the seating position overall is good and the stock seats are not bad at all. I've done 13 hr trips with no issues.

[@tiny_the_200]

That’s how I roll for work. Minus the cool Quigley conversion and massive power. But it has a bumper sticker that says it’s basically a Land Cruiser, so it must be 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@campervanbug7658]

Getting the same milage with my 300 equipped 76 ford e150

[@campervanbug7658]

Offenhouser intake,rv cam,headers,and 450 holly in parts pile waiting😂

[@korystark7128]

I have 15k miles on a 2023 coachmen crosstrail 20xg. It is a class B+. It is on a 2022 ford transit dually AWD. Has the eco boost with 10 speed automatic. It is incredibly awesome. Drove it all around Texas, up to north Idaho, all around Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho again. Adaptive cruise control is amazing on road trips. 10 speed pulls over passes incredibly well passing vehicles with ease. MPG not so great at 11 mpg but not horrible with an RV shell on back. Drove no problem in foot of snow and ice. Very impressive. Keep up the awesome work Fred🤘

[@TaTanka362]

Is it just me or is Fred channeling Jeffrey Lebowski?

[@TaTanka362]

Bet he is listening to that CCR tape on the road trip.😂

[@krisgarage8480]

I’m late I know but I just saw your video starting DED was cancelled. Keep posting so I can still see my favorite tv personality.

[@ryanroberts1104]

I wish you could buy trucks like this - old school with some minor updates and a modern drivetrain, and warranty. Super basic work truck style. Seems like it would be popular with companies that don't want to spend $100k on a freakin' work truck.

[@SightsNjunk]

Why would you need Quigley, when you have Fredley? Lol. I love those things. I did a bunch of work on a Quigley E-350 for overlanding.

[@evelynwalker1998]

That rear view camera is amazingly crisp despite its small size, coupled with the parking sensors some vans come with is the most useful option.

[@larryok8156]

The Dude abides.... What's going on with Fred? Glad to see him still on KZbin

[@SoDogtravels]

Sorry for giving you crap at expo

[@jsr3793]

Just don't put those boxes anywhere near Salt Lake City. Remember they had a bad time with someone else leaving unmarked boxes lying around.

[@adamclinkenbeardclinkenbea7741]

Test drive a 7.3 econoline. Same motor as Dave’s truck. U joint built a flat bed one or you could build a small box van style camper.

[@tommyp4728]

Wasatch overland!

[@andrewb5415]

This sounds like maybe you build your your own? You’ve got the skills and friends to convert one yourself , or buy one already done lol either way 👍

[@xozindustries7451]

I agree with you everything except I really like the longest wheelbase for towing, it’s so much more stable. I’d also get a much bigger screen for the back up camera

[@MichiganMatt]

hey next time you’re in a Quigley can you do a tutorial on how and when to properly engage and shift? TIA!

[@hill_customs6807]

That sculpture looks a bit like all the temples all over Utah. Especially with the gold block on the top . 😃

[@truckladders4104]

Really good video Fread, I have had Chevy full size vans in the past and really liked them You did a great review on this one , got me thinking that this might be a good vehicle to plan for. I wouldnt even consider any of the others They are a horror story in heavy commercial use

[@051570orion]

I like the backup camera and even if the screen is small as long as you can Make sure there's no children or midgets behind you before backing up I call that a good thing

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

Green river is one of my favorite places to explore, theres so much cool stuff to see, and I live an hour away.

[@John90XJ]

The sculpture is the Fibonacci Sequence. Pretty cool math and art in one. Nice van too.

[@jasonnoteboom4489]

That thumbnail picture.... The Dude Abides.

[@Hemi24]

But they are kinda hard to get. We have been waiting a year for a base express with the v6 to be built .

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

I think a guy could make a sweet camping rig.

[@xmo552]

How have I never heard of a "new 6.6 gasoline GM engine? 400 Chevy 400 Pontiac 402 Chevy 403 Olds What's this new engine??

[@lazynow1]

Yea, because its a new engine from GM

[@housew207]

I have a lifelong Love for and a side job for Chevy, and that 6.6 gas motor with the 10-speed is pretty fantastic! I've delivered a few in that combination and they're very peppy . That said, my 20 yr old power stroke made it across the country and back while towing, no problem, and got similar mileage. I just think it's a marketing miss to not put a towable diesel in van that size

[@housew207]

8.25 front diff in a wonton 😢 I've broken a decent amount of them after side gear adjusters spin and they eat themselves.

[@prestontiegs5022]

Being in Utah, we always referred to it as the green river temple! 🤣

[@brianfackrell4139]

I work out of a promaster, it hasnt held up well.

[@erickbernard8208]

U should stash some swag at Rausch creek next time u go

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks Fred…… keep on truckin

[@SpiegNet]

Green River is on I80, not I70.

[@PepeDeezNutz]

No one cares

[@marktadlock5428]

Did you bring your dogs with you?

[@Don14320]

thanks for the ride

[@thecreativetake]

Great Info!

[@notoriouslopez1]

Crazy cool

[@shanewright6958]

👍👍

[@joshcrosson]

Fred be over here looking like the Dude.

[@PepeDeezNutz]

Who?

[@drywinddotnet]

Great vid Fred. Thanks for being upfront and honest.

[@judgedredd8876]

The Sprinter and Transit are also body and frame.

[@is6566]

@judge…. Nope. The Sprinter and Transit are both unibody.

[@A2ZREY]

Strong truck 🛻 😊I get excited when I can feel the power and the tow capacity and the 4x4 🎉