Taking a Quigley 4x4 Ford Transit Camper Van Off-Road | Toquerville Falls Utah

[@Weretherussos]

For more content, check out our official website weretherussos.com

[@angelgjr1999]

Now try it in 2wd. :)

[@jackechan1311]

We are considering an awd Transit and your insights are most welcome.

[@keithcope8113]

The best use of 4x4 is to engage it before you need it putting into 4 wheel drive after you're stuck is not what you want. Nice drive

[@fredo2x625]

Wait what?

[@fredo2x625]

So when I’m on construction sites out or can I drive onto in like a pick up truck?

[@waynerobinson7143]

😂 That’s a 2WD road in Australia 🇦🇺

[@joechiaretti4131]

You posted this almost 3 yrs ago. Storyteller now produces the Mode LT on the Ford Transit chassis which is AWD. My question is why they're not producing the Mode with the Quigley drivetrain which is 4x4?

[@rightright6582]

Same question....here could it bebthat the 4x4 adds too much weight to the ccc

[@redrockitinerant7776]

I guess it depends on what you grew up with. I live in Utah and drive these kind of roads to get to the "fun" stuff where you really need 4-wheel drive. Someone from flat country may find this challenging. Certainly different. Other people's comments remind me not to take my back yard for granted so much and appreciate it more. It's always like that though, isn't it? The videographer, Kait?, did an awesome job! Much more impressive and technical than the driving I thought.

[@Weretherussos]

It’s always a matter of perspective. When we took this road in our Jeep, it wasn’t something we thought twice about. Trying it with a 9,500 lb top heavy van...different story. It’s not something to take on the really fun stuff that you’re thinking of but more to get you out there.

[@redrockitinerant7776]

I rewatched parts of the video right after posting and realized from experience that videos tend to make roads like this look much flatter than they really are. Also that the van has a long wheel base, plus the weight, making it a bigger challenge than any SUV. I still want to compliment Kait for her good eye and video techniques. It was something I noticed even though I wasn't thinking about it.

[@pda4you]

I can tell you Storyteller Overland is LUCKY to have you guys - you just sold a bunch of rigs with this video. Impressive capabilities for a HOUSE on wheels! :)

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Mike!

[@amberisafarmer]

I’ve never seen so much water flowing through there! We love that place. 30 min away!

[@barrettkauffman7839]

We live in St George. I have paraglides off the west side up by the antenna.

[@FrankJCone]

Excellent showcase of the 4X4 capabilities of that rig.

[@glennlapoint681]

Very smooth driving skills, awesome. And the camera work was excellent. Thank you both for going to the trouble of documenting the incredible journey. And to the van supplier, kudos. The entire van is fabulous would be a serious understatement. Loved the color and overall theme plus the Quigley 4x4 system build was extremely well planned down to even the smallest detail. The trail was much more difficult than it appeared, I know from experience, from working with video. Even the trucks were taking turns at various sections! Great job, team Russos. . .

[@Disco_Fish1985]

Sir, I must commend you on that impeccable operating of that vehicle. I’ve been overlanding/off roading for many years and what I saw you do was outstanding.

[@Weretherussos]

Wow, thanks!

[@Steve_Farwalker]

Like the determined settlers of old on their way to a new begging in their covered wagons, exhausted oxen, horses, and mules; you two pressed on (albeit in luxurious air-conditioned internal combustion 4x4 comfort) and arrived at your destination. Thank you for carrying on this legacy, this vision, this story of which is America! DISCLAIMER: roadside assistance is limited in some areas, restrictions apply, void where prohibited.

[@Weretherussos]

Lol!

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

That was a good video and showcased the Storyteller Overland Mode RV. Adds a different element to your videos when you can go to places like this.

[@keyplayer5]

Even in a fully equipped 4 wheel drive van.....I would have freaked out watching my husband do that. You are both brave!!

[@dougf94912]

Some beautiful scenery in this week's episode, Storyteller Overland should be proud of you!

[@deborahschaub2925]

Ive gone back and forth about this and truck 4x4 and a different van. I keep hearing about how the other van keeps bottoming out ruining their undercarriage. FINALLY HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS IS THE RV I NEED AND WANT. I’’ll be financially stable next year to do so and I can’t wait even though i shall....... thanks for these awesome videos Joe and Kait !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@itsmike7711]

5:52 Whoa, whoa, whoa, Joe! 🤪 Absolutely stunning scenery this week!

[@montydanable]

Screen shot at 5:43, gorgeous!!

[@trustinwwjd1997]

Whoa,,, that was a fantastic Class B 4x4 VID,,, Thanks for sharing,,, Safe, happy & blessed travel on your all journey,,,

[@shak180]

You should be using a suspension block on your front fork. At around 7:20 you see how much sag you get in your tie downs. It's only a matter of time before the bike is dragging off the back bumper or worse sliding into a vehicle behind you.

[@Weretherussos]

That’s on purpose - let the suspension do the work. It’s not coming off the rack. I don’t use standard hooked ratchet straps

[@joanhall3718]

I'm so impressed you made it up that road. I might not have quite that courage, but it's great to see what is possible in a good 4 wheel drive van.

[@jaykaydee5772]

Wow! Impressive performance on a rugged trail. That Quigley system and the driver have guts!!

[@stephaniesmythe8449]

Impressive and gorgeous terrain, remarkable driving and handling. excellent judgement to not cross the river, too! Fun!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@mehGyver]

With a locker or Limited slip diff, good all terrain tires, aired down, you can get through some seriously impressive terrain.

[@totalcomposites484]

We are building our next camper on a transit cab chassis with the quickley conversion. Can't wait!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Enjoy!

[@vubach1408]

I love ford transit . Qualities and nice design..

[@Weretherussos]

We agree!

[@curiousnomadic]

That's a very impressive van. You can go places in that that no one will bother you. Out of all the vans you've tested this one is my favorite.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks - we're enjoying it!

[@melissaweyrick5311]

What has mostly concerned me, is the ground clearance that 4x4 camper vans have. Or the lack of it. But the van seemed to take that hill like a champ. 👍

[@Weretherussos]

Well this van has been raised and has larger tires so there is added clearance. You wouldn't want to take a stock van down most of this for rear of ripping up something underneath.

[@lorim3372]

Great video!! I'm impressed with how great that 4x4 did... good driving also helped!!! Have a great time...

[@JohnProthero]

I was just thinkin' that a good option on their production model would be an air compressor with enough hose to air up the tires after airing them down to get a better grip.

[@cristim5620]

or you could buy a good air compressor for 100$ as I did for my Sprinter 4x4. it is cheap and efficient.

[@1-QuackUp-Now]

Fantastic video! Joe, you handled that vehicle like a pro and Kait did a professional job with the videoing. Hats off to both of you guys!! You will surely have bumped up sales of the Mode by recording this test drive. It was beautiful country as well. I hope the interior/living section has been panning out as well as the 4x4 driving has! Keep on keepin’ on! I really enjoy 4x4ing vicariously!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks!

[@WW-wf8tu]

This is exactly what I would like to have someday. Not to traverse technical stuff, but to have the security of knowing that going up steep mountain passes with a camper van is not going to leave me stranded as I explore. At about the 7:45 mark they discuss his driving skills. Don't under estimate a good spotter. That top heavy vehicle very easily could have ended up on its side with out choice lines. It is a shame the interior was not at least briefly shot for layout purposes.

[@sandyfrankum6521]

I really appreciate that Kait hiked up the hills twice, once to film you and once to catch up with you! Awesome video! Love the 4x4 action! I want your old vans because you are very careful and take care of them!

[@Weretherussos]

I appreciate all of her hiking too!

[@BWT599]

I can see why there was a lift kit. Definitely need it for even the smallest dip in the road.

[@deborahschaub2925]

I’m impressed enough to want to purchase this one and drive to Alaska !!! Lived there 4 years in the interior (Fairbanks).

[@heatherlucero2530]

It just seems right to see you guys with a doggy again 🥰

[@Weretherussos]

It's been really nice.

[@neilp1911]

We passed you in our campervan coming out! Ours is a Ford e350 with quigley and extra lift. Nice job, impressed.

[@hikenrv]

Amazing...hard to imagine how you made that in a van with a motorcycle on the back! Good driving and kudos to Storyteller! We want one!

[@takayama1638]

This Ford should be a great camper! We need a 4x4.

[@KD4PON1969]

First thing I would do would be to rip those running boards off before they get ripped off on their own.

[@Erin-Thor]

Jim Carter - Yes! LOL! There’s quite the collection of them at a few points in Colorado.

[@querydelacroix2919]

On the Winnebago Revel, they use the running boards as a partial cage to protect the vehicle.

[@barrettkauffman7839]

You could replace with rock slider- running boards. A 2-3 in. Lift wouldn't hurt either.

[@lyxxsx1]

Hello Russos, Comparing to the 2022 Mode LT, do you remember what was the ground clearance for the prototype you tested? Thanks in advance.

[@getawaygeese]

Impressed with the driving and the vehicle

[@midnite22767]

Thanks for this video, I'm surprised how little video documentation there is of the Quigley 4x4 system on the Transit out there. What I'm waiting for a side by side comparison of both this and the Sprinter 4x4. I don't expect the Sprinter to be able to beat the Quigley but it would still be good to see how they measure up. It seems like the bike on the rear of the Mode sticks out more than it needs to? I wonder if there is a way to get it to sit closer to the body of the van to allow for a shorter carrier and greater departure angle. I didn't know the Mode came with skid plates to protect the various mechanics on the under carriage? Or did you attempt this off road exercise with no under carriage protection? Bravo, glad it all worked out! Beautiful rig!

[@markphipps8655]

Nitram Midnite there are bike racks that sit higher above the hitch. Lots higher.

[@simonassouline45]

Best Blog Ever, amazing description and detail and performance of this 4x4 Transit Camper Van!

[@HayabusaOrlando]

You went up that hill nice and slow in 4x4 mode. Great job!!! And that waterfall!!!!!! Beautiful

[@ourkaravan]

I'm excited to see the 2020 Transit AWD come to market. While it will be no rock crawler, I think for many of us it will be a better system than what Mercedes offers in the Sprinter. Don't get me wrong, i absolutely LOVE my 2WD Sprinter, but the massive cost of the 4x4 Sprinter combined with a horrible 4x4 integration is just not for me. No shift on the fly for $60k? Are you kidding me? It can't even send 50% power to the front wheels. Bring on the competition to provide affordable (and better implemented) 4wd vans.

[@Weretherussos]

The AWD is mainly going to be a FWD van that can send power to the rear when needed so not true 4x4 by any means. If you just need it for some added traction to get out of something or help in snow, then it would be great but it wouldn't handle terrain like this the way the Quigley system does. But like you said, for most people that's perfect.

[@joegaragozzo1640]

I do love the 4x4 feature. Awesome. Too bad it's so small..

[@curiousnomadic]

Bigger than a VW Syncro.

[@Michaelw777.52]

Excellent video. Perfect mix of gorgeous view and van 4x4 testing. Kudos guys.

[@merrymarthlamb6374]

Good video - I had wanted to see how it handled the ruts. I think I would want another 2 to 4 inches of height. That sewer drain came rather close to some of the rocks you went over. Thanks guys.

[@barrettkauffman7839]

You should take it out to toweap or toroweap. Stand on the edge of the Grand canyon. The have camping out there by permit. You would have to wait until April or May.

[@gordsturm9731]

You guys look very happy in that rig...

[@Weretherussos]

We're certainly enjoying ourselves!

[@JPARKERZ28]

Gotta love that Ford power steering pump whine

[@Weretherussos]

Those were the turbos whinning

[@lontheking126]

Pretty impressive this Ford transit definitely has the Mercedes sprinter beat and I'm a fan of the sprinter but this van is impressive

[@Weretherussos]

Having actual 4x4 beats the AWD system in the Sprinter

[@MultiRabe]

Kait wasnt the only one impressed...awesome job dude! 👍😎✌🏻👏🏻

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Rob!!!

[@kennethstowell7650]

the ford gets you to base camp , now time to jump on the bike and scout the area!

[@psyamok3735]

wow this is epic! amazing driving skill! I was debating if I need a 4x4 or a promaster is good enough.... this change the game! thumbs up

[@smallbusinessdreams]

Me as well. I want a 4x4 now.

[@asmith7094]

I wondered if my f150 could handle this trail. This gives me confidence

[@Weretherussos]

Absolutely - the 4x4 system on this van is from the F150.

[@BoomBoomGodwon]

Joe you rocked that trail sir. Awesome!!

[@edbenson98]

They better put that RV into production because the 4 wheel drive makes a big difference! #WTR

[@nancyeunike6022]

The slim design as most European offroaders are might help too. Ford has surprised me this time in Transit.

[@BangkokJohn]

Well done Guys. Always enjoy Bless you all three.

[@miketomas8564]

OMG! I've missed so much of you guys! I don't know why you weren't showing up on my Subscriptions page for the last month! I generally sit down and look through at all my subscriptions almost daily.

[@alexharris5985]

Kait, you worked pretty hard to get those outside shots...great video...again!

[@markbondoc8309]

Yeah let the dude film, hike, and stand outside the heat lol and let Kait drive

[@StellarFella]

Charlie gets to be empress of all of Utah.

[@TheMcMillanExpress]

Looks fun! And looks like you definitely pushed it to the limit. And no one wants to get stuck! 🤣

[@nofear2trek]

Last March & April I roamed the off pavement Nat Forest roads in the Smokey’s in NC. It was great testing and practicing using my 4x4 converted Class B camper van. I just added a Hydralift Mini hydraulic lift to carry my M/C along and luv the setup. Enjoy!

[@Weretherussos]

Very cool!

[@stephenstringer3689]

Both Joe and the van were impressive...going to be interesting to see if that motorcycle rack will hold up if you do a lot of off roading. Looked like it was bouncing pretty good.

[@sharonanspach2734]

agree..they should check their bolts before leaving

[@Weretherussos]

Its got over 5k miles now and still rock solid. No bolts to check - it’s all welded steel.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@Weretherussos There's a lot of twist as the van rocks from side to side. That's going to stress the rack and the van mounts. Really a bar at each end running under the chassis for extra support. And, as mentioned a higher rack to improve the departure angle.

[@Weretherussos]

Joe Hauler makes the rack with a 6" lift but we don't want it because we want to be able to open the rear doors without having to take it off. Its a compromise but we'd take the ability to get in and out easily over the added departure angle.

[@chefduane3742]

Questions: Did you not have Quigley also do a minor lift (2"-3" or so)? What engine do you have in this rig? Did you have *any* additional suspension work done? (struts, coil-overs??) Did you skid plate any undercarriage? Looks like larger wheels and tires - what size? Nice job on the ascent. No scrapies! Some folks wait until they get themselves in a jam before thinking they should have check out potential problems beforehand. Would have like to see the look on the faces of those that saw a Ford Transit up there!!

[@jjview1796]

So cool to see you working the 4x4 potential! It's good to figure out if the substantial extra cost is worth it, and I'd say it was impressive for a first run. Good work, thank you ))

[@Lou-xd9ef]

I know video never make a steep hill look knarly, but your video does so must of been really crazy hill. Those Transits are amazing. I just sold my Sprinter for one of them cause i'm too annoyed with the service fees on Mercedes. Dealers are hard to find, our closest is 4 hours away, so annoying. For dealers are everywhere. And twice the power with twin turbo, YES PLEASE!

[@LostChiGrlTTV]

Kait... you got a lot of exercise this video! Lol. Great shots!

[@Weretherussos]

😂 I did. Glad you enjoyed the shots.

[@devine_adventure]

I've got a 78 Chinook on a dodge chassis that I take on stuff like that and worse regularly yet it costed me 1200 bucks for the thing lol. Ground clearance, good tires, skill, and recovery tools will get most people through. Can't do much serious off road being so top heavy anyway.

[@sonictech1000]

Looks like a nice rig! If it were mine I'd have to do something about that rack. Sooner or later it's going to get badly bent or torn off.

[@NRGRX]

Great capabilities. Just a bit slow and wonky. Guess there’s always a sacrifice. Thanks for the demo.

[@dianabalto]

Very impressed by the 4x4 Storyteller Overland.

[@cdlady54_95]

Your rack had been hitting the ground from the beginning of the incline. A must leave off for incline areas. You might want to check out RV Adventurers. They took this area in a jeep cherokee.

[@ericbuchta9765]

Not bad for a car with a tall roof. I have the same van for work. One thing I absolutely hate about it is constantly correcting The steering in 20 mile an hour winds.

[@Erin-Thor]

Keep in mind that while these vans sit 5" higher, all of the 4x4 added weight is in the base at hubcap level making it just about as stable as it’s non 4x4 twins.

[@christosmaninos1570]

I am extremely impressed.

[@lynnepierce3676]

Wow spectacular scenery. I’d love to see this place up close & in person.👍😊. Great driving skills guys!!! Gotta say that van has remarkable pulling power.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Lynn!

[@pmlugo3599]

Awesome driving, Beautiful water fall!!

[@kevinkevin1038]

Big thumbs up Russos! Great driving skills.

[@chadmerkley9465]

I had an 08 E350 with the Quigley. It was a cool rig, but the 6.0 plagued diesel. Since Ford has the 2020 transit with all wheel drive, I will take that over the the $15k aftermarket Quigley for sure

[@paula.jackson5463]

Am impressed as well Joe, but it is a real plus to have some serious hardware to handle all that rockery!

[@Weretherussos]

Yeah you need it for Trails like that.

[@jadejaguarcuontheotherside7551]

Okay watching the way it handled the mountain I want this !!!

[@cheddar2848]

Awesome video and awesome 4x4 van very nice.

[@rhondam5079]

Well I am totally impressed with what that class B can do. Kait filmed the outside shots like a pro. If this video was a commercial for the Overland, and I had the money, I would buy it in a heartbeat. You guys did a great job. And to top it off, the family dog Charlie was there for the ride and did not throw up. LOL 😄😃

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Rhonda - it was a lot of fun!

[@hongshi8251]

Always a pleasure to see your adventures. It appears the Ford is a great choice, would love to see more about your thoughts of the interior as you've had more time to experience it. Thank you again.

[@Weretherussos]

We’ve really enjoyed the Ford and will show more of the interior

[@TXGranny2]

I’m not a Ford fan but I must say like Kait did that it was impressive!

[@joergarms1]

Great van, lovely sound. I think it will really benefit from a little lift. And the carrierrack is really limiting it.

[@gebi4pejo1]

We love our 4WD Toyota Hilux, (Aussie) we can go practically anywhere we want now, but like you, but we are cautious, alway think mmm gotta get it out and if something breaks...thats gonna be expensive, we always get out and check first the surroundings...we are heading north to Far North Queensland next week lots of 4WD's up there towing a camper van.

[@mattcaluda]

Nice Rig. 2 things i would add. A 3 to 4 inch lift and a front winch.

[@Weretherussos]

It has a lift

[@french-9743]

I hope that soon there will be comparative tests between the Ford Transit 2020 AWD and the Ford Transit 2020 transformed into 4x4 by Quigley and the others.

[@rjr1227]

I'm REALLY impressed. I myself would almost be scared to take my $80,000 RV there.....but hey....it WOULD be fun....

[@jc8867]

More like $153,000 per an earlier video

[@Weretherussos]

Yes, this is around $150k.

[@timhardman4764]

Ford in 2020 offers a 4WD or AWD on the Transit Van. I'm sure it's not as capable as the Quigley 4x4 on this van with the 4HI and 4Low option. 4WD/AWD was for sure necessary to get up and through the tough sections you demonstrated in this video. Do you think you could have done it in a transit that did not have 4-Low?...or the 2020 AWD/4WD that does not have a 4-low option?

[@flybyairplane3528]

Tim Hardman the ONLY way AWD , would have real capability,is if there were locking,,or limited slip differentials,,,,,,,, Cheers from NJ

[@hermitld]

Nice driving Joe, but please synch your bike down a bit more, the straps looked very loose to me. Thanks for the video.

[@kerry7218]

Impressed with the Transit and impressed with the driver. Great video Russos!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Kerry!

[@toptobottom247]

You also suppose to deflate your tires a little. Don't know the required deflation. Oh yeah and bug repellant spray for the humans and a temporary extra strength flea collar for the 4 legged passengers. Oh and short handled shovel for emergencies.

[@meh82704]

Nice Storyteller! Have fun...

[@ryanhorine9874]

Best video yet, please buy a 4x4 van!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@stanmarcusgtv]

the small diameter wheels really seem to compromise the 4 wheel capability - w/ limited ground clearance

[@Erin-Thor]

Yes, but while it isn’t and will never be a Jeep... taking a travel van up a road like this was cool! This was not a hard trail to be sure, it could be driven by most 4x4 without locking or limited slip diffs. But dude, it’s a TRAVEL VAN!

[@ronhowes7948]

Living in Colorado and Montana, and having owned four wheel drive vehicles for years, I can tell you they allow you to get stuck in the darnedest places!

[@Gottawin01]

Beautiful scenery and great driving! Whether you decide to choose this model or not. I believe that you guys would probably benefit from four-wheel drive..