EB or RB for offroad?

[Aldercrest]

With a dog, a toddler, and hopefully a second kiddo soon, I'm very happy in the EB. I've done some interesting 4x4 (see gallery) and haven't scraped yet, but if you're into serious off road, the RB will give you more clearance. Wheelbase is the same with Ford RB and EB, so turning radius is the same for your given 4wd conversion. That said, my brother's Quadvan has a much tighter turn radius than my Quigley. I've had to back up and reapproach several turns that he made with no issues. As for turning around on narrow roads, I just hang the back end off the downhill side and do a 3-point (or 5-point... or 15-point) turn...

[DisabledExplorers]

While I have scraped the underfloor storage a number of times and the reciever hitch takes a beating I am super happy that I went with a EB.
The extra space is a huge factor in my case, either when I have a disabled person or my family, either way that extra room is really nice.

[bitburger]

Departure angle is the only issue I have with the EB.

Occasionally, I have tried to back into a spot so my doors point the right direction for camping and my hitch will dig into the hill. I don't have a big enough engine to push the hill out of the way so I end up having to front up the hill which is no problem.

Minor inconvenience for the advantage of the extra space in my opinion.

Re: turning radius, you may want to look through the archives because it has been covered.
My understanding is all the current versions are similarly improved over the older ones. My Quadvan conversion is deliciously short and I thank them for that more often than for the fine 4wd work.

[AndrewST]

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

Can you convert the front end of a Q to a SMB or Quad?

No idea but the best for a clear answer is to ask them directly

[carringb]

I run into more problems with approach then departure, even though its an EB. Front of the van only sits 2" higher than stock, while the rear is about 4" higher (and the receiver is integrated into the bumper, so there's not receiver hanging lower than the bumper, and the spare is on the door).

[daveb]

Humm I've never had a problem with the front but I have Aluminess bumpers. I still drag the tail now and then and I have air bags that lift it a couple of inches more. Like I've said in other posts, it's more of an issue on how I approch or depart the obsticle.

[carringb]

I have the Buckstop, which hangs a lower than the Alluminess. It functions as a skid plate as well (and has a built in 2" receiver).

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Anyone weld on steel rollers on the rear? I have seen it done a few times on motorhomes for tail drag.

[daveb]

Those are usually for roadway dragging. In most situations I don't care if I drag the hitch but my rear Aluminess bumper makes me nervous sometimes. It's not that tough if it gets caught on rocks. A skid plate might be a better solution. I just take it easy, use the best approach angle I can get and rely on my spotter. I avoid the higher class trails designed for Jeep type travel and have been on several trails that are difficult for vans yet moderate for Jeeps.

I need the extra space the EB supplies.

[Silver350]

Judging off road ability by the pictures of group outings, I would say that my wife's Freestar could get to about 50% of those places. Off road, RB. Off Pavement, EB.