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Old 12-22-2010, 12:57 PM   #11
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

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Originally Posted by GreyDawg
All very interesting. Thanks, and I'll pass it on.

My question now is, why would someone who is "just" a ski bum need 4WD? Assuming he stays on paved roads, and carries chains (or has studded tires), is 4WD a must? or just a want?

I tend to think of 4WD for being off road -- snowy or otherwise.
My 4x4 smb built van is downright scary in 2 wheel drive in snow trying to get up hills. I am a ski fanatic and drive the van to the mtn.

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Old 12-24-2010, 08:32 AM   #12
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Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

Bones; bigger tires typically reduces milage. Are you recalibrating speedometer or using gps to calculate?
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Old 12-27-2010, 11:30 AM   #13
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

My V10 stock with 2wd got 13 mpg.
Now 10-11 mpg with the Quad Van 4x4 (less towing and uphills).
They don't use dually axles per se, they use F450 brakes (rotors/calipers), as E350 rotors are prone to warpage.
I do believe John at QV says his 4x4 adds roughly 1500 lbs to the vehicle.
Also when you are in 2wd (in the transfer case), hubs unlocked, you are not turning the front axle.
With auto hubs you may be turning the front axle, which is getting you closer to AWD vs 4WD.
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Old 12-27-2010, 11:57 AM   #14
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

1500 lbs??????
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Old 12-27-2010, 12:45 PM   #15
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

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1500 lbs??????
Yes that would be transfer case, Dana 60 axle, radius arms, F450 brakes, larger tires/wheels.
Maybe in floor storage box too?
There is a lot to consider. All very heavy one ton plus rated.
I don't know if that is specific to my van or all with 4x4 conversions from QV.

Think, 1500 lbs of poop or pallets would definitely suck more fuel from any pick-up or van.
So figure the extra drive-train weight will use the extra fuel also.

This weight also decreases your weight per axle you can carry, because GVWR does not increase with a 4x4 conversion.
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Old 12-27-2010, 03:46 PM   #16
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

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This weight also decreases your weight per axle you can carry, because GVWR does not increase with a 4x4 conversion.
Because the F350 front axle is rated to carry more weight than the E350 axles can, Salem-Kroger rerated my van to 11000#.

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Old 12-28-2010, 09:31 AM   #17
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

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Quote:
Originally Posted by maxacceleration
This weight also decreases your weight per axle you can carry, because GVWR does not increase with a 4x4 conversion.
Because the F350 front axle is rated to carry more weight than the E350 axles can, Salem-Kroger rerated my van to 11000#.

Mike
Mike, because Salem-Kroger rates your vehicle at a higher GVWR, does not mean DOT recognizes that.
I do not believe the factory GVWR can be changed (rerated) by any aftermarket suppler or outfitter.
It may be good up to that weight, but officially you could be considered overweight if you were on DOT scales.

Its a moot point as personal & recreational vehicles do not usually get the DOT scrutiny that commercial vehicles get on weight, GVWR, CVWR, weight per axle or otherwise.

Just the way I have understood it (explained to me by QuadVan).
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Old 12-28-2010, 10:22 AM   #18
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

S-K told me that they are a recognized 'remanufacturer' or something like that. They installed a new ID Plate with modified Axle ratings, wheel/tire sizes and GVWR. They've done the same for other vans.

Certainly gives me something to argue with if I ever get checked.

As many pickup/campers as I see that are grossly over GVWR, I doubt I will ever get checked. To me, it is more of a concern in Canada when I'm traveling than it is in the US.

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Old 12-28-2010, 01:08 PM   #19
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

Well I sure can't prove it either way Mike, but you would think SMB would have that ability too.
Especially with their rigs coming in at or near max weight from the get go.

Two things for sure, weight and aerodynamics eat fuel mileage.

Being a cdl driver and having run at legal limits, and knowing how much weight affects a vehicles driveability, it befuddles me (yes) to see these rigs run at GVWR (or close) every time they go out.

I purposely set-up my van light, not to run close to GVWR, for safety & mpg (who am I kidding, a V10 sucks fuel no matter what).
More people should think about running lighter in their scheme of things on build-up. IMO!

How about a 450 or 550 based van!!!

Just having fun with it.
Alls good!
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Old 12-28-2010, 05:01 PM   #20
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Re: Basic 4x4 question: mileage?

Quote:
Originally Posted by maxacceleration
Mike, because Salem-Kroger rates your vehicle at a higher GVWR, does not mean DOT recognizes that.
DOT recognizes whatever registration you pay for. Manufacturer GVWR is completely irrelevant in every state as far as DOT cares. Private/RV vehicles don't have to register weights, so again, doesn't matter.
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