Help me decide weather or not to convert my SMB to 4x4

[Glider]

Originally Posted by rallypanam

That seem more like 60 or 80 cents.

There we go again...inflation hitting the van world...at least for now...

[BUFFALO]

Haha!!
Love this!

[MRR918]

Thanks everyone for your responses! I will let you know what happens!!

[Annie O]

Great- now everybody CAMP! I bet the campfire stories and debates with this bunch present are doozies

[TomsBeast]

What's the best way to make a small fortune converting your van to 4x4?



Start with a big fortune!


Seriously though.... if you are considering converting your 2wd van for return on investment, if you find yourself doing a business case study.... don't bother.

On the other hand, if offroad camping and adventure will add spice to your life, if having the ability to traverse across trails in marginal weather interests you, do it!

[86Scotty]

It all depends on the weather. I mean, that's how I would decide whether to convert it or not. It you drive in snow or ice a lot, you know, bad weather, then that should help you make your decision whether to convert or not.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by rallypanam

It depends on the van.. but on a '97 5.4, the return won't be there financially.That said, not everything is about money!

Many years ago I spent a fortune on a boat (sold my paid for California house and spent all the money) I didn't look at it as an investment. Now, many years later I'm thinking about selling, and stand to loose a substantial amount of money on the deal. I knew about that possibility going in but would I do anything differently knowing with absolute certainly I would not make a profit? Not a chance. The memories of all the amazing trips we have taken, the friends we made, and the sheer joy of exploring remote Alaskan wilderness spots unavailable to 99% of the population made it worth the cost. Now that I've retired and I'm on a limited income, my van will continue to take me to a different type of wilderness, places I could never get to otherwise. I say you should consider where you want to go, in what season and convert to 4wd if it will get you to the places where life time memories will be made. You can't put a price on those. Keep the van in good shape, and you should realize a reasonable return on your investment, even if you don't break even or make a profit.

[MrHenrietta]

Looks like many responses already. I'll 2nd that you will not get a good return if you convert to 4x4 having the UJOINT shop do it. I personally could not live without 4x4 though. There are a lot of home builders out there that install UJOINT kits. With used parts you might find someone out there to convert for under 10k. Might is the key word. Check out the 4x4 van Facebook page.