Organize a Bill Burke 4x4 course for Sprinters anyone?

[mikemikemike]

All,

As I eagerly await delivery of my van, I'm starting to think about getting into some trouble off road. Another thread got me interested in Bill Burke's course. bb4wa.com

I was thinking it would be great to get a group of people with similar vans and interests together and ask Bill to tailor a basic course for us.

I'm aiming for a setup with similar bones to Fitz's van, not quite as apocalypse-ready but same general idea. Have essentially zero off roading experience, but stoked to see what I get get stuck on, and pull myself out of.

So, putting it out there to this great forum to see if we can put together a group of five vans and find a window summer or fall that will work.

Basics: Three days. $750/van. Sounds awesome.

I'm located in Berkeley so favor CA locations, but open to other options. Ping me if interested.

Mike

[Onefin]

This is a good idea., especially for someone with little off-road experience.
The longer wheelbases of the sprinters require some special consideration.

You might as well plan on van compass skid plates and some decent tires to start.

Agile off-road down in San Diego sells and Installs VC product, and also suspension and winch upgrades.

You may want to post on the sprinter-source as well to generate more interest.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by mikemikemike

I was thinking it would be great to get a group of people with similar vans and interests together and ask Bill to tailor a basic course for us.

So, putting it out there to this great forum to see if we can put together a group of five vans and find a window summer or fall that will work.

Basics: Three days. $750/van. Sounds awesome.

I like the idea, and I am sure others will also. It will be interesting to see if Bill feels there is much difference between a stock 4wd Sprinter and one equipped with suspension upgrades, skid plates and tires. My guess is you will want to draw that line when determining a venue.

We have a week in AZ (including Overland Expo) planned in May and two weeks in OR planned in June and I suspect others have similar commitments, thus late fall or early next spring might be best for planning purposes.

Looking forward to seeing what comes of this!

[mikemikemike]

Good thoughts, thanks.

Yes, my current rig will have methods/K02s, and I plan on VC suspension, sliders, and probably skid plates as well. Narrowing the group based on having gear like this would be ideal, I agree, if we have the luxury to optimize the excursion - having Bill show us where the vehicle's limits are with terrain selection might depend on all having he same general setup...

Will post on sprinter source as well.

[LosAngeles]

we dont have a rig yet, and wont for a good while, but this all sounds like a great idea. Maybe I'd be into year #2 or #3.

John

[Steadijib]

I contacted Bill about his class the first part of the year below is his response.

Hi David, sorry the class is full. There was a 6 vehicle limit and, as usual, it filled quickly!

Congratulations on getting the new Sprinter SMB!! Great van.

There is enough demand for this class I may squeeze a second date in my travel schedule. Maybe a 2 day mid week class?

thank you for your interest on this. I hope I can help you another time.

kind regards,

Bill Burke

[TomH]

I'm interested. We placed the deposit for our Sprinter in Dec. '16 and are still awaiting delivery. We are planning all the upgrades from VC and Agile. I'd love to be part of a Sprinter class.