Bill Burke 4x4 adventure van course Anza-Borrego Date Feb. 8-10, 2019

[Glen]

Matt, Thanks for putting this together, and sorry you couldn't make it for all 3 days. Being someone who is fairly new to real 4X4'ing, this class was fantastic. I had a blast playing in the dirt & sand, learned a ton, took lots of notes, made some new SMB friends, finally got the van dirty & a little scratched (that was hard for me), put together a shopping list that I don't dare show my wife, and can't wait to get back out and practice what I learned. Bill was an awesome instructor/host. I would highly recommend taking his class.


I haven't been on the forum much lately and have to re-learn how to post pics. Once I get it figured out again, I'll post a few.

[rltilley]

Look forward to pictures of this year's training. I had a great time last year. I hear there were Sprinters in this year's class? I'd be curious in hearing how they did out there in the desert.

[SCMatthew]

I had a great time a learned a lot from Bill in the one day that I was able to make. I was very impressed with his knowledge and his teaching style. I would highly recommend his classes.
PS-- those scratches are trail badges!

[Glen]

There were 2 Sprinters & 3 Fords. The Sprinter folks could obviously tell you better how they felt their rigs did, but they seemed to do just fine. I know Matt from Albuquerque was very happy with how his rig handled the terrain. What I noticed was that they are a bit more "tippy" due to the height & IFS. Due to the lower ground clearance they seemed to get hi-centered a bit more than the Fords. Also, the smaller size tires gave them a little less "bite" in the really soft stuff. All that being said, I think knowing their vehicle & it's capabilities/limitations allowed them to go everywhere the Fords went.

[velo47]

The class was great, and I really liked having both the Fords and the Sprinters there. I had some trepidation going in because I did not want to be the one who couldn't do anything difficult and ruin the class for the others.

We have a 144" 4x4 hi/lo Sprinter with VC upgraded suspension (no lift) and skid plates. We're on the ubiquitous 265/70/17 KO2s.

When we got the van, I thought we were making a big compromise off-road in exchange for more room inside and better road manners. Turns out we did compromise, but not nearly to the extent I thought. I'm not an experienced off road driver, but I was impressed where the van could go, not where it couldn't.

Is this van as capable as a Ford? No. But don't believe all the internet "wisdom" that it's only good for fire roads and pavement. After this weekend, I'm sure those comments are from keyboard jockeys who have never driven one and are just repeating what they read, over and over, until it's gospel.

The lower ground clearance (I used those skid plates), limited articulation due to the IFS (it's tippier and it tripods some), and the lack of lockers are its biggest limitations (but the electronic traction control worked quite well).

If I wasn't following Bill and trusting his judgement, I would have gotten out and scouted many of the obstacles we tackled. Quite honestly, I wouldn't have taken the van over several (maybe many) of them. I'm glad I did, because it handled most of them fairly easily.

After the class, I am much more satisfied with our purchase, because the van is way more capable off-road than I imagined. I was still a little jealous of the Fords in a few spots, though...

Matt

[Glen]

Here are some pics from the class...

[bemerritt]

Looks fun, where exactly did this take place?

[Glen]

Just outside the Anza Borrego State Park boundary.

[b. rock]

Is this an annual thing? He lives in GJ, wonder if we could set up a Moab one...heard great things about his classes.

[Botchan]

His classes are worth every penny! He seems to have SoCal class every year or two. If you get a chance to take his next class, sign up as they usually fill up quickly.