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Old 08-26-2012, 11:20 AM   #1
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Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

I need something smaller than a full size van and it seems that options are limited these days in the minivan department.

An old VW would be great, except for the "old" part and unfortunately isn't an option.



Is there a way to increase the ground clearance of an AWD Toyota Sienna? That is the big limiting factor I see with this vehicle for our needs.

And yes, many would think that lifting a minivan is stupid, but it apparently seems to work on the Astro http://www.overlandvans.com/

Thanks.

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Old 08-26-2012, 12:39 PM   #2
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

Nice link. Those look really good.



I wonder if CCV could outfit a top for one? I'll bet they can.
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Old 08-26-2012, 01:31 PM   #3
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

You might also look at the AWD Honda Element ECAMPER...
http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm
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Old 08-26-2012, 01:53 PM   #4
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

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Originally Posted by daveb
Those look really good.



I wonder if CCV could outfit a top for one? I'll bet they can.
I contacted CCV and they don't have anything for the Toyota Minis.

I'm comfortable getting a top from gtrv.com or tackling such a project.

My biggest concern is the lack of ground clearance.

Thanks.
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Old 08-26-2012, 02:45 PM   #5
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

Well, you can ask, but I'd be very surprised if Chris @ U Joint Offroad would tackle a lift or 4x4 for a Sienna.

http://www.ujointoffroad.com/


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Old 08-26-2012, 03:24 PM   #6
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeJoe
Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
Those look really good.



I wonder if CCV could outfit a top for one? I'll bet they can.
I contacted CCV and they don't have anything for the Toyota Minis.

I'm comfortable getting a top from gtrv.com or tackling such a project.

My biggest concern is the lack of ground clearance.

Thanks.
Yes it does seem silly. My opinion is to leave a car-like vehicle what it is but that's JMO. Why not just go with something like you linked to??? On top of messing with the Sienna's drive train (if that's what is in your original post) I would think it would do more harm than good to the re-sale value...but who knows. Most lift kits are designed to lift vehicles that can be altered easily, still, I've seen some strange stuff out there. Worth it, probably not.
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Old 08-26-2012, 09:06 PM   #7
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
Yes it does seem silly. My opinion is to leave a car-like vehicle what it is but that's JMO. Why not just go with something like you linked to??? On top of messing with the Sienna's drive train (if that's what is in your original post) I would think it would do more harm than good to the re-sale value...but who knows. Most lift kits are designed to lift vehicles that can be altered easily, still, I've seen some strange stuff out there. Worth it, probably not.
I was hoping that someone knows something about the Sienna that I don't. Just like the lift ability of the Astros which I didn't know prior to running across info on this or a similar site.

Most importantly - A a discontinued beat up Chevy van doesn't compare to a shiny new Sienna when you are selling the idea of an "adventure" minivan to your wife. The last Astro we looked at smelled like an animal died in it. That didn't help my used van purchasing prospects.

I think that an Astro with small lift and minor inside work would be perfect! Very economical, easy to park, somewhat reasonable fuel economy. Too bad I can't find one that's less than 5 years old.
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Old 08-26-2012, 09:14 PM   #8
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

You can reply without quoting the prior post, all the posts are right above your reply.

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Old 08-26-2012, 10:34 PM   #9
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

How about these guys? http://www.gtrv.com/models

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Old 08-28-2012, 09:35 PM   #10
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Re: Toyota Sienna AWD Sportsmobile

Keep in mind Sienna's have run-flats and no spare. I would think this an even bigger issue in places you might drive a lifted vehicle.
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