New Owner Question

[MysticTraveler]

My wife and I have been RV travelers for over 40 years - from 40' diesels down to tent trailers.

We want to start primitive camping and are really interested in a Sportsmobile. Major question how do they drive.

We were both in a major car accident and sold our class C RV because it was too rough even on paved roads. Are these more like a big SUV or a truck.

We also want to cover a lot of miles and want comfort if possible

Thanks

 

[Grampswrx]

It will mostly depend on what platform you are on. The fords ride the roughest but have the best offroad prowess. The chevy express platform rides much softer but isn't as good off road. The sprinter and transit both ride like a car on road, but are the worst off road of the bunch.

If you are doing a lot of miles, I would get either a transit or sprinter. They get better mileage as well. But they are considerably more expensive because they are much newer than the older fords and chevys (for the most part).

What is your budget?

 

[MysticTraveler]

I am mostly going to be on gravel and fire roads - I will be towing a Polaris RZR for the rough stuff

Like to stay under $50K

 

[Grampswrx]

In that case, I would do a ford econoline base with a weldtec designs supsension lift. I would do a 4" kit with custom rear leaf springs. It will run about $5k installed but will ride great on and off road.

 

[Skyler4991]

How does weldtec compare to UJOINT in drive comfort and off-road performance? Ujoint has lots of good videos but haven't seen anything on weldtec?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Grampswrx]

Weldtec will ride better but it depends on what you pay for. If you pay for properly tuned springs based on your vehicle weight, either one will ride nice. I’m partial to independent front suspension, which is weldtec, as I think it rises much better. However, I’ve never ridden in a ujoint van.