Camping-car AWD
Camping-car and All Wheel Drive ... that's a dream for me and for many of you, I suppose.
These two world’s can be joined using several great vehicles/"converters". Here is my selection of present vehicles and "converters" companies. I've created some "vehicle types codes" and grouped them, to be easier to explore, depending on the "type" of the vehicle.
At the moment, I have both, but ... separately [camping-car sold in 2012...], I hope one day I can have one and much time (and some money) to travel.
- About transmitions systems - good: AWD; better: with transfer box (high and low gears); best: 1 or 2 differential locks; the best: 3 differential locks (front, middle and rear).
- Don't forget that some 4x2 vans can be converted to 4x4 like: Mercedes Sprinter/VW Crafter or Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Jumper.
- So, we can choose a regular van like Hymer Car on a normal Fiat Ducato (Citroen or Peugeot) and send it to Leithenmayr or Dangel 1. For VW vans (T5, Crafter, ...) we can visit Seikel or Torsus. Another example is the Westfalia James Cook on a "regular" 4x2 Mercedes Sprinter, sending it to a "converter" like Iglhaut, Oberaigner or Achleitner and we will have a good Expedition Vehicle that would help us discover the diversity of our lovely blue planet.
- Other convertions are possible: on some Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Isuzu models in Pere Maimi and also a new convertion on the Toyota Dyna by Toyota Portugal. If you live in Australia, you can go to Bus 4x4.
- Some great AWD are not so "performants" as I would like them to be, examples: The top speed of the Bremach 35 is 120 km/h, the Iveco Daily 4x4 (35S18W - the 4x4 version has no panel van model) is 108 Km/h and the Unimog is electronically limited to 85 km/h.
- In my case, I would like an all-round vehicle, in order to visit fantastic little villages in Europe like those in the Alsace region in France and it should be also adapted to drive on the winter snow of Tromsø, north of Norway. However I would like to travel quickly in highways from my Porto / Portugal to Norway, but it should also be suitable to drive in "special roads" in countries like Mongolia. So, a bit more speed (and comfort), would be better, at least for me. Do not forget reliability, one of the most important issues when speaking about vehicles.
- Depending of your travels, I'm sure you will find the perfect Expedition vehicle for you. Just follow the links and ... explore.
| Type | Vehicle | Examples |
| RT | Regular 4x4, with a rooftop tent (or not) an some gear in the luggage place. No body change. | |
| RV | Regular 4x4 (with or without roof-cuted) or pick-up, with no back seats and equipped with camping equipment |
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| PMC | Pick-up 4x4 with a movable "container" |
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| PFC | Pick-up 4x4 with a fixed "container" |
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| LTV | Light truck 4x4 (<3,5t) van |
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| LTC | Light truck 4x4 (<3,5t) with "container" |
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| STV | Small truck 4x4 (>3,5t) van |
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| STC | Small truck 4x4 (>3,5t) with "container" |
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| BTC | Big truck 4x4, 6x4, 6x6, 8x8 with "container" |
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* The ultimate vehicle, the "Luxurious Amphibious Motorcoach"
* Very interesting text about Overlanders by Angela and Dave: Overlander, Van Lifer Or Car Camper ?
Notes:
1 - The Fiat Ducato Dangel, has no transfer box, so, no low gears!
2 - The Ford Transit AWD, is equipped with the 2.4-litre 140PS engine. I suppose it doesn't have transfer gearbox, so, only high gears! From what I understand, the M.J.Allen Group has build the AWD systems.
3 - The VW Transporter 4Motion (SWB and LWB), has no transfer box, but it can lock the rear differential.
- Mercedes in english, see Mercedes UK
- Volkswagen in English, see Volkswagen-vans UK