Last October I spent two weeks up near Rocky Mountain NP working the Cameron peak fire. Base camp where thousands of firefighters and support personnel were located at the expo center in Loveland. I was glad to see the Mountain west overland expo instead of another deadly wildfire. And I got to meet you guys there!
It does show what can go wrong with a heavy van, even with good tires, on rocky trails. Without support of a group those vans could have been stuck. The video is quite a good showcase for anyone researching 4x4 travel. You have to stay within the capabilities of your truck and also your own skill level and knowledge.
@@ArkansasOffroad that's nice of you to say that but the reality is that those vans are not capable enough for any trail rated 3 and above. Blocking a trail with your stuck Sprinter holding up a long line of people that came with correct vehicles to make a summit is the most dickbag move a person can do on a trail. I've helped said dickbag get unstuck time and time again while he and his useless wife were rude and ungrateful. The van life needs to stay at the campsite
I love it - that old Ford pulling that expensive ass Mercedes up the hill. Would've been fun for anyone stuck behind your start and stop convoy going up that pass right?
Whoa, did you guys look up Kingston Peak before taking the sprinters on it? I’m not against taking non-traditional rigs on trails, but not sure I agree with this move. I guess if everyone was ok with the damage they did, then no big deal.
I was up in colorado for 2 weeks off roading in early November. Victor, goldfield, st Elmo, tin cup pass, Leadville, crystal, phantom canyon, and more. Just me and my son. Had a killer time. I’m down in Fort Worth, I hope to get up to the ozarks soon.
friend excellent videos I love greetings from Venezuela I wish I could understand English ...... you should show when preparing meals the comforts and facilities of all cars
Jeesh what the heck were you guys doing taking 4x4 vans up the backside of Kingston peak. Had you went the other way on the trail like none of those damages would have happened hahahaha
Were those factory AWD transits or 4x4s from Quigley or Quadvan? Because they cruised right through the first tough section that the Sprinters struggled with. That ancient engine in the Sprinter is notorious for having no torque until the turbo spools up.
Sprinters aren't able to lock the center diff and split the power 50% to the front and 50% to the rear axle. They max out at 33% front and 67% rear. Stock Ford Transit AWD is a true 50/50 split, the system will also send 100% to the front or rear if needed. Ford Transit is also available with a rear limited slip differential, Sprinters do not have this option. Sprinters do have better ground clearance...:).
@@TheNewps I've read the Transit AWD is pretty good, but it seems like a striking performance difference. From having to be towed to having zero difficulty, so it'd be nice to know what those Transits are packing. Especially since I have an AWD Transit on order.
@@xToddmcx I did not see the Quigley 4x4 stickers on either of them. The way they wheeled (you could see the traction control engaging when there was wheel slip) and their lower ground clearance (Quigley 4x4 units get a 2 inch suspension lift) leads me to believe they were Ford AWD units.
I believe all or most of the vans were lifted, but yeah, the Transit AWD system is much better. The issue with the Sprinters was the altitude and the turbos. There wasn't enough oxygen up there to give the Sprinters any power. The sliver 144 was an older model though, and didn't really have turbo issues, but he's on 35" tires. So his drivetrain was working double time. The company van (gray 170) is freaking heavy and the turbo was acting up. We were at 12,000 ft.
Currently building out my 2020 Transit 250 HR-EL can't wait to hook up with one of these groups. This route might just be a little too much for me though. Just got my Black Rhino's and Wildpeaks; working on the Van Compass Stage 2.0.
I hope you guys cleaned up the diff oil. Unless thatScrambler had a Hemi it wouldn’t have done well towing the Sprinter, plus it’s wheelbase is a little short.
Great video and good to see how well those AWD Transits did. The Sprinters look tough but IMHO are overweight and under-powered for those trails - but then as the owner of a Quigley 4x4 Transit, I'm probably biased lol
THanks! Yeah the sprinters main issue was the turbo not spooling up giving them any power. The altitude really messed with their performance. All the Quigley stuff is freaking top notch.
@@ArkansasOffroad great video. Show how capable these vans are for sure. Would a lower low range help the sprinter? Like the inglhaut conversion or would it still have the turbo issue.
I can never get enough or your videos and trips! Looks like such a fun and wild experience. Seems like an incredible group of people at Backwoods! Nice video Grant.
The vans are not bad options but prefer chevy Suburban preferably the 7th generation and 8th generation and the ford excursion plus some ford superdutys with 7.3 V8 dodge rams with 6.4 hemi all of them 4x4 something offroading like but that's my choice
That’s exactly what I said, but all these guys are worried about is the fact that they made it to the top. Not that they had to stop five times and took all day long to do it.
Hey man another great video! Will you tell us any future build plans? Still happy with the Taco? Any plans to get rid of it in the near future or is it long term for ya?
Imagine getting stuck behind these clowns. Having to stop and do 5 repairs before they even go to the top. There’s countless trails you could easily make in that van but y’all decide to do the one that you honestly have no place in being on.
@@ArkansasOffroad sure, but I definitely wouldn’t want to get stuck behind y’all. It’s clowns like you That make trails take all damn day to get to the pass.
I'm impressed with the capabilities of those Transit vans!
Last October I spent two weeks up near Rocky Mountain NP working the Cameron peak fire. Base camp where thousands of firefighters and support personnel were located at the expo center in Loveland. I was glad to see the Mountain west overland expo instead of another deadly wildfire. And I got to meet you guys there!
thats awesome! That expo was excellent
It does show what can go wrong with a heavy van, even with good tires, on rocky trails. Without support of a group those vans could have been stuck. The video is quite a good showcase for anyone researching 4x4 travel. You have to stay within the capabilities of your truck and also your own skill level and knowledge.
Thanks for your comment on this video. That's exactly what I was trying to capture, how capable these vans still are despite the weight.
@@ArkansasOffroad and or how not capable those sprinters are. Let alone the high risk for a rollover. Those should stay at the campsite
@@ricksmith7659 It's a risk some people are willing to take.
@@ArkansasOffroad that's nice of you to say that but the reality is that those vans are not capable enough for any trail rated 3 and above. Blocking a trail with your stuck Sprinter holding up a long line of people that came with correct vehicles to make a summit is the most dickbag move a person can do on a trail. I've helped said dickbag get unstuck time and time again while he and his useless wife were rude and ungrateful. The van life needs to stay at the campsite
Still my favorite video to watch comparison of sprinter vs transit vs 4wds on a real trail 🎉
Those transit killed it!
It’s amazing what those vans can do!
I thought the same thing!
GREAT video, thanx for taking us along
Appreciate it!
I just did that trail a couple of months ago!! It was beautiful! I did it in my rubicon but respect to those doing in the van.
Props to the blue transit driver, climbing slow and steady not bouncing off and on the gas.
Awesome series, watched every minute. What a cool experience for everyone there. So jealous!
Man thanks so much!
Saludos desde Olintl, Puebla. México
Fantastic video thanks. 👍
Respect Bro
🤘🏼
"absolute weapon" Someone has been watching 4wd 24/7...
Hahaha definitely a dead giveaway 😂
$150k offroad van, with a $25 diff cover. Lol. Someone didn't do the right homework on what to protect when going off road. Rock on! Great video.
Thanks!
I was thinking someone didn't plan the trip all that well, I would have had the Jeep or Taco run the trails before the 10klb vans went up.
Wicked cool views for sure holly hot damn what a video.
Appreciate it! I thought they’ve been pretty low myself. Kinda bummed, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Thanks for watching!
Great video 👍🏼.
Man, I'm so glad I ordered a Transit with AWD with Ecoboost. I can't wait to be out in the middle of nowhere.
If your out here again Nederland is our hometown. We've got tons of cool local spots!
This video made me think about buying a diff skid
I love it - that old Ford pulling that expensive ass Mercedes up the hill. Would've been fun for anyone stuck behind your start and stop convoy going up that pass right?
Good looking convoy, love the look of that Scrambler!
Same! That thing was a beast.
We’re planning our trip to Colorado this coming summer. Your videos have been making us even more ready to get out there!
Heck yeah
That's a good adventure route 🥵 specially for van... Love from 🇮🇳india bro 🤜 ...
Whoa, did you guys look up Kingston Peak before taking the sprinters on it? I’m not against taking non-traditional rigs on trails, but not sure I agree with this move. I guess if everyone was ok with the damage they did, then no big deal.
I have no doubt it was Derek's idea. If you know Derek, he'll try anything in a van.....and succeed.
I was up in colorado for 2 weeks off roading in early November. Victor, goldfield, st Elmo, tin cup pass, Leadville, crystal, phantom canyon, and more. Just me and my son. Had a killer time. I’m down in Fort Worth, I hope to get up to the ozarks soon.
That's awesome!
This was Dope! Good job Grant
Thanks!
Looking forward to it!
Awesome video. Love those E-350s vans. Just curious - the guys that got flat/damaged tires, were they running E load tires?
Super Super video.
I don't understand the vans but still awesome.
Next time you book a trip like that one, I would send an invite out to Matt's offroad recovery
Haha we still made it out just fine.
Those Mercedes’ vans aren’t for that kinda off roading at all …. The guy trying to fix the diff with the rock priceless 😂😂😂🤦🏻♂️
Haha yeah, but the cool thing is they did it!
We pulled an older Rav 4 up that trail. Rocks are pretty good sized
friend excellent videos I love greetings from Venezuela I wish I could understand English ...... you should show when preparing meals the comforts and facilities of all cars
That guy who busted his fingers on his diff cover... I felt that .
Dude he hit it really good. Busted his nail off.
Jeesh what the heck were you guys doing taking 4x4 vans up the backside of Kingston peak. Had you went the other way on the trail like none of those damages would have happened hahahaha
We went from the Idaho springs side but it's way harder going the other way because of that hill and the cliff side
Were those factory AWD transits or 4x4s from Quigley or Quadvan? Because they cruised right through the first tough section that the Sprinters struggled with. That ancient engine in the Sprinter is notorious for having no torque until the turbo spools up.
Sprinters aren't able to lock the center diff and split the power 50% to the front and 50% to the rear axle. They max out at 33% front and 67% rear. Stock Ford Transit AWD is a true 50/50 split, the system will also send 100% to the front or rear if needed. Ford Transit is also available with a rear limited slip differential, Sprinters do not have this option. Sprinters do have better ground clearance...:).
@@TheNewps I've read the Transit AWD is pretty good, but it seems like a striking performance difference. From having to be towed to having zero difficulty, so it'd be nice to know what those Transits are packing. Especially since I have an AWD Transit on order.
@@xToddmcx I did not see the Quigley 4x4 stickers on either of them. The way they wheeled (you could see the traction control engaging when there was wheel slip) and their lower ground clearance (Quigley 4x4 units get a 2 inch suspension lift) leads me to believe they were Ford AWD units.
@@TheNewps im sure all the transit had the lift kit even is awd not 4x4.
There so low stock, like a car.
They need a 4-6inch lift to come out.
I believe all or most of the vans were lifted, but yeah, the Transit AWD system is much better. The issue with the Sprinters was the altitude and the turbos. There wasn't enough oxygen up there to give the Sprinters any power. The sliver 144 was an older model though, and didn't really have turbo issues, but he's on 35" tires. So his drivetrain was working double time. The company van (gray 170) is freaking heavy and the turbo was acting up. We were at 12,000 ft.
Love your videos.
Wow ............. you did a great job with this video !!!!! ...... I don't understand why it doesn't get more views ............
Thank you so much! I appreciate you saying that, I'm pretty bummed it hasn't gotten near the amount of views I thought it'd get.
Love your content but the rapid camera movement hurts my head. Lol.
Ha, sorry!
@@ArkansasOffroad all good. I’ll just taught it out lol.
Currently building out my 2020 Transit 250 HR-EL can't wait to hook up with one of these groups. This route might just be a little too much for me though. Just got my Black Rhino's and Wildpeaks; working on the Van Compass Stage 2.0.
Heck yeah!
Cool team work, nice wheeling. Peace
Thanks!
Be sure to keep some J-B Weld in the tool bag, for repairs just like this.
Good call!
I hope you guys cleaned up the diff oil.
Unless thatScrambler had a Hemi it wouldn’t have done well towing the Sprinter, plus it’s wheelbase is a little short.
Yes we did. And I agree, that E350 is a beast.
Great video and good to see how well those AWD Transits did. The Sprinters look tough but IMHO are overweight and under-powered for those trails - but then as the owner of a Quigley 4x4 Transit, I'm probably biased lol
THanks! Yeah the sprinters main issue was the turbo not spooling up giving them any power. The altitude really messed with their performance. All the Quigley stuff is freaking top notch.
@@ArkansasOffroad great video. Show how capable these vans are for sure. Would a lower low range help the sprinter? Like the inglhaut conversion or would it still have the turbo issue.
Where those Transits using the new AWD? I didn't see the Quigley or Quadvan logos on them. Also, are they using the Van Compass lift setup?
Yes, those Transits were using the AWD. And yes, I believe Van Compass is the lift for the transits. The Sprinter's had agile & falcon lifts.
Are you from Colorado ? Love you videos man !
I noticed that you have 3 antennas on the front of your Tacoma. Are you running a ham and 2 GMRS radios?
Cell booster, GMRS, and the original antenna that came with my GMRS. The small one next to my snorkel. Needs to be removed honestly, just havent.
Not sure why this would sell bumpers but should get everyone to buy a skid plate for their rear diff :)
I can never get enough or your videos and trips! Looks like such a fun and wild experience. Seems like an incredible group of people at Backwoods! Nice video Grant.
Thank you! I really appreciate you watching!
Moral of this story don't go with a Mercedes van unless you have a recovery vehicle ahead
The vans are not bad options but prefer chevy Suburban preferably the 7th generation and 8th generation and the ford excursion plus some ford superdutys with 7.3 V8 dodge rams with 6.4 hemi all of them 4x4 something offroading like but that's my choice
typical benz
Putting a mud terrain on by hand is nooooo fun.
No...that was pretty gnarly.
Ford pulling a Mercedes. 'Merica.
🇺🇸
I'd be pissed if someone showed up to a trail ride like this with a POS sprinter...
That’s exactly what I said, but all these guys are worried about is the fact that they made it to the top. Not that they had to stop five times and took all day long to do it.
Not impressed with the Sprinter
Ok I'll be the one to say it. It's just plain stupid to take those new vans up that trail.
Hey man another great video! Will you tell us any future build plans? Still happy with the Taco? Any plans to get rid of it in the near future or is it long term for ya?
Thanks! Planning on keeping the Taco for quite a while. Love this truck. Got 35" tires and new wheels on order for it.
@@ArkansasOffroad stoked to see that! Thanks man, just going through a debate in my mind for my next rig and your content helps.
Get these big ugly corny vans outta here. Btw, Love his tacoma and that 4Runner looks so good too
What trail is this?
Kingston peak
Friendly advice... move slower while filming and rotating. Ya made me dizzy. Lol... great vid otherwise
What a disappointment: yu never showed the very top, exactly what yu were climbing to...
Imagine getting stuck behind these clowns. Having to stop and do 5 repairs before they even go to the top. There’s countless trails you could easily make in that van but y’all decide to do the one that you honestly have no place in being on.
We did it though, didn't we?
@@ArkansasOffroad sure, but I definitely wouldn’t want to get stuck behind y’all. It’s clowns like you That make trails take all damn day to get to the pass.
Awesome trip. Cant wait to join one.