Can We Regain Our Confidence Off-Roading the Van?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2024
- Today we are kicking off our mulit day adventure in the The Yuha Desert, which is situated in Southern California, just South of the the town of Ocotillo. The landscape of this area is stark, yet captivating. It’s an arid terrain with very unique geological features. Vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy desert plants that have adapted to thrive in the challenging conditions out here. The harsh yet beautiful scenery of the Yuha Desert, combined with its historical and biological significance, makes it a fascinating destination to explore for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of the Californian desert. Plus, this area is renowned for its rich cultural and prehistoric archaeological sites that bear testament to the region's ancient inhabitants…. And one of our missions today is to find one of those sites a bit later, but first we have some other items on the agenda.
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Regina: so proud you handled it. Now ya know!!! And you become a model for the rest of us. No tears, hysterics, over dramas! Just learn it, apply it and move on. Dang girl!!!!
Brad: Your patience is always so surprising to me! Thank you for not screaming or coming unglued.
Love your videos. Keep’em coming!!
Life is all about attitude!
Thank you so much for the kind words. 😊 You gotta be able to learn from your struggles and laugh at yourself...two things that make life so much better! 😄
Love watching you put the van through its paces, and figuring out what it can do. I think it will be very interesting to see the mods and how they will help overall.
Love Regina’s eye-role at 24:40, when you say about the challenging trail sections ahead that “we’re gonna have some fun.”
As a 4wd van owner (lifted Transit, not Sprinter) whose last three years have seen van trips outnumber Tacoma trips about 30:1, I’m especially enjoying your van stuff. In the van, it is often more about the destination and the campsite experience than the ‘wheeling itself, but that fits your channel well. Spent 4 nights in the Mojave and Colorado deserts last week, hope to get back to Anza Borrego soon. It’s the only place my Transit has gotten stuck 🙂
Very nice. A bit scary at times! Regina looked like she was thoroughly enjoying getting it through that sand! That makes it all worth it! Your positive spirit is what makes the channel great.
Thank you!
I am loving this series as I am contemplating getting another Revel. I can't wait to see the next evolution. And, as always, I love watching Regena getting after it!!! Agile Off-Road is awesome!!!
Awww...thank you so much! 😊
Living The Van Life Channel is a must watch if you are looking for Adventures. Chad built his Sprinter Van and had mods for the suspension. He also added on board air compressor, winch and I believe he is testing out a transfer case.
Love seeing Regina handling the van. The mod opportunities are endless and the RIP kit would be on my bucket list for sure.
She had a ton of fun driving this trip!
Thanks Brad and Regina for that good video and taking us into the desert. Especially enjoy watching Regina putting together camp meals and Brads morning coffee time with trip summaries. Oh, seeing the Van offloading is good too.
Thanks for follow us along on this adventure!
Thank you!
John’s very cool and I like your closing remarks. Safe travels…
27:30 in explains your comment about getting rid of the stock side step the other weekend.
ONE WARNING... about that camp spot in the wash.. Flash floods...Anytime your'e camping in the desert, camping in a narrow wash like that can be deadly if you are not 100% sure there will be no rain overnight within 30 miles of where your'e camping...
I've seen some of those washes off the S2 highway go from nothing to over a foot of water within just a few minutes, and the rain was so far away (towards Mt. Laguna) you couldn't even tell it was raining from down in the desert..
Anywhere where we can see all of John's mods - tyre sizes, lockers, supension, lift kits, etc.
Best equipped van out there! Between the cost and the maintenance forever being a GIANT barrier to most people, they take themselves out of the game.
Ciao Doc & Regina.....so happy, love youuuuuuuuu!!!!!!
Thank you!
Chuckling at Regena's comment about "always learning what you don't have". We don't cook a whole lot in our sprinter van, but when you think you have everything, you find out that you don't. LOL. Truly appreciate the research you do for these videos.
Always get to camp and figure out what you forgot.
True statement! I also forgot the potatoes for the sausage, onion, and pepper dish.... 🙄But at least we had utensils! I don't know if I told you guys, but on our first trip out we had no silverware. Fortunately, I did have a chef's knife so everything for dinner got cut up into bite-sized pieces and we had "finger food!" 😂
So, Brad. I know you weren't asking us for recipes, but... (my wings are well known in my neighborhood, lol.) With grilled wings, imo, it all depends on the wood you use. I put zero seasonings on the wings till they come off the grill. First, I get the fire going. This part is important. The wood should be a mixture of mesquite and cherry. Probably 2/3 mequite to 1/3 cherry. Get the fire going well, carbonizing the wood chunks. Close off the grill and wait a lil, for the temp to die down to abt 325ish, and the smoke is blue. Lay the wings out in a single layer and let the flames kiss the wings, just a little bit. Close the lid, and then turn them every 4-5 minutes or so. Each time you open the grill, let the flames do their thing, then snuff em out. After about 20-30 mins they will be looking amazing. Time to pull them off the grill. Now... Frank's Red Hot makes a dry seasoning. (I have to use the dry stuff thanks to eczema, but the dry seasoning is AMAZING.) Dust the wings up w the Frank's, flip them and dust the other side too. I promise man, those things will be so incredible, you'll want them on every trip!!
Will have to make sure Regena see’s this… thank you!!
We loved having you in the shop! Come by whenever!
As always another great video, especially since I see a van in my future. I currently own a Dodge 2500 with a FWC Grandby that I really like but as I get older, the raising of the top is becoming more of a chore. I look forward to watching all your videos but especially the adventures involving your van. Thank you for sharing the high quality videos on your channel.
Hey Brad. Great job capturing the ambience of the off road van and just getting out with friends. Solid video and sound work as usual.
Hi Brad and Regina, the scenery is so beautiful and your Van looks good! I really enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing! 😊
Thank you!
Thank you!
Unfortunately, most Americans have no idea how much our American Navy has contributed to science over the years. I'm delighted you mentioned how scientists at USNA are contributing to the further development of wind turbines. Another great video! I'm not yet old enough to think about giving up a Jeep Wrangler for a van! And, by the way, some folks here refer to the western end of Molokai as "the desert." We have a (no-charge) guest room called the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Presidential Suite on the lower level of this house for friends and family. You have a standing invitation from Deb and me to come and visit. Anytime you wish. Andy McKane, 8 November 2023, Maunaloa, Molokai.
I Thoroughly enjoy your videos! Enjoy seeing Regina out with you. Thank you both for your Service as well as your Son's. God's Blessings to you.
Thank you!
Thank you so much! 😊
I have a B3500 4WD dually Sprinter. A tad longer than what you are running. I'm totally pumped. Keep up your Sprinter vids! Especially interested in interior systems, storage, electrical and your suspension upgrades. Great adventure/exploratory vid! Keep up the great work!
Karl
Thank you for this video.
Great scenery, and I appreciate the here's-what-really-happened approach to the video.
At 8:30-9:00, sounds like it needs a center locking diff, front limited-slip, and rear locking diff. Just my two cents.
Excellent and so much fun to watch.Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Enjoy your videos and now the new Van adventures. I’m new to the Sprinter Van world, still piecing things together. VC 6.3 w/ 35’s what I’ve started out with. Looking forward to watching what your future van journeys 👍
Thank you and congrats on the new van!
Nice video; thank you for sharing it.
So much fun!!! And thank you for all the knowledge shared
What a wonderful vid in every respect. Wonderful landscapes, great camps. I'm in the same situation, switchin from my utterly capable Navara to a Transit 4x4. But momentum is the key, from my past experiences! Thanks a lot
I have had some doubts with my Sprinter van since a few issues. I still like it, . Going on a week trip for my 50th. Keep going back and forth on taking the powerwagon and off road camper. Its going to be chilly so i think the van will get another shot. Watching your video makes me think i shouldn't get too far off grid by ourselves. In the van. Had it on my schedule to say hi on your live talk last Thursday.....business got in the way. Next time 👊 another great video
There are pros and cons to all types of adventure vehicles, but I think for what we intend to use the van for it will fill a niche very well.... not a rock crawler! Thank you!
Always a pleasure to watch your adventures in the JK, 392, Regena's Yellow 2dr and now this Sprinter. It's always great when someone asks for your recipe. It's a compliment and I'm always willing to share. 😉✌
Thank you so much and I can't wait to try chicken wings again at camp!
Chicken wing recipe needs to be submitted to the TrailRecon Cookbook! Please!!!! 😁
Always good to score some decent take off parts. You also need to add your Trail Recon logo to the van. Christine and I definitely see the appeal of a van and we have talked about one.
Wish you had kept the Power Wagon with the 4Wheel camper. It seemed like the cheat code for off-road comfort for longer range travel.
I love your drone videos and video quality. I will say this: you make very high quality videos. I just wish I could smell the food. :)
Thank you and as soon as TH-cam has a smell-a-vision option I'll add it!
It's impressive to see what these can do when they're in their element. They're not rock crawlers and they're not designed to be. These tall vans always look top-heavy bobbing around.
Great adventure Brad and Regina!
Thank you!
nice. this is more interesting to watch, van off roading.
Best wings are made in Char-Broil - Big Easy. A bit big for the Van, but a great tool.
THAT, was fun! Thanks sooooo much for sharing your adventures!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great adventure Brad and Regina! Sprinter is doing great with the locker. That's high on my mods list for my Sprinter as well.
You still have the van? Wow - after that last epic trip/failure with the van and the horrible service/warranty experience, I thought that van may have hit the used-car market. Good for you getting out there again and giving it another go.
Great folks!
Yes, I enjoyed your adventure. I don't have a van and most likely won't get one but it looks like fun.
This video is absolutely cool as heck. Lots of us have been looking at MB and Ford vans to trick out. No Jeeps, no 4Runners, tell us the horsepower/torque, tires, lift.
Thank you! Not sure the HP numbers, but I know the newer all wheel drive sprinters have a bit more and my model.
Mom, those van life hippies are back again!!!!! 😂❤
😂
Just curious....is that the fuel tank air vent hose sloshing a bit of fuel @ 3:29?
Nope, it's the water tank vent hose..... when it's full it's always overflowing.
8:54 surprised that doesn't have a factory center diff lock.
Hi there! Firstly Wishing you all the best for 2024! :) Secondly if I undertsood well, you have had the AWD car and after you have had installed the locker? Can you please elaborate more on this or maybe make a movie on the AWD 4x4 plus suspension on Sprinter :) Cheers! Bartosz
That looked like a good time, and I am ready for the video on the new tires/lift for the Sprinter 😂 - side note: Love that simple sausage/pepper dish Regina made, that looked delicious. Going to have to add that to our recipe box!
It was supposed to have baby potatoes too...but they got left at home. 😆
@@regenakowitz it happens 😅Adding that to the list!
It's going to be a fun journey with the van. I'm looking forward to the progress.
I have found that is is usually better to do more with less than less with more. Being able to navigate trails with skill instead of money can be more rewarding and fun. Though there are upgrades that are worth doing and practical
Amazing trip👍
Falcon 3.3 inverted rally struts with the Agile 6.3 RIP kit w/ 2” lift & 285/70R17 would make your van a much more capable rig.
Saw a real clean sprinter that had a set of BFG KO2 315/70R17 on his rig and they fit fine......he had a RIP kit w/2"lift and the fender mods....really nice looking.
Either Agile Off Road or Van Compass did the work.....can't remember.
I am a Sprinter Van fan. Great to see what you have in mind with mods.
Whale whale whale, who would’ve thought…
Loved the shots that you got of this trip!
My wife and I spend winters in Borrego Springs and have explored a lot of the park. Would you mind sharing the route info on this video? I have an idea where it is but, as you know, there are lots of trails there. Love the videos.
Cairns are trail markers, what you came across is not marking any trails. Anything other than Cairns should be destroyed; leave no trace means leave no trace. If artists want to create art in the wilderness they should bring an easel, a canvas and some paint.
Agreed...
Nothing wrong with stacking some rocks. If you are going to be anal about that then one could go so far as to say don’t burn a drum of diesel in your rig on this trail because guess what, you are leaving a massive trace of CO2 and pollution in the atmosphere for the next generation. Stacking a couple of rocks won’t hurt the planet, but roaming around in a giant gas guzzling 8,000lb van isn’t exactly eco friendly. To each their own but it’s worth considering.
Nothing wrong with stacking some rocks. If you are going to be anal about that then one could go so far as to say don’t burn a drum of diesel in your rig on this trail because guess what, you are leaving a massive trace of CO2 and pollution in the atmosphere for the next generation. Stacking a couple of rocks won’t hurt the planet, but roaming around in a giant gas guzzling 8,000lb van isn’t exactly eco friendly. To each their own but it’s worth considering.
Nothing wrong with stacking some rocks. If you are going to be anal about that then one could go so far as to say don’t burn a drum of diesel in your rig on this trail because guess what, you are leaving a massive trace of CO2 and pollution in the atmosphere for the next generation. Stacking a couple of rocks won’t hurt the planet, but roaming around in a giant gas guzzling 8,000lb van isn’t exactly eco friendly. To each their own but it’s worth considering.
Nothing wrong with stacking some rocks. If you are going to be anal about that then one could go so far as to say don’t burn a drum of diesel in your rig on this trail because guess what, you are leaving a massive trace of CO2 and pollution in the atmosphere for the next generation. Stacking a couple of rocks won’t hurt the planet, but roaming around in a giant gas guzzling 8,000lb van isn’t exactly eco friendly. To each their own but it’s worth considering.
I enjoyed the video but it did point out to me all the limitations these vans have. The limited places they can go along with the bed being to short for me would make them a no go for me but can see where many would be Ok with them. My compromise would have to be more along a power wagon with a camper like you had before. That would be glamping for me.
I’d love to find that canyon sometime, looks like a fun place.
Hey guys, thanks for the memories. I loved exploring these same areas for twenty five years starting in 1969 using 2, 3 and 4 wheel vehicles of all sorts. Loved it.
Looks like if it had a lockable center diff along with the lockable rear diff, it would do better. And maybe not go into the power cut mode?
Unless he is rock crawling, I see no need for a front or rear locker. For sand, you just need wide, flat tires, light weight, and power.
At least a better transfercase with a true low range would be helpful.
Love seeing you all in a sprinter! Question about one of your interior accessories…what mount do you have for your IPad? You like it? I’ve been looking for a good one. Thank you!
Thanks! It's the 67 designs mount and it work ok, does shake just a little more than I'd like.
Watching this is really making me want to spend some money on our Revel. We have gotten to obstacles and had to turn around because of lack of traction and ground clearance.
Love all y’all’s vids. But personally I’m not a van fan. I understand the extra room for y’all. But your jeep content for me is better. None the less keep up the great work.
I know at a certain point yall had a side in soft top camper for the Ram Rebel. Did yall ever consider a hard sided camper slide in for a truck over the sprinter van? Like a smaller lance 825/855 in a bed of a truck seems like a solid option. I know sprinters are become more common, so there is going to be more more aftermarket parts coming to the market. I would just seem to think something based on a truck platform would be more ideal. I know this isnt being used for major rock crawling and what not but I would think the more capable option of a truck platform would be more appealing. I only ask because i plan on buying something soon and I and leaning more towards the truck slide in camper. BTW awesome videos per usual!
So amazing epik beautiful video lovet
Love revel layout
Loved it
Hi TrailRecon. You are on my INFOSYS 110 paper!
As the owner of a 2011 3500 Cargo Long/Tall Sprinter built before the 4X4 option came out, I like to think I have 4 wheel drive anyway. Too bad all four driven wheels are on the rear axle! I wonder if a rear locker would help much, or maybe it would be a waste of money without the front wheels under power? I do take it off on somewhat rough dirt roads, but haven't tried it in sand yet. Last week I went all the way to the hairpin turn just below Fuller Ridge on the old Black Mountain Truck Trail that leads out to One Horse Ridge on Mt San Jacinto (SoCal for those who are not local) with no problem. I'm also curious as to what size KO2's could be mounted without rubbing, as the 3500's do seem to sit a little taller than the 2500's? Am I missing any Sprinter websites with this sort of offroading info?
Great education on monuev
Great clip mate, as an Australian watching I thought you might have made "Justin" style pan cakes lol. Cheers Steve
His pancakes are on our to do list!
I really appreciate that whale fact!
I could be wrong, but when you show the video under the van after you changed the shocks and talked about reducing sway. It looks like the rear sway bar was disconnected, which would induce more sway. Did you disconnect it to have more articulation on this section of the trail?
Great video Regena and Brad. I really enjoyed watching it. It's interesting to see how the van eats or struggle with some obstacles. And I bet this is more than 99% of the 4x4 van drivers do haha
Glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely been a learning experience.
Ask your friend John if the ford transit awd do the same or similar to the sprinter.
The rear locker is a game changer in 2WD.
One can't help but wonder if there were any pearls among those ancient oysters.
Greetings to you from Lebanon. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. Would like to know which brand the chair you are using
Thanks! This is the chart I'm using: bit.ly/trailrecon-frontrunner-campingchair
Great video and interesting to watch experienced offroaders try the van thing. I get why they exist, but this confirms my hard "nope" on the van thing for me, personally. Just not capable enough for the $150k price tag...and then it's still not capable enough without more mods.
Good to see the van back on he trail! Do they make a center diff lock for it?
Not aware of any diff locks, but I'd be a buyer if someone does.
Are you still using the van or have you moved on from it? Really enjoy your channel!
Somewhere in Germany a Mercedes engineer is crying, "don't do that".
You are a fantastic presenter. Your wife is great. I enjoy your videos. I enjoy your son's videos. I love the silver Jeep and the 392. BUT..... I absolutely - positively hate Mercedes in any way, shape or form! It is one of the most problematic vehicles made, overpriced, understocked in parts junk ever!
If John is taking 15 of those things out there he'd better pick a route which includes several repair shops!
(Sorry... end of rant. Lol.)
Does the interior in this van rattle a little bit like in a class C motorhome?
Don't know what the inside of a Class C is like, but the van has rattles galore!
I think it’s time to try a quigley van!
Just can't seem to get into the van
Sounds like the Sprinter Vans need a center diff lock and a front locking diff.
I like these vans but have seen on various YB channels were the get stuck and they all complain about no engine power that seens to be a Traction control problem so is this correct and can this be turned off to make it easier on the trail ? keep up the great videos. hello from down under.
I think everyone's biggest question is: how difficult is it to put 33s or 35s on a van? I would want a 2inch lift with 35x12.5 on KO2s more than Fox shock absorbers. The Fox is if you are in a Baja 5000, not on road. Sand is a different environment than snow, mud. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is the best place to test your sand ability. I love the food videos. It looks SOO good. :)
Not difficult to do 33's, 35's and 37's have been done but it's a major project.
275/70-17 is the easy standard (32.5”) 285/75-17 (apx 34”) requires lots of cutting and and computer update for larger tires to maintain adaptive cruise control. 35x12.5 (requires a VC body lift to clear DEF tank) 37” is very difficult, it will often require a SAS conversion such as Artic Trucks or Ighault. @TrailRecon
I really like this series on the Van. Any plans of coming up north now? 👍 from 🇨🇦
This van is the perfect cold weather road trip vehicle, so we hope to make it up there and beyond soon!
Regina - any chance you can share the wing sauce recipe? 😉
Hi Brad and Regina, greetings from the UK. Do you have any plans to test the Tesla Cybertruck against some serious off-road trails ?
17 inches of ground clearance plus 845bhp should mean a lot of capability …. BUT, I suspect the regular tech/auto TH-camrs do not know how to properly drive these trails … what do you think ?
Awesome adventure! Way to get after it! How is the bed size wise in the Revel for two 6' tall 200lb people?
I'm 6'2" and can fully stretch out with just a couple inches to spare. We like the bed, but did add a memory foam pad.
Sprinters are great touring platforms but really lack the off-road capabilities. If you want to take a van OFF-ROAD you are better off with something based on an Econoline chassis. I’ve wheeled both extensively and a 4x4 Econoline will drive circles around even the best built sprinter. That said a sprinter is much more comfortable and efficient to drive long distance. I’m really enjoying this new series. See you out on the trails!
I agree, the Econoline Ford fans do perform well on the trail, but the Sprinter is WAY more comfortable on long trips.
@@TrailRecon Absolutely. I just sold my V10 Ujoint van and have been using a friends Storyteller Sprinter while I convert an older 7.3 ambo to 4x4. The sprinter is quiet, comfortable and efficient but it couldn’t make it up the last 100 yards to Leviathan mine and couldn’t hold highway speed up hills on 395. My old Econoline could do the Lippincott Mine Road, Steele Pass and Dedeckera Canyon without lockers and keep up with traffic in the mountains. They both have strengths but if I had to choose one it would be the Ford. Its funny I had a similar rear diff issue to you last year. We were heading to coyote flat from Reno but decided to take a detour out the Leviathan Mine road and camp by the river. As I was coming down the last hill into camp a rock rolled out from under my rear wheel and I dropped hard on to a small ledge. It peeled my rear diff cover just enough to dump all the fluid. I limped into camp and ended up swapping the front cover to the rear (both Dana 60s) and 2wded it the 20 miles back to the highway. We picked up extra fluid and a new gasket in Bishop then 2wd it (with rear locker) up to Coyote flat. We were able to hammer the damaged cover flat and install the new gasket while camping next to the creek and spent the rest of the week exploring the area. It was quite an adventure.
Do you air back up if going down the road for a few miles?
So question, other then “just to try it” why would you get rid of your power wagon and then get a van? I feel like the power wagon all around off road is much better.
I really like the Power Wagon, but it's didn't perform well with the camper on the back, better suited on a true HD truck. The van comfort, power, water, storage, etc. will allow us to stay out much longer.
@@TrailRecon fair enough. I forgot that overall the power wagon suspension is pretty soft and the payload is pretty low.
These current gen sprinters are notoriously unreliable. It WILL leave you stranded.
First, upcoming great video!
Thank you!