Forum Discussion

GaryKH's avatar
GaryKH
Explorer
Jun 30, 2013

Road clearance?

Hi, We are looking at buying either a used Roadtrek or a PW. It seems a challenge to find a decent one for the right price! I was wondering, though, after looking at the configuration of these, if ground clearance is much of an issue. How are they going down gravel roads with (deeper) potholes? I realize they aren't 4x4's, but can they go on rougher roads? There are some nice campsites at the end of said roads!! Thanks, Gary
Class B
  • dreed's avatar
    dreed
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2013
    Vans like a pickup are generally pretty high. But my Pleasure way is only as high as my dump cap!
    Dave 04 excel td
  • PSW's avatar
    PSW
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2013
    I don't know about PW but Roadtrek clearance can be pretty model specific. Our 2007 is adequate clearance but complaints on this forum about a few years earlier models used to be numerous. We go pretty well where we want to go, but have more trouble with driveway approaches as some others mentioned than we do with NF roads.

    Some service station approaches we have to take at an angle and some we don't attempt.
  • francheska's avatar
    francheska
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2013
    Gary we live on Vancouver Island we have a 4X4 PU and a PW van. The PW can get us into 90% of the
    places we want to go. But you must be careful it is not a 4X4, because some places on the Island can
    be very challenging even for a 4X4. We love the PW for its size and where we can take it.
  • candlback's avatar
    candlback
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2013
    Your problem could be humps or curbs in/out of a parking lot. Experience has tought me to be wary of things like that. As everybody else says, go slow on back roads and be aware and you should be OK.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    Typical dirt or gravel forest roads are not a problem. We have a PW Excel and every time we camp we usually take forest roads to daily picnic spots. Just like others said, it's not an off road vehicle so take it slow and try to avoid deep potholes and large rocks. Have fun!
  • jjson775's avatar
    jjson775
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    We have camped at the end of many dirt roads in our PW Excel, just take it slow. You can have just as much difficulty going from a steep, paved driveway into a level street. Not a concern.

    Jim
  • loving_retireme's avatar
    loving_retireme
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2013
    GaryKH wrote:
    Hi, We are looking at buying either a used Roadtrek or a PW. It seems a challenge to find a decent one for the right price! I was wondering, though, after looking at the configuration of these, if ground clearance is much of an issue. How are they going down gravel roads with (deeper) potholes? I realize they aren't 4x4's, but can they go on rougher roads? There are some nice campsites at the end of said roads!! Thanks, Gary

    I have been on gravel roads, washboard dirt roads and BLM land with my Roadtrek 190. You go slow!!! Remember these B's are not 4x4 pickups. My RV weights 9,000 pounds and the low ground clearance of a Chevy RT is well known and I have never had any damage because of low ground clearance.

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