Road clearance?

[GaryKH]

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

[Horizon170]

Airstreamer67 wrote:
What would bother me about forcing the rock out is possible damage to the sidewalls.

I can envision a rock that could cut one or both sidewalls when being forced out by various methods and ruin the tire.

To avoid this potential damage, the loosening of the nuts on one wheel and allowing the rock to drop free seems prudent. This would cause a bit of trouble because of having to use a jack and wrenching loose the nuts, but it certainly would avoid the potential for further tire damage.

It has never been a problem with me. The rock is on top or at least not near the bottom where it is compressed more. Your point is valid though if the rock was a sharp jagged quartz or similar but then it would probably damage the tire going in. Regardless of method, check the tire after removal.

[Airstreamer67]

What would bother me about forcing the rock out is possible damage to the sidewalls.

I can envision a rock that could cut one or both sidewalls when being forced out by various methods and ruin the tire.

To avoid this potential damage, the loosening of the nuts on one wheel and allowing the rock to drop free seems prudent. This would cause a bit of trouble because of having to use a jack and wrenching loose the nuts, but it certainly would avoid the potential for further tire damage.

[TheMexicanDocto]

Yes, you have a very valid concern.

I damaged, simply driving in the City Of Los Angeles, two sets of black valves, plumbing, etc.

In fact, tomorrow I get my truck back from Mike Thompson RV in Santa Fe Springs, CA after their repair of my lower fiberglass which initially was quoted at over $13,500 (AAA are paying for that, less my deductible).

These units are way too low, and at the lowest point, the black water and grey water valves sit, and an inch above, $13,500 worth of fiberglass repair (AAA went in and got it reduced to under $9000 but)

And it is detailed here;

http://classbforum.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1616&start=252

I was one of the owners with this problem until I found the absolute Guru of Suspension mods, BILL ERB of VALLEY SPRING WORKS in DIXON, CA.

340 Industrial Way Ste G
Dixon, CA 95620
(707) 678-3944

Here is my Yelp Entry below the first entry for an Alignment shop you will need to visit after the Lift;

http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=MkgIduK6ArsHwmcvJEuZtw

And if you don't do this, and intend to drive your Class B beyond the freeway & easy city streets, be careful and make sure you have excellent insurance.

But the best insurance is seeing Bill ...

[Horizon170]

A trick that I have used in the construction business is to drive forward until the rock is at the top and then place a long 2x4, steel bar or cut sapling under the rock, between the tires and above the axel and back up. This will usually dislodge the rock. You can also put the L wheels at the 2 O'clock (R. wheels at the 10 O'clock) position and place a short 2x4 vertical and back up a bit.

[hobbssb]

If you have dualies and are heading for gravel roads, be sure to take a crowbar along. This weekend we headed for the back country and when we returned to pavement we heard a loud "thunk" every time the wheels went around. A small boulder had become wedged between the back tires and every "thunk" pounded it in even tighter.
There was no cell phone service available and we considered letting some of the air out of one tire to loosen the rock. Luckily a cowgirl drove by and she was able to get the rock out with her blacksmith tools.

[mlts22]

Watch the dangly bits... I know that one Sprinter upfit I was looking at, the generator hung fairly low (although above the axle), so a rock in the right place could do around $7000+ labor worth of damage if not careful.

SMB has some very good 4x4 upfits. They don't have the room of a Sprinter or Euro-style van, but a Ford with a Quigley conversion can get you almost anywhere.

[PCarnathan]

We spend a great many winter weekends off-road at places such as Ocotillo Wells and Calico Ghost Town, towing a trailer with a couple of Honda ATVs. No problems with ground clearance thus far in our 1999 Roadtrek 190P.

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

[1775]

I have been down gravel roads (a lot of campgrounds only have gravel roads - and some with potholes) and have driven in grass fields. i have been on a few regular roads with large potholes. You go slow, you avoid the holes, and watch for sudden drops. The ground clearance on many Class Bs is low and there is a lot hanging down that can be expensively damaged. You have to watch out for deep mud too. There is nothing like getting stuck with the wheels spinning digging you down into the ground. If you are careful you will be fine.

[Islandman]

We have a 2001 PW Excel TD, I like the clearance of it compared to some Roadtrek models of that era in that it doesn't have skirting extending down and outward from the lower body. Felt it gives me a little more clearance, but just a feeling as didn't do any measuring.

[GaryKH]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm not going to be taking it down really rough roads, but rather might hit the occasional hiccup! I would be taking things slow in those situations. Good to know that there is a bit of wiggle room!

[dreed]

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]

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]

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]

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.