If you’ve seen some of the beautiful photos of people living out their van life to their fullest, you can understand why many people are excited about this new movement. We should clarify that while living in a van is becoming more and more popular, it’s not for everyone. Consider these factors before you hit the open road, even before you have a GPS installed.
A van equipped with an A/C will probably be more comfortable during the summer months than running the AC in a vehicle without air conditioning. However, having an AC system while on the road might not be possible under all circumstances. If that’s something that concerns you, investing in a portable system will do just fine. Many different types of vehicles have room for two or more people, and they will all fit nicely into your budget.
2WD VS 4WD Camper
When choosing a vehicle, you might not want to worry about all of the bells and whistles. But if you plan to travel through more demanding terrains, having a 4×4 camper van is essential. While some people choose to travel with a 2WD van and find alternative methods of transportation when they need to get through rough terrain, others are fine with only having a 2WD camper van. The choice is entirely up to you. Keep in mind that some vehicles are equipped with a 2WD/4WD viable option. That means that you can change between automatic and manual transmissions based on the terrain you might be driving through.
Know Before Buying 4 Wheel Drive
American manufacturers offer two types of 4WD vehicles: High & Mighty and All-Wheel. According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), High & Mighty vehicles are vehicles with a propulsion system independent of the driving wheels. In contrast, all-wheel-drive vehicles use a combination of both rear and front-wheel drive. In other words, they use power from all four wheels to move forward, and the propulsion system can use either one set (rear or front).
- High & Mighty Vehicles
Some popular High & Mighty 4WD vehicles include the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Pathfinder, and Honda Ridgeline. The high and mighty are great examples of vehicles, such as all-wheel-drive (AWD), but they are more popular with American buyers because AWD is available in many other countries.
- All-Wheel-Drives
There are many types of popular vehicles that use a standard type of AWD setup. Examples include the Subaru Forester, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Ford Explorer. The latter two come with a selectable 4WD system; this means you can switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed.
Which Is Better?
If you’re looking for a vehicle to purchase to take on the open road, you’ll have to make your choice based on your specific needs and wants. If you aren’t sure if 4WD is your thing or you’re just looking for a more affordable option, buying a 2WD vehicle might be the right choice for you.
Many people choose to purchase a 4×4 van because they need it to take on rough terrain. However, they sometimes sell it after a short time because they realize that they don’t need it.
Why Do People Buy 4WD Vehicles?
There are many different reasons why people buy a 4×4. Some of the top things they are looking for include:
Trailering a trailer with another vehicle:
The driver in the 4WD vehicle is likely to be more comfortable and confident than the driver in the other vehicle. It is particularly true when switching between high & mighty and all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Keeping up with speed:
Another benefit is that you will be more comfortable driving at higher speeds than part of the time. When you are switching between high & mighty and all-wheel-drive vehicles, you might feel like a wild animal being thrown around, which can be very tiring over time.
Rocky terrain:
If you need a 4×4 vehicle, you’ll probably want to go camping in rocky areas where it is impossible to build a fire. If you like stargazing or going on hikes during the daytime, you’ll also appreciate having 4×4 capabilities.
Advantages of 2WD Vehicles
-More economical to buy:
4WD vehicles cost more money to purchase since many people think they’re worth the investment. However, if you’re buying a vehicle for primary commuting purposes, you don’t need to pay extra for a 4WD. You might be better off purchasing a 2WD vehicle and saving your money for something else.
-Safer in slippery weather:
The fact that 2WD vehicles usually don’t have four-wheel drive means that they’ll be easier to control in rainy and winter conditions. For those who need a vehicle to do the things they want, this is especially important.
If you want a vehicle that works well in all types of weather, you might prefer a 2WD vehicle.
-They’re easier to drive:
Many people feel that 2WD vehicles are much easier to drive than 4WD vehicles. Some people with limited experience driving four-wheel-drive vehicles may find this especially true. For novice drivers, 2WD can be much more helpful and comfortable than 4WD.
What Do They Have In Common?
There are a few things that all vehicles have in common when you look at all of the different classes, and they include:
1. Safety restraints: While the number of safety restraints may vary according to the vehicle class, there is always a requirement for every driver and passenger to wear seat belts to help prevent serious injury in an accident. Some vehicles require this by law while others do not; however, it is still vital for the safety of each individual involved.
2. Airbags: All different vehicle classes have airbags designed to protect the driver and passenger in a serious accident. When an airbag is deployed, it will inflate from the dashboard or front seat area and protect the occupants.
3. Interlocks: Vehicle makers are required by law to include interlocks on all vehicles sold in their country; some other countries do not have this requirement but still require that all new vehicles include these safety features onboard.
4. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Requires that every car be registered before leaving the lot. Many people are unaware that these documents are required. They even purchase cars without knowing they can’t drive them on public roads.
5. Brakes: All vehicle classes must include working brakes on each wheel of the vehicle. These are different from drum brakes and tend to be less effective, so many other types of brakes are in use.
A Rear-wheel-drive Is Better For Hauling Heavy Loads.
The more power the wheels have, the better they are for hauling loads. If a vehicle has 4-cylinder engines with 4WD, it will have more power than other models and will be able to pull heavier loads. Larger vehicles can also benefit from all-wheel-drive systems, enabling them to tow a trailer or transport cargo efficiently and practically.
Camper Vans With 2 Wheel Drive Pros & Cons
Pros:
1. There is more storage space and other generators, water tanks, and sewage tanks.
2. These vehicles are lighter in weight than four-wheel-drive camper vans, which means that they will be easier to drive for long-distance or over rugged terrain.
3. The fuel efficiency is likely to be better on the two-wheel-drive vehicle, and you can cover more distance on the same tank of gasoline or diesel.
4. The braking systems are likely to be more effective, and they will be better for rough terrain.
5. Towing a caravan behind you is not likely to be a problem, and the vehicle may still be relatively portable if you want to move it around temporarily.
Cons:
1. There are often many passengers and luggage, which makes it harder to park on the road, especially when it is busy, and there are lots of other vehicles.
2. You may have difficulty driving through puddles as the rear tires have less grip than those of the 4-wheel-drive vehicles you will often see around the world.
3. There is more chance of damaging the car by getting it stuck in mud puddles and other places where the wheels will not have as much grip.
4. The caravan is likely to be more uncomfortable for passengers sitting in the back as it lacks four-wheel drive. Therefore there may be less legroom available and fewer seats available for them to sit on.
5. These vehicles are likely to be more challenging to find on the road, especially if you plan on traveling abroad, as they are not very common in other countries.
When Purchasing A Campervan, Consider These Factors
Destination:
It’s essential to understand where you will be traveling with your vehicle. If you drive on dirt roads and gravel, then 4×4 vehicles may not be appropriate for you since they do not travel. However, some people use their vans to travel in muddy areas and have a lot of debris. This situation would suggest buying a 4×4 vehicle.
Plans:
If you are traveling cross country, you might enjoy having 4×4 capabilities because they will help you drive on different terrains. However, if you drive on paved roads from your home to the grocery store, 4X4 is unnecessary and excessive for your needs.
The Price:
If you have a lower budget, it may be wise to purchase a 2WD vehicle instead of a 4×4 vehicle. In exchange for some of the benefits that 4×4 vehicles provide, you will still have a reliable vehicle that will be easier to drive.
4X4 Sprinter Compare To A Diy Campervan
A DIY Camper van has a flatbed and is usually more prominent than the Mercedes-Benz 4X4 Sprinter. The latter is more convenient for carrying passengers, while the former is better for carrying cargo. The DIY Campervan will have more features since you are expected to install many of them yourself, but the Mercedes-Benz will be much quicker and easier to get onto the road.
Camper Van Considerations
When referring to the difference between 4WD and AWD vehicles, it’s safe to say that you will want at least an AWD vehicle if you plan on living out of your vehicle. There must be a solid foundation under your vehicle while you play. It will help you avoid getting stuck in the mud or snow. It is essential to take care when driving conditions are uneven terrain in a hurry.
Conclusion
Be part of the change and move towards sustainable options, you should consider using a 4×4 for van life if you plan to live in a city or town. Some people will need a 4×4 vehicle to have the ability to take on rough terrain and experience nature. It’s not always necessary, but it will provide you with more versatility and comfort when going on adventures. A 2WD vehicle will be more reliable and cheaper, but it will not have the same capabilities as a 4×4.
When referring to the difference between 4WD and AWD vehicles, it’s safe to say that you will want at least an AWD vehicle if you plan on living out of your vehicle. The additional ground clearance will help you avoid getting stuck in the mud or snow. It is essential to take care when driving over uneven terrain in a hurry. The Chevy Express and Ford Econoline vans are two popular models that people buy to make their Van Life dreams come true.