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16 Sep 2008
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HUBB regular
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
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Thanks for the reply.
I've downloaded the Ford Transit brochure and it transpires that they still do an AWD option in combination with a factory fit crew cab in a LWB configuration.
The AWD is a bit soft as in threre is no driver input required, it decides what power to send where, so I'm assuming that it might not have diff locks as such.
I'm still thinking about the military route as the LWB vans are in the £25k to £30k + VAT territory and that can buy a shed load of fuel. I'd also like something that I may stand half a chance of fixing if it goes bang (£2.5k for a Trafic gearbox anyone?).
Any thoughts on roughing it (so to speak) in suburbia?
RTS
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24 Sep 2008
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RicTS
Thanks for the reply.
I've downloaded the Ford Transit brochure and it transpires that they still do an AWD option in combination with a factory fit crew cab in a LWB configuration.
The AWD is a bit soft as in threre is no driver input required, it decides what power to send where, so I'm assuming that it might not have diff locks as such.
I'm still thinking about the military route as the LWB vans are in the £25k to £30k + VAT territory and that can buy a shed load of fuel. I'd also like something that I may stand half a chance of fixing if it goes bang (£2.5k for a Trafic gearbox anyone?).
Any thoughts on roughing it (so to speak) in suburbia?
RTS
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A friend of mine who does 4x4 and 4x2 driver instruction, was just on the launch of the new 4x4 transit (a kind of corporate launch, there were representatives from the AA, RAC, paramedics, national grid etc there) and he said that the off road capability was awesome.
no driver input needed at all (in "pulling levers/pushing buttons") but you do have to drive them slightly differently to get the 4x4 to work fully (i think it's just a case of clutch control and engine revs that makes the difference)
But in all, they were very impressed. Not as hard core as a landrover/cruiser, but for general off road/tracks/grass fields (where the AA/RAC/national grid people venture) it was more suitable, and had a bigger carrying capacity than a LR
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1 Jul 2009
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RicTS
Thanks for the reply.
I've downloaded the Ford Transit brochure and it transpires that they still do an AWD option in combination with a factory fit crew cab in a LWB configuration.
The AWD is a bit soft as in threre is no driver input required, it decides what power to send where, so I'm assuming that it might not have diff locks as such.
RTS
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A friend of mine was recently demonstrating the 4x4 transit to a group of transport managers from large utility companies (Off the top of my head, i know that the AA, waterboard and scottish & southern electricity were there) and he said how excellent off road it was.
like you say, no driver input is needed, but I think Ford have licked it and made it totally idiot proof (althought this is kind of leaning towards utility drivers who might use & abuse the truck, whereas a private individual might have more mechanical sympathy)
But he showed me the video clips of where he drove, on road tyres, and it was truly awesome.
probably friggin expensive too though
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
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Lots more comments here!

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New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
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Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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