Travato 59K boondocking capability

[riplips]

Yeah, saw that video. I am guessing its 2-3 years from the American market if ever- we just dont get the cool toys.

Thats the problem with the Travato- it offers so much for ~70k

Id rather not drop 130K on a toy- moreover, may only need 4x4 a few times a year.

I will report back on the search for better tires and some suspension bolstering...

Stay tuned.

[riplips]

Thanks. Great info!

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by Jostalli

I have 245/75/16 Hankook Dynapro ATM's on my Promaster. It's the largest tires that will fit the wheel wells with no rubbing. I gained .6" of ground clearance and they are well suited for my off road Baja plans. I would do larger tires and the Timbrens if you want more clearance.

I remember seeing your post over on the PM forum now.

.6 is a pretty good increase without suspension changes...

[wincrasher]

I got 1" with the Timbrens. They are only made for the rear, so the front is not going to change. You may have luck with the Sumo Springs on the front - I have not investigated them. Wincrasher's Travels: Another Vile and Disgusting Timbrens Install!

If you go with a bigger tire, you'll probably need an adjustment to correct your speedometer. Not sure if there is any effect on the transmission when you go with a bigger tire.

But a fatter tire should take you most places you want to go.

[riplips]

Thank you. Very good tip on the sumos. A business two doors down is a dealer.

Great blog on the travato. have you used it in any conditions below freezing?

[wincrasher]

Not yet. Would need additional mods to make that practical.

[riplips]

I would plan on winterizing the plumbing and only using the coach to sleep in a few nights in the late fall/erly spring. No extended mid winter camping... At least none planned.

If you have any recommendations, they would be welcome.

Thanks.

[thefitrv]

We installed Sumo Springs on the rear of our Travato. It raised the generator slightly over an inch. Write-up here:

Increasing the Ground Clearance on our Travato

Sumo Springs are not available for the front of the ProMaster. At least, not according to this:

SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers

As far as winter camping, we intend to. (We live in Utah.) But our Travato is not a standard model. Winnebago tried a few things out to help us get through the winter - heating pads, water lines inside, etc. I'm also adding insulation and making other modifications to get ready for that. It's uncharted territory. Ask me in the spring and I'll have a pretty good idea what can be done to a stock Travato to get through the winter.

Although, if you intend to winterize the plumbing and just use it for sleeping, you might be OK with a Travato as-is. The Truma heating system in the newer models is pretty effective and efficient. We've gotten down into the 40s with it already in the mountains.

[riplips]

Thank you for weighing in. Great blogs from both you and wincrasher that provide excellent options.

Being in Utah, have you yet run into any roads that you looked at and thought "nope, no way"

Having said that we are using this vehicle to access mountain bike trails and I will be using it as a steelhead fishing camp.

Sketchy weather and road conditions will certainly be a factor.

Thanks for being the guinea pigs...

[Jostalli]

Just install pipe insulation for your water lines that are on the outside. You can also run heat tape along the lines if you wish to operate in colder temps.

[thefitrv]

Well, I've certainly *seen* roads I wouldn't want to take the Travato down. Saw some at Cedar Breaks National Monument this past weekend. But fortunately, we weren't headed there.

If I planned to do a lot of off-roading, I would be looking at off-road tires, for sure. But we do a lot of highway driving as well to get to events. I did save the Blizzaks from our last RV (same tire size!), so I will be putting them on for snow traction come winter.

[wincrasher]

Originally Posted by thefitrv

We installed Sumo Springs on the rear of our Travato. It raised the generator slightly over an inch. Write-up here:

Increasing the Ground Clearance on our Travato

Sumo Springs are not available for the front of the ProMaster. At least, not according to this:

SuperSprings Self-Adjusting Suspension Stabilizers

As far as winter camping, we intend to. (We live in Utah.) But our Travato is not a standard model. Winnebago tried a few things out to help us get through the winter - heating pads, water lines inside, etc. I'm also adding insulation and making other modifications to get ready for that. It's uncharted territory. Ask me in the spring and I'll have a pretty good idea what can be done to a stock Travato to get through the winter.

Although, if you intend to winterize the plumbing and just use it for sleeping, you might be OK with a Travato as-is. The Truma heating system in the newer models is pretty effective and efficient. We've gotten down into the 40s with it already in the mountains.

I think you got them because they are yellow!

[thefitrv]

I won't deny it.

The "standard duty" ones were black. The "heavy duty" ones are yellow. The color sealed the deal on the heavy duty.

[Gobird]

Just completed and gained nearly 1" of clearance under my generator. Genny now at same height as rear axle, 7".
Not a bad job, but wouldn't give it an "eezy peezy" like Wincrasher does.

Seems a very worthwhile addition!