Looking for an all-wheel drive campervan or motorhome but not tempted by any of the ones we’ve reviewed this month? Then how about these?
EXTREME MACHINES
If something as effete as a 4x4 Sprinter offends you (!) and you want a true Rambo motorhome to go around the world, then the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf (31 August to 8 September 2024) is the place to go. There you’ll see companies such as Action Mobil and Bliss Mobil (shown) with four, six or maybe even eight-wheel drive monsters that look simply unstoppable. Base vehicles look like Tonka Toys made life-sized and are often MAN or Unimog. Just don’t expect change from half a million euros. Or more…
WELLHOUSE LEISURE
Japanese campervan specialist, Wellhouse Leisure, reports regular interest in the all-wheel drive versions of its Honda Elysion and Toyota Alphard conversions, which usually attract a small premium over two-wheel drive versions but still remain ultra-competitive in this sector, at around £30k (new conversion on a pre-owned car). These aren’t really off-road vehicles as they retain a standard ride height but are sought after for extra traction in winter conditions.
Amongst these Japanese base vehicles only the Mitsubishi Delica featured a more off-road stance but Wellhouse stopped converting these when Mitsubishi pulled out of the UK market.
MURVI FORDS
Unlike the mainstream manufacturers that use only the front-wheel drive Transit, the more bespoke build of a Murvi allows the Devon-based company to offer a 4x4 version of its award-winning Ford range. So, you can choose from the Pimento (on the 5.53m L2 van), Pimento XL and Morello (5.98m L3) and Morello XL (6.70m L4). In each case, the tallest (H3) van is usually selected as the base vehicle (otherwise headroom is restricted to only 1.73m in the H2). The L3 and L4 models are plated at 4,000kg to give adequate payload.
All models feature Murvi’s classic front lounge layout, with a rear L-shaped kitchen and corner washroom. XL models benefit from exterior storage accessed through the back doors.
The Transit 4x4 is only available with a manual gearbox but 130hp and 165hp engine options are offered. The all-wheel drive derivatives have no extra ground clearance or visual changes over the FWD models but aftermarket wheels, tyres and raised suspension can be supplied. Typically, the extra driven axl
