Not all 4 wheel drive vehicles are suitable for off road use. In recent years there have been many luxury sedans equipped with 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive. This gives them additional stability on wet, snowy, or icy roads but the suspension, gear train, and general body style are not amenable to off road use. A surprising number of big, lifted 4x4 pickups aren't really intended for off road use either. They are often more for show than actual use. Those big, shiny, showy trucks you see hogging extra spaces in a parking lot are not likely to ever be driven off pavement. A REAL off-road pickup is the one with mud all over both sides and the paint rubbed off the front fenders from driving through the bushes!
The term "4x4" is usually used to describe a 4 wheel drive pickup or SUV. One of the first 4x4s to gain popularity was the venerable Jeep. Originally designed as a military vehicle, GIs returning from World War II were quick to adapt them for civilian use after learning to appreciate their amazing versatility in combat. Jeeps are often the foundation for "rock crawlers", adapted for negotiating passage among large boulders. The name "rock crawlers" usually applies to the recreational applications for these vehicles and their drivers. However, a whole class of professional racing has grown up around rock crawling with extremely difficult courses that challenge both man and machine to the limits. They are often referred to as "rock bouncers" and are specially built, high performance, 4 wheel drive vehicles. For some exciting viewing, check out "rock bouncers" on Youtube. I am sure you will be amazed!
4 Wheel drive pickups and SUVs are often modified to enhance their off road performance. Typical modifications include lift kits and larger tires. I've even seen some with onboard arc welders for emergency repairs on the trail. Suspension enhancements are also a popular upgrade for both comfort and performance. Typical upgrades include stronger (or additional) springs and bigger shock absorbers. Seats and shoulder harnesses are often upgraded in competition machines. I have seen a few really unusual 4x4 modifications, such as a Cadillac body mounted on a 4x4 truck frame. Not quite sure what the prompted the builder but it was certainly surprising and interesting to see it racing through the open desert and I am sure it would be fun to drive. I have to admit it certainly looked cool!
You will see a few vans with 4WD. Having 4wd is a distinct advantage in any area where you get snow. They make excellent vehicles to support winter sports such as skiing, snow boarding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. If you want an all terrain motorhome, a Class B with 4wd would be a good option, if the compact accommodations are sufficient for your needs. I have seen a few 4wd Class C motorhomes, which are, of course, based on van a chassis. There have also been a very few Class A motorhomes built with 4WD. Revcon built both Class C and Class A 4WD motorhomes. I heard that the owner of the now defunct Suncrest motorhome company had one built to stress test their Class A and it kept up with dune buggies in the open desert! I once owned a 28' Suncrest similar to the one used for the 4x4 conversion and always thought it would be fun to have the 4x4 to support our dirt biking adventures, but theirs wasn't for sale and the converting mine would have been way too expensive.
4x4s are often associated with off road activities. However, when you see a bright, shiny, 4x4 pickup with a lift kit so high you need a step ladder to climb into the cab, those are mostly for show, not real off road use. If you want to see a REAL off road truck, look for one with a modest lift and lots of mud. If the paint is worn off the front fenders you know it has been seeing a lot of genuine off road driving.
4 Wheel DRIVE ON!
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