Intriguing.
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a)
I think a different engine would be my starting point.
Instead of the little 466 (220hp?), I would look at a Cummins ISM in the range of 450hp or so, with a commensurate increase in torque.
That would allow a higher top-speed, or a lower rpm at the regular cruise for a bus.
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b)
About three decades ago, we converted a 1984 Peterbilt for full-time live-aboard.
Cummins 400 BC, 8LL, tandem with lockers and inter-lock.
Problem:
On the rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes we prefer, those eight tires tended to float.
Instead of offering more traction than a single axle, they gave less traction.
Instead of digging in, they spun on top of the dirt... an on-n-off perpetual 'burn-out'.
Those repetitive jolts are hard on components such as suspension bushings and tires.
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That trans had a rarely-used low first-gear -- we usually started with second-gear -- plus a granny low-low.
Paired with the axles ratio of 2.88, we crept along just fine, with the ability to cruise 65mph all day.
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c)
Accessing remote areas requires a low low-gear.
Creeping at 1-5mph gives the crew time to respond to abrupt changes in the road surface, steer around pits and boulders, and is usually easier on the suspension.
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A lower low-gear with a higher creeping rpm also allows faster circulation of trans fluid, potentially extending the life of the trans innerds.
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d)
re -- weaving through bushes:
2003, after a long series of make-do camping in lesser rigs, we converted a short wheel-base commercial truck to our concept of an ExpeditionVehicle.
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Single axle with factory air-locker.
Nearly two decades full-time live-aboard.
Summers up rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes.
Winters on isolated Baja beaches.
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We think 2x4 is adequate for our purposes.
Twenty-four months twenty-four thousand miles around South America, we saw dozens of converted 4x4 and 6x6 euro-mil, but they rarely go off-road.
If they stick the thing, they call the local military to drag them back to pavement.
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e)
re -- ratio swap to increase top-speed
That would be the opposite of the creeping speed we prefer for the back-country.
Fact is, we are comfortable at 52mph in the slow-lane.
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This morning, I eaves-dropped on a conversation about Interstate Five through California.
The crazed maniacs felt put-upon if their 85mph was interrupted by traffic and weather.
Eighty-five miles per hour.
Good grief.
Give me a Baja beach any day.
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Our introduction with plenty of portraits, plus our reasons for our decisions:
https://vanlivingforum.com/threads/e...8/#post-576110
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