M2 4x4 Caveats

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 08:13 AM

We of course get asked this all the time, 4x4, 4x4? I don't know if there is a market there, but I always head down the rabbit hole until I can dig no further. Sometimes we get to wonderland...sometimes we hit bedrock.

In any event, as I explore this I try to see what the obstacles are.

1. I know there is an electronics module that we had to build a box around behind the driver seat. That prevented the seat from swiveling.

2. The particulate filter has to go under the passenger side of the cab that eliminated the passenger side tank. So you would ONLY get 50 gallons of fuel.

3. I also think they eliminate 6th gear.

So, considering those items, how attractive does that 4x4 look again?

mookieblaylock · 02-12-2021, 08:21 AM

Wow...stoked that you're even entertaining the idea of bringing this back!

#2 and #3 are really big detractors in my book...was never aware of those obstacles.

FOURWHL · 02-12-2021, 08:35 AM

I know it'd mess with the bins, but would putting a single 100 gal tank be an option?

Not sure 6th is all that much of a problem. It'll hurt mileage a bit, and prob drop your top speed closer to 70 or 72 but I wouldn't call either deal breakers for those hell bent on it.

Not to derail the thread completely, what would it take to get a manual transmission? Would that mean more gears? I know we're probably talking about a market of one but I'd be all over that!

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

I know it'd mess with the bins, but would putting a single 100 gal tank be an option?

Not sure 6th is all that much of a problem. It'll hurt mileage a bit, and prob drop your top speed closer to 70 or 72 but I wouldn't call either deal breakers for those hell bent on it.

Not to derail the thread completely, what would it take to get a manual transmission? Would that mean more gears? I know we're probably talking about a market of one but I'd be all over that!

1. Stop trying to overcome my objections. Rules of the game are "no changing of caveats". 100 gallon tank...no.

2.

FOURWHL · 02-12-2021, 08:46 AM

And I dont even want 4x4 ... I get into enough trouble with rear wheel drive as it is

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOURWHL

And I dont even want 4x4 ... I get into enough trouble with rear wheel drive as it is

Manual transmission...you'd be rock crawling in no time. I can already pictures a "rolled over" pic of you crawling out.

duneviper · 02-12-2021, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

Manual transmission...you'd be rock crawling in no time. I can already pictures a "rolled over" pic of you crawling out.

HAHAHAHAHA. I can see fourwhln try to rock crawl the dx3. There is an episode of Roadkill garage that you should check out about 4x4 rv.

rskeans · 02-12-2021, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

So, considering those items, how attractive does that 4x4 look again?

Not attractive at all! I'd go back to my RAM dually with slide-in camper if needed.

twp5253 · 02-12-2021, 11:06 AM

Ixnay on the 4x4. As in, Neverymind but thank you for playing. Please proceed with Explorer package and was that 2000 watts of solar on the roof and 900AH Li batteries for the M2?

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 11:14 AM

1140 watts of solar
600 AH

twp5253 · 02-12-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

1140 watts of solar
600 AH

That seems like a nice start. When will people be able to order that?

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 11:47 AM

Right now its just an idea. Still need to confirm logistics so....

huskerhiker · 02-12-2021, 01:35 PM

I would love 4x4 but i think the price in terms of those sacrifices is too high for me to pay. Especially if $price went up in addition to the functionality lost.

The 600ah and 1000+w solar is a great option and a near necessity for anyone stationary for a few days without plug-ins with a residential fridge. You could reduce capacity of both battery and solar a bit if you put a really nice inverter/charger in the package. Though, I'd want all 3 to have a really robust system.

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 02:04 PM

Not sure what you mean by "really nice inverter/charger". We are currently running the Magnum Inverter/Charger. I think they just changed us over to the 3000 hybrid.

twp5253 · 02-12-2021, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskerhiker

I would love 4x4 but i think the price in terms of those sacrifices is too high for me to pay. Especially if $price went up in addition to the functionality lost.

The 600ah and 1000+w solar is a great option and a near necessity for anyone stationary for a few days without plug-ins with a residential fridge. You could reduce capacity of both battery and solar a bit if you put a really nice inverter/charger in the package. Though, I'd want all 3 to have a really robust system.

Exactly my thoughts on the subject.
Brian, how many of what type panels are you contemplating? What Inverter/Charger package is in testing for this M2 Explorer Package or perhaps your testing with the Magna Charger, I see it can do Li batteries now?

halla · 02-12-2021, 03:49 PM

How did this M2 4x4 thread already get off the rails and now it is about solar and inverters? LMAO.

I swear all of us cant color in the lines.

**bclemens** · 02-12-2021, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halla

How did this M2 4x4 thread already get off the rails and now it is about solar and inverters? LMAO.

I swear all of us cant color in the lines.

hmmm, let's see, post #1 was mine. On topic.
Post #2, also on topic..so where did anyone get the idea to take it off the rails? hmmm, let's look at post #3....

we're starting to swerve....

Might as well talk tire pressure now.

huskerhiker · 02-12-2021, 04:08 PM

That is great you already have an inverter/charger. Some manufacturers only have inverters (or at least only list an inverter but not charger). I think a system that can input 100ah into the batteries from the generator is great.

CyberShanks · 02-12-2021, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

Manual transmission...you'd be rock crawling in no time. I can already pictures a "rolled over" pic of you crawling out.

I'd be all over a manual transmission as well. We have 2 Jeep Wranglers (TJ & JKU), SRT Challenger, Ram 2500 and a 1949 Chevy that are all manuals already.

And as far as wheelin/tipping, my Jeep TJ has been known to take a rest from time to time:

Jim

twp5253 · 02-12-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclemens

hmmm, let's see, post #1 was mine. On topic.
Post #2, also on topic..so where did anyone get the idea to take it off the rails? hmmm, let's look at post #3....

we're starting to swerve....

Might as well talk tire pressure now.

Ok, but let's get back to a question not yet answered please, pretty please

Brian, how many of what type panels are you contemplating? What Inverter/Charger package is in testing for this M2 Explorer Package or perhaps your testing with the Magna Charger, I see it can do Li batteries now?

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