Chinook RV

Team,
after thinking I wanted a Sportsmobile and looking at one with the wife we decided that was not for us. I have landed on the idea of a chinook with a side entrance. Not to many out there. the plan would be to drop it off for a 4x4 conversion once we find one. I am wanting to set this up as a fishing, skiing and mt biking adventure rig. with all the owners on the site here I was hoping for advice on what to look for and maybe some pit falls people have come across trying to do this same idea.

Welcome to site and congrats on deciding to look at Chinook. I to was going different direction but when I learned about and saw the Chinooks I was sold. I use mine exclusively as a 1 - 3 night fly fishing rig, meaning I can leave at night after family settles down, drive several hours, boonedock and be on water at break of dawn. Besides long weekends I don't have time to do extended trips but would love to.

Even 4x4 Chinook with upgraded everything will be WAY WAY less than a decent used Sportsmobile and Chinook has so much more room. I think Chinooks are incredible value in market compared to alternatives.

Since I boonedock off the beaten path I had installed a 4.5" lift, better brakes, shocks, radius arms and steering stabilize along with larger more aggressive tires. I initally wanted to do a and 4x4 but the Chinooks weight, dual rear wheels. 3.10 gears and limited slip diff really make rig very capable off-road, and since I don't rock crawl or mud I don't think I would really use 4x4 capability. Plus, size and height of rig is limiting factor of where I can take it on east coast.

Another guy here named Bill set-up same rig, keeping 2wd as well, specifically for mountain ski adventures and he had great luck, he has blog site as well with tons of good info.

Because I boonedock and do not rely on shore power, solar or generator I upgrade electrical system to give me significantly more battery capacity and ability to manage it better and more efficiently. This was great upgrade, more useful than lift.

Enough about me....to your question:

I think one of the challanges buying a chinook is 1) finding one in your area might be tough, 2) correctly priced ones go fast - super fast, so this leads us to 3) buying site unseen possibly after flying there. Add to this the desire for side door and you increased 1 -3 by magnitudes.

Buy the best condition you can find that budget allows. If you pay someone to convert to 4x4 it will be $25k plus 7 tires. If you absolutely want 4x4 they are available for typically high 40's - 50's, super good deals can be found but you will need to be patient. The last Chinook was made in 2005, so even if you bought the very last one it will still be 14 plus years old. Stuff happens when you strap house to chassis and drive it around for a decade or two.

Test all systems and day before getting there ask for frig to be turned on so it cold when you get there. Have water tanks full.

Look for water damaging around floor and in cabinets.

Check date code on tires, tread may be good but tires could be WAY passed life expectancy, this happened to me and I can't believe I made 1000 mile drive home in one piece, plus my spare was trailer tire...yikes!

There are two layouts the dining and lounge, look at both and see what works best.

Good luck for search and everyone here is super helpful so don't be shy asking for help.

68camaro has some wise words (and obviously good taste.. given his screen name). That said, a 4x4 conversion doesn't have to be 25k+. I had the conversion done many years ago. Personally I wouldn't do it again since it turns out.. I'm not as "extreme" as I thought I was. IF I were to do it again I'd either take on the project myself (ujoint offroad kit) or take it to advanced 4x4 in salt lake city. I would probably go with the utah folks.. they have a modified brake thingie that allows you to keep the original wheels.. saving more money. Their kit isn't as tough as ujoint, but again.. I'm not that extreme. Knowing I had 4x4 I went down roads I wouldn't have. In reality, the rear limited slip and 6 good Michelin LTX tires got me out of most everything.. I needed to engage 4x4 3 times in 2 years. (2 times snow, 1 time mud).

Be aware the "side entrance" chinook is not the best for 4x4 conversion due to the placement of the various tanks underneath.

I'm in the same boat with you. I'm looking for a rig worthy of 100+ ski days. Even if I had to build one.
There's this beauty in SoCal. Built by a member here and most probably worth the flight. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/rvs ... 04775.html
Not exactly what I'm looking for, but...

Here's a side entry that just popped up. I don't know about the 4x4 convertibility though.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/rvs ... 03288.html

Last year, after chaining up a few times, I decided 2wd sucks in the snow and slop. Did some research, talked with a few different people, and had Advanced 4wd do my conversion. The installation cost $14k excluding travel costs. I already had 235/85's so tires are not factored in. So far I am very happy with it. Come winter I'm assuming I'll be very happy with it. That 4x4 rig in San Deigo seems well worth the price. If I were in the market that would probably be parked in my backyard.

Thanks for the great info.

markatherton wrote: September 21st, 2019, 6:53 am Be aware the "side entrance" chinook is not the best for 4x4 conversion due to the placement of the various tanks underneath.

Can you elaborate on what tanks are in the way.

I did find one a side entrance that I am flying to see in California. 1997 with 50k miles.

My thought was to have Quad van do the 4x4 for me

On the side entry the water tank is located beneath the rv versus inside of the rv on the rear entry, and it is in direct conflict with where the transfer case would be if you convert to 4 wheel drive. I had a side entrance and sold it for this very reason. The outside water tank is also a consideration if you will be using it in a freezing environment.