New Rig - 4x4 - Unicorn - Back in the Wild!

[Chinook009]

Hello -

New to the Chinook, new to the board, new to RV'ing too. I think I'm off to a great start though...at least I'm pretty stoked!

The Site has been really helpful in gather knowledge to date, so thanks to all those before me for sharing their insights.
I don't have a lot board material to offer yet, not even my first real road trip, but I hope to participate when and where I can.

So, wrong place at the right time is the story on this one! Stumbled into it and knew it was a must - a rare opportunity, so I made it happen!

I'll just post a couple of photos and basic specs and then see what/if there are any comments/questions - intent here is really just a community share of a rare Chinook to let you all know it exists and is alive! Happy to take any conversations off line too - via phone, IM or PM's. Not an internet power user generally, so happy to actually talk instead of type - feel free to coordinate that via PM if it's of interest.

No it's not for sale!

Specs
2003 Chassis
2004 Chinook Build - Titled as an 04' Chinook Baja 4x4
Chinook Premier base unit
Mossy Oak Model (like the Winchester version, but Mossy Oak, so Camo interior using Mossy Oak fabric). Nothing else M.O. "branded".
- No real validation on if this was an official co-lab between M.O. & Chinook, or if this was a dealer thing, or a Chinook one-off. Either way, it is...
Mossy paint colors w/traditional Baja design scheme
4x4 just completed (May 2020) - yep, it had not been done yet by Chinook (or a 4x4 partner of Chinooks), or the previous Owner.
- This was a blessing really (other than the cost to get it done) - all new 2020 parts, tech, axle, brakes, etc. Gearing remains stock.
7.3L V8 PSD
Less than 30k miles
Plastic Factory runners still on the carpets (since removed)
Microwave - never used - glass tray still in original styrofoam.
Coffee Pot - never used - Carafe still in the original cardboard.
Generator - barely used - no hours meter on it - Propane Genny.
Captains/Lounge chair/table config w/jack-knife couch/bed.

Not much else to say really. Formulating a plan for many future systems and technology upgrades - improvements can be made to this solid base unit to take it to the next level - at least that's my thought. Keeping it stock also has it's consideration, but, I don't know, I'm torn to some level, but leaning towards mods.

I Would love to hear some ideas as I not only build the list, but prioritize them as well. So let me know if you have any ideas.

I'm pretty happy about the rig to say the least.
Enjoy the pics.
Thanks for having me.

[Manitou]

Well that is pretty cool. Front end seems rather high though. How was the 4x4 conversion done? Who did it? I'm curious to see the interior camo style too. Where does the dead deer carcass go? haha

[Warthogg]

That thing is awesome. Love the color combo.

Don't change anything, just go enjoy it.

Good for you.

[Chinnin-about]

Congrats. You found a unicorn alright. I'm in favor of the mods. Conversion to 12 volt system supported by solar, etc. Makes sense to bring these beautiful rigs into the 21st century. I've got an 87 with a 6.9 IDI diesel, the precursor to the 7.3 powerstroke. I bought it and have plans to completely remodel the interior with new systems. I'm excited to see what you might do!

[Chinook009]

Manitou - Yes, I agree on your point, it was the first thing I noticed when the 4x4 conversion was completed. I'm not sure if it's just a product of the 4x4 (to the front) and now the rear needs a suspension upgrade to "level it out" or what the deal is. We initially pumped up the air ride and thought we had it - air ride may be leaking? On my list of early fixes - gotta get that right to make the stance level. TBD on problem/solution.

Oh, 4x4 was done by John at QuadVan in Portland. Great guy, lots of knowledge - experienced in Chinook conversions for years, may have been one of the original converters for Chinook factory if I recall, so great resource and his business just spits out 4x4 conversion to Sprinters, Transits, Vans, etc.

Change will happen - like you state, it's 2020, things can improve, weight can get cut, etc. Adding a little solar is on the list, more of a portable solution is the thought though since I have the expedition trailer too. I have a Goal Zero Yeti 1400, so I can charge that with solar easily, or by other means and it has enough juice to support the use of the coffee pot, microwave and even a toaster oven if desired.

Torn in many ways on mods, that's why it's a "future" thing - thinking of just taking it down to the studs and starting with insulation, cabling, power and plumbing pathways and then building it back up. There's obviously not a lot of config changes you can seeming do to a Chinook and I don't think there's anything wrong with the layouts, but systems and general material upgrades, flooring, etc. seem most likely.

[Warthogg]

Nice thing for you is the winch and bumper are already done. New TV, change inside furniture to bed/sofas, new LiFePO4 batteries, new charger, new compressor fridge, and solar will come in time. Airbags are not the answer. Not sure which rear end set up you have, but I ripped off my morryde, negative arch worn out 20 year old springs, 4 inch blocks, ridiculous perches, and added a new 10 leaf progressive spring system. What a difference. The ride is so much better. The handling is better. The steering is better. It looks better, especially when towing. Handles the trailer better. It was 4 inches higher, but has settled to about 3 to 3 1/4 inches higher. That's money well spent.

[BobW9]

Hey, Warthogg. I really like the look on your Concourse - how does it ride over washboard roads? I get so much vibration even at 10 mph that I pretty much avoid it now. Where did you get your spring system from?

Thanks,
Bob

[sm350bl]

2003 was the very last of the 7.3's , lucked out there. That's cool the rv itself had so little use. The diesel 4x4s are less common for sure. Mine was ordered from chinook, to have 4x4 but racked up 86k then sat in a field for several years before I was able to buy it from the family of the original owner. Welcome to the group!

[Warthogg]

Hey BobW9,

You can have any reputable springs shop make the springs for you. Make sure you weigh each axle and compensate for any additional or future weight. If you have the morryde system I would suggest having a shop install them. WeldTec had a hell of a time getting the drivers side mount off. The passenger side was off in a half hour. On the way home, headed about half way out to Bodie just to specifically try the washboards. It does better on the washboards, but it's not gonna win any awards doing it.

[BobW9]

Thanks, Warthogg. Better is good. Wish I was out West, I'm not so keen on any shops in my area in Maryland.