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Just came back from Baja. Discovered one major issue in the design of my Transit van.
After riding-out hurricane Newton we discovered that one major bridge had been washed-out. Yikes how do we get home?
Several days after Newton passed, the locals developed an alternate route around the washout. From a dirt road they carved a path 1/4 mile up stream for the crossing and bypass. The day after the hurricane the water level was appoximatly waste high. Everyday the river dropped about a foot, so on the fifth day we attempted the crossing. At the time of crossing the river was ankle high.
Having no front tow hooks on the Transit bumper became problematic. I was traveling with a friend who had a Toyota Tundra 4x4. So if I became stuck, in the river or soft sand, we felt confident that his Toyota would be able to pull me out. So to resolve the issue, I fastened a tow line to the front end of the Van's frame prior to heading across the river.
I know that I've pushed the limits of the Transit, (Ground clearance, rear end drag, two wheel drive. etc....). However, in normal life scenarios tow hooks are essential! What if you have become stuck in snow or just need a drag out of a predicament when things go south?
Good news is my Transit did not need any assistance. I would like to also add, the van handled as if it was a four wheel drive boulder skipping machine.
Next month I will be replacing the front bumper with a beefy one that will have the capacity for towing. My annual ventures down to Mexico require some insurance that I will be able to be pulled from a sticky situation.
Hope this was helpful.
After riding-out hurricane Newton we discovered that one major bridge had been washed-out. Yikes how do we get home?
Several days after Newton passed, the locals developed an alternate route around the washout. From a dirt road they carved a path 1/4 mile up stream for the crossing and bypass. The day after the hurricane the water level was appoximatly waste high. Everyday the river dropped about a foot, so on the fifth day we attempted the crossing. At the time of crossing the river was ankle high.
Having no front tow hooks on the Transit bumper became problematic. I was traveling with a friend who had a Toyota Tundra 4x4. So if I became stuck, in the river or soft sand, we felt confident that his Toyota would be able to pull me out. So to resolve the issue, I fastened a tow line to the front end of the Van's frame prior to heading across the river.
I know that I've pushed the limits of the Transit, (Ground clearance, rear end drag, two wheel drive. etc....). However, in normal life scenarios tow hooks are essential! What if you have become stuck in snow or just need a drag out of a predicament when things go south?
Good news is my Transit did not need any assistance. I would like to also add, the van handled as if it was a four wheel drive boulder skipping machine.
Next month I will be replacing the front bumper with a beefy one that will have the capacity for towing. My annual ventures down to Mexico require some insurance that I will be able to be pulled from a sticky situation.
Hope this was helpful.
