I'm a Hawk/Tundra lover and we have enjoyed every trip for the last five years. The rig is amazingly capable and is quite able with 12" of clearance and the power of a V8. But, it's a tight fit for us and access is taller than we might like. I've never been satisfied with the interior fit and finish, and knew I needed to build my own or pay big money. Gas mileage and other factors played into our decision to look for something "ultimate". We are planning a rig that will carry us through our 60's and 70's and why stop there?
I'm also a lover of the Westfalia concept, having owned two of these well thought out German marvels.
I got 18mpg out of our oil cooled '82 which we took from Utah to British Columbia.
I've been admiring the Sprinter vans, which have a broad following. They've been coming to the USA for fifteen years and camper conversions abound. Like another member here at WTW, I noticed when the 4x4 version became available and started actively looking buy one. Long story short, here is the new machine. It's a cargo van, 144 wheelbase with the 3 litre diesel motor and 5 speed auto, with 4x4 hi/low. I'll be using this rig for my business for the next year while planning and installing some of the components to eventually become a replacement for the Hawk. Until then, you will see the Hawk/Tundra out wandering
