Traded the Wagon for a Quartermaster

[DezRoamer]

I think Redvison is overkill for what you need in any vehicle.
I'll be running 200ah lithium (another coming) 2500w inverter 115lt upright fridge plus storage and pantry setup (pictured)

Redvision is really cool and tech, I just think it's kinda over the top.
Someone would have to really convince me of the benefits. That said, I'v actually not seen one in person, in use.

 

[MrMike]

Redvision is really cool and tech, I just think it's kinda over the top.
Someone would have to really convince me of the benefits. That said, I'v actually not seen one in person, in use.

They are more for use in caravans etc. where monitoring water/power and switching is reletively complex

 

[Brock63]

Will be trading my Grenadier wagon for Quartermaster as well.....stopped upgrades on wagon. Glad to see I am not only one with this focus. LOL

 

[Brock63]

View attachment 7920320

what color is that...is it wrapped? DOesnt look like the Queens or Devils Red....looks more rust or copper. LOL

 

[MrMike]

what color is that...is it wrapped? DOesnt look like the Queens or Devils Red....looks more rust or copper. LOL

Queens Red, deceiving photograph

 

[DezRoamer]

Will be trading my Grenadier wagon for Quartermaster as well.....stopped upgrades on wagon. Glad to see I am not only one with this focus. LOL

I just wrapped up a 2000 mile trip to the South Desert. Did a lot of paved road getting to and from but did around 600 miles of typical desert track. Some deep sand, arroyos with steep approach/departure angles which did result in some minor rear bumper damage, and yes I did expect it to happen at some point being that I'm sitting at 7,800 lbs loaded and probably 1.5-2" lower in the rear than stock hieght. One small river crossing that was about 18" deep, no problem with that. And a road with terrible corragations, air pressures lowered to 24psi front and 28 rear did help and the truck always felt planted when the center diff was locked. Just lovely back country touring on unpaved roads with amazing scenery.

The QuarterMaster seems much quieter in the cabin to me going down the road at normal speeds, (60-65 mph) and the audio kit sounds so much better than my Station Wagon ever did. I think it's due to the fact that the rear wheel well is not in the cab on the QM.

I did have some real frustration getting the truck into Low Range and upon my return home I dropped it at the dealership and it need some linkage adjustment and now it shifts really nice moving from Hi to Low regardless of the center diff being locked or open.

This was the Trucks real life shakedown/test drive since owning it. Am I happy with it over the Station Wagon? YES! Absolutely. This build was not designed for hard core rock crawling or really tough 4WD tracks. I bought and built it for Overlanding and as a vehicle that I can drive down the road in comfort. Realistically this build will probably see 80% of it's life on pavement, 20% on easy to moderate tracks that require the center diff to be locked. Generally I lock the center diff anytime I'm on unpaved road surfaces.

All that said, there are a few things that need attention,, I am researching heavier rear springs to get me back or at least 1" of additional ride height over stock and doing something about rear departure angle. Trimming the rear bumper or a complete replacement.

 

[ADVAW8S]

Awesome write up on your trip and experience of the QM over the station wagon.

 

[DezRoamer]

Awesome write up on your trip and experience of the QM over the station wagon.

Thanks.
I've been in the 4WD scene since 1979, we didn't call it OverLanding in those days, and have owned so many different makes and models. Some were really good and some were total Shite! (Izuzu Rodeo being probably the worst, )
I fell in love with 4 wheel drives when my dad brought home a 1964 International Scout. That was the first vehicle I learned to drive. I must've been 9-10 years old. I bought my very first 4x4 in 1979. A 1977 Toyota LC FJ40. Total Utility with barely any creature comfort. I had no idea of what it was or what it was capable of doing. I knew absolutely nothing about real off roading or the Land Cruiser. All I kew was I found a car so unique (At least in eastern Nebraska). Little did I know I'd have a passion for travel by 4WD for the rest of my life.
We should all be happy that Ineos came to be and is available in the US. So many good 4WD's never get Stateside.
The Chicken Tax makes the Quartermaster a tough pill to swallow as the price is incredibly steep. And It's not the vehicle of choice for many in the 4WD community. But for me it works, and works well. And the Exclusivity of ownership is icing on the cake.
It is Purpose Built!

Cheers