VAN LIFE MEETS OFF ROAD

Lance Blair's 2019 Ford Transit Quadvan 4x4

- Stuart Bourdon

A Ford Transit van isn't exactly the poster child for Overlanding. However, when the pictures and specs of Lance Blair's Quadvan-converted "19 Ford Transit 4x4 crossed our desks, we were intrigued and impressed. Lance was hoping to be one of the invitees for the 2021 Four Wheeler Overland Adventure. As it turned out, those snapshots and notes grabbed our attention and Lance an invitation. 

The off-road guts of a Ford F-150/Raptor combined with the Transit's inherent utilitarian nature provided a worthy platform to begin the build. Lance's direct involvement in each step of the transformation and the custom camping upgrades helped create his ultimate overland off-grid adventure vehicle.

The Quadvan sports dozens of upgrades and modifications, including a Ford F-150/Raptor front differential and axle assembly, transfer case, and vacuum-actuated hubs that make it a capable four-wheel-drive overlander. It also has the capability of being fitted with hand controls. Lance is an amputee and in between shifts as an RN-ICU, he uses the vehicle to get outdoors and explore the backcountry. He's taken his van to Canada, Mexico, and too many states in the USA to list here.

Fully equipped to support comfortable living aboard during cross-country travel, the customized van also handled the diverse and challenging driving conditions exceedingly well during the multi-day Utah-based Overland Adventure. Read on to get the fascinating details on Lance's 4x4.

Blocking the view of the rear axle is a custom, in-floor storage box filled with winch and rescue gear. The box is made from 1-inch steel and can double as a skidplate. An Eaton Truetrac with 4.10 ring-and-pinion gears fills the centersection of a Sterling 9.25 rear axle. Four-inch blocks provide lift, and the shock relocation brackets raise the lower shock mount and offer protection from trail hazards.