Hi Scotty! I'm a new YouTube subscriber to your channel. Love it! Question: I want to use my 2009 2WD CRV (97000 miles) as a camper car. What do you think about a body lift, and AT or mud tires for ocassional dirt road driving on Forest roads, etc. Not 4 Wheeling or rock crawling, just need the clearance and traction.
A CR-V isn't made for that
I just thought since it’s a Sport Utility Vehicle I had the option of making the small mod for the proposed use. I understand now that perhaps the unibody construction isn’t conducive to that, correct?
correct. Go visit your local offroad shop and see what they can recommend for you.
I am not a fan of that as it ruins the Dynamics of the car steering and rides but if you don't want to use it for comfortable driving you could raise it to use it for more clearance it will just not ride well and corner well on normal driving especially on the highway
I used to have a 2000 Mazda Tribute, which i believe was built on a frame. Other than the fact you aren’t fond of Mazdas, would that have made a better base to lift and outfit with AT Tires for this purpose? Just curious.
Leave the CR-V as is & get something else that was purpose built for your requirements.
1st and 2nd gen crvs have been known to get a mild 1.5"-2" lift with some "beefy" 235/75/15 all terrains. Usefull for an awd crv, def no good for a front wheel drive crv.
Ah! Got it!
Thanks!
I agree, a crossover SUV you can’t do a body lift. You need something that’s an SUV with an actual frame. Like a 4 runner.
Not in the budget, but thanks for the input. 🙁
I'll disagree with everyone and say it's OK for occasional use. And considering the cost of used 4x4's right now, making-do with what you got may be your only option.
But with a 12-year-old CRV, you have to be careful:
- Don't go over 2" on the lift. Any more than that and you'll really mess up the geometry.
- Get the lightest wheels and AT tires you can. Typical AT tires (like BFG KO2's) will really stress your drive train; instead look at the newer AT tires made for light-weight crossovers. Forget mud tires, which are gonna be way too heavy (and no significant advantage with 2WD).
- Not going to be a daily driver, but occasional use only. Your mods are going to cause increased wear and tear and the old thing is probably not going to take it for long. Plus, handling in traffic and collision-avoidance will definitely be impaired.
Wow. Thanks for the breakdown. This really helps. I’ll forego the mod and just give it new wash/wax and call it a day. I have other camping options. 🙂