Stoked for incoming Travois Expedition

[Trail Talk]

Finally have a serial number for our MY18 144 4X4 cargo van with standard roof in pebble grey. Updated last week from the dealer/upfitter Travois RV Industries of l'Orignal, Ontario, that it was in production in Germany. Should take 45 days for conversion once it arrives in Canada.

Before deciding on Travois (recently moved from Quebec), we also looked at Nomad Vanz in BC and Overland Explorer here in Alberta.

Firstly we were impressed with the well-equipped base model they optioned for the conversion, which included convenience package, bi-xenon lights, heated seats, driving assistance package, swivel seat package, luxury interior package, full window package, leather steering wheel, roof rack mounting rails, aux heater, rear heat/cool ducting, downhill speed regulation, and more!

Some of the features that we are enthusiastic about with Travois Conestoga Expedition conversion are those for rough roads, ie, side sill bars with steps, skid plates, transfer case cradle, winch, snorkel, trailer hitch, 265/75-16 all-terrain tires on custom wheels with fender flares, and Hella aux lighting front and back.

For the living space, we will have a Canada-spec pop-top roof (as per Transport Canada, roof cannot be cut ahead of B pillar), sleeping space for 4 adults, awning, combo diesel heater/stove, fridge, aluminum cabinets, full insulation including floor, 300w solar, lithium batts, shore hook-up, water/grey tanks, cassette toilet, wi-fi, swivel front seats, interior blinds, etc.

We are also extremely reassured with the included 160,000 km factory warranty.

Will post updates as work progresses. Here are a couple of high roofs already received by Travois for conversion...lucky people

[Trail Talk]

Update: doesn't look like the vehicle has landed in Halifax yet. I've heard 4-6 weeks so perhaps soon...

[Winterbagoal]

Our Navion build was delayed by chassis availability. We ordered in Oct 2017, and picked it up at the dealer in March 2018. They said it was due to delays getting the "Canadian" chassis built in Germany.

[Trail Talk]

Interesting, I wonder what the Canadian-specific chassis specs are? The last status report from M-B Canada in late July stated "Vehicle Produced - Factory Yard", so at least the build hurdle has been passed.

[Winterbagoal]

Originally Posted by Trail Talk

Interesting, I wonder what the Canadian-specific chassis specs are? The last status report from M-B Canada in late July stated "Vehicle Produced - Factory Yard", so at least the build hurdle has been passed.

I have no idea. Except the extra $5000 tacked on to the price.

The only difference in build terms was that the tank heating pads could not be factory installed by Winnebago. They were only allowed to rough in the wiring for them. Then the actual pads were installed by the Canadian dealer when the unit arrived.
Maybe DRL enabled? Probably speedometer in KPH? Not sure about the rest of it. Probably some ECM/ECU tweaks, too.

[autostaretx]

Rumor has it that the low roof 2018's failed the US roll-over requirements (unbelted rear passengers could too-easily exit through windows during the crash).

The "Canada" model may simply have been the hassle of making a NAFTA Sprinter without the production volume of the US market.

Just guessin'

--dick
p.s. based upon this thread's title, i instantly pictured something like this being dragged behind your Sprinter:

travois.jpg

[Trail Talk]

Originally Posted by autostaretx

--dick
p.s. based upon this thread's title, i instantly pictured something like this being dragged behind your Sprinter:

Attachment 100435

LOL, really kills the gas mileage!

[Winterbagoal]

Never even thought of that angle, but now that you mention it, I wonder why they'd pick a name like that for the company? It does conjure up some pretty spartan images for the finished product.

[Trail Talk]

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

I wonder why they'd pick a name like that for the company?

For me the name perfectly suits a Canadian company dedicated to transportation. As a native conveyance, the travois originated with dogs as the mode of power, adapting to horses following their introduction. I only ever thought of it as an homage to the original settlers of our country.

[Trail Talk]

Eureka, it's here! Just got this photo from the upfitter of our 4x4's arrival. Now imagining a pop-top and all the other goodies...