Anyone here drive a Chevy Astro?

[Patrick]

I see Chevy Astros have AWD. Are they any good for beach driving?

I figure I could convert a used cargo van into a fish's worst nightmare. Rod racks up the wall around the top and down the other side. A military cot on one side. A large storage box on the opposite side for lures, food, water, reel parts, stuff to fix rods. Small propane grill. Enough for me to make it down to Assateague, out to LI or up to RI and MA for a weekend. Might as well get my fishing fun out of the way while I don't have any kids or women to tie me down to one spot.

[JohnR]

You wouldn't run an AWD Astro on any soft beachs without getting stuck. Not enough ground clearance with the tire pressure let out plus the van has a very high center of gravity coupled with a narrow track which would be prone to flip on a lot of the grades customarily found on the beaches. The AWD system in those vehicles are also not as reliable and mechanic friendly as the conventional 4wd systems found on your typical 4x4s. My brother has an Astro (2wd) for his business and it's a good smaller van and has been reliable but that style wouldn't be good for the beach. It would be very good for traveling the coast to access spots by foot and it would convert nicely with a mini bed and such....

For the same kind of dough you can get into a mid 90s small blazer (get the 4.3V6) or an Explorer or older 4-Runner. These vehicles can be altered a bit to provide sleep space if you want to be comfortable. You can also get an older full size Bronco (I have a 92) or Blazer (pre-91) but I swear there is a hidden hole produced in all gas tanks of these vehicles forcing the 12MPG these things get...

As far racks all up and down and all over, most of these vehicles will handle a 1pc nine footer internally (best for driving) or on racks made up for carrying externally... 4x4 Pickups with an extended cab, cap, and a 6' bed can also do what you want and an early 90s 4cyl Tacoma with a extra-cab will do economical coastal duty for you and they are as reliable as heck (I used to work for Toyota but I do buy american whenever possible)... I'll put up some shots of my "Beach Buggy" shortly...

[JohnR]

Here are a couple shots of my truck and my mini rod rack on top - I'm going to add more rod holders this spring...

[img=http://www.striped-bass.com/Images/bronc1.jpg]

[img=http://www.striped-bass.com/Images/bronc2.jpg]

The nice thing about the Bronco and trucks like it, you can fold down the rear seat and run an air mattress inside and be comfortable... However, I usually just catch a couple ours in the driver's seat (or as FW alludes to, I'll sleep anywhere, including on the tailgate with a dead eel drifting for sand sharks , hehehe ...)

[Jenn]

We currently have a pick-up but no crew cab or cap (god forbid...) which goes great on the beach but I have to admit the '78 Bronco W/a 350 was SWEET! (with the exception of the fuel mileage :O ) It handled so well it barely felt like you were on sand....also equipped with 33"'s there wasn't a remote chance of getting stuck........kinda miss it on the beach now that I think about it....GEE THANKS JOHN!!!! Not to mentiom it had just enough accesible room in there without dealing with those darned bed covers >(

Thats the way to go Patrick!!!!! Dude....news flash!!!! A guy your age in an astro van wouldnt have to worry about a wife an kids.......definately NOT a chick magnet.. :P And as for the pick-up??....ever try to sleep three in the front of a pickup????Well I have....it sucks! (but definately chick magnet HEHEHE)

Sorry...dont know whats got into me tonight...feeling a little crazy.....need to get out and fish!

[DamonM]

Patrick, make sure your Astro van has a trailer hitch so you can tow your little red surfcasting wagon.

[Jenn]

actually now that I think about it the van would kick some serious butt.....all you would have to do is lower the air pressure in the tires to about 2 PSI Let us know how it works out....

[Patrick]

Damon,

May I ask, what the heck is your problem?

[schoolie monster]

I'm sure you don't want to hear from me, but my dad actually has a big, white astro van. I always rip on him jokingly because all his buddies are driving Suburbans, etc. and the astro is a bit dorky... But he got sick of spending so much cash, and the astro is a great tow vehicle and its alot cheaper than a new 4x4. Its also sweet to ride in because of all the space. I have a jeep cherokee and its got no space... of course, the toddler car seat takes up alot of room.

But my dad lives in PA and fishes for bass of the largemouth and smallmouth variety on a boat. I think John's right about the clearance issue. You would really struggle in soft sand and if you're getting a beach buggy, you'd hate to be limited to certain beaches with packed sand.