If you’ve read any of our #vanlife coverage, there’s a good chance you’ve seen vehicles with a giant ‘Quigley’ emblazoned on the side. What is Quigley? The more correct question should be who is Quigley – the Quigley Motor Company is a conversion house out of Pennsylvania that specializes in 4×4 conversions, and specifically conversions of full size vans, buses, RVs, and more. We wanted to get a little more info about the conversions and the process, so we reached out to Quigley’s Director of Sales, Brent Hawk to get the scoop.
Bikerumor: In a nutshell, what is a Quigley 4×4 conversion?
Quigley: Quigley 4×4 provides the ability to “Conquer Your World,” with a reputation built upon its high quality dependable 4wd system for full size vans. See “Our Story” on the website for more of our history.
Bikerumor: Which vehicles can you install it on?
Quigley: Ford, GM, and Nissan Full Size Vans and Cut-a-way Chassis(Also Bus, Motorhome, Ambulance, and Utility Vehicles pending weight analysis).
Bike rumor: Is it an AWD system, or a true 4WD system with separate off/high/low speed settings?
Quigley: The Quigley 4×4 conversion is a true 4WD system with 2H, 4H, 4L, and Neutral settings. Quigley Nissan conversions are 2H and 4H only.
Bikerumor: How much does it lift the vehicle?
Quigley: Modification: LIFS (Lifted Independent Front Suspension, optional for GM & Nissan):
- Ford – 2.0”
- GM – 0.0”, Optional 3” LIFS available
- Nissan – 0.0”, Optional 2” LIFS available
Bikerumor: How does it affect the vehicle’s factory warranty? What warranty do you offer on the parts and service?
Quigley: Converting a vehicle from 2wd to 4wd with Quigley does NOT void the factory warranty. The factory warranty will remain intact with the exception of the Quigley conversion components. Quigley warranties its conversion, matching the OE warranty on the vehicle. Quigley conversions use OE manufactured components for ease of service at dealerships and service centers around the country. Specific Quigley components will be shipped to the service center for installation. All warranty claims must be approved prior to commencement of work. For further details follow this link: http://www.quigley4x4.com/Product-Support/Warranty/Overview
Bikerumor: How capable is your 4×4 system compared to, say, a Jeep Wrangler?
Quigley: A jeep is a different vehicle than a van in that it has a short wheelbase (good in certain situations/bad in others), so it’s not really comparing apples to apples. I can say if you google Quigley 4×4 Moab you can see that our vans can go many places that jeeps go. Also a jeep has a solid front axle which we still do on the Ford E Series but the Ford Transit, GM and Nissan vans all are now independent front suspension. This improves overall ride quality.
Bikerumor: What are some of the things people should consider before having your system added to their van?
Quigley: What is their intended use, and do they need a lift or not? Which van conversion is going to be the best tool for what they are trying to accomplish? One thing we focus on is making sure that all of the weight limits are not exceeded when we add our system. For instance if you are building a camper van and adding components, will that, combined with our 4×4 system put any of the axles or overall weight in excess of the OEM recommendations.
Bikerumor: Does it affect handling or high speed stability?
Quigley: These are large vans / SUV types of vehicles that have a higher center of gravity compared to cars. Caution should always be taken and drive accordingly, they do not handle like sports cars. We do not go outside of what the OEM recommends and we also conform to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Bikerumor: Some forums mention a “De-Quiglification” process, what is this and why is it a concern?
Quigley: They are usually looking to get more travel out of their 4×4 van or change the ride characteristics. We build to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and “De-Quig” most likely could make the vehicle not conform to these standards and will usually void our warranty and the OEM warranty.
Bikerumor: How much does it affect city and highway gas mileage?
Quigley: Full size vans are not typically purchased for fuel economy, they meet specific needs whether it’s a work truck or large family. With that being said fuel economy in not affected substantially when not engaged in 4WD, our system is on-demand and not engaged permanently.
Bikerumor: How much does it cost and how long does it take to install?
Quigley: An approximate cost for the Quigley 4×4 conversion is between $12,000 and $14,000. For full details see http://www.quigley4x4.com/Pricing/4×4/Overview
Bikerumor: Is it a kit people can order and DIY install?
Quigley: Quigley’s reputation is built upon its high quality durable product. Due to the complexity and integration with existing OE systems Quigley does NOT offer a DIY kit. The installation occurs at our 72,000 sq foot production location in Manchester PA.
We work with Ford and GM to offer Ship-Thru to the customer’s selected dealership, which can significantly reduce the shipping costs. For Nissan and Ford Transit Mid-Roof and High-Roof the OE will deliver the unit to Quigley, after conversion shipping costs to move the vehicle from Manchester PA to the customer’s dealership are in addition to the conversion costs.
Bikerumor: Anything else people should know about your company or system?
Quigley: We are a veteran owned, 3rd Generation Family business valuing American Made and local suppliers. Check out the testimonials page for customer’s feedback http://www.quigley4x4.com/About-Us/Testimonials
Find more information about QMCI:
