Recent content by SpaceJamHikes

I am still in the Outback lol I test drove an L400 and the roof was just a little too low for my liking and I realized I should "buy nice, not buy twice" aka not upgrade to a minivan with only slightly more interior room and then upsize again when I get sick of how cramped it is. Also, I'm not...

How'd this pan out? I've been thinking of the exact same design: a non-flatbed flatbed with wheel wells so you can keep the deck as low as possible and then have storage boxes in front of the wheel wells. 15 years after this post and I still can't find many examples lol

I am pretty sold on a 4x4 COE truck for my next rig, but even the smallest Fuso Canter's (~8000lb payload) seem like a bit too much truck for what I need/want. On the flipside, the HiAce JDM imports and similar trucks seem a bit too small (2000lb payload) Is there anything in the middle...

*GAS IS CHEAP... for now! Remember March 2022? Gas prices change and always trend upwards. I'm clocking 18-20k miles per year and just because I could afford 10-12 MPG doesn't mean I want to. But I am starting to agree with your sentiment more and more, get the vehicle that suits my needs the...

Thanks for the input everyone! I shouldn't have posted this right before going to burning man lol sorry for the very delayed replies. I like vans because they have the snub nose shape, giving a better ratio of length : livable space. I also like the passthrough ability since I ski bum a lot and...

Averaging about 18-20k miles per year

The volume of Sienna's without any back seats is 120-130 ft^3, and my Subaru is at 80 ft^3, so I don't feel it is enough of an upsize. If I spend all the time and money to upgrade, I want closer to 200. Same for Pilots and Odysseys. I test drove a new hybrid Sienna and it was still very cramped...

Thanks for this intel on Delicas!!

I have, but I don't like the cabover design. Zero crumple zone in an accident, and I've heard that the motor being under your seat can turn into an unwanted seat warmer no matter how much insulation you add. This is why I like the gen4 Delica, similar MPG and 4x4, but more of a traditional van shape

But I can't sit upright and cook inside an SUV. Same with almost all pop-top truck campers, you can't use them with the top down.

Yeah, sad but true 😓

I could afford 2 MPG... but that doesn't mean I'm willing to do it. I place a value on things that are worth it to me, and having a high MPG is something I value to have a lower carbon footprint, so I'm willing to compromise some on the size and off-road capability. I took my Subaru up and...

I've been living full time in a Subaru Outback with about 75 cubic feet of 'livable space' and, after 18 months, I am ready to upsize. I know a larger home will not get as good of gas mileage but there seems to be a gap in the market. I want to find something that is 4x4 and gets least 20mpg...

If this had a pop top, it'd be perfect! I've been sketching and 3D modeling something very similar that has an inner shell that can raise 24" or so to provide standing room. Might get this as a starting point and build the actuators and inner wall later.

I've been full timing in my Subaru Outback for just over a year and realized this while designing - built in shelving is nice but every piece of wood, layer, or shelf is 1/2" to 3/4" less space you have. And space is especially at a premium when living in a car!