MOguy
Explorer
If you are only trying to out perform a 2wd van then the GM trucks I advised against could work. Good value, parts available and can be good vehicles.
Budget overland vehicle advice
- Thread starter SkiingClimber
- Start date
EXPOBolsado
Member
All above are good suggestions everything is a compromise.
If I were to recommend one overall rig not to big not too small bullet proof climb anything carry any thing get a Dodge/Ram 2500 short bed Cummins diesel. Auto trader has at least 20 with the price range you are thinking of. For pure stealth a white one and add a white aluminum contractor shell and you will look like a government or service truck and when not in the woods you can park safely in any light industrial area.
Keep the lift minimal as well as tires and wheels skinny though.
Portal build thread:
www.expeditionportal.com
See this write up:
www.dieselworldmag.com
This rig is now the Down to MOB guy with tons of vids. Probably has 400K on it by now only difference is you keep the stock bed and shell and skip the big camper. You can always upgrade to a bigger camper if you find your plan is space limited in reality. Can't do that on a Taco or Nissan or any SUV like the Seqouia.
This engine will go 250 K if taken care of and another 250K on a rebuild. Truck will go anywhere you can take short of a rock crawler trail and come back. Tons in scrap yards for cheap replacement parts.
For what you stated in your OP all the "Mid-size" are all too small and don't really get better mpg. A good tune on the Cummins and you will see 20 mpg.
I have a 3500 dually and it's a freight train in power and get 17 mpg all day long at 100K miles.
Check this number out Stick and I bet can be had for less than $5k dealer probably paid $1000.
If I were to recommend one overall rig not to big not too small bullet proof climb anything carry any thing get a Dodge/Ram 2500 short bed Cummins diesel. Auto trader has at least 20 with the price range you are thinking of. For pure stealth a white one and add a white aluminum contractor shell and you will look like a government or service truck and when not in the woods you can park safely in any light industrial area.
Keep the lift minimal as well as tires and wheels skinny though.
Portal build thread:
1999 Dodge 2500 CTD Build AKA Han Solo
Okay, this is my first build thread on this forum and I'm happy to finally be starting it. So a little bit about my rig as it stand: Bought it about 9 months ago with 140K miles on it. Truck Specs: 1999 Dodge 2500 5.9L Cummins 47RE Auto 151K miles and climbing 265/75R16 BFG AT's MODS...
www.expeditionportal.com
See this write up:
Go Anywhere: The EEXP Overland Adventuremobile
Finding the perfect rolling home for an off-road, overland and adventure sports enthusiast who wants to travel the globe is no small task,
www.dieselworldmag.com
This rig is now the Down to MOB guy with tons of vids. Probably has 400K on it by now only difference is you keep the stock bed and shell and skip the big camper. You can always upgrade to a bigger camper if you find your plan is space limited in reality. Can't do that on a Taco or Nissan or any SUV like the Seqouia.
This engine will go 250 K if taken care of and another 250K on a rebuild. Truck will go anywhere you can take short of a rock crawler trail and come back. Tons in scrap yards for cheap replacement parts.
For what you stated in your OP all the "Mid-size" are all too small and don't really get better mpg. A good tune on the Cummins and you will see 20 mpg.
I have a 3500 dually and it's a freight train in power and get 17 mpg all day long at 100K miles.
Check this number out Stick and I bet can be had for less than $5k dealer probably paid $1000.
Hatchco Inc. | View Inventory
www.hatchcoauto.com
Last edited:
nmhaarmann
New member
nice looking rig!All above are good suggestions everything is a compromise.
If I were to recommend one overall rig not to big not too small bullet proof climb anything carry any thing get a Dodge/Ram 2500 short bed Cummins diesel. Auto trader has at least 20 with the price range you are thinking of. For pure stealth a white one and add a white aluminum contractor shell and you will look like a government or service truck and when not in the woods you can park safely in any light industrial area.
Keep the lift minimal as well as tires and wheels skinny though.View attachment 550857
Portal build thread:
1999 Dodge 2500 CTD Build AKA Han Solo
Okay, this is my first build thread on this forum and I'm happy to finally be starting it. So a little bit about my rig as it stand: Bought it about 9 months ago with 140K miles on it. Truck Specs: 1999 Dodge 2500 5.9L Cummins 47RE Auto 151K miles and climbing 265/75R16 BFG AT's MODS...
See this write up:
Go Anywhere: The EEXP Overland Adventuremobile
Finding the perfect rolling home for an off-road, overland and adventure sports enthusiast who wants to travel the globe is no small task,
This rig is now the Down to MOB guy with tons of vids. Probably has 400K on it by now only difference is you keep the stock bed and shell and skip the big camper. You can always upgrade to a bigger camper if you find your plan is space limited in reality. Can't do that on a Taco or Nissan or any SUV like the Seqouia.
This engine will go 250 K if taken care of and another 250K on a rebuild. Truck will go anywhere you can take short of a rock crawler trail and come back. Tons in scrap yards for cheap replacement parts.
For what you stated in your OP all the "Mid-size" are all too small and don't really get better mpg. A good tune on the Cummins and you will see 20 mpg.
I have a 3500 dually and it's a freight train in power and get 17 mpg all day long at 100K miles.
Check this number out Stick and I bet can be had for less than $5k dealer probably paid $1000.
Hatchco Inc. | View Inventory
www.hatchcoauto.com
View attachment 550864
nitro_rat
Lunchbox Lockers
I would take a sub/tahoe over a cummins dodge all day, every day. those gen 2 dashes will literally fall out in your lap in pieces on a rough road (if there are any pieces of it left at all) and a nose heavy cummins is terrible off road! If you're not towing, leave the diesel at home...
EXPOBolsado
Member
This is what overlanding in a Chevy feels like
Suburban Overlanding FAIL
Gets Jimmy instead
toylandcruiser
Expedition Leader
Why do you always post the same picture multiple times?
EXPOBolsado
Member
I am a horrible person
Can't seem to get posting right the first time forget to size image got to go back and edit.
Looks good in the end though I hope. Lol
Can't seem to get posting right the first time forget to size image got to go back and edit.
Looks good in the end though I hope. Lol
That is a tight budget for what you seek. Doable but be willing to be picky and maybe travel to get what you seek. That price range puts you at or near the 200K mile range. Used for sure. However, for some modest costs (like timing belt, radiator, water pump replacement) you can easily get another 100k from the Toyota’s. Not so sure about the Nissans. So, say $10k for 100k of service? That beats buying new for sure. The Sequoia is called the big tree for a reason. It’s big. However, almost all of the Big Tree’s have been strictly on road beasts driven by soccer moms in my observation. I drive an agile 3rd gen 4Runner but if you don’t drive tight trails a Sequoia might be the best ride for your dollar.