From a van to a Cruiser. A (semi) quick inquiry.

[Btbowie]

Hello all,
I'll try and keep this short and as close to the point as I can, any input is appreciated. I've settled on buying Cruiser.
I've been juggling multiple projects over the last few years that have demanded time and headspace, a mixed up muddled blend of things made with cameras, some with pens and others with pencils, and it's all still taking up time and money, but, in the course of it all I bought an AWD Express van, 2010, to build out into a camper after my pickup had passed it's prime for long lengths on the road. A sound decision, maybe a little spontaneous, but sound enough, I figured I'm good with my hands and I can add it to the project pile and get it done the way I'd like it to be. Long story short, I've gotten a little use out of it, I recognize it's potential, but hit the ceiling on the amount of money I can put into it and time is increasingly limited for such hands on work, as well some self realization on my actual vehicle/trip needs, so I've decided to cut myself off, chin up and give in and sell it to fund a Cruiser.

I landed on this choice, given I can hopefully pull around $12K+ from the Chevy sale, because a Cruiser seemingly ticks all of the boxes for me. I'll be traveling solo the majority of the time, and I'd like to be able to get out into the country, deserts, BLM land, as well as some more demanding and longer trails, plus some snow as well as sand. I don't see myself staying docked away from the world for more than a week, max, at a time, and that would be rare. For the next year anyway. Even if I'm on the road for a few weeks or more, I won't be isolated the entire time. I'm good with living out of a small space and realized I don't need a sportsmobile style floorplan like I'd started to build for the van, or a proper bed and cabinets for that matter. No real desire to poop where I sleep either, though I dig the Pett toilet for travel and if no one's around then why not be comfy right? I have a Helio if I need a shower. I figured I could get an Engel, an ARB or the like for a 'fridge setup down the line (don't include that in the $13K budget by the way), and just use a Yeti?Engel cooler for the small trips or until a 'fridge is purchased. I have plenty of camping gear to choose from for cooking and eating as well. I have no problem building out the rear interior if needed, as I doubt the rear seats will be used for humans and a drawer system would be nice. Lastly, exterior and suspension/lift, recovery etc. I have an ARB awning I can use from the van if that's a possibility on a LC, (I think the 80 has gutters I could use Thule gutter mounts on? Not certain, but If so that's perfect as I have four bars and eight mounts, that's what my awning is mounted to now.) I also have a set of Maxtrax with tire mount for (minor) recovery as well as a hi-jack, and I have a trasharoo somewhere around here, have to keep things clean!

If you boil it all down, I basically want a reliable LC that, if I can't find one trip ready, one that I can bring home, get it to my mechanic then to a local off-road shop (even if I have to order the parts/kits myself) and have them add an OME kit (seems like the 2.5" heavy load kit is the call?) some BFG ATs (possibly separate from original budget as I may have a source for a set) and ideally both bumpers, but the rear with a swing arm tire carrier and can holder (ladder would be nice too) probably be first and front bumper with winch later if I can't afford it right off. (I can be more careful until then ha) Bring it home, get a roof rack on if I can, or Thule bars if they work, awning, put in a drawer (possibly), a fridge or cooler beside it, safety gear, throw in my supplies and get on the road for a bit. I'm fine with adding luxuries like a snorkel, dual battery setup (or the National Luna Power Pack) and things like exterior lights and everything else that's down the rabbit hole later. It seems like a great vehicle to grow with, whether the 80 or 100. I'm also ok with doing a drawer build this summer if I don't purchase one as it seems like a relatively straightforward job and honestly for a first trip or two I can skip that and just use containers and my big Filson bag for gear and clothes. Also thought a rooftop tent may be nice later but I have surfboards up top on coastal trips, so I'm good with a ground tent for now. Just a curious side question on the topic, has anyone here set up their Cruiser to sleep inside? Seems cramped but thought why not check. That's why ExPo exists right?

I think my main questions and what I'd like the input on, being new to Land Cruisers, is what to shy away from and what to keep an eye out for, years and models, 80 or 100 according to and if a budget of $13K is doable to get something trip/trail ready as described. I believe it is from some things that I've seen online but I simply don't have anyone around here in town as knowledgable as you folks to who I can ask these questions.

I've seen some, mostly stock, popping up locally, (I'm in Southeast VA), which would be great as I could possibly have my mechanic check it out before sale like he's done in the past. I've only seen one so far at a dealer. I'm ok with buying and picking up from a trusted source if need be (or possibly a forum member), provided good records and photos, especially if I find a can't pass deal, like one that has been set up/modded and is trail ready. I've been told to get a 100 by some and an 80 by others (maybe like most things it's preference?) as well as to stay away from 200K+ milers. Locally the prices seem to have a wide margin, I've seen a 1993 80 with 245K miles that needed work going for $3k and I've seen a stock 1998 with 145K in "mint" condition, hate that word, up for $11K. To be honest I've taken a lot of what I've been told by inexperienced acquaintances about the matter with a grain of salt, but their hearts are in the right place. For now I have to get the van cleaned up and shiny for it's photos and online for sale, but with some luck I hope to be able to get this all rolling and who knows, maybe by the end of April (or May) I'll be on the road in a Cruiser.


Well that ended up a little longer than I'd thought it would. Excuse the ramble and hopefully my inquiry isn't overly general. Again, any input is appreciated.

All the best from VA,
Bryan


(Oh, and P.S. if anyone wants to trade an LC in good shape like I described for an AWD van…I'm all ears.)

Alright, I'm off to a late dinner and movie.

 

[RobRed]

Stay Away from rust. That's a killer.

if you plan to do a ton of road miles to get to the offroad parts of life the 100 is far more comfortable and motor has more tug. Look for your best deals at 1998-2000 model years.

An 80 will bring a lot of bang for the buck for your 12-13 price as you are likely to get one with mods versus a stock 100 at that price. If you go for an 80 look for 96 or 97.

Ive owned both models but I'm far more expert on the 100. Feel free to PM with specific questions and check my links below for 100 info.

 

[Btbowie]

Thanks Rob I appreciate it. Being on the East Coast a lot of life will be on road, locally, but a fair amount of sand and dirt north and south with the roughest stuff as I head west for long trips.

 

[Upland80]

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm pretty much everything you need to know about different model years, purchasing, etc.

 

[T.Low]

Link to van thread, please. I may be interested.

 

[Arktikos]

Fold down the rear seats and you can sleep in any Cruiser wagon unless you're a giant of 2 meters plus. Going lift, big tires etc. usually isn't necessary unless you must have single digit MPG.

 

[Abe Froman]

Keep the van.
Not EXPO SNORKLE LIFTED SEXY, but so much better for your needs.
Why put surfboards and RTT on roof to drive across country, when you can just put it all in the van and cruise stealth style?
MPG is way better in van than lifted landcruiser.
Sleeping in a van is way better than sleeping in a landcruiser.
I have loved my landcruisers (and will own another)but no way I'd rather have one than a van for a long road trip.
Take a test trip in the van before you sell to see how it works out.

 

[Btbowie]

Thanks everyone for the insight, it's been very helpful. A lot to look at as well as a better idea of what to look for.
The Slee link from Upland80 is great, thank you.
To T.Low, I don't have a thread on my van here but once I get some photographs of it, soon, I can get in touch.
Blind Cleric, nope, not a giant, actually pretty short so that's good to hear, I was just curious in case I needed to, e.g.. severe weather.
I appreciate the input Abe. I have been back and forth on it for a bit and have gone on some trips in the van, nothing insanely long, not cross country, but I understand it's easier and roomier. My first vehicle was a van, then went to a full sized pickup, some suv's and back to the van. I've spent a lot of time on the road in a single cab pickup and a good amount in a van. I also started to have more of a desire, not because it's the sexier option, to spend time in places I wouldn't be comfortable putting this particular van. I'd already been turned away from a few local spots as far as sand driving goes, which is fair, it's soft sand, but also because I'd like the ability, when I desire, to head out into places an awd van won't go as comfortably. The first year that I had it I wasn't too concerned with that, but thoughts of Baja and places like Moab, or north into the Canadian coast in winter or down south where I frequent the Outer Banks but haven't been able to get into the sand, I'd like for them all to be options without worrying as much. If I'm west and get the urge to do the White Rim or some other 4x4 trail just for the hell of it, I'd like to be able to. I'm ok with downsizing as far as interior space and overall vehicle size goes.
Also I should note I still have a GMC pickup for daily driving, if needed, while home.
Last, but not least, it's supposed to be fun, this vehicle. A van is definitely fun and has it's perks, and being able to throw a ton of stuff into it without thought is one of them, but right now my pros and cons list for what I'd like to be using this vehicle for lean towards a Cruiser. Maybe in a few years I'll end up back in a van or another pickup, but right now I'm ok with going this route.
You've all been really helpful, just wanted to thank you again, I think I have a good idea what to look for now. It's great to have a forum like ExPo with smart, level headed and insightful members as a resource.

 

[kletzenklueffer]

My son (6'2", 205lbs) and I (6'3" 220) had slept in the back of my 80 several times. I don't have drawers, and we typically remove the rear seats for the extra inches. We usually pull almost everything out of the back and stick it up front (gun cases, storage boxes, cooler, etc.) or put it on the roof. I keep my spare (315 75) in the back, so it goes on the ground at the tailgate as a step. I've had great nights sleep and lousy nights sleep, mainly due to the sleeping pad over cramped conditions.

If I were shopping now, I'd still buy an 80.

 

[peneumbra]

And, while you're making changes, relocate from the East Coast (ocean's on the wrong side, for one thing) to Flagstaff, or Moab, or Durango, etc...