New to me 2017 GLS-450

[charlatan]

I've had an F-250 (for sale presently) for 3+ years that is now too big for me since my wife and I are empty nesters. I started looking at options in the late fall... something easy to drive around town, but will still get me up some pretty nasty forest roads. I wanted kind of a sleeper platform, which I thought would be easy.
- I tent / tarp camp
- Only two family members camp with me (+ a dog)
- We don't do much in the way of extended stays ( 3 days max )
- I pack light

The Cayanne / Touareg platform was a bit too small to be comfortable when packed
Rovers were on the list, but I bailed due to concerns with reliability (yes, I know they're not all bad).
The JGC platform was tempting, but size wise it was too close to the Cayenne
Budget was somewhat limited, so some newer options were out due to price.

Up came the GLS with the ORP. Checks the boxes I was looking for

• Skid plates
• Differential Lock
• Low range gearing
• 12" max ground clearance

It took quite some time to find one with the Off Road package, but I found one in Dec and had it shipped here in Jan.
I don't expect to do a lot to it, but have a list of a few things I want to sort out;

1. Adding some sort of recovery hook to the front and rear. The tow hook / hitch is not an option from what I have read.
2. Roof rack to carry some supplies.
3. Pet guard for putting the dog in the back ( Done )
4. Vertical bike rack that fits in the garage ( Done )
5. Smaller wheels to accommodate more sidewall

I'll post what I do and what I find. If you have any recommendations I am all ears!