New to the adventure with questions.

[gunnermoose]

To all,

If a person could start from scratch in building a truck what is the best way to go in regards to:

1. Vehicle power. (Engine)

2. Parts availablity.

3. Gas milage.

4. Storage. I am 5'9".

5. All around cost.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Currently, I own a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd. With gas prices and vehicle size I'm thinking of scaling down. I do love my truck and it will have to do for awhile.:truck: Especially without a trailer.

 

[mountainpete]

First, welcome to ExPo!

You've got a load of questions there... it's going to be tough to dig deep without knowing a bit more about where your passions are.

Where do you like to travel? What type of travel do you like to do (rocks, fire roads, round the globe, etc)? What is your budget? Do you usually travel solo or with a family?

And maybe most importantly, do you want to do more buying or building? (e.g., build up an older vehicle versus buying a new one that has almost everything).

Pete

 

[gunnermoose]

I am located in the SoCal area, so I plan to stay in the desert areas for awhile. I have seen a couple of trips that look interesting (Mojave Road).

I am a building type of person. I like to put things together. In away it lets me truley understand the inner workings. Additionally, I will know when something is not right.

Eventually, I would like to take some longer expeditions. I love Alaska! Some of the threads I have been reading sound interesting. Plan is for my son and I to do these trips. Like I said, I currently have a Dodge Ram that will do the job. The additional vehicle would be a nice to have.

We have always been a camping family so I have most of the requisite camping gear. What else should I have even for just three day outing into the desert?

Thanks all.

 

[1leg]

To all,

If a person could start from scratch in building a truck what is the best way to go in regards to:

1. Vehicle power. (Engine)

2. Parts availablity.

3. Gas milage.

4. Storage. I am 5'9".

5. All around cost.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Currently, I own a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd. With gas prices and vehicle size I'm thinking of scaling down. I do love my truck and it will have to do for awhile.:truck: Especially without a trailer.

Welcome.
If I had to give you advise, and If gas milage is a consern, Then keeping your weight down is your goal. Your truck is allready heavy and uses alot of gas any added weight will just make it worse. Heavy racks, big campers should not be on your list.
If it was my truck this would be my list, A winch with Synthtic rope and stock bumber in front, a shell that is level with your cab. A nice storage area in the bed. Get the spare tire out form under the truck. I nice 2m radio, GPS set-up.

I would also add to your under body armor. A nice belly pan, some Rock rails and Diff skid-plates will be needed on a long-wheelbase truck. A 2-3 inch lift with 255/85/16 would be a nice touch.

 

[1leglance]

I would really take a look at the toyota tacoma....there are great examples around here of builds that would be perfect for your needs....nice gas milage, plenty of space, tons of parts & aftermarket support.
Of course like you already mentioned you have the Dodge so might as well start there (or sell it for a used Taco).
Jerry - 1leg already laid out a big point....keep wgt down.
Actually I wouldn't worry about the winch/bumper too much in Socal since there often isn't anything in the desert to hook your winch too!
Hi-lift jack or exhaust jack (I did a review here http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12343 and got mine at www.sierraexpeditions.com ) hand winch setup for the hi-lift just in case, tow strap, Spot Global Messenger (gps & sat text device, also from Sierra Exp) to let friends & family know you are safe and where to come get you info there is trouble.....
You already have camping gear so really just get out there and explore....
and better yet watch for threads posted here or post your aval. dates so others can join you...safety in numbers and all that.

 

[BajaTaco]

Ok, this probably doesn't fit your needs, but I'm just thinking out loud.

For exploring Southern California, I think it would be really neat to build up a tube-chassis buggy or Baja bug with a VW 1600cc engine, or maybe a 4-cyl Honda engine. It would definitely be a spartan vehicle in terms of comfort, but you could strap a couple of backpacks on it (as if backpacking - titanium cookware, tiny stove, freeze-dried food, bivy tent, etc) and you could go a long way with little fuel. 2wd with a flat belly and lots of ground clearance. It would be fun.

 

[gunnermoose]

I am assembling a 69 Baja bug. The thought of using this has crossed my mind. Since only 2 people will be riding, there is storage room in the rear.

 

[stevenmd]

IMHO, call a few of the local clubs and ask to tag or ride along on a few trips. You will be able to get a feel for the different types of vehicles, how they travel, etc. You will also see the different mods, although similar, each brand tends to have their own unique stamp on it.

I'll bet you'll end up with a TLC. If I wasn't so in love with the landie marque, I'd be a TLC guy.

 

[BajaTaco]

I am assembling a 69 Baja bug. The thought of using this has crossed my mind. Since only 2 people will be riding, there is storage room in the rear.

HA! See? I don't know why the thought came out of nowhere, but it did. I guess I was tuned into your project a little bit :ylsmoke: I used to own a '63 Baja bug that was lifted and had some tube and fiberglass. What a fun car. The light weight, awesome clearance and flat belly went a long way in compensating for the lack of 4WD. Parts are cheap. I remember a broken throttle cable that had me using a piece of bailing wire through the (non-existent) rear window. One end tied to the throttle and the other in my hand. It got me home

 

[stevenmd]

I remember a broken throttle cable that had me using a piece of bailing wire through the (non-existent) rear window. One end tied to the throttle and the other in my hand. It got me home

LOL... you're not a real bug owner until you've had to do this!:ylsmoke: