Opinion needed!

[Dalko43]

Can you say more about where you intend to go? Why won't a sweet 2WD van cut the mustard for dirt road exploring and car camping? Sure, it's not ExPo, but people here will have you believe you need an MRAP to go to Yellowstone.

Dude, it's ExPo we're talking about here...no one is going to recommend a 2wd vehicle. And given they type of travel many on this forum do, 2wd is not the preferred drivetrain. Yeah, yeah I know the old saying "you'd be surprised how far a 2wd vehicle can get." Then again, I'm also quite surprised how many people go hiking without a map and compass and don't get lost....doesn't mean it's a good idea. If you're going anywhere the pavement ends and/or inclement weather is a possibility, then AWD, at the very least, is a good system to have.

And for the record, I don't know of anyone on here who would recommend a MRAP to visit Yellowstone.

Long time reader and 1st time poster. We, my wife and I, currently have a 2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6 Limited (30,000miles) and a 2003 F150 XLT extended cab (133,000 on the clock). We're toying with selling the truck privately and trading in the Subaru for a 2016 Tacoma- no idea what trim yet. We both have summers off (teachers - college and public school). We are hoping to rig a roof top tent (Tepui or a CVT ) on the back and hit the road for a 2 month long overland in the US and parts of Canada. We also have soon to be 1 year old boy who will be coming along. After the trip we'll get a cheapo car for town and keep the truck as our trip vehicle. I trust the portal for you guys have a lot of experience and have been giving sound advice from what I've been reading. Good idea, bad idea...what's y'all so imput? Thanks a bunch!

Tacoma is quite often a go-to option for this type of use, though the resale prices are quite high, and payload/towing is not rated as high as other pickups. I'd also look into how well a car-seat will fit into the 2nd row.

Other options:
1) Keep the F-150 and do some work on it to make it a viable platform. Not sure on the reliability of that year and make, but you might know yourself given that you own it.
2) A used 4th gen or 5th gen 4runner. Much better 2nd row, more interior space, can still fit a rooftop tent and tow if needed.
3) If you're absolutely stuck on getting a mid-sized pickup, check out the recent offerings from Chevy: the Colorado. It'll probably be going used for a bit cheaper than the Tacoma and the newer models come with locking diffs and diesel options.
4) Newer, but still used F-150 or Chevy Silverado. A bit higher payload and towing than the Colorado/Tacoma offerings, if that's what you really need.
5) Get a subaru outback. A much smaller and lighter option than everything else, but still doable given its AWD and decent storage capacity. Don't know if a rooftop tent would work, but an side awning and/or simple pop-up tent could work just as well. And with mild modifications, people have turned those things into capable vehicles: [video=youtube;Mq6FPFpDkWE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLsgqwTEPG-_1Pjhr6i1MNXs3nBS0sTqjH&v=Mq6FPFpDkWE[/video] Not Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser level of off-roading for sure, but if you're travelling mostly forest service roads with the occasional rutted out track, this might work just fine.

This being the Toyota section, you'll likely hear a lot of votes for the Tacoma, but it's not the end-all-be-all. There are a lot of options out there. Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 9101]

And for the record, I don't know of anyone on here who would recommend a MRAP to visit Yellowstone.

I would recommend one wholeheartedly... guaranteed bear and moose proof.

 

[RememberTheFallen]

My wife bought a Subaru Forester last year and it has worked out great for the around town car and long trips where we are in a hurry. I liked it so much I decided to get rid of my Tacoma after owning several different ones for the last 15 years. I bought a 2WD E350 passenger van and must say I love it! The Tacoma is amazing when you get to go to places like Moab or the Sierras but was cramped and not very comfortable every where else. I sacrificed my ability to do hard off-road trails for being comfortable everywhere else.

 

[Danimal]

Dude, it's ExPo we're talking about here...no one is going to recommend a 2wd vehicle. And given they type of travel many on this forum do, 2wd is not the preferred drivetrain. Yeah, yeah I know the old saying "you'd be surprised how far a 2wd vehicle can get." Then again, I'm also quite surprised how many people go hiking without a map and compass and don't get lost....doesn't mean it's a good idea. If you're going anywhere the pavement ends and/or inclement weather is a possibility, then AWD, at the very least, is a good system to have.

And for the record, I don't know of anyone on here who would recommend a MRAP to visit Yellowstone.

This sucks, now I feel like I have to defend myself. You and I both gave suggestions without knowing the true intended use of the vehicle, so shame on us both.

You also missed my obvious MRAP joke and then went on to prove my point with your post. I'm well aware of what people say on this site; looks like I've been registered here for almost 6 years vs. your 1ish. There are 2wd vehicles on here when you *ghasp* get out of the Toyota sections. And I beg to differ; I think most people on here armor up for what they WISH they did because of the expo lifestyle that's jammed down our throats these days.

I've owned many toyota 4wds and have spent a significant amount of time off pavement and in 4wd in all of them. So I get the need for the right vehicle; which goes both ways.

Don't get me wrong, I like you and I believe I've seen your posts on here and T4R.org and you seem like a cool guy. Just felt the need to defend myself a little.

Dan

 

[Deleted member 9101]

And I beg to differ; I think most people on here armor up for what they WISH they did because of the expo lifestyle that's jammed down our throats these days.

So very true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dalko43]

This sucks, now I feel like I have to defend myself. You and I both gave suggestions without knowing the true intended use of the vehicle, so shame on us both.

You also missed my obvious MRAP joke and then went on to prove my point with your post. I'm well aware of what people say on this site; looks like I've been registered here for almost 6 years vs. your 1ish. There are 2wd vehicles on here when you *ghasp* get out of the Toyota sections. And I beg to differ; I think most people on here armor up for what they WISH they did because of the expo lifestyle that's jammed down our throats these days.

I've owned many toyota 4wds and have spent a significant amount of time off pavement and in 4wd in all of them. So I get the need for the right vehicle; which goes both ways.

Don't get me wrong, I like you and I believe I've seen your posts on here and T4R.org and you seem like a cool guy. Just felt the need to defend myself a little.

Dan

I get that some people "armor up" and build extreme rigs only to use them as commuters and occasionally go down a gravel road. I'm not saying that doesn't happen. But the discussions and questions posted on this forum indicate to me that the people here are a lot more likely to go places and use their vehicles in a way that 4wd or AWD is the preferred drivetrain, if not an outright necessity. As opposed to a place like T4R.org or any number of Jeep forums, were you tend to have a lot of people who way more into accessorizing their vehicle than they are into actually using them and exploring remote areas.

Also, I've seen way too many people get stuck due their use of 2wd in adverse terrain/weather. I've come to believe that if you live anywhere where snow/ice and/or rain is normal weather or if you're planning on leaving the pavement for extended travel, you're much better off with a vehicle that has AWD or 4WD. My experiences are based mostly on living in the northeast, so people who live in other areas may have different experiences and thus different opinions on that issue.

I wasn't trying to attack you; sorry if it seemed like that. With the wide availability of AWD and 4WD systems, I think it's kind of a no-brainer to have that type of vehicle for any kind of off-pavement travel, but I realize everyone has different priorities.

 

[calicamper]

Dude, it's ExPo we're talking about here...no one is going to recommend a 2wd vehicle. And given they type of travel many on this forum do, 2wd is not the preferred drivetrain. Yeah, yeah I know the old saying "you'd be surprised how far a 2wd vehicle can get." Then again, I'm also quite surprised how many people go hiking without a map and compass and don't get lost....doesn't mean it's a good idea. If you're going anywhere the pavement ends and/or inclement weather is a possibility, then AWD, at the very least, is a good system to have.

And for the record, I don't know of anyone on here who would recommend a MRAP to visit Yellowstone.



Tacoma is quite often a go-to option for this type of use, though the resale prices are quite high, and payload/towing is not rated as high as other pickups. I'd also look into how well a car-seat will fit into the 2nd row.

Other options:
1) Keep the F-150 and do some work on it to make it a viable platform. Not sure on the reliability of that year and make, but you might know yourself given that you own it.
2) A used 4th gen or 5th gen 4runner. Much better 2nd row, more interior space, can still fit a rooftop tent and tow if needed.
3) If you're absolutely stuck on getting a mid-sized pickup, check out the recent offerings from Chevy: the Colorado. It'll probably be going used for a bit cheaper than the Tacoma and the newer models come with locking diffs and diesel options.
4) Newer, but still used F-150 or Chevy Silverado. A bit higher payload and towing than the Colorado/Tacoma offerings, if that's what you really need.
5) Get a subaru outback. A much smaller and lighter option than everything else, but still doable given its AWD and decent storage capacity. Don't know if a rooftop tent would work, but an side awning and/or simple pop-up tent could work just as well. And with mild modifications, people have turned those things into capable vehicles: [video=youtube;Mq6FPFpDkWE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLsgqwTEPG-_1Pjhr6i1MNXs3nBS0sTqjH&v=Mq6FPFpDkWE[/video] Not Jeep Wrangler or Land Cruiser level of off-roading for sure, but if you're travelling mostly forest service roads with the occasional rutted out track, this might work just fine.

This being the Toyota section, you'll likely hear a lot of votes for the Tacoma, but it's not the end-all-be-all. There are a lot of options out there. Good luck!

I see lots of rtts on foresters and outbacks. Forester looks pretty goofy and top heavy also its a really light weight Impreza platform. Solo trek rig sure but not a family rig.

The OB from my experience would be about a 5mpg hit at highway speeds with rtt. Though most people migrate to larger ground tents with young kids, or go trailer route.

We tow the 4x6 lifetime with our OB. Easy stuff. The 2010 cvt 2.5 easily tows it 900lbs empty and about 1200-1300lbs loaded. No gear on the roof we run 21-22mpg averages on trips. Bikes on the roof we typically do 18mpg averages. Thats 60-75mph speeds pending where were going and the highways vs small remote roads etc.

 

[calicamper]

For big extended week plus long trips I think the decked out diesel Canyon for an interior level similar to the limited Subaru, diesel range and added load capacity would be great. The only downer is back seat space. If someone built a 4dr midsized pickup rig with a back seat like the 2010 or newer Subaru OB it would be a slam dunk. The step up to the full size three across nearly limo space 4dr truck is just too much size around here.
Neighbor bought a new 4dr xlt F150 he only drives it on Sunday when he takes his kids and the dirt bikes to go ride. The rest of the week its parked.

 

[NMBruce]

I would like to know what plan to do or where you plan to go?

If the goal is to just travel around the country and see the sites, maybe a few forest roads, then something like the Outback would be find.

Should plan to do some off road exploring, then get something else. In that video of the Outback off road and the guy said he didn't need to do rock crawling, well out west that could be a road that leads to a mountain pass like Engineer or Imagene or like in the write up about the "AZ strip" http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/157292-Arizona-Strip-2016-trip-report visiting old mines or the north rim of the Grand Canyon. For this you also need to think about stuff like enough water for how many days you'll be out, ways to carry your trash and fuel to get you there and back and how to carry it.

Doesn't sound like you want to hard core off roading, so I won't go there.

There are a lot a great vehicles out there to choose from, if you want new, then to me a Tacoma or 4Runner are hard to beat, even the new Wrangler unlimited with hard top is good. Used, I would look at a Tacoma, 4Runner, Xterra, GX470 or I am sure there are a few others people could recommend. A big plus about going used, is that should give you some money to install ways to carry fuel & water and add protection to the vehicle (skids & rockers).

Whatever you plan to do, remember you got a 1 year, so anyplace you go to explore, you gotta get back. For me I would I get something that could had more than anything I think I might do.

 

[KSM100]

Thanks all for the input! I test drove the Tacoma and the backseat isn't enough for a car seat(rear facing). The F150 (2003) 5.4L engines has been known to have issues (knock on wood I haven't had any issues with mine - just sold it on craigslist for more than what I paid for it a year ago :wings. I was a little skeptical about taking it on the road. In the end, I traded the subi and got a base 4runner SR5, for what I think was a heck of a deal - $600 below dealer invoice! I plan on keep this for a very very long time! Will hand it down to my little boy when he'll be able to drive, 16 yrs from now. I could have gone used but not very many (low mileage, <100K), are available in my area! In addition, I'd rather pay the extra 5K or 6K to for a brand new rig instead of paying mid to high 20k for a rig with 100K + miles. Also, I was going to put a camper on any pick up truck and that's another $$$ spent. With the 4runner, I don't have to worry about camper and did I mention a comfy ride?

 

[KSM100]

I would like to know what plan to do or where you plan to go?

I plan on visiting old logging sites in Northern Michigan and they have lots of gravel roads. Also, I'll go out west to the desert, the Grand Canyon etc. I'll be on the pavement for about 50% of the trip.

 

[KSM100]

Summer months when teachers are out - rarely is a 4x4 really needed. Unless you snow ski in the winter and or live some place silly where you actually need to shovel snow. LOL

Unfortunately I live in some place silly where it can snow like hell and 4x4 is often needed in the winter.

 

[Colonal Angus]

Thanks all for the input! I test drove the Tacoma and the backseat isn't enough for a car seat(rear facing). The F150 (2003) 5.4L engines has been known to have issues (knock on wood I haven't had any issues with mine - just sold it on craigslist for more than what I paid for it a year ago :wings. I was a little skeptical about taking it on the road. In the end, I traded the subi and got a base 4runner SR5, for what I think was a heck of a deal - $600 below dealer invoice! I plan on keep this for a very very long time! Will hand it down to my little boy when he'll be able to drive, 16 yrs from now. I could have gone used but not very many (low mileage, <100K), are available in my area! In addition, I'd rather pay the extra 5K or 6K to for a brand new rig instead of paying mid to high 20k for a rig with 100K + miles. Also, I was going to put a camper on any pick up truck and that's another $$$ spent. With the 4runner, I don't have to worry about camper and did I mention a comfy ride?

Congrats on the 4Runner!! Great vehicle. I think you'll find the fold flat rear seats and rear window to be just a couple of the many awesome advantages of the 4Runner. Soooo, I guess you did get 4x4?

 

[KSM100]

Soooo, I guess you did get 4x4?

Thanks and yes, I did get a 4x4. I like it so far and I think it is a capable vehicle.

 

[Dalko43]

Good choice! You've got a lot of options with that platform: leave it stock and it is perfectly capable of tackling just about any forest road and gravel track you might find; or if you ever decide to modify it, it is a great starting platform for building a capable trail/overlander rig.

BTW, now that you mention you're in Michigan, I think 4wd was the way to go. Only immediate recommendation I have is to ditch the stock tires and get a decent A/T that is snow-rated, or perhaps buy a second set of wheels with dedicated snow tires. The 4runner's 4wd is pretty foolproof, but if your tires are crap in the snow the 4wd can only do so much.