Chorky
Observer
As I continue working on my truck (see build thread if you wish), now that the moving situation has slightly slowed down, and the new schedule gives me a feel for what I really desire long term, I have been considering finishing my current truck build and possibly going another route. The truck is pretty amazing, and I dare not part with it with all that is in it, but I desire something that isn't really out there that is turn key, so am curious of community input to possibly help me make a decision (or not).
The idea would be a vehicle (maybe a truck, maybe a van, maybe something else) that is a unicorn. You know, light, powerful, simple, reliable, small but big, etc... That will be capable of hauling all my current gear (recovery gear, tools, spare parts, fluids, saws - equipment that more or less requires the storage space of a service bed or flatbed and boxes (but could be in a drawer system of a SUV). This unicorn would have a rack capable of hauling a total of 350 pounds of kayak gear (think the hobie tandem island), plus a quad in the bed, plus backpacking gear (or just a 'ready to go backpack). It would tow a home built trailer - 15' long and no wider than 7' (to provide for near perfect vehicle following), and no more than 7,000 pounds.
So the question comes down to the vehicle. The current truck is excellent, but it is a beast, has lots of storage, but is heavy (a good and bad thing), has a lot of goodies, but more electronics than I truly want, but is practically all new. However, as time progresses I still seem to desire more and more simplicity and less computer controlled things. This truck has a lot of goodies, and thus a good amount of computers and electronics. Every time I open the hood, I am bombarded by wires, lines, complexities that really are not all that necessary I don't think.
So a thought comes to mind of piecing something together as my abilities to have a shop and my tools begin to unfold hopefully in the near future.
The desirables
So an example would be something like this:
12v, on a 6.2 frame with OBS suspension (for ease of customization) and a 77-79 Super Cab body - but this seems heavy
Or maybe something smaller?
4BT in a wagoneer, or 80-90 Ranger?
The idea would be simple operation but a cool and capable rig! But not something that is excessive. Something highly customizable with relatively simple components that can be fabricated with ease.
It should be noted that time I spend in truly off road situations (where 4x4 is an absolute requirement) is becoming less and less (which is normal for most people as they age anyway), so a crazy built rock crawling jeep is not quite the ticket. More inline would be a build similar to my current truck, though not as tall, but easily capable of washed out roads and big snow/ice. Honestly if the truck had no electronics in it with the same capability, and maybe a tad lighter (so super cab possibly) that would be near perfect I think.
So, what would your combination be? It certainly is a double edged sword, and unicorns don't exist ha! But I'm sure theres a good compromise of piecing things together somewhere.
The idea would be a vehicle (maybe a truck, maybe a van, maybe something else) that is a unicorn. You know, light, powerful, simple, reliable, small but big, etc... That will be capable of hauling all my current gear (recovery gear, tools, spare parts, fluids, saws - equipment that more or less requires the storage space of a service bed or flatbed and boxes (but could be in a drawer system of a SUV). This unicorn would have a rack capable of hauling a total of 350 pounds of kayak gear (think the hobie tandem island), plus a quad in the bed, plus backpacking gear (or just a 'ready to go backpack). It would tow a home built trailer - 15' long and no wider than 7' (to provide for near perfect vehicle following), and no more than 7,000 pounds.
So the question comes down to the vehicle. The current truck is excellent, but it is a beast, has lots of storage, but is heavy (a good and bad thing), has a lot of goodies, but more electronics than I truly want, but is practically all new. However, as time progresses I still seem to desire more and more simplicity and less computer controlled things. This truck has a lot of goodies, and thus a good amount of computers and electronics. Every time I open the hood, I am bombarded by wires, lines, complexities that really are not all that necessary I don't think.
So a thought comes to mind of piecing something together as my abilities to have a shop and my tools begin to unfold hopefully in the near future.
The desirables
- diesel
- storage for gear said above
- towing capacity for said above
- easy to work on/fix and reliable frame
- easy to work on/fix and SIMPLE body
- same goes for all components actually
- no factory frills
- I would prefer to add my own as necessary, which many are not necessary
- AC is a requirement but probably can fabricate my own box and lines
- NO electronics. Electrical (such as switches and gauges) are one thing, but no computer controlled systems
- which pretty much leaves the 4BT or 12v, or the older 7.3 IDI I suppose
So an example would be something like this:
12v, on a 6.2 frame with OBS suspension (for ease of customization) and a 77-79 Super Cab body - but this seems heavy
Or maybe something smaller?
4BT in a wagoneer, or 80-90 Ranger?
The idea would be simple operation but a cool and capable rig! But not something that is excessive. Something highly customizable with relatively simple components that can be fabricated with ease.
It should be noted that time I spend in truly off road situations (where 4x4 is an absolute requirement) is becoming less and less (which is normal for most people as they age anyway), so a crazy built rock crawling jeep is not quite the ticket. More inline would be a build similar to my current truck, though not as tall, but easily capable of washed out roads and big snow/ice. Honestly if the truck had no electronics in it with the same capability, and maybe a tad lighter (so super cab possibly) that would be near perfect I think.
So, what would your combination be? It certainly is a double edged sword, and unicorns don't exist ha! But I'm sure theres a good compromise of piecing things together somewhere.
