Which Overland Vehicle and Why?
- Thread starter MAG00
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85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
If I wanted a diesel in my truck I would have put a diesel in my truck. I am not on the sidelines because for some reason I can't have one.
SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
Ford, Chevy, or Toyota? 40 S&W or 10mm? Semi Auto or Revolver? Spincaster or baitcaster? So many forum threads devolve I to these kinds of debates...
To the OP If it was me, I’d stick with the JK, drop down to 35’s and 2.5” springs, lose as much weight as possible and get a good roof rack, REI Kingdome tent and a nice awning and call it good. I’m in the process of shedding weight from my JK...
When I was a younger man (pre-kids) my wife (then GF) and I toured all over the West in a ‘69 CJ5 for a couple years with a soft top and 33” tires riding on longer shackles and a hockey puck body lift. All our gear was backpacking gear and we had plenty of room!
In comparison the JK rides like a dream, even on 35’s.
I do think the ZR2 is worth considering based on what you’ve said about your plans.
I also will confess to having a soft spot in my heart for Landcruisers, having had an FJ40 back in the 80’s that took me to some great adventures (despite its terrifying brakes and steering). That thing was indestructible and easy to fix trailside.
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To the OP If it was me, I’d stick with the JK, drop down to 35’s and 2.5” springs, lose as much weight as possible and get a good roof rack, REI Kingdome tent and a nice awning and call it good. I’m in the process of shedding weight from my JK...
When I was a younger man (pre-kids) my wife (then GF) and I toured all over the West in a ‘69 CJ5 for a couple years with a soft top and 33” tires riding on longer shackles and a hockey puck body lift. All our gear was backpacking gear and we had plenty of room!
In comparison the JK rides like a dream, even on 35’s.
I do think the ZR2 is worth considering based on what you’ve said about your plans.
I also will confess to having a soft spot in my heart for Landcruisers, having had an FJ40 back in the 80’s that took me to some great adventures (despite its terrifying brakes and steering). That thing was indestructible and easy to fix trailside.
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We have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU with frame mounted roof rack, class 3 hitch, seven pin trailer wiring harness, aftermarket front and rear bumpers with waterproof 10K winch in front. We pull an R-Pod 189 and have a Sea Eagle inflatable fishing boat and motor in the rack on top. FlashPaq tuning added power and torque so the whole works for extended touring and off-road trekking. We have a camera system with 2 sides, Jeep back and trailer back cameras, GPS with off-road maps and iPhone mount on dash, grab handles and an aluminum and net dog restraint and dog harnesses. In our 70s this rig is just large enough and just small enough for our capabilities to stay out on the road again.
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Nathansharkey80
Active member
I am digging that roof rack. Nice one for sure
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luthj
Engineer In Residence
The truth is, there are lots of great vehicle options. Many are quite capable from the factory, reliable, and have good aftermarket support. Ford, Toyota, Nissa, GM, Honda, Even Subaru, etc. All have a couple good options in the last 10 years.
Personally, if I was buying new or lightly used today, I would get a Ford Transit with Quigley 4x4 conversion. Choose the wheelbase and roof height you need. Lots of seating options, great space for whatever you need, good fuel economy, and reliable drivetrain options. (I do like me some vans though).
Personally, if I was buying new or lightly used today, I would get a Ford Transit with Quigley 4x4 conversion. Choose the wheelbase and roof height you need. Lots of seating options, great space for whatever you need, good fuel economy, and reliable drivetrain options. (I do like me some vans though).
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85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
I have been on an 80 series kick lately.
I wish they were more popular in NA so they were not so niche and I wish they were not 20+ years old...
SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
There are some Japanese imports every once in a while with the diesel engine (for those fanbois of diesel, which I also happen to be). generally they tend to be in very good shape because of the Japanese inspection requirements. Only problem is (to your point) that they fetch upwards of $35,000 and they are right hand drive. But usually low miles and very good condition.
JDM 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser 5-Speed
Bid for the chance to own a JDM 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser 5-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #6,921.
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85_Ranger4x4
Well-known member
There are some Japanese imports every once in a while with the diesel engine (for those fanbois of diesel, which I also happen to be). generally they tend to be in very good shape because of the Japanese inspection requirements. Only problem is (to your point) that they fetch upwards of $35,000 and they are right hand drive. But usually low miles and very good condition.
JDM 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser 5-Speed
Bid for the chance to own a JDM 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser 5-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #6,921.
LOL, most of what I see on Autotrader are like $25k+ and they are crowding 300k miles.
Not sure I could deal with RH drive though...
billiebob
Well-known member
I really like this type of camper but then I think if I get that stuck?... I'm gonna need a big shovel. So I go the other way, a TJR with a tiny teardrop. Under 6K pounds. If I started fresh I'd likely go smaller and lighter, think Samari pulling a foam board and canvas teardrop that has the same frontal area as the Samari. For me the ultimate over lander is self sufficient and something I can rescue, extricate alone.Nobody wants to play with me?
Buliwyf
Viking with a Hammer
There's techniques. It's not getting stuck that's a problem with those. Flip them over and you're completely done for. At least a month to dig a hole by hand to flop them back into, and it's easy to get crushed in the process.
There's a giant 30,000#-ish winch under the chassis on many of them.
There's a giant 30,000#-ish winch under the chassis on many of them.
Binky
Member
Against my better judgment...
Like other posters have said, there are lots of places on the West where diesel can be difficult to find.
My old boss would specify gas when buying our work trucks just because that could happen to us just from work situations. Come dragging back into some tiny town and no diesel.
Now, I've had the same issue with gas. Top off my F-250 in the last town, drive in to the work site, maybe 120 miles of transit while we are there, and hope I get back to town without getting into my jerry can. In the winter, I carried a second jerry can because I'd be sure to need the first.
Fuel issues can be always mitigated, if you really feel you have to have either fuel for whatever reason, a tiny bit of planning should ensure you have plenty.
Now, when I left Bend last week, gas and diesel were each just over $3.00 a gallon. A pretty good deal for diesel. In Boise today, gas is $2.58 and diesel is $3.14. Does your diesel get 20% better mileage?
In my case, yes. My 7.3L Econoline get 16mpg. Any gas motor of similar capability would get just over half that .
Maybe. If mine were 2WD, I'd get even better. I can easily break 500 miles before I would need to use my cans.
And it will survive the Apocalypse.
BUT, Binky was something unexpected and I could never afford the premiums if I had to pay retail for it.
I'm a big fan of vans. My Astro can get all kinds of stupid places, tow 5500 lbs, comfortably carry 5 and get decent mileage. All with just a mild lift, a skid plate and bigger tires. But really it's a rolling, all-weather tent for 2. I was researching a bus (with one of those DD 8V72 engines the military still uses a variant of) and found Binky.
I like the suggestion of a Transit 4wd, whether factory or aftermarket, gas, EcoBoost. The new 2.8l diesel Express is supposed to be a real hauler. Vans are versatile people/stuff haulers/grocery getters. Minor modifications make them capable 'overlanders'. Take everyone along and tow the Jeep to the trailhead.
Take a look at some of the rigs on the van forum.
John
PS, I really want a Colorado ZR2 w/ 2.8 Duramax!
Like other posters have said, there are lots of places on the West where diesel can be difficult to find.
My old boss would specify gas when buying our work trucks just because that could happen to us just from work situations. Come dragging back into some tiny town and no diesel.
Now, I've had the same issue with gas. Top off my F-250 in the last town, drive in to the work site, maybe 120 miles of transit while we are there, and hope I get back to town without getting into my jerry can. In the winter, I carried a second jerry can because I'd be sure to need the first.
Fuel issues can be always mitigated, if you really feel you have to have either fuel for whatever reason, a tiny bit of planning should ensure you have plenty.
Now, when I left Bend last week, gas and diesel were each just over $3.00 a gallon. A pretty good deal for diesel. In Boise today, gas is $2.58 and diesel is $3.14. Does your diesel get 20% better mileage?
In my case, yes. My 7.3L Econoline get 16mpg. Any gas motor of similar capability would get just over half that .
Maybe. If mine were 2WD, I'd get even better. I can easily break 500 miles before I would need to use my cans.
And it will survive the Apocalypse.
BUT, Binky was something unexpected and I could never afford the premiums if I had to pay retail for it.
I'm a big fan of vans. My Astro can get all kinds of stupid places, tow 5500 lbs, comfortably carry 5 and get decent mileage. All with just a mild lift, a skid plate and bigger tires. But really it's a rolling, all-weather tent for 2. I was researching a bus (with one of those DD 8V72 engines the military still uses a variant of) and found Binky.
I like the suggestion of a Transit 4wd, whether factory or aftermarket, gas, EcoBoost. The new 2.8l diesel Express is supposed to be a real hauler. Vans are versatile people/stuff haulers/grocery getters. Minor modifications make them capable 'overlanders'. Take everyone along and tow the Jeep to the trailhead.
Take a look at some of the rigs on the van forum.
John
PS, I really want a Colorado ZR2 w/ 2.8 Duramax!
SBSYNCRO
Well-known member
Sure! As long as you can keep up on the 500 miles of freeway to get to the turnoff!
. I've had a buddy with a Unimog and we used to go places together (25 years ago). Even though I was in a CJ5 that maxxed out at about 65, he'd still arrive at the trailhead hours after me. I got used to arriving a day early and camping at the trailhead to wait for him. But that thing was a BEAST in the back country - he pulled quite a few full-sized trucks out of ditches and mud bogs with little to no effort. All that weight works both ways...
phsycle
Adventurer
If you're talking the possibility of 4 adults, I'd go nothing smaller than a fullsize truck. You won't get to the tightest of the tight trails, but really, what % does that make up when you're talking......o.....overla........ndi.....ng..... (bleck. Hard to get that word out without dry heaving).
Ram 1500, 33-gal tank, rear locker, Mopar lift, 33's. Or F150, rear locker, 36-gal tank, lift, 33's. 2500 or 250, PW or Tremor pkg. All would have enough capacity for payload, towing, and enough space to comfortably fit 4 adults, and get you through a lot of trails.
Ram 1500, 33-gal tank, rear locker, Mopar lift, 33's. Or F150, rear locker, 36-gal tank, lift, 33's. 2500 or 250, PW or Tremor pkg. All would have enough capacity for payload, towing, and enough space to comfortably fit 4 adults, and get you through a lot of trails.