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Overlanding: SUV vs. Pickup

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by Plannerman99, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. Mar 28, 2010 at 2:22 PM
    #1
    Plannerman99

    Plannerman99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    For long, extended trips off road, which is a better choice?

    Since I'm turning in my Tacoma tomorrow, I've got to get another vehicle. SUV (FJ, likely) or another Tacoma.
     
  2. Mar 28, 2010 at 2:26 PM
    #2
    Stillfly199

    Stillfly199 ( . )( . )

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    Well it all depends. Do you have a family? If so, how many? Do you haul a lot? A lot of things come in to play. Also, why are you turning in your truck if you dont mind me asking?
     
  3. Mar 28, 2010 at 2:39 PM
    #3
    Plannerman99

    Plannerman99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, all of the variables makes this question hard to answer. No family, yet, but likely soon. Tend to haul lots of crap, yes, but my wife also has a truck.

    My truck is going back to Toyota under a Lemon Law claim. Six repair attempts on a disfunctional clutch pedal.
     
  4. Mar 28, 2010 at 2:51 PM
    #4
    Jason'sLawnCare

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    Not to turn you away from the wonderful TW but I think these guys have a lot more knowledge and experience with what you are after.

    www.expeditionportal.com
     
  5. Mar 28, 2010 at 3:29 PM
    #5
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    I would vote an FJ...but that's me. Seems like you'd have a bit more options that way.
    I think bed space would be less than useful for real overland trips.

    But that's just me.
     
  6. Mar 28, 2010 at 3:41 PM
    #6
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    4 Runner?
     
  7. Mar 28, 2010 at 3:45 PM
    #7
    The End

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  8. Mar 28, 2010 at 3:46 PM
    #8
    Jigzor

    Jigzor Well-Known Member

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    Agreed!
     
  9. Mar 29, 2010 at 12:53 PM
    #9
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga Nuggety

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    I haven't seen anyone build up any of the recent 4Runners. If the OP doesn't mind used, I would highly suggest an FJ80
     
  10. Mar 29, 2010 at 3:12 PM
    #10
    Jason'sLawnCare

    Jason'sLawnCare Prepared for Bambi

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    To add, With factory front a rear lockers.

    I love those 80 series land cruisers.
     
  11. Mar 29, 2010 at 5:14 PM
    #11
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    and get a great off road trailer with that SUV!

    i would have gotten an SUV, except i need a pickup for hunting expeditions. didnt want to haul a small trailer for that in really rough stuff.
     
  12. Mar 29, 2010 at 5:20 PM
    #12
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    did you test drive the fj yet????i did and wasnt pleased with it at all.look on fjcruiserforums.com and see what they complain about. i say 4runner if you can afford one. i cant:(
     
  13. Mar 29, 2010 at 6:54 PM
    #13
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga Nuggety

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    All the normal TW BS
    For the sake of this thread, I think it's good to say you are referring to the FJC as opposed to a different FJ.


    In what ways were you not pleased?
    In regard to offroad capability, I run with the NWFJCC offroad club, and they push their cruisers through some pretty hairy stuff. I would have no problem recommending the vehicle for offroad use. If you have any doubts, I have the pictures to prove otherwise.
    In terms of comfort and lengthy travel, I wouldn't recommend it so much. The rear can be hard to get in and out of, and it could be tight on space.

    I haven't heard or seen any built up late-gen 4Runners. I'm guessing it's because of the high initial sticker price.
     
  14. Mar 29, 2010 at 11:46 PM
    #14
    ETAV8R

    ETAV8R Out DERP'n

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    2010 Trail Edition 4Runner or another Taco. Depends on usage. Both have great potential.
     
  15. Mar 30, 2010 at 11:58 AM
    #15
    Jason'sLawnCare

    Jason'sLawnCare Prepared for Bambi

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    I didn't know about the flexy frame problem. That sucks. I like them because they are solid axle in front and rear and some come with locking diffs. I saw and old road test and it said 0-60 time was like 14+ seconds.:eek:
     
  16. Apr 15, 2010 at 8:17 PM
    #16
    Plannerman99

    Plannerman99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is an excellant resource, by the way! Thanks!

    So I recently read an article in Off Road magazine (I think) while waiting for my wife to shop. Unfortunately, I did not purchase the mag (and I wish I had now), but there was an interesting interview with Toyota at the back. One of the questions was similar to my original. The Toyota rep took a very lame way out and said that all of their trucks and SUVs are great for overlanding/expedition. The authors called lame and answered for them, saying the Tacoma rules because it is very capable, has great cargo capacity (volume and weight), and can provide adequate sleeping area/shelter.
     
  17. Apr 15, 2010 at 8:24 PM
    #17
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    IMO, FJC is a horrible choice for an expedition vehicle, the first thing I'd think of is where do you plan to sleep? they are too small to be comfortable. sure you can get a roof top tent, but why add the extra weight up high and the cost?

    If I were looking for an expedition vehicle, I'd get a 2002 4runner, they are a nice looking rig, with plenty of room to sleep, have seats for the family, and have the 3.4L V6, Which is a very strong motor, you'd then also have the money to do a moderate lift, add some nice gear such as sliders and a hi-lift, and if the 3.4 isn't enough, you can supercharge it quite easily.
     
  18. Apr 15, 2010 at 8:47 PM
    #18
    Plannerman99

    Plannerman99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Why the SUV over the pickup? You can sleep in a Tacoma just as easily
     
  19. Apr 15, 2010 at 8:50 PM
    #19
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    yea you sure can, I have a nice platform in mine right now, and it's great! but It would be really cool if I could get into the back from the cab, and it also has much more seating for kids and friends.

    That is if my main purpose was to build an expo rig, but for me, I definitely like having the use of the bed of the truck.
     
  20. Apr 15, 2010 at 9:08 PM
    #20
    rhys

    rhys Well-Known Member

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    there is a new tundra, overland built kinda, in the second to last 4WDTO mag. i know its HUGE but what do you guys thin about using that. you would have lots of space for everything and lots of power. the fuel economy on it is about as good with the 5.7 as the heavy fjs isnt it?
     

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