The $60,000 QuestIon

Engineers have multiple departments. Not everyone is an engine guru, or knows how to make the trunk close properly....

 

If I was an ex-Ford guy (engineer) and was going to get a new truck and then dump 60k into it I certainly would have a raptor. Just getting your taco to a raptor level will cost a pretty penny. The only benefit I could see the taco having would be size on tight trails.

 

E350 with 4WD

 

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/2019-gx460-overland-dream-build-23k-miles-77-000-richmond-va.216160/

How about this one?? Rob is a good friend. We’ve camped with this truck a few times since he built it. They’ve got well over 100k into it and a GX460 is a legit tow vehicle.

it should be noted however that after months of having this thing built and more money than most of us could ever spend on a vehicle they’re moving to a full size with a flatbed and a camper... so what does that tell you???

This thing is awesome though it’s as expedition ready as you could want. And you’ll save a fortune with it already built.

 

This. YT kids these days will be the next Macaulay Culkin meltdown story 10 years from now. Or worse, Logan Paul.

 

They dont make them anymore, only cutaway version for ambulances and similar vehicles.

 

Don't quit your day job

 

Great resource and learning videos from Filthy Motorsports: https://www.youtube.com/filthymotorsports

 

He lost me at CAI. That said I’m further lost at what the point of this post is, mentions a 4” LT to fit 35s but complains that a Tundra is “thirsty” but also wants reliability?

I hate to be that guy but for someone who’s been a long time lurker you didn’t learn a whole lot.

 

If your goal of the videography is to get the most likes and subscribers and or land some sponsorship deals etc, I would pick the trendy overland vehicle or one that is underserved and or quirky, I would make it as new as possible...Overlander videos with Tacomas and toyota vehicles in general are a dime a dozen and don't stand out in a crowd. The gladiator comes to mind, but If it were me...I would actually order a new Ford Bronco and quickly capitalize on that....There are going to be some youtube/insta famous newcomers with that platform and that platform will give you the best shot at separating yourself from the crowd, as well as if your really getting after it, companies will sponsor you to try out their new stuff because there will be lack of material and advertising the first months after release. I will even go so far as to say, some of your favorite Tacoma channels and personalities will probably pick up a bronco just for publicity and click revenue purposes. If I decided that I was going to make money doing this...the only vehicle I would do this with right now is the new Bronco...if I wanted to make money that is....

 

So, what I gathered is that a YouTube channel will revolve around 3 topics. 1). Off-road and for this you want a lifted YouTube popular rig to make sweet off-road content. 2) chasing the music star dream, interstate travel, family moments, lifestyle stuff. 3) PRS scene videos, road trips, event reports, tips and tricks, gear review.

I see two different vehicles needed. You need an interstate travel rig and a trailered 4x4. It would suck to not make a gig because you blew up a drivetrain. Get a comfy Basecamp rig (1 ton with a camper and whatever travel amenities you like). Get a trailer and put whatever YouTube trendy rig you want on it. I don't know if that's a 4 person family camping rig in your mind or if it's just you and your son. I mean you could build out a badass 2 seat crawler and minimalist camp while having a comfortably keeping a base at the trail head.

Finally, I don't think PRS is a topic with much future on YouTube. I think the platform is relatively unfriendly to the topic.

Edit:. Cancel everything above except YouTube being generally unfriendly to gun culture... bronco for the YouTube clicks. Also "ex-ford engineer reviews the new bronco" is your first video. Enjoy the clicks.

 

No Taco. Go Unimog for the money you are talking.
Or a new LandCruiser Heritage edition.

 

I want to see a 4x4 Sprinter or Transit 2dr cutaway with a camper on a utility tray.

 

I agree on the YT success conclusion.. unless you have a specific niche that is not covered yet on YT in huge demand. You missed the YT boat I'm afraid. My background is in youtube digital marketing. Just trying to save you lots of money and effort. I would recommend starting an online business instead or small, this is more sustainable to pass down along to your family and then take that money and travel and run your business remote with high-speed internet. That's what I do.. but from an RV and bring my 2 wheel toys

 

If you're living life on the road , isn't it better to have something super reliable if it costs a few extra bucks at the pump? Plus, real world gasser towing MPG isn't great across board .

 

The thing I keep hearing in multiple “legitimate” pieces of feedback is that if you go full-size, in the America trails you rarely regret it.
Truly this is great feedback.

 

Hey guys, this is great feedback and I truly appreciate it.
As an interesting fact.. if I remember correctly in the days of yester-year, specifically around that of the Firestone recall (~2000) I remember Ford actually used to set its quality benchmarks off of the tear downs based on Lexus vehicles. Take it or leave it, just a cool thing to note as we all reflect on the great platform we own.

So if I can ask - has anyone done a ton of work (like the aforementioned) to their gen three and wished that they had moved into a different vehicle after doing so - either a full-size or alternative mid-size?
Additionally, any pitfalls that should be avoided in beefing up the gen 3 taco?
Please link threads as I will definitely read them.

 

I moved to Tundra simply for additional capabilities. The loss of "smallness" on trails is vastly overcome by the additional 4K in towing and additional room for passengers and cargo.
Quit lying about stuff like the CAI tho. People like me (real engineer) will call you out and embarass you.

 

Making a 6500 lb taco and then adding a 4k to 5k trailer to it will not sit well.

 

Yeah the guy I got my front skid from went to a full size regular cab f150 because he was loving out of it on trails for 2 or 3 weeks a month

@danneskjold