I Will Have to Pass

It’s a heavy body on frame SUV. It’s never going to get great mpgs. If you want better mpg get a grand highlander.

 

I'm a former dirtbiker as well. Had to give it up when I got older due to spine issues.

I bought a brand new 2002 Chevy 3500 extended cargo van specifically to haul dirtbikes and tow a camper. I got a folding bench seat at the flea market and mounted it behind the two front seats so it was removeable in case I needed the extra cargo space. With the rear seat in it still measured 9.5' to the rear doors. In hindsight going to the trouble of making it removable was probably a waste of time lol.

I insulated it and lined the walls with 3/8" plywood to prevent the handlebars from denting the sides. I covered the ceiling with white hardboard. Added tie downs on the sides and the floors to strap the bikes down.

We would put 3 bikes in the back with the center one in backwards for handlebar clearance. There was still plenty of room for boots, helmets, etc.

We'd load up the bikes, hook up the camper and head out. Good times.

The second winter I had it there was a huge ice storm that took out a bunch of trees at my house. One large and two small trees decided to convert my van into a flatbed.

 

That’s awesome! We used to do bomb runs, pile bikes, people, gear and beer into a van or truck, leave after work on Friday, get there in the wee hours in morning, race on Saturday, party afterwards then limp home on Sunday and back to work on Monday. No camper, sleep in the van or back of the truck under a tarp. That stuff would kill me these days!

Broken record here (sorry @OpeCity) only way to get better mpg in a BOF is diesel.


My wife rented a turbo diesel Fortuner when she was in Thailand. She said it was pretty awesome. Kinda like the styling over the 4Runner.

https://www.toyotabharat.com/showroom/fortuner/index-fortuner.html

 

Mpg is meaningless when total cost per mile is higher. Just makes you feel better

 

While it does cost more.

Better range, much nicer when you’re road tripping, which we do often. Don’t have to stop as much.

18 gallon tank on the 4G is more like 15 usable. 20 mpg vs 30 mpg you can do the math.

Most of my dirt bike buddies are in high trim diesel 1 Tons. 500-600 mile range, money not much of an issue to them.

 

Keep in mind, the new Lexus GX550 starts at $64.5k