IndianChris
New member
That's what I call sweet! Looks like a great vehicle to travel basically anywhere! Cool stuff! Everything you need inside too. to spend the night or two or three at the trailhead.
Not cheap though, I'm sure.
Which car would you recommend for remote bushwhacking?
- Thread starter Oncoman
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That's what I call sweet! Looks like a great vehicle to travel basically anywhere! Cool stuff! Everything you need inside too. to spend the night or two or three at the trailhead.
Not cheap though, I'm sure.
buckyball1
New member
Hi P--- if you want to go with a "car", consider the Subaru Forester (though i find the newer ones are a shade large)--let me know if you want any specifics re driving the type of roads you're talking about
jim
jim
Stan
Well-known member
Someone here has differentiated between the "recreational" bushwhacker and the "serious" bushwhacker. Good idea though the bushwhacking involved depends more on your access than the hiking route. I think it also has to do with weather as snow, mud and streams/beds will be a more significant part of the challenge for the "serious".
For "serious" off highway vehicle I would recommend three features: 1) maximum clearance, 2) truck frame as opposed to car frame, 3) 4 wd, including low 4 wd instead of AWD.
These characteristics usually mean a less stable vehicle, less road comfort and less gas mileage, tradeoffs for which you make your own choice, but if you are "serious", these are important.
As for SUVs, the only ones with truck frames as far as I know are Nissans (Pathfinders and Xterras) and Toyota (4Runners). These have high reliability ratings according to Consumer Reports. Regretably, two other popular SUVs , Range Rover and Jeep, have woeful reliability records, something that my mechanic will attest to as well as my own experience in the rental of many Jeeps.
For "serious" off highway vehicle I would recommend three features: 1) maximum clearance, 2) truck frame as opposed to car frame, 3) 4 wd, including low 4 wd instead of AWD.
These characteristics usually mean a less stable vehicle, less road comfort and less gas mileage, tradeoffs for which you make your own choice, but if you are "serious", these are important.
As for SUVs, the only ones with truck frames as far as I know are Nissans (Pathfinders and Xterras) and Toyota (4Runners). These have high reliability ratings according to Consumer Reports. Regretably, two other popular SUVs , Range Rover and Jeep, have woeful reliability records, something that my mechanic will attest to as well as my own experience in the rental of many Jeeps.
RollingRock
Active member
I've had my FJ cruiser for 3 years and just love it! It has high clearance, is 4x4 and drives like a car. I bought the basic version with no bells and whistles at around $24,000. The basic version comes with quite a lot. For gas mileage, I'm getting about 20mph so that's not bad.
Jean
Active member
Oncoman, all you need is the Conquest Knight XV. A bit pricy but you'll love the options:
* Fuel tank: 63 gallons (US) (238 liters)
* Driver partition (with two way intercom) may be ordered with or w/out hydraulic window drive
* Large flat screen TV
* Cigar Humidor
* Siren, two way P/A with intercom system
* Hidden front VIP strobes (red, blue, clear)
* Auxiliary fuel tank (practical since main tank is only 63 gallons)
* Surveillance cameras
* External Listening Device
* Under vehicle magnetic attachment detector
* Oxygen survival kit for inside front and rear compartment
* External smoke security system, sides and rear (available where permitted)
Sleeping room will not be an issue.
For more info: http://conquestvehicles.com/index.html
* Fuel tank: 63 gallons (US) (238 liters)
* Driver partition (with two way intercom) may be ordered with or w/out hydraulic window drive
* Large flat screen TV
* Cigar Humidor
* Siren, two way P/A with intercom system
* Hidden front VIP strobes (red, blue, clear)
* Auxiliary fuel tank (practical since main tank is only 63 gallons)
* Surveillance cameras
* External Listening Device
* Under vehicle magnetic attachment detector
* Oxygen survival kit for inside front and rear compartment
* External smoke security system, sides and rear (available where permitted)
Sleeping room will not be an issue.
For more info: http://conquestvehicles.com/index.html
NewHampshire
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I drive a Honda CRV. In general it is a good solid car with AWD, and more ground clearance than the smaller 4 door cars. I have used it to get me into some more gnarly places while whack 3K's up north, and it gives me decent gas milage.
However.....(you had to know this was coming
)
I do wish it had a bit more ground clearance. Sure Marc Howes has taken his Toyota Carolla places some 4WD vehicles would balk at, but Marc is a crazy bastard (and I use that as a term of endearment). So assuming you do not care about gas milage, then I would suggest something like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander (I have been in Steve's Highlander and deem it rather nice). Both are from companies noted for vehicle dependability (well, assuming you discount the problems Toyota was having recently with spontaneous acceleration), both should give you ample room in the back with seats folded up, both are true 4WD vehciles with corrosponding ground clearance, and both should do everything you could need from them. If you want to go super hardcore get a winch and there ain't NOWHERES you won't be able to go if there is a dirt track of some kind.
Brian
However.....(you had to know this was coming
)I do wish it had a bit more ground clearance. Sure Marc Howes has taken his Toyota Carolla places some 4WD vehicles would balk at, but Marc is a crazy bastard (and I use that as a term of endearment
). So assuming you do not care about gas milage, then I would suggest something like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander (I have been in Steve's Highlander and deem it rather nice). Both are from companies noted for vehicle dependability (well, assuming you discount the problems Toyota was having recently with spontaneous acceleration), both should give you ample room in the back with seats folded up, both are true 4WD vehciles with corrosponding ground clearance, and both should do everything you could need from them. If you want to go super hardcore get a winch and there ain't NOWHERES you won't be able to go if there is a dirt track of some kind. Brian
AntlerPeak
New member
I'd second the Tacoma choice and four wheel if you can get it. This summer I ran mine along the Obstruction Point road in the Olympics. A barely two lane dirt logging road aptly named at 6500 feet. It does fine on these Washington logging roads and not too steeply priced. I am getting 20-23 mpg in town and quite satisfied.
SteveHiker
New member
It's actually a 4Runner, but the rest of what you said is true. Gas mileage is around 24 mpg as I have the V-6. Ground clearance is actually something like a half-inch higher than my old Grand Cherokee was (which surprised me). Too date I think I've only touched bottom in it once on Sandwich Notch Road (yay skidplates!). It's built on a truck platform which some people don't like the ride of, but personally I prefer having driven either a pickup or SUV since the mid-90s. It also has real 4 wheel drive with low range.
That all being said, I'd go with either Tim Seaver or Jean's suggestion.
Spiny Mouse
Member
I'm very happy with our 4WD, 4-cyl, extended cab, manual tranny, manual hubs, no A/C, 1998 Tacoma. Let's see... I've replaced the tires, replaced several O2 sensors, mufflers, windshield wipers, and done the usual oil change grease gun things on it. Original clutch, starter, alternator, thermostat, etc. I get it sprayed with oil for rust-proofing every two years or so and it has no body or frame rust yet. It's 12 years old, but I really like this truck and have no desire to replace it with anything newer. I wouldn't hesitate to use it as you describe.
Our other vehicle is a 2005 Honda CR-V. It's actually much better in snow than the Tacoma. Maintenance has been easy and trouble free. All wheel drive. It's too nice to take on rough roads, although it could handle anything that qualifies as a road, rather than as a trail or double-track.
Our other vehicle is a 2005 Honda CR-V. It's actually much better in snow than the Tacoma. Maintenance has been easy and trouble free. All wheel drive. It's too nice to take on rough roads, although it could handle anything that qualifies as a road, rather than as a trail or double-track.
Little Rickie
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RoySwkr
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Andy Martin of Tucson generally uses an Accord with 200,000+ miles to visit more offbeat places than most anyone even though he has a Montero sitting in his yard. He says you just have to drive carefully and occasionally move a rock.
I used to have a Ford Ranger 2wd which was fine for the NE 3k where usually the stopper is not just high rocks but something that would challenge a tank. When I realized that most of my driving was on roads I switched to a Ford Escort and sometimes had to walk farther - although not necessarily slower than creeping in 4wd. Both of these were genuine 30+ mpg.
My sister got a Xterra for the truck frame and sleeping space, but it seemed bulky to me.
I used to have a Ford Ranger 2wd which was fine for the NE 3k where usually the stopper is not just high rocks but something that would challenge a tank. When I realized that most of my driving was on roads I switched to a Ford Escort and sometimes had to walk farther - although not necessarily slower than creeping in 4wd. Both of these were genuine 30+ mpg.
My sister got a Xterra for the truck frame and sleeping space, but it seemed bulky to me.
Chip
Well-known member
4wd low is important for steep ups or downs (stay off the brakes !), snow, sand, mud, etc. A real serious off-roader would probably also want an exhaust snorkel for water crossings and the ability to field replace snapped drive shafts. A diesel Unimog would be nice. My next vehicle will probably be another CJ7/Wrangler or diesel pick-up with the bed cap for gear and sleeping, although I prefer tents and air mattresses for car camping.
Little Rickie
New member
I like it!
$200k I better start cashing in my beer bottles.
NewHampshire
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Oops, thats right, the 4Runner. I don't know why I said Highlander...isn't that one the yuppie "soccer mom" SUV? The 4Runner is the "honest" 4WD SUV.
As is the Pilot. Being a Honda guy I would go Pilot....well actually being a pickup truck and Honda guy it would actually be the Ridgeline. (cool in looks AND name! )Brian
cushetunk
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You had to walk farther in order to go walking? Absolutely ridiculous!!
At a certain point I guess one has to ask if the game is peakbagging or peakbagging and off-roading.
Along that line, doesn't the CMC put a limit on how close you can drive to the summit of 14ers for it to 'count' ?
Along that line, doesn't the CMC put a limit on how close you can drive to the summit of 14ers for it to 'count' ?
3000' vertical is the unofficial rule. No official recognition, no official rules. (CMC's guidebook suggests that 3000' is for the first peak in a trip; chaining a traverse together is acceptable thereafter. Others disagree.)
NewHampshire
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Gas milage sucks, but if this can't get you where you need to go nothing will:
Now, where can I get a $4.3 million auto loan?
Brian
Now, where can I get a $4.3 million auto loan?
Brian
Lou Hale
New member
If you have about $50,000( duramax diesel) to spend a new 2500HD will do all you want and the diesel is capable of about 25mpg.
I have 195,500 hard miles on my 02 2500hd( gas motor) and its still going strong. It has skid plates but I have never had to use them. however at 12MPG is not to cheap on fuel. With power going to 3 of the 4 wheels ( in 4 hi or lo) its hard to get stuck unless you high center it.
On a more serious note is it possible to buy two vehicles ? one for most of your driving and another for the off roading? If the 4wd is only going to see occasional use why spend a lot of money on a newer vehicle to drive a day a week ?
rup's idea to tow a 4 wheeler is also a good one
I have 195,500 hard miles on my 02 2500hd( gas motor) and its still going strong. It has skid plates but I have never had to use them. however at 12MPG is not to cheap on fuel. With power going to 3 of the 4 wheels ( in 4 hi or lo) its hard to get stuck unless you high center it.
On a more serious note is it possible to buy two vehicles ? one for most of your driving and another for the off roading? If the 4wd is only going to see occasional use why spend a lot of money on a newer vehicle to drive a day a week ?
rup's idea to tow a 4 wheeler is also a good one
