The Family Daily Driver ExPo Rig Thread!

[fifthcircle]

So, with all the really cool rigs AND PEOPLE on here, I figured this would be a great place to have set up's and pics with info for all those with families out and about!

IMHO, THE BEST DAILY DRIVER AND OCCASIONAL CAMPING and/or VACATION ROAD TRIP VEHICLE WOULD BE _________.


I had a big paragraph typed up with tons of info about my situation, but lets keep it much more simple....list your pro's and con's with your set up. Don't forget some good 'ol pics with the whole Famn Damily out for a trip :ylsmoke:

-5th

[eric1115]

I went 4Runner/Landcruiser. I've had a Toy reg cab, a 1st gen 4Runner, and now an FJ60. I think that for a broad-brush family expedition rig, an FZJ80 would be just about ideal. Third row seating if you have a big family, crazy offroad capability potential if your backcountry adventures look more like rock crawling, tons of aftermarket support, comfortable for DD duties and long-distance highway cruising. Only two downsides as I see it are power and fuel economy. I could easily live with the modest power output, as I am currently easily living with a vehicle with even less.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5006790191_c14012f6f2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/48578127@N07/5006790191/)
This is the closest I've got to a "whole damn family + rig" shot. My son Bridger is a year and a half now (just over a year old when these were taken); our family is my wife and I, Bridger, and our Lab. Never know how big it's going to grow, but we're leaning towards one more. A third sort of sets off a chain reaction. We'd probably want a third row of seating, which means a new vehicle. 80 series? Third row also cuts severely into cargo space. So, trailer time?

But, they're so much fun...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5007399408_05b1ccbe89.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/48578127@N07/5007399408/)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5007404572_2bd9f2612b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/48578127@N07/5007404572/)
talkin' about man stuff...

[OutsideFamily]

I voted for "massive SUV" as we recently bought a Yukon XL (Suburban). Most of the places we go for family camping is not too far off the beaten path, so off-road capability was not as important to me right now. The kids are 5, 3.5 and 1, so hopefully in the future when they are a little older that will change. We had been DD/camping in a Jeep Grand Cherokee (I would classify as a mid-size in your poll). It was ok with two kids, but with 3, and one being a baby, it was a bit cramped. Quite a bit more off-road capability though.

[r_w]

We are 9 plus dogs, so my choice is pretty much made for me. Shortbus for us...

[Colorado Jeeper]

The wife and I have five kids, six and under the options are limited. We have a suburban that is our true everyday rig, takes the kids to school, pulls the TT on trips and get us to the mountains on weekends in comfort. Last fall I bought a 2010 JK Unlimited and installed jump seats in the rear, we now have room for seven. The Gobi rack makes up for the lost interior space. It's not as comfortable as the suburban but it will go more places and the kids have a blast riding in it.

[jim65wagon]

IMHO, THE BEST DAILY DRIVER AND OCCASIONAL CAMPING and/or VACATION ROAD TRIP VEHICLE WOULD BE _________.

....list your pro's and con's with your set up. Don't forget some good 'ol pics with the whole Famn Damily out for a trip :ylsmoke:
-5th

I picked Fullsize Truck in the poll, since mine is technically a fullsize, but I like to think of it a petite fullsize.....

IMHO, THE BEST DAILY DRIVER AND OCCASIONAL CAMPING and/or VACATION ROAD TRIP VEHICLE WOULD BE a 2003 Toyota Tundra access cab.

Daily drives me to work, handles hauling duties for DIY projects (sand, stone, lumber, mulch, etc) and gets decent mileage doing it with a nice dose of V8 passing power when needed.

Pros: V8 baby! That Toyota V8 is one of the best engines ever produced.
Hauling capacity: enough for a family of four for a week in the woods(that's with teenagers) or a ton of pea gravel
Size: It's big enough to do it's fullsize truck duty (drywall fits between the wheelwells) but small enough to fit through some tight places in the woods, and easy to park at the mall.
The Kit: 2 tents, 4 cots and sleeping bags, 2 endtables, Triton Hot Shower unit, custom chuckbox, Yeti Tundra cooler, 10lb propane tank, 21 gallon water tank, large folding table, First Up gazebo for kitchen, 4 camp chairs, 4 aluminum ATV boxes (truck gear, backpacking kit, food box, general supplies - flashlights, hammer, lanterns, etc); that's what it takes to keep 4 different people happy and comfortable for a week. Some say Glamping like it's a bad thing - I say they haven't tried hard enough yet...

Cons: Size: It's too big for some places that I thought I might want to go, but it's on the small side for hauling two teenagers in the backseat (they want me to get a DoubleCab like their Uncles, but that ain't happenin' - this truck is paid for and only has 162,000 miles on it)
The Kit: limits us to a mostly basecamp style of camping. We can and have done one-nighter-move-on stuff but even setting up a limited camp (2 tents and a basic kitchen) still takes time.....but basecamping does work for us; we tend to hike and explore an area thoroughly.

Loaded and ready for a week on the beach!...well that trip turned into a forest trip.....
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5005935415_469b15cf2f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim65wagon/5005935415/)


The fam at Tea Creek Campground (one of the few CGs we've used in years)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4852523705_af20c6f8eb.jpg

All that gear on the back of the truck looks like this setup
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2922784974_92c99c040c.jpg

exploring.....
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4851195909_a7b8361704.jpg

[eric1115]

We gotta go to the crappy town where I'm a hero.

Everywhere I go, his eyes keep followin' me...

[matt s]

It comes down to seats. We need six and while the K5 and the tahoe cut it most of the time when the whole fam dam heads out we either take two rigs (wife is NOT a fan of that) or we borrow my brothers suburban.

A DD suburban replacement for the tahoe is planned for this spring.

[murryconst]

The wife and I have five kids, six and under the options are limited. We have a suburban that is our true everyday rig, takes the kids to school, pulls the TT on trips and get us to the mountains on weekends in comfort. Last fall I bought a 2010 JK Unlimited and installed jump seats in the rear, we now have room for seven. The Gobi rack makes up for the lost interior space. It's not as comfortable as the suburban but it will go more places and the kids have a blast riding in it.

Do you have photos of the jump seats

[Stan the Man]

With the family in the rig, I would pick an SUV over a pickup. During long trips, I like having the cooler in the rig because it lets a person in the back seat hand me ice cold sodas :)


My bronco wheels pretty good too


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4247293642_6b1b3213fa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39735732@N08/4247293642/)

[fifthcircle]

Do you have photos of the jump seats

I am guessing he has the TerraFlex third row kit.....
http://www.fourwheeler.com/departments/products/129_1012_december_2010_whats_new/photo_04.html

[gloriavoxdei]

We have a 96 Cherokee and an 01 Yukon XL 2500. The Jeep is great for trips of a couple hours but we have 3 kids under 5 so for the longer stuff we take the Yukon with our 17' TT.

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z470/gloriavoxdei/CIMG0006-1.jpg

[The Adam Blaster]

I voted minivan because I've actually taken it on the closest thing that could be called an "overland" trip - lots of highway with some sketchy forest service roads.
But I've grown up with minivans since I was a young lad, and I REALLY appreciate the huge interior volume, and now that I am the one paying for the gas, I don't mind how economical it is either. ;)

My wife and I just have one child right now, but working on no. 2 and maybe no. 3 n the future. For 2 kids, either of my XJ's (one lifted on 33's, the other stock) will be the preferred option if we go off-highway. My wife is what I would consider overly cautious with our son right now, so the off-highway trips will likely be kept to a minimum for a few years still... :(

[nwoods]

Everywhere I go, his eyes keep followin' me...

I loved that show.

[eric1115]

I loved that show.

I know, right? I think we've all had a Firefly moment showing a new project vehicle to the wife. :)

Let me show you the rest. And-and try to see past what she is and onto what she can be.
... What's that, sir?
Freedom is what.
... I meant, what's *that*?
Oh, yeah, just step around that. I think something must have been living in here.

[nwoods]

I know, right? I think we've all had a Firefly moment showing a new project vehicle to the wife.

Fix her up some, get her working again, find a pilot...

....so she's not running now?

Not so much.

[fifthcircle]

Fix her up some, get her working again, find a pilot...

....so she's not running now?

Not so much.

What show is this? Sounds good!

[nwoods]

What show is this? Sounds good!

Firefly. One of the best shows ever made. Great writing, brilliant cast, excellent production quality, engaging characters, but mostly the writing.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly_(TV_series)

Here is a clip that includes the lines we were quoting:

YouTube - Firefly - 1.8 - Out of Gas [1/3]

[eric1115]

Firefly. One of the best shows ever made. Great writing, brilliant cast, excellent production quality, engaging characters, but mostly the writing.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly_(TV_series)

Here is a clip that includes the lines we were quoting:

YouTube - Firefly - 1.8 - Out of Gas [1/3] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohUR-ltpJlE&feature=youtube_gdata_player)

Don't forget the cheese factor! It was a show that was very willing to not take itself seriously. The whole totally-forget-the-steadycam thing, racking zoom and focus, having something happen and the camera has to pan super fast to catch it as if the cameraman missed his mark...

Aside, do you watch Castle? In a Halloween episode, Nathan's character got into his Malcom Reynolds getup. They asked him what he was supposed to be, and he said, "I'm a space cowboy." There were Captain Stretchypants references, and his daughter told him to let it go, that happened years ago and it's time to move on.

[nwoods]

Aside, do you watch Castle? In a Halloween episode, Nathan's character got into his Malcom Reynolds getup. They asked him what he was supposed to be, and he said, "I'm a space cowboy." There were Captain Stretchypants references, and his daughter told him to let it go, that happened years ago and it's time to move on.

Absolutely. I laughed long and hard. My wife just looked at me. Sigh....

[shortbus4x4]

Thats funny, Firefly is the one scifi show of mine that my wife really liked. She would actually watch it even if I was't home, now she is a big Castle fan.

[eric1115]

Thats funny, Firefly is the one scifi show of mine that my wife really liked. She would actually watch it even if I was't home, now she is a big Castle fan.

You sure she's not just a huge Nathan Fillion fan? I know my wife likes the show for the show's sake, but I know a couple OTHER guys' wives like the show for the sake of oogling Captain Reynolds. :PROFSheriffHL: Women can be so shallow. :)

[Cards81fan]

I voted mid-size SUV.

I have a smaller SUV (KJ Liberty), and for me and my wife and 2 kids, it works well enough but is pretty tight inside. We can load the cargo area, the roof rack pretty full. On the rack I use under bed storage totes to keep the weight and height down, and pack them full of lighter items. If I bought a hitch mounted cargo carrier, I could add a good amount more. But the internal space is cramped, from leg room to the cargo area.

I can carry tons of gear in the bed of my short bed Dakota, but again passenger space is limited. As mentioned, try keeping a cooler or bag of toys to entertain a child and it can get pretty tough in the cab of a truck. For a party of 2, a truck rules. But for any more than that, their utility is limited. Trucks are good for hauling cargo but not so much people.


So if I were buying anew and had the choice of something with more leg room and cargo space, I would do a larger SUV in a heartbeat. An 80 or 100 series would be a behemoth compared to the KJ, in a good way. Fuel mileage is not that much worse either honestly. For comfort and space alone, it would be worth it for a family that does any amount of semi-lengthy travel. If one is only on highway, something like the Highlander or 2010 Explorer would be perfect. But like most here, I get off road so I like a touch more capability.

[nwoods]

Whoa, talk about thread drift.... Where did this SUV talk come from :-)

[fifthcircle]

Whoa, talk about thread drift.... Where did this SUV talk come from :-)

I am glad someone could get it back ON TOPIC.... :coffeedrink:

So far, the mid size SUV is (not surprisingly) pulling way ahead. It will be at least another year before I even think about a new vehicle. Only problem with that is the owners of the 80 series TLC's will just keep putting miles on them. I would really love to just snag the next 80 in great condition with about 75k on it and "make it mine". Who knows, maybe my Tacoma will be ok for another 5yrs, and something really great will be produced.

[Colorado Jeeper]

Do you have photos of the jump seats


Little Passenger Third Row Seats

http://web.me.com/dudleyclint/Site_3/Little_passenger_Seat_Photos_files/original_4.jpg

http://web.me.com/dudleyclint/Site_3/Little_passenger_Seat_Photos_files/original_5.jpg

[Scoutman]

The rig you pick probably has to do a lot with the way you camp. Truck camper, RTT, tent, etc all drive what you drive.

For us my truck was bought to be first a good daily driver, second a hauler, and last a camping/exploring rig. It has to work best for that priority of the list. We have 2 kids ages 3 and 6 months and our truck camper with my 1 ton Dodge Ram 4x4 works nice. We have plenty of cab space and with the camper in the long bed we have sufficient camper space. The nice part is when I get home after a trip, I pull out from under the camper and drive to work the next day with all my gear still loaded up waiting for the next trip. Fuel econ is pretty good (~18-22) for an 8k# truck and I like the security and power it provides. We have a JK unlimited and an XJ rockcrawler so if we're doing day trips or 4 wheeling trips, I can always take one of them. Of course the other nice thing about such a big truck is I can trailer one of those rigs WITH the camper if I want to combine hobbies.

[EricM]

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab288/Celebrating20/June%2028%20-%20Day%2010/DSC04027.jpg

Cherokee Sport (1993) Got us to the Arctic Circle and back

We also did some Gold Mining :-)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab288/Celebrating20/June%2027%20-%20Day%209/DSC03932.jpg

there were Five of Us in the Jeep, along with all our crap. It spent most of the time behind the RV though....

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo152/43577/Jeep/jeep2.jpg

[Greggk]

i personally prefer my 1999 f250 with the powerstroke. endless torque ( can get almost an extra 150 hp and 300ft pounds of torque for under a grand), great fuel milage enough room for the kids and my boxer, plenty of cargo room, and it takes us wherever we want to go. fit 35's with just a leveling kit, diesels will keep running even if the body rotted off the frame around it, and well diesels are just cool! lol

[fifthcircle]

there were Five of Us in the Jeep, along with all our crap. It spent most of the time behind the RV though....

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo152/43577/Jeep/jeep2.jpg

This is CHEATING! :littlefriend:

[1sweetvan]

Ford E350. 12 or 15 passenger, It does just about everything very well. A true SUV and they depreciate like crazy so they are an excellent value when bought a few years old . Gas or Diesel, they will go 100's of 1000's of miles needing very little.

[Pedro]

we are quite partial to the Lexus GX470. The mileage is good when you don't have MT's on it. it seats 7 comfortably (or 6 with the fridge in). Tows a good deal of weight and is quite comfortable for DD work.

We have an ARB Sahara bar on the way for it as well as a winch and suspension. it should really wake it up.

They can be had for a decent price used especially now that there is a new model.

[Toyotero]

I voted Tacoma because of the doublecab... it's all the specs of the extended cab (wheelbase, bumpertobumper length, ~fuel economy, etc) but with 4 doors.

Regarding it being best for a fam, my opinion is theoretical since currently the mrs and I are still just the 2 of us... but I feel that the honey moon may be over soon...

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_VS3rWQkNXS0/TZUzet9h9RI/AAAAAAAAvvU/vGJpj03dm4s/s800/P3230164.JPG

[NCgx470]

GX gets this newbie's vote as well. In fact, we'll start a little mini-expedition tomorrow that should include some time on the beach at Ft. Fisher.

I also have a Tacoma Double Cab (for sale), but it comes nowhere close to the GX for a family "expo" vehicle. . .

[carcrafter22]

I'd have to say an AWD chevy van would be my choice for a dual purpose daily driver/travel rig.

[TerryD]

We just bought a 1999 Chevy Suburban K1500 in January. Seats 9 with plenty of cargo space. It has the 5.7L/Auto and the "Automatic" 4wd transfer case.

Pros:
Leather everything
Power everything
Full Class III towing capacity
LWB make it stable on slippery roads and with a trailer behind it
Seats 9 with 3rd row
Take out 3rd row and you have a crew cab short bed truck
Lay down 2nd row and you almost have a standard cab long bed truck
Lots of aftermarket support for parts/upgrades
Ours has factory dual battery setup
Factory external transmission cooler
Barn doors for easy access and no need to replace gas-supports on hatch
A/C that will freeze you
Heat that will melt you

Cons:
Leather everything
Power everything
Not the easiest thing I've ever had in a parking lot
16MPG


Overall: We love it. Driving home I was asking myself why we didn't have 2 of them! Being a 99 it needs some work, shocks and the like, but I'm fine with working on one vs paying 3-4 times what we paid for ours for a newer one. It handles very good and with the rear sway-bar is stable on the highway. I've yet to pull a trailer with it, but that's mainly due to not having tires on it rated for any kind of load and not as of yet putting the trailer lights and brake controller on it. The kids love it because they can see out of it better than the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee it replaced (lost in an accident).

We've taken a trip to Gatlinburg, Tn in it with the kids (2 till August, then the 3rd will finally be here) and it got over 16mpg and used less than one tank of fuel (42 us-gal tank). That was about a 4hr trip to get there. It also hauled our family + mom, dad, and granny on a day trip to Greensboro, NC (2 hr one way) and no one complained about being cramped, even my 60 y/o Dad riding in the 3rd row with my 55 y/o Mom and my 4 y/o Daughter in her car seat said it was comfortable. :Wow1:

We've used the 4wd a few times exploring potential property purchases as we are currently house hunting for a place closer to where I work. Another nice thing about a 12y/o vehicle is not being very worried about minor scratches and scuffs from branches/brush. On snowy-two-tracks it's always been a tank (weight helps!) and never even slipped a tire. With a little bit of torsion bar cranking, a 3/4 ton spring "weaving", a SF 14 bolt rear axle from a light duty K2500, and some 285/75R16 A/Ts I think it'll be perfect for a weekend warrior and DD for the old lady.

Sorry for being long winded, but I just wanted to be thorough with my vote.

[JCMatthews]

Why is a midsized 4 door truck not an option on the poll? Like a Dodge Dakota or Toyota Tundra. They would both be good vehicles.

[fifthcircle]

Why is a midsized 4 door truck not an option on the poll? Like a Dodge Dakota or Toyota Tundra. They would both be good vehicles.

Dakota is a "small truck", Tundra is a "big truck".
A Dakota is not any bigger than a Tacoma.....
The older Tundra is a bit smaller than a full size, as is the T-100....
I had to draw the line somewhere on the poll. ;)

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[jim65wagon]

Yeah, but since you can lay a 4x8 sheet of drywall down between the wheelwells the Tundra qualifies as a fullsize......

[Mauka2Makai]

Oh trust me we've gone through many vehicles trying to find one that matches our lifestyle and our family. Think we finally found it. :)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_4776.jpg

[fifthcircle]

Oh trust me we've gone through many vehicles trying to find one that matches our lifestyle and our family. Think we finally found it. :)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_4776.jpg


80 series, NICE!!! I am in love with those, but still shy on actually pulling the trigger. Maybe someday :)

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[ACFaulk]

I'm a jeep guy (04 TJ) but my Bro - In - Law has an 80 and I love it. It pulls like a tractor. For an expedition rig that 80 is awesome. I love my Jeep but storage will always be its downfall, not to mention having the ability to sleep in the truck if you have too...having that ability would be nice when the weather is really bad. (besides the driver seat that is :-)

[BPMOU]

I chose the the large SUV from the options. I have had an 80 series, sold it a couple of years back (wish I still had it). It worked well, but know that I have two little girls, 3.5 and 2 weeks old, I don't know if I would have been any better with an 80 than I am in our family car, which is to small for the four of us.

I really like the 80 series, but I am 6'2", and with two carseats and the driver seat back all the way it's a tight fit.

I am now looking for a 96-99 Suburban to haul the girls, the dogs and everything else in between. The biggest difference is that the suburbans are made for us fat ***** Americans. In my case, I appreciate that as the extra space is really needed.

[CCH]

I did not vote. Circumstances simply vary WAY too much to make an easy call. I say that having tried pretty much everything but the minivan option. These are just since we had kids and listed in chronological order:

FULL SIZE TRUCK 1/2 ton Chevy Extended Cab: Great truck, suicide doors sucked but we could fit five (only have two kids but could only bring one of their friends which was a drag). It towed great and was a passable off road vehicle. Dogs and gear road in back. Had a cap with rack. Just about perfect for our camping using a pop-up camper. Equally great option for tent camping. Tough to beat a full size truck for cargo.

JUST GET A CAR Subaru Outback: With a cargo rack or roof box and camping more along the lines of backpacking, this bullet proof car can get me into a whole lot of Colorado, especially in the summer time. Not a true off-roading machine but surprisingly capable. Only room for five and if you bring pets along as well, you'd best pack lightly. Bought it new in 2005 and plan to give it to my son in two years to run through high school and beyond. Has required nothing but routine maintenance and pushing 100k.

MID-SIZED SUV Xterra: Liked it as a daily driver but again, only room for five. Great off-road but not super roomy. MPG no better than a full-sized truck. The Subaru hauls almost as much gear. Decent for towing a small trailer.

FULL-SIZED SUV: We want it all and we want it now. No more size compromise. 2009 Suburban with seating for eight. Kids can finally each bring a friend! Hooray! Comfy ride, ours was not at all built for off-road (running boards, low plastic air dam on front bumper) but could do modest stretches. Downside, despite being a full-sized vehicle there are limits to its towing capability particularly in mountainous terrain. Our latest camper exceeds them which brings us to the current family adventure vehicle:

HEAVY DUTY FULL-SIZED TRUCK: Dodge 2500 CTD Crew Cab, Short bed. Room for six (they can still each bring a friend). Lots of cargo room -- it's sure nice having that truck bed again. More than adequate towing in the mountains. Not the greatest daily driver due to size and mpg but ride is nice enough. Should be long-lived. Kind of a pig off-road but high durability factor.

The point is that the bullseye is always moving when it comes to these things. Families grow, interests change, "needs" change. It is really hard to pick that vehicle that will do it all. Thought I did a couple of times but I was wrong. If push came to shove, I would say that one of the current half ton crew cab full sized trucks would offer the best compromise and least danger of out growing.

[daPitbull]

For me and my family, our 4runner is serving us well. It's my DD (although I mostly bike or take public transportation for work) and works great for pulling our tentrax trailer. We have a 20month old and a little girl on the way (due 11/28), plus two 70lbs dogs. We can fit most all the camping stuff in the tentrax, and I'm saving up to get a baja rack to throw more stuff on the roof.

2008 4runner SR5 4.7V8, 3" OW/Radflo lift, locked, armor
http://www.ranthonyjuachon.com/Travel/High-Sierra-2011/i-ZkDrrw3/0/L/IMG1121-L.jpg
http://www.ranthonyjuachon.com/Travel/High-Sierra-2011/i-2kxhK3K/0/L/IMG0951-L.jpg
http://www.ranthonyjuachon.com/Travel/High-Sierra-2011/i-pcLzcf5/0/L/IMG0988-L.jpg

[1sweetvan]

Econoline 350,12 passenger. Yes they are 2 wd, but that can easily be changed. Consider:
More ground clearance stock than most factory SUV or 4x4 trucks.
With 2 bench seats and seating for 8, you can still fit 5 full size bikes in the back.
Same WB as the Excursion.
Shorter than a Suburban.
500,000 mile reliability.
You can pick them up for less than 40% of MSRP when 2 years old, convert to 4x4 and still spend less than $30k.
9' of cargo space with the bench seats pulled out.
3500# payload.
6500# tow rating or more.
You can buy an E350 and convert it to 4x4 for less than $20k and have a very nice vehicle.
You will likely never outgrow it.
Makes P/Us and SUVs look useless.

[BoilermakerSteve]

We have driven our Excursion for 8 years and love it (I am a little offended that it wasn't listed in the Massive SUV section :) ). We have kids ages 17, 14, 12 and 10.
- Lots of passenger room
- The most cargo space
- 3/4 ton chasis
- solid axles
- diesel options (lots of torque)

We have over 300,000 miles on ours, original engine (7.3 PSD) and transmission.

We get accosted by sales people when we drive onto dealer lots, they want the Excursion as a trade. It won't happen.

When the kids are gone it is going to get a roof top tent and kitchen kit in the back and we are going to have fun.

But, everyone has to find what works for them.

[Spicy McHaggis]

Just traded in our 2010 JKU for a 2010 4Runner SRT.

More room, more power. Nicer vehicle all around for the 4 of us and 2 dogs.

[fifthcircle]

Just traded in our 2010 JKU for a 2010 4Runner SRT.

More room, more power. Nicer vehicle all around for the 4 of us and 2 dogs.

Great minds.....
Try as I might, I couldn't find the right Land Cruiser for me. Ended up trading the 06 Taco for a 2011 4runner Trail!

posted with a vengeance using tapatalk

[Willman]

Well......

I sold my FJ60.....Sad day!

Well...My wife is happier now....

2012 Honda Odyssey

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f374/nicwillman/HondaVan.jpg

Was not a fan at all.....but after a few trips around town the Honda Odyssey is a great tool....

This rig has great aftermarket support.....

;)

[PakRatt]

94 jjeep wrangler
Pros....goes anywhere...easy to modify....paid for
Cons....high milage,,,,not enough room for wife, preteen, dogs.....gear

[Herbie]

I voted "Mini-Van", but ours is really more of a Mid-size. Let's call it a "Midi-Van"

It's performed all of the regular mini-van duties like CostCo runs and hauling the seemingly endless supply of baby gear to and fro, but is also shaping up into a fun platform for Family Adventure. Prior to installing my VW-Westy-like interior setup, it was an 8-passenger van. Now it seats five but with beds for four plus fridge, porta-potti, and gear.

Here's a shot post-DIY-pop-top but pre-lift:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UHovUIyDKPw/TZ0A3dZ7NZI/AAAAAAAAEE0/Czuqm-urc30/s400/IMG_5199.JPG

And another, post-4" lift, ready for camping. Next comes swapping the AWD transfer case for a 2-speed 4x4 case and better finishing the interior:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j2REln54LDI/TzBQxFl9pTI/AAAAAAAAEy4/3hJBNJ9kjSY/s640/IMAG0779.jpg

[GroupSe7en]

As an unauthorized spokesman for the lunatic fringe, I vote: Porsche Cayenne!

There is nothing that can touch it as a DD - not even close. Really, not even close.
It's great for long trips on the highway to get you to interesting places.
Fully independent suspension eats up washboard.

Super comfy - runs like a scalded dog - room for the three of us, the dog, and our stuff.

We're debating between pairing it with a RTT or large teardrop trailer - Teardrop currently has the edge.

Our feeling was that since it spends most of it's life just driving around, we wanted something that was the best at doing that, and we compromised on the rock hopping capabilities.
We weren't going to do stuff like that anyway.

We also didn't need an overlander capable of carrying a months worth of stuff into the wilds.
Besides, who gets a month off to go overlanding? With kids?

We got an older one - before they did the bodywork facelift.
It's a little bit bigger and a lot cheaper.

If we could ever find a Trans-Siberia for the right price, we would be all over it.
Best DD/ExPo rig ever.

The Lunatic Fringe now returns you to your regularly scheduled serious discussion of proper ExPo rigs.

[Mauka2Makai]

Family Vehicle... Check... With the LC I have no reservations concerning safety or reliability when traveling on or offroad with my family.
Daily Driver... Check... On average the LC is driven over 300 miles per week just on the 405 (arguably the worst traffic in the nation).
Expo Rig... Check... We have yet to go on any expeditions, but everyday is an adventure in our family.

After a year and a half of ownership, ~20k miles, and many awesome memories made... Our LC continues to exceed our expectations as a family vehicle. :)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_8972.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_7798-1.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_8412.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_8949.jpg

[xcmountain80]

I guess it depends on where you live and what you do. That said my wife and I have mostly always had midsize or what used to be midsized SUV’s and others(S-10 Blazer, Explorer, 4Runner, Suburban, Quad Cab F250, Tundra, some cars, etc).


My 3rd gen 4Runner while adequate for our travel and trips has had a Yakima roof box, trailer, roof rack, and rear rack added at some point or another to increase carry capacity. The 4Runner was the go to travel vehicle even those it has several hundred thousand miles on it, yea yea it’s a Toyota and I can field strip just about everything on it. The Explorer served us well and was just used for around town and under 2 hour trips.


We recently lost the Explorer in a accident and were in a jam to replace it. The 4th gen 4Runner was my choice, the 5th or 6th gen Explorer was her pick, as was the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna. The Explorer was nice but I just didn’t like it, she didn’t like the feel and drive of the 4Runner, and we didn’t even get to the vans, as I was dead set against it. Solely because how lame would it look with a Mini Van towing a M416 on 33’s down the highway?


In desperation I said what about a 1st gen Sequoia…..we were looking for 3 rows for family trips more room for cargo etc. I had never driven one but owned plenty of huge vehicles. I drove it, I like it, the grunt of the 4.7L V-8 inspires a smile and got at or better than the MPGS of our current vehicles with added room and power so a no loss situation there. The more I drive it the more I like it. Now it is 2wd but the number of times I’ve HAD to use 4wd on a trip I can count on 1 hand and mostly of my own doing ( and that includes snow). I don’t consider my built 4Runner a trail rig but it will be our inclement weather vehicle if need be.


The 2005 Sequoia is our current choice as our family is growing with 5 LATCH points, adult seating for 7-8 comfortably and still have storage for luggage and strollers behind the 3rd row is awesome. That’s just me but I like it. On a side note the Econoline, Euro Van, and Astro were mentioned but none were available for test drive.

[JoelCragAz]

Not the daily driver but it is the Family Get Away From the Crowds Rig.

[fowldarr]

After looking for a long time, we settled on a tundra crewmax. As much seating room as a full size suv, well seats six anyway and it has a bed for everything else.

[lowenbrau]

We have loved the HDJ81 but it is just not going to work well with four kids. I added the third row of seats but the 50/50 rear bench means someone has to climb over the tailgate to get to school everyday. I'm sure a 100 series (60/40 middle row) is in our future but even it will be a stopgap. I recently drove a second gen Tundra with the six pass arrangement and I think once all the kids are facing forward we'll be looking for a doublecab. I can add a canopy, some drawers and have a big arse SUV that with the RTT will sleep all six of us. I'll try the V8 gasser for a while but I think a V8 diesel and full-time t-case from an Aussie 200 series would make for a fine pickup.

93562

[gotmud]

I have four kids (15, 13, 6, & 5), my girlfriend has two (7 & 6). Around town and short trips we usually use her '93 Land Cruiser. It's more or less stock (33's) and is still pretty comfortable for the kids. We've done some wheeling in it and naturally, it does just fine on anything less than a 4.0 rated trail. For longer trips or harder trails, we take my '94 which is locked X3 and rolls on 35's. It also has a DVD player for the kids and plenty of power outlets for my teen girls to charge their phones, laptops, etc...

Mileage is what it is. The best advice I ever got was to stop monitoring my fuel mileage and just enjoy the ride. For those who complain about the power of an 80 series, I somewhat sympathize, but in reality both my gf's '93 with 300K and my '94 with 260K do just fine considering their weight.

Prior to my 80, I've had a Tundra, 4Runner, Sienna, and Astro. Each of them had their strong points, but I think the 80 is the best for hauling our large family whether around town or around the trail.

[wacker]

Currently trying out a 02 half ton 'burb. With 3 mid sized dogs, a wife who can't pack and a newborn, this is a great fit. If not taking the dogs the 10 outback is awesome. If we had one less or maybe smaller pup it would be the primary tripper. All that being said the burbs down sides are mileage and not the most efficient use of space. We are looking to supplement it with a RTT and possibly a trailer. If the wife would sign off on it I would strongly look at a diesel 4wd van. Much more interior volume and it's a diesel. Hope some of that helps I've noticed a trend I would agree with.

Outback-if you can pack light is a winner.

Toyota 4runner/Cruiser-if Offroad capability is the priority.

BurbExpedition-when you absolutely need more room.

Full size van- if you can get past that it's a van.

[dstock]

Family Vehicle... Check... With the LC I have no reservations concerning safety or reliability when traveling on or offroad with my family.
Daily Driver... Check... On average the LC is driven over 300 miles per week just on the 405 (arguably the worst traffic in the nation).
Expo Rig... Check... We have yet to go on any expeditions, but everyday is an adventure in our family.

After a year and a half of ownership, ~20k miles, and many awesome memories made... Our LC continues to exceed our expectations as a family vehicle. :)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s190/nalusone/Mauka2Makai/IMG_8972.jpg
]

I have to say I love my JK Unlimited, but your rig looks fantastic!

[Scott C]

Not the daily driver but it is the Family Get Away From the Crowds Rig.

Clean and simple, that is a nice truck.