Full Size (LARGE) Family Adventure Rig - Selection Question

[4671 Hybrid]

If you're looking at H3's then money probably isn't that big of a deal but just in case, consider the price point of a Landcruiser 80 series. A locked version in good shape can be had in the $6k range. Add to that a roof rack and car top carrier for $100, a winch for $400, skid plates for another $200, and you're looking at a ready to go truck for less than $7k.

That being said, it's hard to argue with an older Suburban in terms of trailer towing capacity, comfort for 7 people, off-road prowess with a cheap locker, aftermarket support, the ability to run a mild lift with 35" tires, and most importantly for frugal people like me, price. Also, if you get a diesel, you'll still be pulling better MPG than vehicles that are considerably smaller.

[mesha]

I had a early 90s suburban and loved it. Solid axle, easy and cheap to lift, tons of room, cheap starting price, fuel injected. I only sold it cause I needed more towing ability adn settled on a 04 cummins 4 door. The cummins is amazing, but probably not big enough.

[hoaxci5]

Just as an FYI on the Commander, I just returned from Moab and did Fins and Things with no issue. Mine is mildly modded, spacer lift and 32" tires. I hit my rear bumper lightly once. I can't comment on other "full size" suvs but I don't think they would have faired as well without significant mods.

[Sock Puppet]

Nothing beats loading the family in a rig and trying it on for size. It's all guess work until your wife is sitting in the passenger giving you the stink-eye because the kids are uncomfortable. Narrow it down to 3 or 4 to test drive, then take them home and load your kids and junk. Yeah, it will be a pain, but not nearly as much as buying the wrong vehicle.

[Mexican_Hippie]

I also have 4 kids (ages 1-9). Two kids in the Jeep TJ was fine. Three was doable with the extra seat belt I added. Four just doesn't work. I'm torn between a 2012 Rubi Wrangler w/ the Pentastar and a 3rd row, and a 89-91 3/4 ton Suburban. The Suburban would be SO much more comfortable, just lots of work to get it where I'd trust it with my family in BFE.

Let us know what you decide...and why.

[Jnich77]

Diesel excursion

-Sam

I would go for a big old full size van, do you really want 7-8 people crammed in anything smaller? then you have to haul gear and have the power to get all of that up a hill.... yeah.. full size van....lol

[Paijanne]

My family used to have a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban and its the only car that I've ever used that could comfortably fit eight people and two dogs (a lab and a bull mastiff, those animals take up a lot of space). We used to take it on all sorts of road trips around the country and through Mexico. It was also exceptionally handy for driving around little league players and all of their gear. They are just useful vehicles, especially when you are driving kids everywhere.

P.S. - They even have six door models now (which I think sounds kind of insane, even though I understand how it could be practical).

[adi]

I guess I was a little spoiled as a kid. Family of 4 in a Suburban, us 2 kids had an entire row to ourselves for the 8+ hour road trips.

Of course both my parents come from large families, and my mother still tells stories of her 9 person family going on trips (some to Nogales to get alcohol. Only allowed 1 bottle per person, and kids counted) in their VW bus, and spending time in Europe with similar sized vehicles that they all crammed into.

I'll echo the votes for a LC 80/100 sized vehicles for passenger space, plus a supply/shelter trailer you can keep at "base camp" when you want to explore off road.

[xpdishn]

Here's a 03 Excursion. It is on a lot, stopped and looked. The doors were open so I hopped up and those are HUGH. Only bad thing is the 6" lift. Seems it could hold as many as you like. I have absolutly no (financial) interest in this vehicle. The saleman said it came from Arizona.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

[zukrider]

i vote suburban or excursion. goes diesel in the excursion. pulling a trailer wont always be practical. you have to think that with the seating required, there needs to be gear room to. an excursion has close to 4 feet of space behind the third row seat. burb is close to that too.

if you must stick to the smaller mid size, a 94-96 mitsubishi montero SR will give you 3 rows, good for 7 passengers. all 3 rows are reclinable. an sr has a big sunroof, rear locker, 3 way adjustable shock system, and easy to clean leather. 215 hp 3.5 v6, awd selectable transfer case. there is a guy in cali running 37's on a 3" body lift with some trimming, and wheels in the rubicon. has not broken a shaft yet. he is a friend of offroader, here on the mitsu board. offroader is running a 2" body lift and 35's. i have all stock with 33's. i get 14-16 mpg loaded for camping with the a/c on. 15 unloaded flat towing my samurai in the rocky mountains.

awesome platform, and significantly cheaper than a 80 series. half the price or better than a 100 series.

good luck with your choice.

33's on stock rims

31's


link to offroader's

link to LAoutbacktrails build