What vehicle is best and what modifications to make for best adventure mobile in the backcountry

[JoshBunker88]

Hey all,

I recently have moved to Montrose, CO and the 14ers that are close to me (San Juans) have some of the roughest roads/routes to reach them. I'm just posting a general discussion topic on what all you seasoned 14er veterans recommend as a great vehicle for use in the backcountry. I've been considering getting a Toyota Tacoma and having some custom lift work done to it. Essentially I want something that has great ground clearance, a short wheel base, enough seating and storage for my family of 4, and above all is as reliable as possible. Fire away with your suggestions on best vehicles and if you have any suggestions on modifying the stock build! Thank you in advance!

Josh

[montanahiker]

There are multiple threads answering your question. You'll find the most votes for the 4Runner or Tacoma. I always wanted a Taco until I read some of the threads and did other research. Bought a 4Runner in July and love it.

[bergsteigen]

I have an ‘02 Tacoma TRD with a 2.5” lift kit and burly suspension giving me 13.5” of clearance. There are very few places I can’t take it. Mainly because I don’t have the skills for the worst roads, the truck’s solid. I’ll also say Toyota has better longevity/reliability than Jeep. I’ve done most/many of the roads in the SJ’s without issue.

[TomPierce]

I like my 4Runner, super reliable and almost fully armored (BudBuilt stainless steel plates & heavy duty sliders, fwiw). One thing rarely mentioned about a 4Runner is that with the seats folded down I can sleep in the back. Foam pad sections that I lay out, bag on top. Sure beats hassling with a tent at the TH. Immune to the elements, fast set-up. Just a thought.

-Tom

[climbingcue]

I have an 03 4Runner with 209k miles on it and have almost 100 nights sleeping in it. I have created a platform that I can store items under and sleep on top with a mattress. Great for pulling into a trailhead and just jumping in the back and sleeping. When this 4Runner is done I will be replacing it with a newer 4Runner. It has been the best vehicle for my hiking/climbing needs. The only real down fall is the prices for used Toyota trucks in Colorado is super high. I will just travel to another state to get a better deal. Good luck....

[LURE]

If I had a family of 4 I would not buy a Tacoma, I'd go the 4runner route instead. Much more seating room and still decent cargo room, if you really need more cargo room you can throw on a roof box - and they're basically equally capable. Tacomas are so cramped on the inside.

I don't even have a family and I decided against Tacomas and 4Runners cause of the space issues. But I have different needs and hobbies than just hiking/backpacking.

[Reg0928]

I have a Tacoma TRD off road and love it. Camper shell and sleeping platform with storage underneath in the bed so I can sleep anywhere. 4wd, lift, and a rear locker so I can go (almost) anywhere. The truck has crawled right up the rougher roads like Yankee Boy Basin, Castle Creek, Nellie Creek, Matterhorn Creek etc with ease. You may wanna go 4 door short bed with a roof top tent or something similar for the fam.

[hberry]

I like my 4Runner, super reliable and almost fully armored (BudBuilt stainless steel plates & heavy duty sliders, fwiw). One thing rarely mentioned about a 4Runner is that with the seats folded down I can sleep in the back. Foam pad sections that I lay out, bag on top. Sure beats hassling with a tent at the TH. Immune to the elements, fast set-up. Just a thought.

-Tom

How do you like the BudBuilt stuff? Did it take a long time for him to ship? I have been going back and forth on it for my Tundra.

[XterraRob]

Nissan Xterra

[TomPierce]

hberry: I did a lot of shopping and settled on BudBuilt, I LOVE his stuff. Why? BB uses a "smooth is good" approach, the plates are glass smooth and won't catch on rock features, they slide over when necessary. Super thick, and you can get them in stainless steel like I did, pricey but obviously no rusting. Those plates have saved me from significant damage more than once. I have zero complaints about BB, although the last plate would have been tough for a solo person to install at home. I finally gave in and took it to a shop (required simultaneous plate and crossbar mounting; the other plates were easy bolt-ons). I don't recall any significant/crazy delays in shipping. PM me for more details if you'd like.

-Tom

[ezabielski]

There are many, many threads about this topic if you search.

For just accessing 14er trailheads across the state, it's the Subaru Outback. The number of miles you need to walk on 4WD roads beyond where the Subaru can go is pretty small. You can sleep in the back without any modification. It's easy to drive. The gas mileage and lower initial cost would easily pay for completely brand new set of fancy gear to enjoy on many many hikes.

For 4WDing or repeatedly accessing more difficult 4WD trailheads and roads in the San Juans, obviously you would want something more. (Source: Owned an Outback for a long time, now own a Land Cruiser)

[RyGuy]

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, period.

Tacos or 4 Runners aren't bad either. Have more than a few friends with them. But there is a reason all the places in the San Juans that rent vehicles for exploring the passes and backcountry roads rent Jeep Wranglers.

That said, they are also one of the most easy to modify/customize vehicles out there. You get a Wrangler and don't like something about it, just replace that part. Chances are for any given part on a Jeep, there are several replacement parts out there from various companies that will suit your needs/wants better. Want a cool accessory to make your Jeep better? Someone makes it, just gotta buy and install it.

The only downside is going to be interior space for a family of 4 with gear. Given the short wheelbase, the Jeep isn't going to have the same space as a 4 Runner.

-Ryan