weekend adventure vehicle

J Bird wrote:4runners are generally cheap, reliable, have ample room, 4wd, and easy to maintain. I took out the backseats in my 4runner and put in a sleeping deck. I am 6'1" and fit in it fine, I just have to tilt the passenger seat a bit forward to fully stretch out. I've lived in it, gets me places others can't, only downside is gas.

4runners are sick, but I don't think I'd say they are generally cheap. In the places I've looked, they tend to hold their value well.

mattm wrote:With the popularity of Sprinter conversions I'm always amazed the European small camper van market doesn't at least TRY to make a move back over here. Sprinters, as some have noted here, are too damn big to be practical for any type of day to day use. Being the classic family of 4 w/dog I need a day-to-day hauler 90% of the time and the "mini van" setup is just too practical. I lust after a V-Class Mercedes Marco Polo yearly... I'd just add a nice SUV if I lived in the MtnWest for Ski season or the very rare dirt road approach.

Toyota Sienna is likely to have less expensive maintenance and repair requirements


More photos at www.gtrv.com

amockalypsenow wrote: Sprinters are dandy, but the power stroke 7.3 in the e350 is one of the most reliable engines ever made- gets relatively good mpg and the maintenance costs of the ford are a fraction of what sprinters cost, not even including initial investment.

How much more reliability do you need, the T1N engine is boarderline bombproof.

The Powerstroke is ridiculous, you get like 16mpg with that thing.

The initial investment is pretty much the same. At least in Oregon and in my experience.

Bill Kirby wrote: I would've PM you but thought maybe others would be interested... My Element is nice to throw a mattress in the back of. Your list makes sense but why would a Sprinter not work? Is it drivability? I wouldn't wanna find a spot to park that fits some of the bigger Sprinters. My wife wants one but we've been putting it off. I mooch off friends that live near good climbing. I was thinking of a big fifth wheel RV trailer. Pull it to different campgrounds year round. You could drop it and drive the truck to climbing. That make any sense to anyone? Hope I didnt hijack

They are actually really nice to drive I just think that they are bit overkill if you are not living in it full-time. I don't mean to discourage getting one and it would really depend on whether or not you were going to go used or new. If you got the coin to go new then hell yeah go for it but used opens up a whole other can of worms.

amockalypsenow wrote:I'm surprised nobody has mentioned a 3rd gen 4runner. They fold down flat in the back for very comfortable sleeping and can handle just about anything off-road. Sprinters are dandy, but the power stroke 7.3 in the e350 is one of the most reliable engines ever made- gets relatively good mpg and the maintenance costs of the ford are a fraction of what sprinters cost, not even including initial investment. I like climbing backcountry spots with bad trail approaches so would never consider a Subaru or element myself, plus, they don't realistically measure up as large enough to sleep in without contorting oneself. The awd Astro would be handy for snowy roads but not really capable off-road. It can be slept in -although small, and once you put a bed and a few other things in it, it is pretty much full up.

My experience with the 7.3L PS would not indicate what I consider good fuel economy. I would expect around 10 - 12 mpg in a E350 with a 4wd conversion and lower final drive ratios. A modern 6.7 PS or 6.7 Cummins would be far superior. Personally I'd rather have a built out truck; the only downside being the separation between the cab and the bed.

Mike Brady wrote: They are actually really nice to drive I just think that they are bit overkill if you are not living in it full-time. I don't mean to discourage getting one and it would really depend on whether or not you were going to go used or new. If you got the coin to go new then hell yeah go for it but used opens up a whole other can of worms.

Thank you for answering my questions. Lots to think about. Good to know about having to wrench on used Sprinters.

Bill Kirby wrote: Thank you for answering my questions. Lots to think about. Good to know about having to wrench on used Sprinters.

No worries. I bought a Sprinter with 150K on it. The engine has been running very well for 60K(and still is) but there are a lot more things than just the engine and I have been very proactive in maintenance/repair. Just like any other high mileage vehicle things will need to be replaced like struts,ball joints, random plastic components, etc.

If you do go with a T1N and more so a high mileage N3CV make the dealer let you sign a major mechanical recision and have it inspected by a trusted and independent shop. I took mine to a freightliner dealer and another shop that I trust entirely. I took all my findings and made the dealer pay for all the repairs needed. I had them do some body work and fix the sliding door as well. Spend sometime on Sprintersource (not too much though, because like MP there are people over there that think what they are doing is magic) and you will quickly find out the few very obvious things that will most likely need to be addressed right away.