Hey Everyone!
I am a long timer lurker and wanted to introduce myself to hopefully avail myself of the communities wisdom. This forum has been an awesome resource and the amount of people dedicated to sharing their experiences overlanding is really incredible and appreciated!
I'm currently living in the east coast and will be moving to Colorado at some point over the summer to go to school full time in Denver. My part time job over the past few years has been as a rock climbing instructor and I'm looking forward to this move for many reasons, including access to the mountains! However, I need (and partially want) a new vehicle and am taking this opportunity to upgrade from my 2007 jeep liberty. The problem is I cant make up my mind on what to get. My desires are thus:
1) Space - for sleeping, carrying all my gear, and a partner or two.
2) Fuel economy - because this will be my only car and a daily driver and ill be on a budget
3) Security - i don't want my expensive camping/climbing gear smash and grabbed.
4) 4x4 - since I'll be in the mountains during the winter and want to escape paved roads. Though I don't off road really.
So far, it looks like my best bet is a Toyota Tacoma 2d extended cab 4x4 with a shell over the bed. I do have reservations with this set up because I am not keen on sacrificing walk through capability by having separate cargo and cab compartments, I am 6'2 and barely fit in most truck beds when laying down, don't want to freeze if I spend nights in the truck bed during ski/alpine/ice season, and the lack of security of most camping shells with their windows also gives me pause since I'll probably be leaving my car unattended at minimum a full day in remote locations.
I know that no vehicle is perfect, but just wanted to ask others their opinion on this matter and see if anyone could provide me advice before I bite the bullet! Am getting my jeep cleaned up as we speak in order to prep for my move!
Thanks for any and all help!
-Ale
I am a long timer lurker and wanted to introduce myself to hopefully avail myself of the communities wisdom. This forum has been an awesome resource and the amount of people dedicated to sharing their experiences overlanding is really incredible and appreciated!
I'm currently living in the east coast and will be moving to Colorado at some point over the summer to go to school full time in Denver. My part time job over the past few years has been as a rock climbing instructor and I'm looking forward to this move for many reasons, including access to the mountains! However, I need (and partially want) a new vehicle and am taking this opportunity to upgrade from my 2007 jeep liberty. The problem is I cant make up my mind on what to get. My desires are thus:
1) Space - for sleeping, carrying all my gear, and a partner or two.
2) Fuel economy - because this will be my only car and a daily driver and ill be on a budget
3) Security - i don't want my expensive camping/climbing gear smash and grabbed.
4) 4x4 - since I'll be in the mountains during the winter and want to escape paved roads. Though I don't off road really.
So far, it looks like my best bet is a Toyota Tacoma 2d extended cab 4x4 with a shell over the bed. I do have reservations with this set up because I am not keen on sacrificing walk through capability by having separate cargo and cab compartments, I am 6'2 and barely fit in most truck beds when laying down, don't want to freeze if I spend nights in the truck bed during ski/alpine/ice season, and the lack of security of most camping shells with their windows also gives me pause since I'll probably be leaving my car unattended at minimum a full day in remote locations.
I know that no vehicle is perfect, but just wanted to ask others their opinion on this matter and see if anyone could provide me advice before I bite the bullet! Am getting my jeep cleaned up as we speak in order to prep for my move!
Thanks for any and all help!
-Ale