best (fish'g, bike'g) truck 4 family? and roof rack ?s

hoping to ask the experts out there for some quick help... we need a
2nd car.

info to help figure out the best truck:

* us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby (easy
access rear seating, roomy).
* beach driving (surf fishing, camping) in NC some weekends/vac
* everyday driving for her and baby (at least for now)
* would like to put a roof rack (thule, yak, or factory) to handle a
torpedo shaped cargo box and hopefully 2 mountain bike trays on the
other side, get creative for spacing? any help on this? i've seen it
done i think.
* camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.

recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after more
reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the beach?

the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one what
should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more than
17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.

any help appreciated.... email preferred!
Thanks,james

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James,

Have you considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee? It's a very capable 4wd! Get
one with Selectrack transfer case. This one is full time/part time 4wd. The
JGC has a roof rack capable of 200 lbs. But if I were you, buy an
aftermarket "wilderness rack" and put the bikes in a carrier located off the
rear receiver hitch.

The JGC is a very comfortable ride for daily use and doesn't sit so high
that putting a kid in a child seat isn't a chore.

Luck,
Brian
'01 Cherokee
'81 CJ-7

"James Y. Yang" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> hoping to ask the experts out there for some quick help... we need a
> 2nd car.
>
> info to help figure out the best truck:
>
> * us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby (easy
> access rear seating, roomy).
> * beach driving (surf fishing, camping) in NC some weekends/vac
> * everyday driving for her and baby (at least for now)
> * would like to put a roof rack (thule, yak, or factory) to handle a
> torpedo shaped cargo box and hopefully 2 mountain bike trays on the
> other side, get creative for spacing? any help on this? i've seen it
> done i think.
> * camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.
>
> recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after more
> reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the beach?
>
> the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one what
> should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more than
> 17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.
>
> any help appreciated.... email preferred!
> Thanks,james
>
> --
> rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
> posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
> Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
>

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bulletsnbrains wrote:

> James,
>
> Have you considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

That's what I have and just love it
--
Rodney Long,
Inventor of the Boomerang Fishing Pro. , Straight Up Hooks ,
Straight Up Lures, Mojo's Rock Hopper & Rig Saver weights,
and the EZKnot http://www.ezknot.com

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On 16 Aug 2003 07:10:05 GMT, James Y. Yang <[email protected]> wrote:
> info to help figure out the best truck:
>
> * us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby (easy
> access rear seating, roomy).
> * camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.

Where do you

> recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after more
> reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the beach?
>
> the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one what
> should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more than
> 17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.

It sounds like your concerns have minor conflicts.

You could get a truck -- a full size pickup, extended
cab, 4wd would do everything you want. You can even
get it brand new for $25k, not loaded, but not stripped.
Any manufacturer's full size pickup will have more than
sufficient off-road capability for you. Additionally,
one with backwards-opening rear doors on the extended
cab makes the absolute best rear-seat access you'll
find anywhere, IMO, aside from minivans.

Additionally, the full-size pickup, while capable of
having the rack you want, would not need said rack.

If you look at SUVs, you will find demand-inflated
prices on vehicles that are not great for anything, but
are versatile nonetheless. Most modern SUVs are not
trucks at all, just station wagons with a few more
inches ground clearance and a taller roof.

It sounds like you could do with a Subaru, maybe a
Subaru Forrester wagon for it's headroom, length,
and easy step-up.

You could also consider an all-wheel-drive minivan,
which is more of everything the Forrester is, except
that the Forrester's smaller size may work a little
better off road. My experience with minvans is that
they are _very_ comfortable, handle more like a car
than even a car-based SUV, and can do just about
anything most modern SUVs can, but better.

You can skip the rack in the minivan, too. Just
remove the 3rd-row seat for loads of cargo space.

> any help appreciated.... email preferred!

Strangely enough, it appears that my newsreader
(the built-in one in Opera 7) doesn't offer the
option to reply via email.

> Thanks,james
--
Rick Onanian

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In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] (James Y. Yang) wrote:

> hoping to ask the experts out there for some quick help... we need a
> 2nd car.
>
> info to help figure out the best truck:
>
> * us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby (easy
> access rear seating, roomy).
> * beach driving (surf fishing, camping) in NC some weekends/vac
> * everyday driving for her and baby (at least for now)
> * would like to put a roof rack (thule, yak, or factory) to handle a
> torpedo shaped cargo box and hopefully 2 mountain bike trays on the
> other side, get creative for spacing? any help on this? i've seen it
> done i think.
> * camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.
>
> recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after more
> reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the beach?
>
> the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one what
> should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more than
> 17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.
>
> any help appreciated.... email preferred!
> Thanks,james
>
> --
> rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
> posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
> Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
>

When I got ready to get a vehicle with my fishing in mind I looked at
all the small medium SUVs and trucks.

I narrowed to the Jeep Liberty, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forrester and the
newcomer Honda Element.

I went with the Element. The least expensive SUV with the most features
I could find. Plenty of room (head room, leg room, front and back). The
doors were a headline feature and are nice. More impressive though is
the rear seat configuration as they swing up and fold out of the way are
can be removed. all seats fold flat and provide a decent sleeping area.

Mine is AWD which is nice for everyday driving as some of the heavy
rains I have experienced lately. I have experienced almost no hydroplane
and it feels very safe (my last car would float at 40 MPH).

My only concern is the depth of beach sand it would handle. There has
been some discussion on the boards dedicated to the vehicle
<http://www.hondasuv.com/>, <http://www.hondaelement.org/> and
<http://www.elementownersclub.com/>.

Mine is the AWD EX which includes a 270 watt stereo with a subwoofer,
AC, expected power features (remote locking is extra), roof racks (an
option), mud guards (already installed). I got it for $21,300 in March.
I have about 23,000 miles on it already and average 20 mpg for fast
driving commute and trips to fish the flats in FL with my yak on top.

Worth a look.

regardsm

atljoe
--
"Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com

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I agree with another post that a 4wd extended cab truck would probably
meet your needs and then some. I speak from experience. I own a 2000
Chevy Silverado Z71 extended cab. I mounted mountain bike fork racks
onto my toolbox in the bed of the truck. They travel very nice like
this. Also, it has plenty of backseat room believe it or not,
especially for a young one.

If however, you want a SUV I'd consider several. In order of best to
worst here's my opinion: Nissan Pathfinder (new body style), Jeep
Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4-Runner (new or older body style), Nissan
Xterra, and the Isuzu Rodeo. Beyond that, I think they really drop off
in comparison. My wife owns a Isuzu Rodeo and we have very few
complaints. These have alot of GMC parts in it including the
drivetrain. That is a plus for me considering I trust GM brand. If you
can afford a used Pathfinder in the newest body style go for it. They
are comfortable, lots of power, great off road ability, and excellent
access. For the trendy style, you might try the XTerra. This SUV
doesn't have enough features for me though. I enjoy leather and I
don't think thats even an option with this SUV. I have lots of friends
who own SUVs and all this comes from my experience with them.

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> ... My wife owns a Isuzu Rodeo and we have very few
> complaints.

Actually, forgot to mention - I used to have a Rodeo too... 110,000
miles before FIRST problem. I loved it.

But there were some people I know who had some problems.... I bought
that one new for 24K... In 1998.

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> info to help figure out the best truck:
>

I vote 4Runner. We use it for the same purposes you are. Roof rack is
great for anything - I mainly transport an 11 foot inflatable boat or
a cargo box. You can also choose to use regular bike rack or a tow
hitch monted one. Whatever you get, make sure you don't get a truck
with a spare on the back - they are not very bike-friendly.

> * us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby (easy
> access rear seating, roomy).

We're the same size. 4Runner has a good safety rating too.

> * beach driving (surf fishing, camping) in NC some weekends/vac

We have never run out of space when packing for vacation - and we
bring A LOT of crap!

> * everyday driving for her and baby (at least for now)

Very smooth ride, good safety rating, holds value well.

> * would like to put a roof rack (thule, yak, or factory) to handle a
> torpedo shaped cargo box and hopefully 2 mountain bike trays on the
> other side, get creative for spacing? any help on this? i've seen it
> done i think.

We put the cargo box on top and a bike rack on the hitch. 300 miles to
Cape Cod and back - no problem. LOTS of room inside. If you have only
one baby, you can fold half the backseat to get more space, keeping
the other half upright for a childseat.

> * camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.

My 2002 SR5 even came with locking diffs, which is good for the sand.
Keep in mind that driving in the sand is one of the most complicated
off-roading tasks. Much worse then mud, IMO.


> recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after more
> reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the beach?

If you want ANY off road capability, stay away from the crossover
SUVs. Go with 4Runner, Jeep GC, Mid-range Chevys (Blazer) and Fords
(Explorer) maybe even Nissan, Pathfinder. But no Muranos, MDXs, Vues,
you get my point.

If I couldn't have a 4Runner, I would choose Grand Cherokee.

> the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one what
> should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more than
> 17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.

We got our new one for about 32K. You should be able to find one 1-2
y/o. in your price range.


> Thanks,james

Good Luck!

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Take a look at the Suzuki Sidekick. It's a very small 4x4, built on a
ladder frame, true low range 4 wheel drive, good clearance, and also
4x4 high. Very spacious inside, small outside, reliable. We use ours
for backcountry camping, fishing, and for carrying bikes (road or Mt.
fit fine, with ft. wheel removed).

--

"joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> [email protected] (James Y. Yang) wrote:
>
> > hoping to ask the experts out there for some quick help... we need
a
> > 2nd car.
> >
> > info to help figure out the best truck:
> >
> > * us: me 6', her 5'1 (step up height? trunk ease?), and new baby
(easy
> > access rear seating, roomy).
> > * beach driving (surf fishing, camping) in NC some weekends/vac
> > * everyday driving for her and baby (at least for now)
> > * would like to put a roof rack (thule, yak, or factory) to handle
a
> > torpedo shaped cargo box and hopefully 2 mountain bike trays on
the
> > other side, get creative for spacing? any help on this? i've seen
it
> > done i think.
> > * camping, no real off roading other than the beach probably.
> >
> > recommendations for a 4x4? we drove a Mazda tribute, but after
more
> > reasearch it seems it's 4x4 capability is limited? bad on the
beach?
> >
> > the toyota 4runner seems like a great truck... if this is the one
what
> > should we look for in price and specs? we'd like to spend no more
than
> > 17-25K, so we'd probably have to get a used one.
> >
> > any help appreciated.... email preferred!
> > Thanks,james
> >
> > --
> > rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help
solving
> > posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see
http://rbor.org/
> > Please read the charter before posting:
http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
> >
>
> When I got ready to get a vehicle with my fishing in mind I looked
at
> all the small medium SUVs and trucks.
>
> I narrowed to the Jeep Liberty, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forrester and the
> newcomer Honda Element.
>
> I went with the Element. The least expensive SUV with the most
features
> I could find. Plenty of room (head room, leg room, front and back).
The
> doors were a headline feature and are nice. More impressive though
is
> the rear seat configuration as they swing up and fold out of the way
are
> can be removed. all seats fold flat and provide a decent sleeping
area.
>
> Mine is AWD which is nice for everyday driving as some of the heavy
> rains I have experienced lately. I have experienced almost no
hydroplane
> and it feels very safe (my last car would float at 40 MPH).
>
> My only concern is the depth of beach sand it would handle. There
has
> been some discussion on the boards dedicated to the vehicle
> <http://www.hondasuv.com/>, <http://www.hondaelement.org/> and
> <http://www.elementownersclub.com/>.
>
> Mine is the AWD EX which includes a 270 watt stereo with a
subwoofer,
> AC, expected power features (remote locking is extra), roof racks
(an
> option), mud guards (already installed). I got it for $21,300 in
March.
> I have about 23,000 miles on it already and average 20 mpg for fast
> driving commute and trips to fish the flats in FL with my yak on
top.
>
> Worth a look.
>
> regardsm
>
> atljoe
> --
> "Atlanta Joe" aka Joe Webb
> Flats fishing is Flat Fun!
> Visit my site at http://flatsfisher.com
>
> --
> rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help
solving
> posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see
http://rbor.org/
> Please read the charter before posting:
http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt
>



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