Alright people, I need some suggestions, and opinions for a new rig.

This years trip to Moab and UT explorations, we were camping for the first 4 days, in a different spot along the trails, etc. That meant driving fully loaded everywhere we went. The roof rack, cargo area, and half the rear seat were loaded down, leaving enough room for the three of us (wife, son-13, and myself).

This has brought us to the realization that the Amigo is getting to the point of too small for a family camping/wheelin rig. The boy isnt getting any smaller, so we want to keep the Amigo and possibly transition it into a hard core rig. Or just keep it as is and have two rigs; my son will be driving soon and a second rig would be handy.

Here's what we are looking for:
* Have space for 4 people, and our dog (80# labradoodle)
* Have 4 doors
* Cargo space to contain supplies for a week - 10 day excursion (kitchen, shelter, clothing, food, tools, water, fuel, spares, etc)
* Capability to run the same trails I have been on with the Amigo: 8-9 rated trails on a 10 scale, or 4+ on a 5 scale (Holy Cross, Iron Chest, Behind the Rocks, Golden Spike, etc). Will probably shoot for 35s and lockers.
* Comfortable enough to spend a day exploring the more scenic trails

Here are some of the rigs I have been considering, but not limiting to:
95+ Isuzu Trooper
84-91 Chevy Suburban (3/4-1T preferred)
92+ Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon
? FJ60
? Grand Wagoneer


Thanks for the assist!
Keith

95+ Isuzu Trooper - You know what these are like
84-91 Chevy Suburban (3/4-1T preferred) - Large, wide, long, heavy
92+ Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon - large, wide, heavy
? FJ60 - I like these!! Getting old, not the greatest gas mileage
? Grand Wagoneer - getting old, bad mileage.

Funny you mention this Keith, because I ran across a post on Pirate regarding an expedition style vehicle, and at least pondered the question myself (although, no money leads me to refrain from any true contemplation)

I have come to the conclusion that an FZJ80 would be the best overall truck out there for size/capability. I do like the Troopers, and since you are already used to IFS, it would be a good choice. You have the support and knowledge of knowing much of what you need to know regarding them, etc.

The benefits of a Trooper..size and price. While not huge has a good amount of room behind the rear seats for storage. You should be able to easily get your gear in there, maybe a litlte bit going on the roof. It would easily seat your family and dog with enough leg room to not feel too cramped. All this while not being a full width, which could limit some of the trails you get to go on.. They are also relatively cheap to purchase and known to be very reliable...the downfalls..IFS mainly

The benefits of the others...larger, which equals more storage, and extra capacity/room to hold your family/gear without putting much, if anything on the roof. The downfall is that they are full width and extra large. Also, I am not sure on overall reliability.

FJ60...pros. Toyota reliabilty, solid axle...ok on size. They aren't as big as they seem. I think they are somewhere between a Rodeo/Trooper in size, while I don't think they are as comfortable in seating position over a long time. Size is good for trails.

FZJ80...pros. Solid axle, Toyota reliabilty, not to mention possibility of getting factory locking diffs. Their size is good, and probably compirable to a Trooper. Their size on the trails is a little larger then the Trooper, but not yet a fullsize truck. The downfalls is, they are still relatively expensive. A 93-97 FZJ80 runs roughly $8500-$11K here in UT, and I would assume close to the same in CO.

Good luck with your choice....sounds like you are on the right track.

I dont know that I care about mileage.
I mean, its a recreational type vehicle purpose built for exploring, camping, and riding trails in comfort.

To get what I need, I gotta go big. Shoot the Trooper was borderline in the criteria, but with the Isuzu knowledge and roots I have, I HAD to include it.

Are there any other acceptable qualifiers to throw out there?

Not sure that I care about width (biggest concern would be body damage[err CHARACTER MARKS] and Im not too worried about the sheetmetal), the heavy can be handled via 1 ton running gear. Not like I will be doing extreme trails, just difficult would be the max.

Yeah, I know the old addage "Dont wheel the tow rig", but when its the correct choice, why not. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I have been back and forth in my mind, and there are a TON of options out there. I would like to retain some unique properties to whatever we decide to do as I hate to be a sheeple.

Thanks for the input.

based on your second choice, I would probably go with the FZJ80. Good size, reliable, still somewhat unique. They are just Pricey.

Thats probably the biggest reason why I wouldnt go that direction... The $$$ needs to be reasonable.

And on the full width stuff. There are lots of peeps out there running full width axles... And I dont care about the body.

The Trooper probably is the easiest thing to do. I have two neighbors selling their 99, one has a mild lift and 32s for 5400, and the other is stock for 4500.

But the price of a late 80s to early 90s full size is attractive...

Stretch the Amigo! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Since cargo capacity is pretty high up on the list, I'll throw in my "outside the box" two cents worth...

A 3/4-1 ton 4WD Chev/Ford van...def. unique, but could be hard to find one in reasonable shape.

How about something like this with a camper shell..........

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;amp;sb=5&o=31&fpart=1

Not sure of your price range, but would make a good tow rig also for the Amigo.

Van <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> (not affiliated with the buyer)

Trooper or 4Runner