Hiking vehicles

[rally_toad]

What kind of vehicles do you guys all drive when your going hiking? Im thinking about investing in a 4wd high clearance Jeep or something of the sort so I could get to some places where I definitely couldnt get to with what Im driving now (73 mustang):) I saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee today for $2600 and I was thinking about checking it out. What "hiking vehicle" is easiest to drive and which gets the best gas mileage (even though I know most wouldnt be too fuel efficient.)

[Grasshopper]

I have been looking at the BF Goodrich A/T KO2 tires

Yes, buy them. You will be happy on hwy (not noisy) and happy off-road as well.

[RedRoxx44]

Thought I had previously posted this somewhere but maybe not---if you have piles of money-

Chevy Colorado ZR2- 2 inch factory lift, lockers front and rear, skid plates, racing suspension, and a diesel or gas option, or course manual or automatic trans. I usually avoid first model years like the plague. It will compete with Toyota Taco TRD high end which will be similarly priced.

If I sell my other vehicle I will be looking for a Rubicon. I'll drive the FJ till the tires fall off but I want a short wheelbase and lockers front and rear ( like my old red Jeep again, but I don't want to have the build up done myself,hunting for good mechanics etc).

[CannondaleKid]

@The_Dude
Due to personal experience I'm not a fan of the BF Goodrich A/T KO2's, I'd go with ProComp A/T's... in fact I'm buying a set for my 'new' 2007 4Runner.
They are $100/set cheaper than the Goodrich KO2's and there is a $50 Visa Card rebate if purchased by March 31. (I bought them from Discount Tire but the rebate is from ProComp so it makes no difference where you buy the tires.)

[jonathanpatt]

I've had KO2s on my Jeep for over a year now, and I love them. They've handled everything I've thrown at them, which includes some rather rough, steep and rocky Forest Roads, with no problems. They ride well, and have been wearing well so far.

[The_Dude]

Thanks all for your feedback!

[SpiderLegs]

4Runner vs Outback?

[toddak]

@SpiderLegs
Looked at both and went with the Outback because 1) 99% of the time I'm driving on pavement and 2) of all the times I'm driving off pavement to hiking destinations, the 3 other Subies I've had before this one got me there 99% of the time.

[hikeaz]

4Runner vs Outback?

Apparently Subi has a new vehicle in the pipeline (avail. early '18?)
Called the Ascent - (+/-) The concept version measures 204.7-inches long, 79.9-inches wide and 73.2-inches tall, on a 117.7-inch wheelbase.

[nonot]

So, closely related topic, my stock street tires on my 2015 Ram 1500 4X4 are quickly approaching replacement, and a job change has me getting a company truck to take back and forth to work. That means I want to put some better off-roading tires on the Ram! I have been looking at the BF Goodrich A/T KO2 tires, looks like I can get better traction without giving up too much for on the road handling and gas mileage. I will still need my truck for family trips and the such, but I wanted to invest in better tires for dirt roading and such. Any suggestions/ comments would be greatly appreciated!

I imagine you'll take a mpg hit with the K02s, at least that's my experience. The tires are great however.

[The_Dude]

@nonot
I figured I am going to lose a mpg or two for any better off-road tire. If this will not be my commuter though, I feel like I can handle it, as long as it is not a huge jump. I am averaging about 21 mpg right now (8 speed 6 cyl), but I know that will drop some.

[cw50must]

@The_Dude
On both my tacomas (2000 & 2011) I have always used BFG A/Ts and have gone through several sets. I am completely happy with them and have no plans to switch to anything else. I get great wear out of them too compared to the more aggressive tires I use on the Jeep.

[cw50must]

@SpiderLegs
I really like the Toyotas I have had so I vote 4runner. However, I'm pretty sure my Girlfiend's next car will be a Subaru since we want something small for scooting around town.

[chumley]

@The_Dude
I'm a fan of the BFGs. Others chimed in with opinions in a thread on tires a while back: https://hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8874

[Uberdroog]

I drive a 2003 Dakota 2x4 now which has been a beast. I am looking for a '99 Cherokee 4x4 someone has put some love into.

[CannondaleKid]

Hmmm... '99 Cherokee 4x4 with a whole lot of love?
PM sent...

[hikeaz]

Here it is, officially, the Toyota FT-4x Concept. And yes, it was conceived after some Toyota people got together with some “outdoorsy millennial's in the Bay Area” (actual quote).

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/i-wouldnt ... 1794261825

[rcorfman]

@hikeaz
Awesome! My only question is whether there will be an issue with the motor mounts?

[hikeaz]

@hikeaz
Awesome! My only question is whether there will be an issue with the motor mounts?

Maybe they will program the GPS to exclude any dirt roads,.... as if 'outdoorsy millennial's in the Bay Area' are heading there anyway.

[Tough_Boots]

If those millenials were actually outdoorsy, they wouldn't need all those stupid features. They would already have them.

[cactuscat]

That thing is hilariously over-the-top ... some cheesy gadgets, some cool ... I would take just about any Toyota 4WD.