[ARCHIVED THREAD] - The perfect (Practical) BOV? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/22/2013 6:21:25 PM EDT
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With living in the middle of no where I was wondering what is/ are good options for a BOV.
I need to at least able to hold people, tow well, 4 wheel capable, and relatively easy to learn to fix if need be. I know we seen threads like this in the past but half of it is people "going to take" military vehicles from a military base or factor Lets keep it sensible Thanks |
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I own a Fj cruiser.....can get 5 people in it......tow rating is about 5000lbs........has 4x4 with a rear locker......and extremely fun and easy to work on 5 people really? have you tried 5 people with full gear. I have kinda looked at these. any other information you'd like to share? |
| The previous post is correct. It is important that you know what works best for you and what your specific needs are. I am a fan of the Toyota Tundra Crewmax pickup trucks. The cab is large enough to fit my family very comfortably, it is 4x4, has good clearance with a lift, decent gas mileage for a truck, good towing capability, and of course can through junk, game, extra fuel, extra water, or extra people into the bed if needed and don't have to worry about getting the cab all nasty. With any pickup you can get a bed shell to enclose that space for added security of items back there or as a sleeping area with an air mattress or something. This particular truck maximizes on cab space but has a short bed which is good for my needs but may not be the best for you or another person. Give thought to what you intend to use the BOV for primarily, how many people, the most likely terrain you would encounter, distance you will need to travel, etc. In the end it is always a personal choice. |
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Look at vehicles that are either 4 door pickups or an suv based off a 4 door pickup. A full size burban might be a bit much but depending on what you are looking to spend price wise they do the job and you can sleep in it as well. I would plan a vehicle sized for 4 adults, and your kids might bring friends later on as well. One thing about a pickup bed is you can fit all sorts of stuff into it and don't care if you haul dirt or rock or a deer carcase in it. Other thing about a pickup bed is your stuff is exposed to weather. Price will wind up determining some of your choice. As mentioned what works for someone else might not work for you. |
| have I tried five people? yes many time I usually drive for lunch breaks with my whole team lol as of right now I a child seat and a booster seat with the ability for one adult to sit in the middle no issues.......I have done all the mods on my FJ myself and with help of others, maintenance is very straight forward and easy |
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The previous post is correct. It is important that you know what works best for you and what your specific needs are. I am a fan of the Toyota Tundra Crewmax pickup trucks. The cab is large enough to fit my family very comfortably, it is 4x4, has good clearance with a lift, decent gas mileage for a truck, good towing capability, and of course can through junk, game, extra fuel, extra water, or extra people into the bed if needed and don't have to worry about getting the cab all nasty. With any pickup you can get a bed shell to enclose that space for added security of items back there or as a sleeping area with an air mattress or something. This particular truck maximizes on cab space but has a short bed which is good for my needs but may not be the best for you or another person. Give thought to what you intend to use the BOV for primarily, how many people, the most likely terrain you would encounter, distance you will need to travel, etc. In the end it is always a personal choice. i actually have a Tundra (exact model) but wife wants to leave as stock as possible. I do own a Ford Explorer and I like it except for the fact that I cannot change the transmission fluid (sealed transmission) which requires well stuff I cannot do. In the lines of terrain, im looking at worst case Off road. I live in a town of 20,000 with over 40,000 people on reservations. The 2 main roads is the interstate and one state highway. On the weekends it becomes very packed. SO in the event of SHTF I firmly believe it will be almost but impossible to use these roads. But I do want something that I can learn fix myself. do any fluid changes myself. Now I have never worked on a car myself, but always wanted to. The only engines I have worked on has been dirt bike engines I wanted something a bit smaller, I was thinking on a Tacoma as well but even used ones are expensive unless its from the mid 90s That's why I asked and looking for alternatives. Thanks so far guys. |
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If that is your sole complaint about your Explorer couldn't you A. get an oil extractor and change the ATF from the top side or B. get a pan modified with a drain plug? [Edit] Other than that I am a Land Rover guy so I vote Toyota 80 series Land Cruiser.  No its not my only complaint, but a big one. it has I think 125k miles on it and I bought it used. I believe my tranny is gonna go soon. Shifts like shit so I want to rid of it before I have to dump money in it |
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If you can lower your towing requirements to 2000 lbs., then a jeep wrangler with the factory tow package is a good choice. Jeeps are easy to work on, good overland, inexpensive. However it will be tight and gear will need to be stored on the outside of he vehicle.
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I wanted something a bit smaller, I was thinking on a Tacoma as well but even used ones are expensive unless its from the mid 90s The Frontier crew cabs tend to sell for quite a bit less than the Tacos. They're also available with an optional longer (6') bed - if you can find one at any dealership. |
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The Frontier crew cabs tend to sell for quite a bit less than the Tacos. They're also available with an optional longer (6') bed - if you can find one at any dealership. Quoted:
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I wanted something a bit smaller, I was thinking on a Tacoma as well but even used ones are expensive unless its from the mid 90s The Frontier crew cabs tend to sell for quite a bit less than the Tacos. They're also available with an optional longer (6') bed - if you can find one at any dealership. If that is the same frame and transmission as the xterra, then it is great offroad vehicle. |
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Quoted: have I tried five people? yes many time I usually drive for lunch breaks with my whole team lol as of right now I a child seat and a booster seat with the ability for one adult to sit in the middle no issues.......I have done all the mods on my FJ myself and with help of others, maintenance is very straight forward and easy there is 1 more pulley than than the parts store will tell you go change the belt tensioner and tell me everything is straight forward go change the trans filter and tell me everything is straight forward |
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If that is your sole complaint about your Explorer couldn't you A. get an oil extractor and change the ATF from the top side or B. get a pan modified with a drain plug? [Edit] Other than that I am a Land Rover guy so I vote Toyota 80 series Land Cruiser. Sounds like he has a gen 3 or later. 2002+. Problem isn't getting the fluid out. It's getting it back in. No filler tube or dipstick. Have to go to ford or trans shop just to check the level. The drain fill is in the bottom of the pan and you have to have a specialty fitting to pump fluid up thru the bottom of the pan. Cost me 160 to have trans serviced at a ford dealership. That being said if you took care of the trans issue the explorer is a nice vehicle. 4wd capable decent people capacity and storage. Not a ton of aftermarket support but you can do a couple inches of lift to accommodate taller tires by purchasing taller suspension components from rancho (don't remember the model). There are also skids available you just have to look. You can even get a locker for the rear... That said if I had the money to buy again I'd pick up a Tahoe or suburban. Way more aftermarket support. Super common. Good space. ...shrug...my .02 though |
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4x4 Ford F-series crew cab (no newer than 97), 4BT or 6BT swap. I am planning on swapping a 4BT into my 97 F350 crew cab 4x4 long bed. I'm sick of 9-10MPG with the 460, and I was told I should be able to pull down over 20MPG on the highway with a 4BT. Plus, it can be used to run alternative fuels in a tough situation.
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and relatively easy to learn to fix if need be. When you get old easy means a detached garage or barn high enough to accommodate a hydraulic lift. The more rural you are, the more that is true. After 12.5 years and almost 200k miles I am starting to like my 2001 F150 Supercrew but it is a turd to work on, next year it becomes a dedicated snow and hunt truck, gets a snow blade and some bigger tires. Our 2000 4Runner is a gem, same mileage. This time I still want clearance but lower to the ground so I don't bust my ass on ice when I get out. Tacoma 4 door with all weather truck vault and a undercover flex cover over that. It will work year round, go clays shooting, get groceries, hunt grouse, haul ATV's and UTV's, dog boxes, boats, go on road trips and easier to get in and out of on a daily basis, better mileage then my F150. truck vault Flex cover The more rural you are, where the hell are you going to bug out to anyway? 3 bears bug out to the wilderness The easiest vehicles I ever owned to work on all had straight sixes. |
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Sounds like he has a gen 3 or later. 2002+. Problem isn't getting the fluid out. It's getting it back in. No filler tube or dipstick. Have to go to ford or trans shop just to check the level. The drain fill is in the bottom of the pan and you have to have a specialty fitting to pump fluid up thru the bottom of the pan. Cost me 160 to have trans serviced at a ford dealership. That being said if you took care of the trans issue the explorer is a nice vehicle. 4wd capable decent people capacity and storage. Not a ton of aftermarket support but you can do a couple inches of lift to accommodate taller tires by purchasing taller suspension components from rancho (don't remember the model). There are also skids available you just have to look. You can even get a locker for the rear... That said if I had the money to buy again I'd pick up a Tahoe or suburban. Way more aftermarket support. Super common. Good space. ...shrug...my .02 though Quoted:
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If that is your sole complaint about your Explorer couldn't you A. get an oil extractor and change the ATF from the top side or B. get a pan modified with a drain plug? [Edit] Other than that I am a Land Rover guy so I vote Toyota 80 series Land Cruiser. Sounds like he has a gen 3 or later. 2002+. Problem isn't getting the fluid out. It's getting it back in. No filler tube or dipstick. Have to go to ford or trans shop just to check the level. The drain fill is in the bottom of the pan and you have to have a specialty fitting to pump fluid up thru the bottom of the pan. Cost me 160 to have trans serviced at a ford dealership. That being said if you took care of the trans issue the explorer is a nice vehicle. 4wd capable decent people capacity and storage. Not a ton of aftermarket support but you can do a couple inches of lift to accommodate taller tires by purchasing taller suspension components from rancho (don't remember the model). There are also skids available you just have to look. You can even get a locker for the rear... That said if I had the money to buy again I'd pick up a Tahoe or suburban. Way more aftermarket support. Super common. Good space. ...shrug...my .02 though Yes I have an 05 explorer I do have the 4x4 and its the XLT but like I said its that damn transmission. If it wasn't for that I would be ok and keep it. But I don't believe that no one ever brought it in for a change which means I think my transmission is going to go out (shifts very hard). And if I have to replace it it will be close to half maybe more than what I paid for it. That's no good. |
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When you get old easy means a detached garage or barn high enough to accommodate a hydraulic lift. The more rural you are, the more that is true. After 12.5 years and almost 200k miles I am starting to like my 2001 F150 Supercrew but it is a turd to work on, next year it becomes a dedicated snow and hunt truck, gets a snow blade and some bigger tires. Our 2000 4Runner is a gem, same mileage. This time I still want clearance but lower to the ground so I don't bust my ass on ice when I get out. Tacoma 4 door with all weather truck vault and a undercover flex cover over that. It will work year round, go clays shooting, get groceries, hunt grouse, haul ATV's and UTV's, dog boxes, boats, go on road trips and easier to get in and out of on a daily basis, better mileage then my F150. truck vault Flex cover The more rural you are, where the hell are you going to bug out to anyway? 3 bears bug out to the wilderness The easiest vehicles I ever owned to work on all had straight sixes. Quoted:
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and relatively easy to learn to fix if need be. When you get old easy means a detached garage or barn high enough to accommodate a hydraulic lift. The more rural you are, the more that is true. After 12.5 years and almost 200k miles I am starting to like my 2001 F150 Supercrew but it is a turd to work on, next year it becomes a dedicated snow and hunt truck, gets a snow blade and some bigger tires. Our 2000 4Runner is a gem, same mileage. This time I still want clearance but lower to the ground so I don't bust my ass on ice when I get out. Tacoma 4 door with all weather truck vault and a undercover flex cover over that. It will work year round, go clays shooting, get groceries, hunt grouse, haul ATV's and UTV's, dog boxes, boats, go on road trips and easier to get in and out of on a daily basis, better mileage then my F150. truck vault Flex cover The more rural you are, where the hell are you going to bug out to anyway? 3 bears bug out to the wilderness The easiest vehicles I ever owned to work on all had straight sixes. I live in the city granted small but a major hub in the area (because of the interstate and Indian Reservations) with 2 roads for major exits with many desert, I wouldn't be bugging out far but far enough from here but don't want to get stuck in the city |
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Oh so you don't live in the middle of no where yet? That is the best thing you can do in terms of a BOV.......................then it becomes a BIV.
If I was in the city again, I would lean towards a true 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck or Suburban. I always had one in the driveway when I lived urban. |
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Cant go wrong with a toyota tacoma.
Checkout this website for all the info you could want on tacomas: Tacomaworld.com Overland/expedition tacomas: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off-roading-trails/220278-overland-expedition-pics-specs-bs-thread.html |
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Oh so you don't live in the middle of no where yet? That is the best thing you can do in terms of a BOV.......................then it becomes a BIV. If I was in the city again, I would lean towards a true 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck or Suburban. I always had one in the driveway when I lived urban. We wont be living in the country for awhile but planning on buying land about 50-75 miles out. Thanks for your suggestion |
| I went from a Toyota 4Runner with a 3 in suspension lift. 1.5 in body lift, 33s, full body armor, cb, etc to a brandy new Tacoma. (to which I will be doing similar modifications. I did everything on the 4Runner myself. Both are super reliable, easy enough to find parts for, super capable off road, and if you keep up with simple maintenance will last. Im certainly biased towards Toyota but I wouldnt have it any ofer way. Also, I get average about 19 mpg on my Tacoma. (v6 trd sport with a 6 speed manual) |
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3rd gen 4runner.
I have an 01 4runner sr5 with a slight lift and 33's that I daily to and from work 23 miles each way. It can fit 5 people in it and still fill the back with gear. Put up a dog gate as a cargo divider and you can load the back all the way to the roof without worrying about it all spilling over. |
| As several others mentioned, full sized, quad cab domestic pick ups are hard to beat. Older ones are reasonably priced, parts are easy to find even for new ones, and except for the occasional did component every few years, they are durable. I've been trying to get rid of my Ram for years but every time I get ready to sell it, I find myself loading it up with something, dragging something out of somewhere, or pulling something somewhere else. Damned useful really. |
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As several others mentioned, full sized, quad cab domestic pick ups are hard to beat. Older ones are reasonably priced, parts are easy to find even for new ones, and except for the occasional did component every few years, they are durable. I've been trying to get rid of my Ram for years but every time I get ready to sell it, I find myself loading it up with something, dragging something out of somewhere, or pulling something somewhere else. Damned useful really. Other than the fuel economy. You can't really kill a Toyota. 
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I went from a Toyota 4Runner with a 3 in suspension lift. 1.5 in body lift, 33s, full body armor, cb, etc to a brandy new Tacoma. (to which I will be doing similar modifications. I did everything on the 4Runner myself. Both are super reliable, easy enough to find parts for, super capable off road, and if you keep up with simple maintenance will last. Im certainly biased towards Toyota but I wouldnt have it any ofer way. Also, I get average about 19 mpg on my Tacoma. (v6 trd sport with a 6 speed manual) I have a 09 taco access. I have the factory front skid and a 2 inch lift done. What mods are you doing as far as "full body armor". Thanks. |
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Other than the fuel economy. You can't really kill a Toyota.  http://youtu.be/xnWKz7Cthkk
http://youtu.be/xTPnIpjodA8
http://youtu.be/kFnVZXQD5_kQuoted:
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As several others mentioned, full sized, quad cab domestic pick ups are hard to beat. Older ones are reasonably priced, parts are easy to find even for new ones, and except for the occasional did component every few years, they are durable. I've been trying to get rid of my Ram for years but every time I get ready to sell it, I find myself loading it up with something, dragging something out of somewhere, or pulling something somewhere else. Damned useful really. Other than the fuel economy. You can't really kill a Toyota. http://youtu.be/xnWKz7Cthkk
http://youtu.be/xTPnIpjodA8
http://youtu.be/kFnVZXQD5_kThe Tundra gets worse mileage than any of the domestics. Having had both a full size and a compact truck, I have no intention of having to try to cram a whole family in a smaller truck again. If it works for you, great! I just can't justify the loss of capacity for a couple mpg. |
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The Frontier crew cabs tend to sell for quite a bit less than the Tacos. They're also available with an optional longer (6') bed - if you can find one at any dealership. Quoted:
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I wanted something a bit smaller, I was thinking on a Tacoma as well but even used ones are expensive unless its from the mid 90s The Frontier crew cabs tend to sell for quite a bit less than the Tacos. They're also available with an optional longer (6') bed - if you can find one at any dealership. Tacomas also have 6' beds. At least mine does . You can't go wrong with a taco. They are pricey but they also hold that value. Others worth looking at IMO would be 4runners, fj's, land cruiser, or a jk unlimited that doesn't have problems .
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I have run armored Toyota Land Cruisers, in both diesel and gas OCONUS in a couple different locations, and drive an old Cruiser at home. They can take a phenomenal amount of punishment and keep going. The same cannot be said for the Chevy suburbans we had. In fact it was night and day difference as far as durability and reliability. If you keep your typical Toyota topped off with fluids, it is pretty much an Energizer Bunny.
I would take a new or old Land Cruiser or a crew cab Tacoma over just about anything. Nissan Frontiers are a close runner up. |
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I have a 09 taco access. I have the factory front skid and a 2 inch lift done. What mods are you doing as far as "full body armor". Thanks. Quoted:
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I went from a Toyota 4Runner with a 3 in suspension lift. 1.5 in body lift, 33s, full body armor, cb, etc to a brandy new Tacoma. (to which I will be doing similar modifications. I did everything on the 4Runner myself. Both are super reliable, easy enough to find parts for, super capable off road, and if you keep up with simple maintenance will last. Im certainly biased towards Toyota but I wouldnt have it any ofer way. Also, I get average about 19 mpg on my Tacoma. (v6 trd sport with a 6 speed manual) I have a 09 taco access. I have the factory front skid and a 2 inch lift done. What mods are you doing as far as "full body armor". Thanks. I would do a full set of skids. Bud built or otherwise. Full plate bumper (demello or arb) rear bumper (cbi offroad) Also it must be said that I would seriously recommend full suspension (coils, shocks, and struts with new leaf pack and new springs in the rear aka not spacers. Do it once do it right. PM me if you want more info as I dont want to thread jack |
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80, 100, or 200 series Landcruisers. All will hold 5 people easily with gear. Reliable with available parts. Easy to work on. Factory Lockers. Incredible off road cars. Oh, and as many luxury features as a fully loaded Benz. https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTp2SpLgQWn1iO_9s4St34sUI-NQvgxOgU4zfcOvAjLWa_AzqjAlg http://www.rocky-road.com/media/100series_bullbar2.jpg http://www.radflo.com/store/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/01LC.jpg This...I have a fzj80 that replaced a very well built discovery xd...haven't looked back and saved a ton in repairs and shop time...a rock solid truck with plenty of space |
| I love my HD crew cab pickup. 4 doors, seats 5 comfortably 6 if necessary, has a 6 1/2 foot box with cap to store plenty and keep it dry, 4 wheel drive, high towing capacity... I could go on. Yes it is not fuel efficient but it has a 26 gallon tank that will get me where I need to go. 105,000 miles and she runs like the day I bought her....Highly recommended. |
| If you want a vehicle that will COMFORTABLY carry 5 adults plus tow 5000lbs, you just can't beat a ford F150 crewcab. I have a 2010 F150crewcab lariat with the triton V8 and the 6.5 foot bed and I get an honest to goodness 20mpg highway at 70mph when not towing. If I am driving around town, I get around 18mpg. Now when I tow our 1500lb boat, that drops to 15mpg. A 4000lb travel trailer drops it to about 13-14mpg highway. Those are real world numbers that you can take to the bank instead of numbers that are going 50mph with 20mph tailwind. This is my 4th ford truck and I have had such great service out of all our ford trucks... wife and I both would never even consider switching to another brand. We have done 8 hour trips in our truck and it is just such a comfortable vehicle for road trips. |
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Perfect BOV? Simple. 1979 International Harvester Scout Traveler. Why? Mechanically simple, bulletproof reliability and fairly inexpensive. Good payload for hauling stuff (all inside, so no pickup bed involved) and can seat 5 in relative comfort. I'd love to have one. Sadly, I have a Silverado. |