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kev
climber
A pile of dirt.
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I had an 06 Tacoma 4cyl stick 4x4 shell etc. Bought it new and had it until last year. I put 165K on it. They are bullet proof. It still had the factory clutch when I sold it. I have a buddy who has (no shit) 250k on the factory clutch. Mucci's is another example. The only work I did to it was change plugs once, pads twice, and the cat went out under warranty. If you go the 4x4 route get the 6cyl if you want plenty of power on steep grades. Yes the 4cyl is fine you just can't get up to 70mph very quickly on a grade. I'd also agree with what Munge said - if you get the 4cyl you'll loose the fuel economy if you're pushing it hard.
You can build out the rig pretty well (Mucci has a TR of sorts of his build somewhere here on the taco) and make it comfy. If it's just you then you'll love it.
That said, I now have a daily driver car plus a van. Vans totally rock. Basically they are a mini RV if you build it out. It's way more comfy especially in the winter, to pull into your bivy, cook in your van, etc. Also warmer. Beware though it will be more of a rolling food locker than your truck and you'll sketch out leaving it past sunset at certain spots in the valley (damn trained door attacking bears - ask drc about them)
If you're gonna have 2 vehicles I'd say get the van. If you're only gonna have one and you've got much of a commute then I'd probably opt for a Tacoma. Also if 4x4 isn't an issue i'd lean toward the van. (4x4 vans are way more $) Also, girls tend to be much happier in the van than a truck.
One last thing. A very wise van driving climbing partner told me years ago that I was going to get a van eventually and as usual his prediction eventually came true. If you're seriously thinking about the van you'll prolly eventually end up there.
good luck!
kev
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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After many years of crawling in and out of the camper shell to sleep my wife and I opted for the Promaster van. We are currently in the process of tricking out the inside. I think we are gonna be pretty stoked! Definitely not super stealth though.
Coming soon to a crag near you!!
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Nice looking work GoMZ
Drawers are key. Lot's of storage easy to get at.
And solar panels are awesome. I can run my heater all night. Run lights, water pump, etc. And if the sun is out the next day the battery gets fully charged.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Gomz, that thing is looking sweet! Looking forward to seeing the rig when it's done. You guys staying local for the weekend?
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 9, 2015 - 07:42pm PT
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Thanks for the good tips Mucci, Munge, Kev, and everyone.
GoMZ that is going to be AWESOME!!! I'm very jealous. Keep posting up progress on it!
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:13am PT
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Thanks for the kind words guys, it is a really fun project! I'll post up a van build TR when I'm finished:)
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:15am PT
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Yeah Munge, I just started a new work gig, and am working most weekends right now. I want to check out Pinns sometime.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:37am PT
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Oh man, there is a big Pinnacles gathering with a fun group in April, but it lands on the weekend. 17, 18, 19th. "MoM weekend" Combo of AAC and some the regular Mud suspects. Full tour if you come down.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Feb 18, 2015 - 08:35pm PT
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You have disturbed the sanctity of the interweb with your less-than-original question. So that sucks.
laugh of the month, thank you
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pfreeman
Trad climber
Auburn
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Feb 18, 2015 - 09:43pm PT
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I grappled with this question for a long time. My dream rig was a taco w/ a Four wheel pop-up camper..But i ended up snagging a killer deal on an already converted Ford van by GTRV....It has been an immense upgrade over my volvo wagon.
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radair
Social climber
North Conway, NH
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:06am PT
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I had an '84 Vanagon Westfalia but they are not reliable with the stock motor and it caught on fire. Sad day. I have upgraded to a Eurovan Westy, the Weekender version with pop top and table but no kitchen. It is an awesome rig but not great in snow - it is stored every winter. Makes for a great daily driver or road trip mobile for 2 people, but would be cramped for a family of 4. We love it.
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ronolga
Boulder climber
S. Oregon
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:13am PT
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My wife and I have done it all. Tent, van, motorhome, travel trailer etc. We now have a teardrop camping trailer. Its the best! You can tow behind any 4 cylinder vehicle with ease.
Check these out.
http://www.oregontrailer.net
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C4/1971
Trad climber
Depends on the day...
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:40am PT
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Airstream 25 foot Flying Cloud. Easy to tow and you can go anywhere, especially with a decent solar kit.
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NML81
Trad climber
N Lake Tahoe
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Mar 11, 2015 - 10:05am PT
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atchafalaya
Boulder climber
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Mar 11, 2015 - 11:53am PT
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Anybody interested in a 2012 Fourwheel Camper, Kestral shell Model. I have not posted it on Craigslist yet. The camper has numerous add-ons, such as fantastic fan vent, 12 volt battery and electric, fold out couch, door screen, and Moduline Aluminum Cabinets. I did not want refrig, heater, sink, all that bs is unnecessary. Great light rig for offroad use.
Pm me if interested...
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Mar'
Trad climber
Fanta Se
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Mar 11, 2015 - 01:58pm PT
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Ive been surfing a full-size American 1-ton truck since 1975. I always have set it up like a yard-work rig with high stake-bed style side-rails and a horizontally hinged rear that serves as a large awning that locks into the tailgate when down. The top frame can be mexican-style with a ridge-pole or else a military-style using arched canopy hoops I get surplus. It's like a boat-cabin inside. The cover is plain commercial trucker tarp haul-bag material that lasts about 20 years before needing to be replaced. I get it made to spec by an awning company in white.
It is a verrry low-key setup. It doesn't say I'M A CLIMBER/MTN BIKER/ KAYAKER/SKIER/DIRTBAG.
No identity issues here, sorry.
It is organic without appearing low-life. I used to be able to surf Humber Park (Tahquitz) for a month at a time.
Now with an '89 Dodge Diesel 1-ton (18 mpg) I still tend to insert myself and stay as long as possible.
White professional week-end warriors don't really need that, though— unless it's a statement you need to make. If that's the case, take out a loan and REALLY make a statement.
I think those Mercedes panel-rigs are cool for the tourist spots, but if you really want to insert yourself where it's high and wild… get a real truck.
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atchafalaya
Boulder climber
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Mar 11, 2015 - 03:28pm PT
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Mar,
Any chance we can see a pic of your maxi-pad on wheels?
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youngharz
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Mar 11, 2015 - 10:00pm PT
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I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but the conversion of a van or truck is no small task. It can be very rewarding to build your own dream home on wheels, but if you don't have the skills, patience, or time, you might consider getting some help from a carpenter to get you going or having it professionally converted.
My work has a transit connect and it's great to drive and has a lot of head room for what it is. But, I think it's too small to be a nice camper van. There is also zero clearance. If you are over 6 feet tall, you are not going to have a great sleep inside of one.
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