What Toyota truck platform would you start with if you wanted to build an expeditionary rig?

[ASI H8]

I'd appreciate your input

Generation and or year?
Cab?
Engine?
Trans?
Why that combination?
First Mod
Second Mod
Third Mod
Fourth Mod

Situation: At my daughter's ninth birthday I asked her what she wanted for her first vehicle. She showed in interest in having a “red truck” for her first vehicle. Over the past year, I’ve taken it upon myself to point out every red Toyota truck I see. She has responded to the Toyota truck bantering by identifying various red, silver, grey and black Tundras, Tacomas, and 4Runners she sees. She hasn’t focused on a particular generation that I can surmise, though most all have been modified to some degree.

I had hoped to find the best fit that I can start her in as a DD and slowly build it to an expeditionary rig she can take with her when she leaves the nest.

 

[taccruiser97]

I would go with a Tacoma crew cab short bed 4x4, last generation or the new generation. 2 inch lift for starters, 285/75R16s for starters. ARB front bumper and some type of rear bumper/tire carrier set up.

My reason? Lots of aftermarket support, reliability, and I cannot afford a new Cruiser. if I were to ever replace my 80, the above would be the replacement.

 

[toyotology]

I would say if you went the double cab Tacoma route, you definitely need bed management. We have a 2010 double cab short bed with a camper shell and with 2 small kids, you're practically on your knees the entire time to unload the entire bed to set up camp. We don't have a rtt but had the arb awning and side room as our camping quarters. The truck is super capable out of the box with some good tires. So pull out drawers definitely needed.

I would at minimum get the trd sport or off-road. The off-road has the rear locker but the seats in the trd's are a huge upgrade over the regular Sr5. Our truck is the sr5 and I never feel relaxed, and I feel like I'm going to roll out of the seat. I'm serious - I really don't like driving it and that's a big deal on a long trip or in the mountain trails. I prefer to drive my 3rd gen limited 4Runner simply because of the seats.

Coming from the Vw westfalia vanagon realm, nothing beats a poptop camper however, their 4wd drivetrain is impractical , limited, and fragile in some regards.

In the end it's personal preference - there's plenty aftermarket expedition gear for each platform.

Next year, I plan on purchasing an hdj80 to make that an xpedition rig. I'm sure I'll have plenty of complaints and frustrations going that route ;D

 

[cjmoon]

Late 90's all 2000's 3.4 or 4.0l v6 in a tacoma or 4runner would all be great choices. I'm always eyeing the early/mid 2000 4runners and I'm suprised at there cost under tacomas. I would love a double cab tacoma but does a high/college age kid need one? high mile 4runner cheap. and parts are plentiful.

That's my take. and what I'd be looking for.

 

[half k cruiser]

Wait, so your daughter is 10 ? How do you know she's going to want to do overlanding or even be interested in a truck by the time her 16th b-day roles around ?

 

[2fpower]

100 series rig. Costs is same or less than Taco, with much more comfort and ability to hold/protect gear.

 

[ASI H8]

Wait, so your daughter is 10 ? How do you know she's going to want to do overlanding or even be interested in a truck by the time her 16th b-day roles around ?

She has asked if we can take a week to wheel, camp, fish and float.

 

[ASI H8]

100 series rig. Costs is same or less than Taco, with much more comfort and ability to hold/protect gear.

I have thought about 80 and 100 series for her. She admitted that having room for more people may distracting while she is driving. I like the GX 470.

 

[2fpower]

gx470 would also be a good choice. Price is about $10k also now. Sam is the source for all info on upgrades. My understanding is that it is same suspension as other Toyota vehicles, so everything is off the shelf to upgrade.