Vehicle recommendations

[hurley842002]

I'd be afraid of tipping over in that thing!

I admit, I'm a bit of a snob he it comes to vehicles and I had never considered a van. But I Googled "Quigley converted van" and I ooked their ste over. I'm impressed! You have changed my viewpoint on vans.

[TheGrey]

deuce & 1/2.

I've ridden in those types a couple of times. They're uncomfortable and smelly. Ick.

[hurley842002]

A 7.3 Ford Excursion is also one I've always wanted, and would fit your needs. I would be driving one now if I could have talked the wife into it, too big for her tho.

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[Wulf202]

I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup. You're welcome to check it out and drive it.

I did extensive research before I gave up my suburban for the diesels I've owned/own. You need to decide gas/diesel standard/auto # of seats needed. Pickups will be easier to find than suv. A crew cab short bed with or without a topper would be my suggestion. For diesels you'll find 3 basic diehard motors. The ford 7.3 89-03 the Dodge 12 valve 72?-98 early the Dodge 24v 98-07 early. For sedans you'll get the jetta to and the Mercedes 240 or 300. I've owned 3 of the 5 of them so far.

The nice thing about all these motors aside from longevity is they're kind of multi fuel. My 7.3 has ran peanut oil. New motor oil. Used motor oil that's been filtered. Hydraulic oil. Gasoline mixed with diesel and oil. The Mercedes 300 has had most of them also. The 12 valve will run straight motor oil if needed at the lowest temps. Tdi does not like you messing with its fuel without doing a lot of work.

As far as cold starts, not plugged into heater power. the 7.3 is good down to about 10 degrees. The Mercedes 300td will start at -5. The 12 valve I've only had a little while and has started down to 0. The ford is by far the hardest to get going without heat.

Economy. 14 city 22 highway unloaded in the Ford 7.3. The dodge I've gotten 22 highway but after I'm done with it I expect it'll put up 30mpg highway without issue. The Mercedes sedan got 29-32 highway about 20 city. Jett tdi stick will get 52 highway if you're nice to it without mods.

Longevity. 7.3l 400k-800k with regular maintenance. The 12 valve 1mil. The Mercedes pre86 1mil post 86 500k-750k

[hurley842002]

I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup.

You're welcome to check it out and drive it

A 4 door F250 with a topper might actually be a better setup than the Excursion, and easier to find. Pile gear in the back, and family in the front.

[Wulf202]

A 4 door F250 with a topper might actually be a better setup than the Excursion, and easier to find. Pile gear in the back, and family in the front.

I gave up my suburban because piling gear in the back was a pain in the ass. Worries about carpet, scratching the interior, tearing the headliner. I loved that suburban but I'm pleased with the upgrade

[Tim K]

Consider any diesel. Gas goes bad in just a few months. More months if treated. Diesel is good for maybe 3-4 times as long reducing the need to rotate your 5 gallon cans of extra fuel.

Myself, I'd buy a diesel crew cab pickup.

[clodhopper]

I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup. You're welcome to check it out and drive it.

I did extensive research before I gave up my suburban for the diesels I've owned/own. You need to decide gas/diesel standard/auto # of seats needed. Pickups will be easier to find than suv. A crew cab short bed with or without a topper would be my suggestion. For diesels you'll find 3 basic diehard motors. The ford 7.3 89-03 the Dodge 12 valve 72?-98 early the Dodge 24v 98-07 early. For sedans you'll get the jetta to and the Mercedes 240 or 300. I've owned 3 of the 5 of them so far.

The nice thing about all these motors aside from longevity is they're kind of multi fuel. My 7.3 has ran peanut oil. New motor oil. Used motor oil that's been filtered. Hydraulic oil. Gasoline mixed with diesel and oil. The Mercedes 300 has had most of them also. The 12 valve will run straight motor oil if needed at the lowest temps. Tdi does not like you messing with its fuel without doing a lot of work.

As far as cold starts, not plugged into heater power. the 7.3 is good down to about 10 degrees. The Mercedes 300td will start at -5. The 12 valve I've only had a little while and has started down to 0. The ford is by far the hardest to get going without heat.

Economy. 14 city 22 highway unloaded in the Ford 7.3. The dodge I've gotten 22 highway but after I'm done with it I expect it'll put up 30mpg highway without issue. The Mercedes sedan got 29-32 highway about 20 city. Jett tdi stick will get 52 highway if you're nice to it without mods.

Longevity. 7.3l 400k-800k with regular maintenance. The 12 valve 1mil. The Mercedes pre86 1mil post 86 500k-750k

You and I have similar tastes. My 99 7.3 will start around 0deg if I cycle the glow plugs a couple times before starting. My TDI jetta has started at -30 on its own. I will say, however, that the TDI will start at that temperature, but will never get the car interior warm. That little engine just doesn't put out enough heat to keep itself warm and the passengers. Below zero, I thank the VW for the seat warmer.

The SDuty crew cab, long bed, has a topper and have used it for years camping with the scouts, pulling trailers and such. It would be my first choice to fulfill your goals. People and small animals up front, gear and bigger animals out back. The cab is plenty big to carry 6 people in relative comfort, so four with random packs and pillows, along with a dog or something, is no problem. We have done non-stop trips to New England, North Dakota and other places without much issue. Says a lot for crew cab comfort, even though a burb has more creature comforts. Long bed with a topper can double as a spartan camper if needed. I have put an air mattress and sleeping bag in the back on occasion. I am too tall to sleep in a short bed, but it may work for others.

[hurley842002]

You guys are making me want a 4 door 7.3, might be able to sell a pickup to the wife. What type of highway gas mileage (no load) are you guys getting out of your 7.3's?

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[Wulf202]

Extended cab (half suicide doors) auto 4x4 long bed no topper. 3.73 gear ratio 20-22 mpg consistent.

+1 mpg for any of the following generally. Topper/taneua. 2wd. 6 speed.

There's a guy on a hypermile board I follow who reports 36 actual mpg. 2wd ext cab 6 speed short bed custom topper and some skirting.

-30 is damned impressive clodhopper. My 7.3 and 300td were unable to start at -32 no matter how much I cycled the plugs.