You hit the nail right on the head when you said if something is too difficult or a hassle to use, human nature, as you will not use it. I am running a RAM Power Wagon with an Alu Cabin. I love having all the extra space, however the danger lies in taking too much unnecessary gear. Prior to this I was running an F350 with a Northstar truck camper. While I loved the slide in camper, it was way too big and too heavy to do any type of serious offloading. I have always camped with a full-size truck, but that has its drawback on tight trails. Every time I go out, I evaluate my gear and look at what I can eliminate. I have found that simple is better. The easier than more organized that my living set up is on the road, the happier I am. I love being able to pull into camp and be set up inside of 10 minutes. Breaking down is equally as quick and simple. The one feature that I love about the Alu Cab is that you can leave all of your bedding in place and then some. Quick and easy is key.
@@Alucamp2019 Love that insight 👌 I can honestly say a setup like yours is one I've considered for the future (maybe once my family is bigger). The space provided is certainly appealing.
Love the extra space of my truck. Decked system (new version) was the solution for having to jump in the truck to unload. So much more organized and the added height of the deck makes it easier to just reach in the side and grab whatever I need. Best purchase I've made so far. Next up is an RSI Smart Cap for the weather protection.
It really comes down to personal preference. I greatly prefer a truck for overlanding. However, I would never run an open bed rack. I'd always runs some of kind of topper canopy. Or a canopy camper, which isn't even an option on an SUV unless you're into cutting the roof off. The amount of dry storage is insane and it is separated from the passenger cabin. So no issues with things like diesel heaters, firewood, portable fire pits, and other dirty, "fumey," or potentially wet items. And canopies with side doors make the access thing a non-issue. Nothing wrong with SUVs though, they are certainly more convenient to drive off the lot right to a trip.
I think they each have their purpose. Trucks, by and large, have more load carrying capacity but lack dry storage. I'm just starting my build with my Z71, but have thought about a 4-Runner due to more options.
I own both a taco and a 4Runner. Depends on location. Remember the smells and elements will make their way into an suv. The Runner is more of a comfy ride but the pickup has an easier wash down after the trail.
You’re in the unique position to have both a pick-up and an SUV. I have a 4Runner as well, and your thoughts about getting things in and out of the back of the pickup seemed similar to my recent experience. I just got back from a weekend camping trip on the Buffalo National River. While setting up camp and dragging out all my gear, I thought about organization. I sleep in the back of my 4Runner (with a leveling platform and extension for the Deepsleep mattress). At night (due to rain), I had to figure out where to put it all back in the truck. Where was I going to fit it all? (with half the space now taking up by my bed). I figure I need a rack and storage boxes like your 4Runner which would help. The other really cool thing I think you do is your Gazelle Tent. I’d like one of those too, for when my wife and I go out together. I’m taking inspiration from you. I’m still building my rig, so time will tell which is the best answer. But as others have said, just get out in whatever you have now. Watch guys like Varsity Overland to see what they do and if that looks like the style you’d want to follow.
@@CrippleCreekStudios love this response! You could even look into an awning with additional wall attachments to use as a place to store your gear on those rainy nights so you don't have to throw everything back into the vehicle and lose your sleeping space.
@@varsityoverlandThat’s an excellent suggestion. Due to the fact I’m not as far along in my build, that hadn’t occurred to me. But yes, that would have solved my problem. And the fact that in all my checklists, I forgot to remove the seat bottom before I left. So had to find space for that too!
Here’s my opinions(hopefully it stirs a good conversation 😅): First I think it is personal preference. I myself had a SUV before I got my truck and before I started “Overlanding” I had taken my SUV camping and on some easy trails. The convenience of the SUV was definitely nice. But with how I have my truck step up for overlanding it has about the same “convenience”. Second, stop being lazy 🤣🫶🏻 you have both a truck and SUV but you love your truck and obviously use it more when it comes to overlanding, spend a little bit of money to get a bed storage system or cap that works for you so that your camp experience is less of a “hassle”. Last I think it all comes down to what does your overland travel look like. If you have a family, the rig is your daily and you go on weekend adventures maybe the SUV is the better choice. But if you intend on going for long expeditions and majority of the time it’s just gonna be you in the vehicle then having a truck with more payload so you can carry more for extended travel is going to win. But like you said what kinda trails are you taking to, I’ve seen first hand where a SUV with the same size tires as my truck and a smaller lift was able to make it through obstacles easier than me. All in all, when it comes time for me to get a new overland vehicle, hopefully not anytime soon, I think I might give the SUV platform a shot
The grass is always greener. Love what you wrote. I look at you pickup guys with your Super Pacific pop ups and think that set up is so cool. Maybe I could convince my wife to take the SUV, and I’ll get a Tacoma!
@@varsityoverland well I was gonna say that but you said you wanted a conversation and you said to “comment, do it do it now” I say we both go and sell our trucks right now and get Land Cruisers
it doesn't matter, you're going camping. you don't need that cooking equipment you're warming up canned food. you're going to be home in like 3 days. Seeing softroader bros cosplay as lewis and clark is so hard to watch. you're just giving money to these bolt on companies and embarassing yourself. why are you bringing auxiliary gas tanks when you've never been further than 50miles from a gas station.
@krebgurfson5732 Everyone does it differently for sure. I've personally experienced more than you're describing, but I know some others might fit your description. Just want to know how people feel about trucks and suv's, regardless of the propane tanks and bolt on companies 👍
You hit the nail right on the head when you said if something is too difficult or a hassle to use, human nature, as you will not use it. I am running a RAM Power Wagon with an Alu Cabin. I love having all the extra space, however the danger lies in taking too much unnecessary gear. Prior to this I was running an F350 with a Northstar truck camper. While I loved the slide in camper, it was way too big and too heavy to do any type of serious offloading. I have always camped with a full-size truck, but that has its drawback on tight trails. Every time I go out, I evaluate my gear and look at what I can eliminate. I have found that simple is better. The easier than more organized that my living set up is on the road, the happier I am. I love being able to pull into camp and be set up inside of 10 minutes. Breaking down is equally as quick and simple. The one feature that I love about the Alu Cab is that you can leave all of your bedding in place and then some. Quick and easy is key.
@@Alucamp2019 Love that insight 👌 I can honestly say a setup like yours is one I've considered for the future (maybe once my family is bigger). The space provided is certainly appealing.
Love the extra space of my truck. Decked system (new version) was the solution for having to jump in the truck to unload. So much more organized and the added height of the deck makes it easier to just reach in the side and grab whatever I need. Best purchase I've made so far. Next up is an RSI Smart Cap for the weather protection.
@@RimCountryOverland A drawer system and bed cap seem to be the best solution!
It really comes down to personal preference. I greatly prefer a truck for overlanding. However, I would never run an open bed rack. I'd always runs some of kind of topper canopy. Or a canopy camper, which isn't even an option on an SUV unless you're into cutting the roof off. The amount of dry storage is insane and it is separated from the passenger cabin. So no issues with things like diesel heaters, firewood, portable fire pits, and other dirty, "fumey," or potentially wet items. And canopies with side doors make the access thing a non-issue. Nothing wrong with SUVs though, they are certainly more convenient to drive off the lot right to a trip.
I think they each have their purpose. Trucks, by and large, have more load carrying capacity but lack dry storage. I'm just starting my build with my Z71, but have thought about a 4-Runner due to more options.
I own both a taco and a 4Runner. Depends on location. Remember the smells and elements will make their way into an suv. The Runner is more of a comfy ride but the pickup has an easier wash down after the trail.
@@jerrycamps9453 Excellent points!
How is the road noise on the 4Runner with the Goodyears?
@Heyyu_97 Those tires are quite loud unfortunately.
You’re in the unique position to have both a pick-up and an SUV. I have a 4Runner as well, and your thoughts about getting things in and out of the back of the pickup seemed similar to my recent experience. I just got back from a weekend camping trip on the Buffalo National River. While setting up camp and dragging out all my gear, I thought about organization. I sleep in the back of my 4Runner (with a leveling platform and extension for the Deepsleep mattress). At night (due to rain), I had to figure out where to put it all back in the truck. Where was I going to fit it all? (with half the space now taking up by my bed). I figure I need a rack and storage boxes like your 4Runner which would help. The other really cool thing I think you do is your Gazelle Tent. I’d like one of those too, for when my wife and I go out together. I’m taking inspiration from you. I’m still building my rig, so time will tell which is the best answer. But as others have said, just get out in whatever you have now. Watch guys like Varsity Overland to see what they do and if that looks like the style you’d want to follow.
@@CrippleCreekStudios love this response! You could even look into an awning with additional wall attachments to use as a place to store your gear on those rainy nights so you don't have to throw everything back into the vehicle and lose your sleeping space.
@@varsityoverlandThat’s an excellent suggestion. Due to the fact I’m not as far along in my build, that hadn’t occurred to me. But yes, that would have solved my problem. And the fact that in all my checklists, I forgot to remove the seat bottom before I left. So had to find space for that too!
Given that 99% of us daily drive whatever we will be overlanding in, I have to go SUV.
@@stevenm6301 yeah that's a big reason why this question is even on my mind lol
@@varsityoverland Though I am biased, I have a 4R, trucks just aren't nearly as practical.
Here’s my opinions(hopefully it stirs a good conversation 😅): First I think it is personal preference. I myself had a SUV before I got my truck and before I started “Overlanding” I had taken my SUV camping and on some easy trails. The convenience of the SUV was definitely nice. But with how I have my truck step up for overlanding it has about the same “convenience”.
Second, stop being lazy 🤣🫶🏻 you have both a truck and SUV but you love your truck and obviously use it more when it comes to overlanding, spend a little bit of money to get a bed storage system or cap that works for you so that your camp experience is less of a “hassle”.
Last I think it all comes down to what does your overland travel look like. If you have a family, the rig is your daily and you go on weekend adventures maybe the SUV is the better choice. But if you intend on going for long expeditions and majority of the time it’s just gonna be you in the vehicle then having a truck with more payload so you can carry more for extended travel is going to win. But like you said what kinda trails are you taking to, I’ve seen first hand where a SUV with the same size tires as my truck and a smaller lift was able to make it through obstacles easier than me.
All in all, when it comes time for me to get a new overland vehicle, hopefully not anytime soon, I think I might give the SUV platform a shot
The grass is always greener. Love what you wrote. I look at you pickup guys with your Super Pacific pop ups and think that set up is so cool. Maybe I could convince my wife to take the SUV, and I’ll get a Tacoma!
@AT4OB This is blasphemy! How dare you comment intelligently! You're supposed to say "get rid of the 4Runner or we're not friends" 🤣
@@varsityoverland well I was gonna say that but you said you wanted a conversation and you said to “comment, do it do it now”
I say we both go and sell our trucks right now and get Land Cruisers
@AT4OB DO ... NOT ... TEMPT ... ME
@@varsityoverland so I’ll see ya at the Toyota dealership later?
SUV with rear seat delete is best for me.
@@grendul4497 Love that 👍
I think SUV. Short in length
@@therealpatriot1776 The shorter wheel base and turning radius are definitely tempting
I fink truck
it doesn't matter, you're going camping. you don't need that cooking equipment you're warming up canned food. you're going to be home in like 3 days. Seeing softroader bros cosplay as lewis and clark is so hard to watch. you're just giving money to these bolt on companies and embarassing yourself. why are you bringing auxiliary gas tanks when you've never been further than 50miles from a gas station.
@krebgurfson5732 Everyone does it differently for sure. I've personally experienced more than you're describing, but I know some others might fit your description. Just want to know how people feel about trucks and suv's, regardless of the propane tanks and bolt on companies 👍