Let's talk about kayak transport

[GTboosted]

What do you hate or love about your vehicle?


I will be in the market for a "new" truck or van that I can use to camp and tow my little kayak trailer. I want a new Tacoma but I would rather stay under $20k.

What would you do? For sure I need real 4x4 and not awd.

[Raskal311]

For around 20k u could consider a 2014 ish Tacoma. Not much on the market these days for $20 unless u want an economy car which isn't ideal for what you want to do. You aren't going to find any reliable 4x4 for $20 that's for sure.

[jorluivil]

Why do you need 4wd?

[GTboosted]

Originally Posted by Raskal311

For around 20k u could consider a 2014 ish Tacoma. Not much on the market these days for $20 unless u want an economy car which isn't ideal for what you want to do. You aren't going to find any reliable 4x4 for $20 that's for sure.

Yeah I know I have to go used for sure. Problem is that they hold their value well, so for 20k they have a lot of miles. That's why I'm not stuck on just tacomas.

Originally Posted by jorluivil

Why do you need 4wd?

So I don't get stuck where a 2wd would. Seriously though, besides the many obvious reasons, I want to try winter camping and some sites get snowed in.

[goldenglory18]

I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with pad covered Thule Aeroblades and love the setup. The only issue I've had is a electrical issue that I figured out was the TIPM that went out. $250 and an easy fix.

The only thing I wish is that I would have waited a little longer and found a 4WD with the V8. This truck is tough, capable, and really, REALLY comfortable to drive long distances. I just miss the sound and feel of a V8 and want that 4WD for "just in case" situations.

Dream rig right here (wrong color though):

[cris]

Did some winter camping with my subaru outback last winter as well as some offroading this summer. It's awd not 4x4 but it was fine for what and I haven't gotten stuck at la jolla (yet).

[Denis_Ruso]

I picked up a 1997 Toyota 4runner 4x4 with Locked Rear last year. So far its been my favorite car.

Pros: Cost was only 5500 so there's plenty in the budget to rig the car with what you need, notorious reliability (same engine as the taco), SUV so you can camp 2 comfortably with a sleeping platform in the back with the heater on, sits the family comfortably, 4x4 is great have never been stuck off-roading, lots of aftermarket parts available, your rods are stored inside the car so you can walk away with the car locked and not worry about someone snatching them while you go eat after kayaking.

Cons: The car is tall and transporting a kayak is a little tricky. This is mitigated with the Thule Hullavator. Not shiny and new.

[goldenglory18]

Originally Posted by cris

Did some winter camping with my subaru outback last winter as well as some offroading this summer. It's awd not 4x4 but it was fine for what and I haven't gotten stuck at la jolla (yet).

Oh, if Subaru ever puts an STI drive train in the Crosstrek, that would be damn near the ultimate "kayak" vehicle for me. Throw slightly more capable tires on it and call it a day.

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

I picked up a 1997 Toyota 4runner 4x4 with Locked Rear last year. So far its been my favorite car...

Great call. Those late 90's / early 00's 4Runners are bullet proof. Excellent choice if you can find one that's comparatively low miles, they will last you FOREVER.....

[GTboosted]

Originally Posted by goldenglory18

I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

I know those things are COMFORTABLE. We used to have one but a bit older. Loved it till it started having too many problems. Different generation from yours

Originally Posted by cris

Did some winter camping with my subaru outback last winter as well as some offroading this summer. It's awd not 4x4 but it was fine for what and I haven't gotten stuck at la jolla (yet).

I'm sure that the Subaru's awd system is more than enough, I actually considered an outback but I need space for gear when I camp with my kids.

You see funny stuff at La Jolla. We saw a little corolla speed through a Saturday crowd to get to the hard packed sand lol

Originally Posted by Denis_Ruso

I picked up a 1997 Toyota 4runner 4x4 with Locked Rear last year. So far its been my favorite car.

I've seen it on your IG. Looks sick. Did you get it with the lift and wheels for that price?