All-around vehicle for outdoorsmen? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

jettytaco · 04-29-2014, 06:39 AM

no short beds!!! You'll need all the room you can get. I had a Tacoma but now loving my Tundra. 15.5 mpg with lots of power and an 8 ft bed for everything I want to toss in there. Get a dualsport motorcycle while you are at it too to save MPG from your truck.

StinkyMatt · 04-29-2014, 06:45 AM

you will spend 90 -95 percent of time doing regular road driving to school and work.

Plan on taking care of that first.

Honda Ridgeline is a very nice vehicle,

seats 5 in the cab

v6 about 20 mpg if you drive nice

Its a honda and will outlive you

The trunk under the bed of the truck is bad ass! Just throw your crap in there and go. Perfect feature for the outdoors, the only truck with it.

If you put racks on it, even better. OR run a bed extender ont he days when you move a kayak........50 bucks.

Bert Vega · 04-29-2014, 07:37 AM

With the kind of money you plan on spending. Get a good car with good mpg for your day to day. Then get a fawk it bucket for your outdoor activity. You can get a Toyota 4 banger extended cab long bed for cheap. And they run for ever. I have a buddy who has a 89 toy. He drove it in high school. Truck has 450,000 miles + and runs like a champ. His son will be driving it next year for his first car.

TCS · 04-29-2014, 07:42 AM

2006 Chevy Tahoe 4x4. As long as you don't have a PA you can easily get the kayak on the roof. All your other stuff can be locked inside. Big and heavy enough to go remote camping fully self contained, which can be a couple thousand pounds. Still comfortable and practical as a daily driver. Ilike that the surfboards or fishing gear can be loaded inside the night before I go.

I took this rig on a remote surfing/fishing trip in mexico a few weeks ago, self contained with four people and a dog off the beaten track. Worked great.

Downsides: MPG and I have had to do a few major repairs.

tsugg · 04-29-2014, 07:56 AM

In 2003 and in 2004 I had two ford( I've had fords my whole life) F250 diesels,first one got lemon lawed(oil leak) , second one was a replacement for the first. It got lemon lawed(tranny) as well. Reasons being factory defects that the local ford dealer couldn't repair. I loved fords but thought I'd try a chevy. Not one bit better, dealership couldn't fix defects(computer cable that was causing random things to happen)sold it.OK I'll try a toyota tacoma,that was 2007 and three baja trips ago and 75,000 miles and it runs perfect, not one rattle in it, no leaks nada runs as great as a brand new one. AND IT HAULS MY PA 14 PERFECTLY(most important)lol

Raskal311 · 04-29-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsugg

In 2003 and in 2004 I had two ford( I've had fords my whole life) F250 diesels,first one got lemon lawed(oil leak) , second one was a replacement for the first. It got lemon lawed(tranny) as well. Reasons being factory defects that the local ford dealer couldn't repair. I loved fords but thought I'd try a chevy. Not one bit better, dealership couldn't fix defects(computer cable that was causing random things to happen)sold it.OK I'll try a toyota tacoma,that was 2007 and three baja trips ago and 75,000 miles and it runs perfect, not one rattle in it, no leaks nada runs as great as a brand new one. AND IT HAULS MY PA 14 PERFECTLY(most important)lol

yep, my 2007 has over 100k on it; no major issues.

Redeyejedi · 04-29-2014, 10:13 AM

toyota 4x4 with an elocker

bolocop · 04-29-2014, 10:25 AM

Get a Subaru Outback. It's full-time AWD and with a 4-cyl, you get 24-30MPG.

I have an Outback and a truck, although I use the truck mostly because I have a PA (too damn heavy) now, I used to load a tandem Hobie on the Outback.

Trucks are nice, but realistically, you're gonna get 19MPG on Avg.

The Subaru Outback fits your needs perfectly, including the cost. Tacoma trucks aren't cheap! V6s get you to $30k quick.

CKallday71 · 04-29-2014, 10:31 AM

I use my Volkswagen Golf TDI for Kayak transport, hiking, camping, going to the shooting range ect. My lease is up in a few months and I'm likely going to be swapping out for one of the new TDI Sportwagens (Going to be called a Golf Sportwagen as of 2015 model year) just for extra space and built in roof rails.

I get almost 40 MPG Combined city and highway fuel economy average and I drive like an idiot most of the time.

jorluivil · 04-29-2014, 07:59 AM

Don't buy an access cab, you'll regret it. the access cabs are made to do one thing, access the cab. I once road in the back seat of an access cab, it was a 300mile round trip and I swore that I would never ride in a access cab again, I'd rather drive the 300 miles in my own truck by myself than to sit in an an area that is perfect for a 6year old.

Also, take Matt's advise and buy based on your regular day to day driving. When I bought my Tundra crew cab I was driving around with a family of four, now that my kids are 24 and 18 they're too cool to hang out with mom and pops so they will stay home and now my 13mph truck is my primary but hopefully not for long.

WildernessWanker · 04-29-2014, 08:53 AM

Crew-cab F-150, and absolutely love it! Mine is a 2003 with 190K and runs a like a champ with only minimal maintenance and service issues. Of course the mileage isn't where I'd like it to be but I figure that's compromise for the size of the truck and its capabilities. I drive for work so I am in a Taurus during the week but on the weekend we are primarily in the truck. I've looked into smaller trucks but with 3 kids under 7 it's not an ideal fit right now, otherwise I would be back in a Tacoma. Had one prior to the kids and loved it, more reliable than anything else out there with better mileage than my full-size. Have to agree with what others have said, buy based on your daily habits and outfit it for what you need. I've gone out with guys in everything from Honda sedans to Volvo wagons, with the choice in racks today there is almost no vehicle that can't be fitted to haul a kayak and fishing gear. Prior to the Taurus we had an Odyssey and that was a great vehicle for recreational activities. I liked that all my gear could be safely stored inside if I wanted to stop anywhere prior to or following fishing, plus I used it a couple times to head down the night before and just slept in the back. I even went camping one time last minute and just slept in the van instead of having to setup a tent and it was super comfy. Find something that is comfy and meets your average daily needs.

04-29-2014, 07:56 AM	#5
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	tacos ! In 2003 and in 2004 I had two ford( I've had fords my whole life) F250 diesels,first one got lemon lawed(oil leak) , second one was a replacement for the first. It got lemon lawed(tranny) as well. Reasons being factory defects that the local ford dealer couldn't repair. I loved fords but thought I'd try a chevy. Not one bit better, dealership couldn't fix defects(computer cable that was causing random things to happen)sold it.OK I'll try a toyota tacoma,that was 2007 and three baja trips ago and 75,000 miles and it runs perfect, not one rattle in it, no leaks nada runs as great as a brand new one. AND IT HAULS MY PA 14 PERFECTLY(most important)lol

04-29-2014, 10:31 AM	#9
CKallday71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: The 951 Posts: 430	I use my Volkswagen Golf TDI for Kayak transport, hiking, camping, going to the shooting range ect. My lease is up in a few months and I'm likely going to be swapping out for one of the new TDI Sportwagens (Going to be called a Golf Sportwagen as of 2015 model year) just for extra space and built in roof rails. I get almost 40 MPG Combined city and highway fuel economy average and I drive like an idiot most of the time. __________________ I fish therefore I am. Selling cars since 2006. If you love what you do you never WORK a day in your life.

04-29-2014, 07:59 AM	#10
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Don't buy an access cab, you'll regret it. the access cabs are made to do one thing, access the cab. I once road in the back seat of an access cab, it was a 300mile round trip and I swore that I would never ride in a access cab again, I'd rather drive the 300 miles in my own truck by myself than to sit in an an area that is perfect for a 6year old. Also, take Matt's advise and buy based on your regular day to day driving. When I bought my Tundra crew cab I was driving around with a family of four, now that my kids are 24 and 18 they're too cool to hang out with mom and pops so they will stay home and now my 13mph truck is my primary but hopefully not for long. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

04-29-2014, 06:39 AM	#1
jettytaco Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 61	no short beds!!! You'll need all the room you can get. I had a Tacoma but now loving my Tundra. 15.5 mpg with lots of power and an 8 ft bed for everything I want to toss in there. Get a dualsport motorcycle while you are at it too to save MPG from your truck.

04-29-2014, 06:45 AM	#2
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	you will spend 90 -95 percent of time doing regular road driving to school and work. Plan on taking care of that first. Honda Ridgeline is a very nice vehicle, seats 5 in the cab v6 about 20 mpg if you drive nice Its a honda and will outlive you The trunk under the bed of the truck is bad ass! Just throw your crap in there and go. Perfect feature for the outdoors, the only truck with it. If you put racks on it, even better. OR run a bed extender ont he days when you move a kayak........50 bucks.

04-29-2014, 07:37 AM	#3
Bert Vega Tail Chaser! Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Murrieta Posts: 627	With the kind of money you plan on spending. Get a good car with good mpg for your day to day. Then get a fawk it bucket for your outdoor activity. You can get a Toyota 4 banger extended cab long bed for cheap. And they run for ever. I have a buddy who has a 89 toy. He drove it in high school. Truck has 450,000 miles + and runs like a champ. His son will be driving it next year for his first car.

04-29-2014, 07:42 AM	#4
TCS Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 478	2006 Chevy Tahoe 4x4. As long as you don't have a PA you can easily get the kayak on the roof. All your other stuff can be locked inside. Big and heavy enough to go remote camping fully self contained, which can be a couple thousand pounds. Still comfortable and practical as a daily driver. Ilike that the surfboards or fishing gear can be loaded inside the night before I go. I took this rig on a remote surfing/fishing trip in mexico a few weeks ago, self contained with four people and a dog off the beaten track. Worked great. Downsides: MPG and I have had to do a few major repairs.

04-29-2014, 10:13 AM	#7
Redeyejedi Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Westside Posts: 141	toyota 4x4 with an elocker

04-29-2014, 10:25 AM	#8
bolocop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 332	Get a Subaru Outback. It's full-time AWD and with a 4-cyl, you get 24-30MPG. I have an Outback and a truck, although I use the truck mostly because I have a PA (too damn heavy) now, I used to load a tandem Hobie on the Outback. Trucks are nice, but realistically, you're gonna get 19MPG on Avg. The Subaru Outback fits your needs perfectly, including the cost. Tacoma trucks aren't cheap! V6s get you to $30k quick.

04-29-2014, 08:53 AM	#11
WildernessWanker WildernessWanker Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 345	Crew-cab F-150, and absolutely love it! Mine is a 2003 with 190K and runs a like a champ with only minimal maintenance and service issues. Of course the mileage isn't where I'd like it to be but I figure that's compromise for the size of the truck and its capabilities. I drive for work so I am in a Taurus during the week but on the weekend we are primarily in the truck. I've looked into smaller trucks but with 3 kids under 7 it's not an ideal fit right now, otherwise I would be back in a Tacoma. Had one prior to the kids and loved it, more reliable than anything else out there with better mileage than my full-size. Have to agree with what others have said, buy based on your daily habits and outfit it for what you need. I've gone out with guys in everything from Honda sedans to Volvo wagons, with the choice in racks today there is almost no vehicle that can't be fitted to haul a kayak and fishing gear. Prior to the Taurus we had an Odyssey and that was a great vehicle for recreational activities. I liked that all my gear could be safely stored inside if I wanted to stop anywhere prior to or following fishing, plus I used it a couple times to head down the night before and just slept in the back. I even went camping one time last minute and just slept in the van instead of having to setup a tent and it was super comfy. Find something that is comfy and meets your average daily needs.