Posted by David A. Wright on September 16, 1999 at 23:08:07:
In Reply to: Vehicles For Ghosttown Adventures posted by pennyan on September 16, 1999 at 02:03:01:
What vehicle you ultimately purchase depends on you, your driving habits, your skill, your intentions, your personal "redline."
Do you simply want the ultimate in off-roading, or a practical day to day vehicle with off-road capabilities? How much of your travel do you plan on spending off-road? What kind of off-roading do you plan on using it for - an occasional dirt road, or something only slightly resembling a road? Do you have a high threshold for scary roads, or simply do not want to worry about some sand or a steep grade or two? Do you travel snow covered highways in winter?
Today's crop of 4x4 vehicles can be equipped from bare bones to luxurious. Virtually anything you can find on a Cadillac can be found on most 4x4's (in fact even most of the luxury auto makers have joined in the luxury 4x4 game).
I love to explore and photograph ghost towns, I am a published author on ghost towns and historic sites in Eastern California and Nevada, and travel often to photograph and enjoy the sites I write about. In my area there are hot, low deserts, and 14,000+ foot tall peaks. I travel from hot sands to deep snow. But if the road (or something resembling a road) pegs my personal adrenalain meter, then I'd rather get out and walk. I would say I am a moderate off-road enthusiast.
Since my rig is also a daily driver, which takes me to and from my normal daytime job (22-miles away on a wide open, desert highway), it also must be relatively comfortable.
I presently own and operate a 1996 Chevrolet S-10 extended cab 4x4 pickup with a color matching camper shell (it appears in a number of my photos on this website). I chose the Chevy (I lean more toward Fords usually) due to the fact it was equipped exactly as I wanted and it was a good value due to the fact it was a "left-over" 1996 model after the '97s were released.
My truck is equipped with the 4.3 liter V-6, a 5-speed manual transmission, manual 4x4 selection, heavy duty everything, medium grade suspension, the LS package (upgraded interior, bucket seats w/center console), power steering/brakes, optional gauges, A/C. I've added cruise control. It does not have power windows/mirrors (didn't want them), nor push button 4x4 selection (a big factor as to why I didn't buy a Ford - they've gone primarily to electronic activation).
It rides comforably on or off the road. It is relatively quiet (I also own a '96 Cadillac, so I know what quiet and comfort is), powerful and has proven a capable off road machine. It is not the ultimate, but works well in the real world of what I put it through. I have not had it stuck yet, but I've come close. Gas mileage seems to hover at 21.5 MPG no matter what I put it through, all trips where I've clocked mileage (with mixture of high speed highway miles, low range crawling, winds and grades) consistantly turns up that figure. I've presently put 59,000 miles on it without a mechanical problem.
Short wheel base will result in a choppy ride. But short wheel base will be easier for you to tow behind a motor home. Short wheel base is also more nimble in cramped off-road situations.
If you plan on towing (without a trailer) choose a model with a neutral position in the transfer case, which will help reduce wear on your transmission while towing.
Ground clearance is another factor to keep in mind. Those parts under the body are expensive and could be the difference in walking back to camp or driving. My truck has lots of vulnerable looking aluminum under there (engine oil pan, transmission, transfer case), but skid plates and good packaging well up off the dirt by Chevy has kept impacts nill to date, although the beefy frame rails have a few scars.
Many car based SUV's are biased more for improved roads than for serious dirt. I would recommend a vehicle with a low range in the transfer case. Lower gearing keeps your feet off the brakes during down hill driving, gives you more control in most situations requiring your speed to be keep to a crawl. I keep the case in low range whenever I'm in 4x4 unless I'm driving on a bladed dirt road or am on a snow covered highway or road where I'm traveling 25+ miles per hour.
And if you go the luxury route for your 4x4, keep in mind, though they are not necessarily hobbled physically in the rough due to their luxury goodies, you will not be so apt to get it dirty nor want to get it scratched or damaged; which will in itself limit your exploring.
That's my 2 cents. Stephen has pretty much covered the bases. There's a lot of SUV's out there, so weigh your needs and choose the vehicle that comes closest to it.