Suggestions for good geocaching 4X4 vehicles for rough terrain?

May 27, 2002

We are new to geocaching and have been doing our hunting in the southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona areas thus far, which is really hilly and rocky. After beating our Expedition up a little too much in the brush, we have decided to look for a used 4X4 for this weekend hobby. Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions about 4X4 trucks verses, ATVs, sand rails, etc. and have similar experience with terrain in this area? What has worked best for you folks out there? We have found ourselves frequently traveling narrow, rocky or soft "roads" with pretty steep inclines or declines, areas often heavily used by ATVs and motocross bikes so the ground is severely rutted. Since this will be a hobby toy, we don't want to spend a lot of money but don't want to break down out in the middle of nowhere either! Thoughts, anyone?

May 28, 2002

You didnt say what you want to spend but for what a new atv costs you can but a very clean used 4x4 truck. I have a 90 model ford bronco we use for hunting, canoing, fishing and geocaching. has power everthing, a/c tilt and cruise and the top comes off. I have about 3000.00 in it. Another advantage is you can drive it on and off the road so your not looking at trailers, tow bars ect.

JPACS

May 28, 2002

Jeep Wrangler works great for us here in Az.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

4.5k · May 28, 2002

Have to say that our Cherokee has been a good one. Small enough for the trails and big enough for a family of 5. There are plenty of them around and the prices seem to be really good. 2001 was the last year for production so i picked up another new one to go along with my 94. Anyway, i have had good service with mine and its been in some pretty tough situations.

3.1k · May 28, 2002

I am afraid the beast has gotten stuck a time or two. Seems you can't count on 400hp getting you out of slimey stuff every time.

We have a couple of honda Foreman quads. Very nice to use.

Never Squat With Yer Spurs On

May 28, 2002

I'm not sure what 4x4 to recommend.

May 28, 2002

Vw Baja. Or look in the gallery here for some serious ground clearance

http://www.chaindriverails.com/

Chain Drive Rails, when your serious about hill climbing.

ponyboy

May 28, 2002

Vw Baja. Or look in the gallery here for some serious ground clearance

http://www.chaindriverails.com/

Chain Drive Rails, when your serious about hill climbing.

ponyboy

May 28, 2002

I think it is hard to beat a truck with an open bed. When you run out of road or into to much snow or mud you can take the dirtbike or snowmobile out of the back and keep on going. Hard to do with a suv type vehicle.

May 29, 2002

I've been driving off-road vehicles of one type or another since 1976. I love quads, would dearly love to own a sand-rail or a dune buggy (so would Steak) and Steak desperately wants a Jeep or another Baja.

I own a nice newer long wheelbase truck, and have never hesitated to take it out in the boonies to get scratched up, have the tires bruised by some radical rocks/stones, or head out on trails that, in some of the hairier spots have left me requiring the use of a spatula to get my a$$ out of the seat (can you say pucker factor?). It also comfortably carries my two cache-rats (kids) and rides sweet on the highway for those long cache excursions.

BUT it would be hard to tell you what you should get. Do you like caching in all seasons, all weather (need something enclosed, preferably with a heater)?

Do you want something that WILL go ANYWHERE (ATV's have limitations on terrain - just try to get one through two feet of snowpack, something my Ford will do)?

Do you want something that CAN go ANYWHERE (adding a trailer to your equasion (sp?) can completely change your financial requirements and if you need to traverse city/state/county roads you'll need a permit for ATV's, buggies, etc.)?

I think that a high(er) ground clearance Jeep or 'Zuki Suicide might be better all around. Cheap upkeep (for older models), you don't need to be a rocket scientist to fix stuff yourself on most of them, parts are cheap and readily accessible and they can be modified to do anything and go anywhere. They haul your gear, your grub and your GPS. Sounds like the ticket to me...

But I could be wrong... Hell, you can tell I haven't put much thought into it.

As my brother always says: "Not bad for a girl!"

----------

Lori aka: RedwoodRed

KF6VFI

"I don't get lost, I investigate alternative destinations."

GeoGadgets Team Website

Comics, Video Games and Movie Fansite

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is." - Yoda, Jedi Master from Star Wars - Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

May 29, 2002

I've been driving off-road vehicles of one type or another since 1976. I love quads, would dearly love to own a sand-rail or a dune buggy (so would Steak) and Steak desperately wants a Jeep or another Baja.

I own a nice newer long wheelbase truck, and have never hesitated to take it out in the boonies to get scratched up, have the tires bruised by some radical rocks/stones, or head out on trails that, in some of the hairier spots have left me requiring the use of a spatula to get my a$$ out of the seat (can you say pucker factor?). It also comfortably carries my two cache-rats (kids) and rides sweet on the highway for those long cache excursions.

BUT it would be hard to tell you what you should get. Do you like caching in all seasons, all weather (need something enclosed, preferably with a heater)?

Do you want something that WILL go ANYWHERE (ATV's have limitations on terrain - just try to get one through two feet of snowpack, something my Ford will do)?

Do you want something that CAN go ANYWHERE (adding a trailer to your equasion (sp?) can completely change your financial requirements and if you need to traverse city/state/county roads you'll need a permit for ATV's, buggies, etc.)?

I think that a high(er) ground clearance Jeep or 'Zuki Suicide might be better all around. Cheap upkeep (for older models), you don't need to be a rocket scientist to fix stuff yourself on most of them, parts are cheap and readily accessible and they can be modified to do anything and go anywhere. They haul your gear, your grub and your GPS. Sounds like the ticket to me...

But I could be wrong... Hell, you can tell I haven't put much thought into it.

As my brother always says: "Not bad for a girl!"

----------

Lori aka: RedwoodRed

KF6VFI

"I don't get lost, I investigate alternative destinations."

GeoGadgets Team Website

Comics, Video Games and Movie Fansite

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is." - Yoda, Jedi Master from Star Wars - Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

May 29, 2002

Here's what I use:

Jumpmaster

(And before anyone asks, yes...I really drive that thing around! It's been repowered with a 6.5L Turbo Diesel from the original 6.2L NA and is enormous fun!)

[This message was edited by Jumpmaster on May 29, 2002 at 07:40 PM.]

May 29, 2002

Here's what I use:

Jumpmaster

(And before anyone asks, yes...I really drive that thing around! It's been repowered with a 6.5L Turbo Diesel from the original 6.2L NA and is enormous fun!)

[This message was edited by Jumpmaster on May 29, 2002 at 07:40 PM.]

May 29, 2002

Seriously though, I would look for anything with a good engine and drivetrain and not worry too much about looks or brand. As long as its 4x4 and can be had for a good price, it will be much better the beating up on a new 40K truck.

May 29, 2002

Oh and for mud/snow/soft soil, you could always try a set of these:

http://www.mattracks.com/html/home.htm

Go look at some of the mpegs they have of these things in action...I need to buy a set for my truck!

Jumpmaster

May 29, 2002

Oh and for mud/snow/soft soil, you could always try a set of these:

http://www.mattracks.com/html/home.htm

Go look at some of the mpegs they have of these things in action...I need to buy a set for my truck!

Jumpmaster

May 29, 2002

I cast my vote for a used Jeep Wrangler. They're called "jeep trails" for a reason.

"There's no need to be afraid of strange noises in the night. Anything that intends you harm will stalk you silently."

May 31, 2002

o|||||o

1.9k · June 1, 2002

no if ands or buts, those track need to be on my truck.

Now where did I set my GPS??? planetrobert.net

[This message was edited by SirRalanN on June 01, 2002 at 09:06 PM.]

1.9k · June 1, 2002

no if ands or buts, those track need to be on my truck.

Now where did I set my GPS??? planetrobert.net

[This message was edited by SirRalanN on June 01, 2002 at 09:06 PM.]

June 2, 2002

Anybody find out how much those Mattracks cost?

I know I know, If you have to ask......

ponyboy

June 2, 2002

Anybody find out how much those Mattracks cost?

I know I know, If you have to ask......

ponyboy

June 2, 2002

Youze guyz gots way too much TIME on your hands!

June 2, 2002

I'm using a Toyota Hilux Tiger 4x4..

very good.. been thru rough terrain..

Don't mather how far you get from home, you will always get back there to get out again

June 2, 2002

I'm partial to my old landie. It's never let me down, but 4WD lets you get stuck in more inaccessable places. Having a winch means you can get stuck in some really inaccessable places.

Another photo here:

http://img.Groundspeak.com/cache/log/111270_200.jpg

9.4k · June 2, 2002

June 2, 2002

Funny you should put a picture of a new Bug up there....

I had one on rental last week and well, lets just say Hertz isn't very happy with me right now. Apparently oil pans are a drag to replace on them.

The extra insurance was a good thing.

June 2, 2002

I love my bug. It's a diesel. 50mpg WooHoo...ah..that's with the oil pan.

To bad they'll never be a good off road machine like the old Baja's.

ponyboy

June 2, 2002

I love my bug. It's a diesel. 50mpg WooHoo...ah..that's with the oil pan.

To bad they'll never be a good off road machine like the old Baja's.

ponyboy

June 4, 2002

Went caching with BBNotTooBusy last year in his Tacoma so this year I bought one of my own.

20.7k · June 4, 2002

I recently was tempted to buy an M, but I think I'll stick with the Oldsmobeast for a while.

[This message was edited by sbell111 on July 18, 2002 at 09:06 AM.]

1.1k · June 4, 2002

I'm really loving my S-10 crew cab. It's 4WD; seats four people fairly comfortably (or five, if you all recently showered, and don't mind a little touchy feely); has a small, but functional box (with bed liner)...AND I can still get in and out of parking spots fairly easily.

Life doesn't get much better than that!

02170S-10Crew4W[[]]4484.gif

1.1k · June 4, 2002

I'm really loving my S-10 crew cab. It's 4WD; seats four people fairly comfortably (or five, if you all recently showered, and don't mind a little touchy feely); has a small, but functional box (with bed liner)...AND I can still get in and out of parking spots fairly easily.

Life doesn't get much better than that!

02170S-10Crew4W[[]]4484.gif

June 4, 2002

http://www.wrc.com/en_GB/Gallery/Photo/2002_R_RA_MakinenAction1Leg2.htm

Love mine

2.5k · June 4, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by cache us if you can:
we have decided to look for a used 4X4 for this weekend hobby.

Looks like you missed missed your chance to buy this beauty. Not exactly 4x4, more like 6x6.

You need to click the pictures to get a good look at this Pinzgauer, one of the nicest I've seen.

http://www.swissarmyvehicles.com/vehicles/712k-brown.html

June 4, 2002

Wife just bought a Tundra and It is great off road.

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

June 4, 2002

Wife just bought a Tundra and It is great off road.

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

June 4, 2002

Ultimate 4x4 ? And you can cross rivers and lakes too.

ponyboy

June 4, 2002

Ultimate 4x4 ? And you can cross rivers and lakes too.

ponyboy

June 4, 2002

I am kinda partial to my Yamaha Grizzly. It gets me where I want to go. Then it gets me back home again. I can even go places that most 4X4 trucks can't.

I use it all the time in our adventures in Geocaching.

This is a picture that I took just about 10 days ago while out rider and caching with my daughter, Li'lRider.

June 5, 2002

-

2.9k · June 6, 2002

How about this truck for Geocaching??

My home page about GPS units and information

June 7, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by cache us if you can:
We are new to geocaching and have been doing our hunting in the southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona areas thus far, which is really hilly and rocky. After beating our Expedition up a little too much in the brush, we have decided to look for a used 4X4 for this weekend hobby. Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions about 4X4 trucks verses, ATVs, sand rails, etc. and have similar experience with terrain in this area? What has worked best for you folks out there? We have found ourselves frequently traveling narrow, rocky or soft "roads" with pretty steep inclines or declines, areas often heavily used by ATVs and motocross bikes so the ground is severely rutted. Since this will be a hobby toy, we don't want to spend a lot of money but don't want to break down out in the middle of nowhere either! Thoughts, anyone?

You want a special vehicle for geocaching? You ARE serious! I've prowled the desert and mountains for many years and have learned a few things by trial & error, just as you will.

For starters, the kind of terrain you describe is rough on vehicles, as you've found with the Expedition. You may want something more compact to handle narrow, steep, rocky conditions. I'm partial to Jeeps but other brands will work too. Look for good clearance, short overhangs, protection for vulnerable parts underneath, low gearing for crawling and compression breaking, some sort of limited slip or locking differential, and good all-terrain truck tires (but not the mud type with huge lugs that dig holes in the sand). Many drivers are partial to manual transmissions but, as one old-timer pointed out to me, it's easier to hold your beverage and drive off-road with an automatic.

As for pickups vs. enclosed, that's a personal choice. I find pickup beds to be a poor place for gear, even with a cover, because of dust, rain and bouncing around. An enclosed cabin is cleaner, comfortable, and provides more options, including passengers. It's also hard to find a pickup with a short rear overhang.

For creature comforts, it depends on what you are willing to pay. A used $3k 4WD will be intensely uncomfortable: loud, dusty, hot, rough riding, broken-down seats, and oil leaks. If you're young, that's part of the adventure, but it gets old quickly. I like newer vehicles with good air conditioning, firm seats, a modern suspension that works reasonably well on the road, and a fuel-injected engine that handles altitude and steep inclines.

You live in a great area for off-road exploring. Find what suits your needs, have fun and drive responsibly.

June 7, 2002

quote:
Originally posted by cache us if you can:
We are new to geocaching and have been doing our hunting in the southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona areas thus far, which is really hilly and rocky. After beating our Expedition up a little too much in the brush, we have decided to look for a used 4X4 for this weekend hobby. Does anyone have any suggestions or opinions about 4X4 trucks verses, ATVs, sand rails, etc. and have similar experience with terrain in this area? What has worked best for you folks out there? We have found ourselves frequently traveling narrow, rocky or soft "roads" with pretty steep inclines or declines, areas often heavily used by ATVs and motocross bikes so the ground is severely rutted. Since this will be a hobby toy, we don't want to spend a lot of money but don't want to break down out in the middle of nowhere either! Thoughts, anyone?

You want a special vehicle for geocaching? You ARE serious! I've prowled the desert and mountains for many years and have learned a few things by trial & error, just as you will.

For starters, the kind of terrain you describe is rough on vehicles, as you've found with the Expedition. You may want something more compact to handle narrow, steep, rocky conditions. I'm partial to Jeeps but other brands will work too. Look for good clearance, short overhangs, protection for vulnerable parts underneath, low gearing for crawling and compression breaking, some sort of limited slip or locking differential, and good all-terrain truck tires (but not the mud type with huge lugs that dig holes in the sand). Many drivers are partial to manual transmissions but, as one old-timer pointed out to me, it's easier to hold your beverage and drive off-road with an automatic.

As for pickups vs. enclosed, that's a personal choice. I find pickup beds to be a poor place for gear, even with a cover, because of dust, rain and bouncing around. An enclosed cabin is cleaner, comfortable, and provides more options, including passengers. It's also hard to find a pickup with a short rear overhang.

For creature comforts, it depends on what you are willing to pay. A used $3k 4WD will be intensely uncomfortable: loud, dusty, hot, rough riding, broken-down seats, and oil leaks. If you're young, that's part of the adventure, but it gets old quickly. I like newer vehicles with good air conditioning, firm seats, a modern suspension that works reasonably well on the road, and a fuel-injected engine that handles altitude and steep inclines.

You live in a great area for off-road exploring. Find what suits your needs, have fun and drive responsibly.

June 7, 2002

We try to be carefull with the rippers in the back. The dozer blade on the front is great for moving poison oak.

"Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."

[This message was edited by GeoSharks on June 08, 2002 at 10:07 AM.]

June 7, 2002

We try to be carefull with the rippers in the back. The dozer blade on the front is great for moving poison oak.

"Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes."

[This message was edited by GeoSharks on June 08, 2002 at 10:07 AM.]

June 7, 2002

Hey GeoShark. Most people take there dog when they Geocache. Your the first person I've heard of that takes their cat.

ponyboy

June 7, 2002

Hey GeoShark. Most people take there dog when they Geocache. Your the first person I've heard of that takes their cat.

ponyboy

June 7, 2002

Smaller than an Expedition is handy. I really like the Pathfinder. You can get 4 people + dog in it with no problems and it is a reasonable highway ride.

On the downside it could use another 40 HP and black is not a great off road color unless you don't mind a dirty-looking vehicle! Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son!

June 7, 2002

Smaller than an Expedition is handy. I really like the Pathfinder. You can get 4 people + dog in it with no problems and it is a reasonable highway ride.

On the downside it could use another 40 HP and black is not a great off road color unless you don't mind a dirty-looking vehicle! Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son!

Suggestions for good geocaching 4X4 vehicles for rough terrain?

Recommended Posts

Join the conversation