After seeing so many van life (van, car, suv, etc) videos and “being interested” in the Ford Transit and the Nissan NV200 I finally came to the conclusion that my 2015 Honda CRV is all I really need for what I want to do. I’m 5’ tall and definitely do not want/need a larger vehicle right now. I haven’t taken my first trip yet but I’ve been in planning stages. 😄😄. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I always say that if possible, people should start off with whatever vehicle they have. Sounds like you're on the right track! I think you'll have a great time in the CRV. Thanks Esther.
Like he said 25-30mpg can save you $200-400 every week, thousands a month.. So with that money saved buy yourself a solar panel, 2 lithium batteries & a 20+ gallon water tank. Also a dieselpowered dryheat chinese heater ;)
@@bork572Unlike propane diesel generates dry heat; also Chinese diesel is just a knockoff of european brands that are a couple of hundred dollars more, so...
My 2018 awd rav4 has been great for me, Its taken me through the desert, sketchy backroads, snow, mud, and light forest trails. And hauls my 29er mountain bike while getting 35mpg. Lived out of it for a year or so.
I think the smaller the vehicle the more stealthy it is, especially if you're camping in urban areas. I don't often see that many suburbans while I see probably hundreds of smaller SUVs like RAV4s or CRVs. So, I feel like if a random Suburban showed up in a neighborhood it would be much more noticeable if another RAV4 was parked on the side of the road.
I've had my 99' Suburban since 2003 & for my needs it's more than a good trade-off for the lower mpg. I've used it to tow a boat, camper trailer, cargo trailers, and other cars. I get great off-road traction & can pull other vehicles out of trouble that the smaller SUV's can't. We're both tall & can sleep in it fully stretched out and when traveling there's plenty of room for our 3 dogs & gear. Your recent video where the roof rack fell off on the rocky trail freaked me out because I'm installing one of my own soon. Thanks to seeing that I'm going to secure mine better by using u-bolts on the side rails in addition to clamping the rack to the crossbars. One 'Con' you forgot was that these trucks have so much interior space that they take longer to cool off in the heat & to warm up in cold weather. My wife had a Rav4 & it was fun & economical but is more suited for a single person who doesn't have a lot of gear. My truck being a gas-guzzler is the price I pay for having a workhorse that has the ability to do a lot of things that smaller vehicles can't. I've been in extreme places & never once got stuck in the snow, mud, or sand.
I have had a Toyota Tundra with a 4 Wheel Granby camper for about 10 years. I take several trips of 10 to 14 days usually (most comfortable for me) from late Spring to early Fall. So 8 to 10 weeks of the year. Prior to this set up I had a T-100 with a camper shell. It had better road clearance than the Tundra. I am also 79. When I got this set up I was really ready to leave behind crawling in and out of the T-100 truck bed with camper shell. I really love being able to stand up in the popup camper when it is up; and I can sit in i (say for lunch)t or nap when it is down. I also really enjoy the space with the top up when I am just sitting in or being it. There is an enjoyable feeling being in that space. Yes, turning around can be a little difficult, but I have a shorter space between the wheels than many rigs like mine. Getting the sides of the vehicle scratched because of the width happens; I have just had to accept that, with the bushes trees on the sides of narrow roads. I also have really enjoyed the refrigerator which has, as a propane one, some issues to deal with--doesn't always stay on, may be problems keeping cold enough, etc. If I were younger than 50 I would probably be fine in the Rav4 except you can't seem to go on roads that I can go on in the Tundra.
79? God Bless you. I am 63 and feel tired as recovering from Cancer treatment. But I plan to still continue Camping and getting a Pop-up camper. Been tenting it for the past 10 years.
That’s cool I have a 2000 RAV4 with a 450L Thule roof box on top and I would love to upgrade to a Tacoma or tundra with a camper on it, still smaller than an RV but many of the same luxuries like standing and having a real “room”
As always: you are honest and thorough, I so appreciate those qualities, thank you Tristan. I would only add the word INTENTION. Because there must be a reason why anyone would like to embrace the concept of adventures on the road. If I have a bigger rig, I may be tempted to stay inside the vehicle. In my case, I really want to force myself to walk more, to exercise, to enjoy Nature... even if I just sit to read a book, I want to use a camping chair and be surrounded by nature. So for me, my ultimate goal or intention is really powerful, I really want to have all the conveniences of gas milage and maneuverability but, when I find a beautiful spot, I want to be out there and soak it in. I tend to be a little too lazy so I don't want to be tempted by the illusion of more space, I want to have a healthier life.
This is insightful perspective, I agree wholeheartedly, I have a 2000 RAV4 and traveled 15k miles thru US/Canada last year and Ive constantly found myself wishing I had more room, but I also simultaneously find myself moving towards a sedentary RV lifestyle on the road as I dream of a much bigger rig and as much as it would be more comfy I feel I’ll just be trying to replicate being in a bedroom at home and I won’t really be camping and adventuring with the same efficiency and freedom. It’s a hard trade off
Adriana has a very good point -- illustrated by a common situation faced by winter campers: what do you occupy yourself with during a long night? If my vehicle is occupied for sleep and occasional meal preparation, am I prepared to live usefully at other times and under any foreseeable conditions?
This makes no sense to me. If you like/love getting out in nature and are going to the trouble to be in nature, how does the vehicle you drive influence you to spend more time outdoors or not once you are there? I have never been "tempted to stay inside the vehicle" once I made a trip and cannot comprehend this thought process. Just my two cents.
@@toddsickinger3934 Well, the way I am planning to do my thing is to switch to a full-time Rv lifestyle, meaning months and years on the road. I have seen so many Rvers who just stay in and take naps and watch Netflix. Being a huge movie person, I would rather sit outside my car, set a table, read a book, work outside, and just breathe the open air. In a bigger rig, I might get trapped again in a routine of napping and watching movies. But hey, we can agree to disagree, right?
All great insights! Thank you! I would add (we own both a suburban and a rav4) 1) I feel much safer in the suburban. A collision with a deer/elk/moose or another vehicle would likely be much more survivable in the suburban. 2) our suburban is a 2008 and the turning radius is phenomenal- it’s what you get used to in any case but I always feel pretty pleased and confident with my ability to turn in tight areas with our suburban. 3) in the suburban you sit up higher and can see more. I can’t tell you how many bridges I have gone over and the guard rail is right at eye level in a smaller vehicle and I completely miss the beautiful view - also in high traffic situations you can see farther ahead to avoid upcoming hazards 4) agree with the gas mileage thing but getting a newer vehicle to up the fuel efficiency (as other commentators mentioned) may not be financially worth it once you have to pay full coverage insurance, time value of money, depreciation etc). 5) in our travels we have occasionally needed to park in parking garages with low clearance. Our suburban (no lift) fits but wouldn’t with a lift or a car top carrier. A rav4 probably would even with a carrier. Really enjoy your channel!! 👍
Thank you, we have a 2016 Rav 4 and I forgot about the height clearance issue in garages. I do worry about collisions with other cars though, and the larger vehicle would be safer. We have car camped in the Rav 4 several times and it is a big hassle moving camping stuff from the back to the front seats at night to set up the sleeping bags. One thing that has not been mentioned is security and break-ins. Our Rav 4 and another car were parked while we were hiking and our side window got broken into. They stole a lot of things and I think if we had a larger/ taller car or truck camper it would be harder to see into the windows and break in. Thanks, take care!
One thing I love about my Escalade (2004), is the height. In smaller vehicles I hate being behind taller vehicles. It's just mostly for a lot of traffic times. I do miss more maneuverability, though.
Very informative video. Tristan, you're absolutely right! There is no perfect vehicle. I learned that very quickly when I decided to trade in my perfectly fine mini van for something more off pavement capable. I chose the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. It parks in any normal parking space and easily fits in my garage or any parking structure. It has 4 wheel drive capability, including low range, and with the push of a button the air suspension gives me over 10 inches of ground clearance. It also has the interior creature comforts I appreciate for normal everyday driving. Interior cargo space is a little tight, but at 70 I still sleep in a tent, so that's not a real issue for me. On the rare occasion I want to sleep in the vehicle, I simply recline my front seat for the night. I opted for the 5.7 V8 so fuel economy isn't the best. But at my age, I don't know how much longer I'll be using a tent so a nice off road teardrop trailer might be in my future.
I have a 2002 GMC Yukon as well and thought about using it for a quick week trip to Florida with my 2 dogs, I think it will work out well, I have the shorter Yukon I know there is the XL (size of suburban) is that the one you have?
@@alicial6072 Hey Alicia, yes, I have the full size XL. I use it to spend three to four weeks traveling the back country before I have to head into town to resupply, not counting fuel but fuel mileage is not as bad as I thought it would be.
@@thomasdevereaux9527 wow, that's a long time out in the back country I'm on the east coast and really never understood how vast the open space was out west until I went to Arizona for a business trip and saw it you really can get lost for months if you really want to, enjoy your new vehicle
My Honda CRV is perfect for me and my two or so months of camping each year. On longer trips, when I arrive at a spot where I'll spend two or more nights, I just set up a small tent and keep any bear safe things inside it to allow more room in my SUV. On the rare occasion that my husband goes with me, we sleep in the tent (he only goes when the weather is nice and that's ok). I don't think I want anything bigger. Like you say, it saves a LOT of money, it handles the mountain roads nicely, and it's way more fun and relaxing to drive.
Your review was interesting. I wanted a little bit of both and ended up with a 1997 Safari AWD Van. The AWD and van size is which sold me to go with a van. Lots of room and can go anywhere. Works great for camping.
@@busted_dyna8580 Finding a good Van is the problem whether a Safari or Astro. Depending where you are . West Coast or East Coast. I got my Van out of Oregon, no rust and 1997 (AWD) with 107,000 miles. I used Car Gurus to find mind from a used truck dealer.Yes, I have it build simple out for camping and love it. Just right for one or two people, Good Luck
"If gas mileage is your number one priority, don't get a 15 year old Suburban." As a former 1995 Suburban owner, this hits the nail on the head. I appreciated and utilized all that room, but it was pay as you go every few days, it seemed, as I pulled up to the gas pumps. I had good luck with a 2003 Chevrolet Venture cargo van. Got much better mileage than the Suburban and could carry around quite a bit. Thanks for the good presentation, Tristan.
@@joemcdonough2765 : The older the better as far as insurance goes, over ten years old all you need is liability. If you make payments on a vehicle then full coverage should be mandatory. On a older vehicle the registration is cheaper also. Three things to remember about owning a vehicle, economy versus convenience, insurance, and two wheel drive versus 4 wheel drive. Plus where you live as far as the weather.
Yea, I always look at it as a trade off for comfort; pay gas for a big comfortable vehicle and staying as long as you want, or a hotel room which for one night will cost more than the extra gas for driving a big vehicle.
@@joemcdonough2765 : A cargo van is a really good idea. You can customize it the way you want it, instead of paying for an expensive Winnebago, which I used to work at in the late 70s after graduating from high school.
Thank you for producing this video. Yep I'm keeping my 2009 Jeep Patriot. It is played off, and we have own it since it was new. It is my daily driver too. No my husband doesn't care to travel or camp out of it, so I take it on my solo trips. One other thing to remember with a bigger vehicle is you need a larger emergency fund, because all the wear items cost more to replace. An older vehicle also requires a bigger emergency fund. Safe travels.
You can't beat RAV4 for camping or living in it. Been doing this for 9 years. I argued with Tristan before when he said he was buying 4runner to replace his RAV4. With the tire on the back gate, the RAV height inside is much grater than most SUVs which have the spare taking up the room ether in the back under the carpet or under the SUV raising up the floor. I had all the seats out in my RAV4 and it was huge with extra storage in the trunk under the carpet. Best MPG out of all my campers, AWD, good ground clearance and short wheel base. Unfortunately the rust killed the RAV (New York). Then I lived in Chevy Astro, then Silverado 4x4, then RV, then Volvo sadan and now in Nissan Xterra. Xterra gets 15mpg. Will be buying 2011-12 RAV4 again.The trick is taking the seats out. Don't bother with 2013 and newer. Much smaller on the inside with spare tire in the trunk.
Tristan does not realize that he's got the best RAV4 ever made. The year 2011 and 2012 were the best models. They go 500k miles without any problems. The previous RAV4s had transmission and engine problems. The engine would burn oil like crazy due to oil drain holes clogging on the pistons. 1 quart per 500 miles. If you forget, there goes the engine, if you add oil, eventually the carbon build up will take out the valves (I rebuilt one). The transmission would loose OD gear. All updated after first 4 years (06-10)
I made a mistake by going bigger, them more off road capable vehicles. 99% of the time I did not need 4x4 with lockers and 33" tires but paid dearly for it by getting 9mpg on the trails (15mpg on the highway). After a while, it gets very expensive especially if you like to travel a lot. Some people like to drive 50 miles and camp for 2 weeks, rinse and repeat. For them lifted 4runner or Jeep or Xterra on big tires with lockers makes sense. That gets them to remote locations but if you like to explore and bounce around different states you better have lots of $$$.
Thanks for the comment. I needed to hear this from someone else. If I do go for the RAV4 I will get AWD to avoid situations where the front wheels hit sand and start spinning.
I've spent a few nights in my 2020 Grand Cherokee and found it to be about the right size for me. I'm 5'9" and I can sleep fully stretched out with the back seats folded down. So far, so good.
I can agree with and relate to pretty much everything you said in this video👍 With regards to sleeping platforms and small SUVs: another option to [no platform] or [drawer compartment under platform] is to make a flat (max 2" height) platform just to level off the front-seat-rear-to-tailgate area. It's what I have in my Subaru Outback 2018. Similar to your RAV4 rig, I have enough headroom to enter/exit from both sides, sit up and move around. The folding board at the head end has 2 positions, one for sleeping and one for relaxing (chaise longue). The platform is 78x38 matching the Twin XL size foam mattress on top, enough space to eliminate that coffin feeling you mentioned. A small drawer cooking station at the left back overlaps the mattress. Rooftop cargo box of course, awning and ebike on hitch rack. Not much gear though. I don't film 😀
Over the decades I've extensively traveled, camped, and slept in a 1982 Ford E-100 conversion van, a 1999 GMC Safari SE van, and now a 2017 Kia Sorento LX SUV. I did only minor modifications including take out second row captain's chairs & and third row tables & sofas in the vans and lay down second row seats in Kia. I added storage accessories such as seat organizers & ceiling netting, and curtains, sheets, or window coverings. I used storage boxes, soft luggage, garment bags, air mattresses, foam, & sleeping bags. The basic trade- off is space versus mpg for me. Fully loaded the Ford van had 12 mpg, the GMC 18 mpg, and the Kia 30 mpg.
My wife and I use a 4x4 4 door Dakota pick up with a topper and roof rack. No platform. We can sit up in it. We also have a tent that attaches to the back and we carry a large dome tent too. We also have two German Shepards that adds to the equation. We have so many options all in one vehicle. For us it's a great rig. Perfect? No. But, I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect rig. It's all in what you make it. Happy New Year Tristan!
You know how photographers say that the best camera is the one you have with you? I think the same applies to adventure rigs. The best one is the one you already have! Thanks Daniel.
Hi! We hope to venture out car camping in a 2007 Santa Fe in early spring. Just a weekends two a month. My husband is 6’1 and it look like this will work for us both. We will not build a platform. We keep it simple and just take what we need for sleep and to eat a few meals on the road. We are getting lots of great ideas from your channel and others. Thank you so much! Happy camping 😀
My old 95 Ford Explorer 4x4 is perfect for me. Right size for 1 with 1 passenger if need be. Lots of redoing and getting rid of stuff I didn't need. Now it's set up just right and I get the gas mileage I need. I just drive and sleep in it- no platform. Carry's car essentials and all my clothes, camping gear, everything I need and except for rock crawling I can go anywhere I want. It works very well. This was great to show the differences. Suburbans are very cool. Gave it a thought or two, but I agree about the advantages of the smaller rig.
My wife and I went with something in the middle, a 2013 highlander. It was the best all around compromise for gas mileage, space, and towing capabilities. We take the middle seats which leaves a good amount of room for stuff including cooler. Also built a minimal platform to level things out and give a little storage access from the rear. I would like to add 1-2" lift and better tires someday.
I purchased a Kia Sorento last year with the intent of converting an enclosed cargo trailer to haul and travel the National Parks and National Forests. However, I am still on the fence about the converted cargo trailer (CCT) as I am a tent camper and I love camping in a tent. I have decided to take info from your playbook, so to say, and use my Sorento as a dual travel vehicle, to sleep in on short stays (1night, maybe 2 depending on weather) and tent for longer stays. I did have a RAV4 before the Sorento, bought the Kia specifically due to its 5000lb tow capability and have to say that I enjoy the Kia more than I had the RAV. It’s probably one step larger than the RAV4, but very spacious, very maneuverable, good gas mileage at 24-26 mpg highway fully loaded. Basically my comment is to offer an alternative to car living/camping/exploring vehicle options.
@NoBoringChars I was familiar with the sylvansport product, but not Jumping Jack. I love the Jumping Jack! Thank you so much for commenting and sharing this product. I am going to check into the smallest one.
There is a terrific 4WD truck that i use to boondock with a small camper shell on it. Though it will take a much larger shell, I chose a thin, low cabover one to retain the really rough 4WDness. It is a 2016 GMC Canyon, same as the Chev Colorado and has the traction control stuff for off road, which works great. I bought it for $20,000 2 years ago with 135,000 miles on it. Before I put the shell on and loaded it up with gear it got 29 mpg which I couldn't believe so I checked it the old fashion to verify the computer. It was spot on. With the shell and load and a 2 1//2" lift it has consistently gotten 24 mpg average over 2 years of driving, including the 4WD driving. It's secret is the 4 cyl 2.8 L diesel with 369 ft lbs torque. Now has 160,000 mi. I've owned lots of 4WD vehicles over the years but none have com even close to this truck's capability, quietness and comfort.
Love that everyone has a different need or preference for what they're doing 'travel' wise. For me it's all about getting as far away from people as possible so heavily offroad modified is necessary. But, that comes with 13 mpg. Everyone's looking for a different experience which is great.
I have been driving suburbans for years. I do not personally find them difficult or stressful to drive. I currently have an 03 Z71 and it is the best! I live in it so I like the space and its ability to go places smaller vehicles could get stuck. Its tow capacity is great and once you hit cruise on the highway it's a smooth ride. For me there is nothing better.
Great vid! I am currently deliberating between a Rav4 and a Sienna minivan (won't be off roading). Yep, I'm one of those people who want a bit more space but also great gas mileage. It's a tough call at this point! Thanks for the vid and the "food for thought".
I've had to do a road trip to vegas in a Rav 4...it is hell on earth...there is just no way I would ever choose a Rav4 and I was saying that long before JayZ ever sang it. Surburban all day, every day and twice on Sunday for me.
I like a small SUV for solo travel. I've slept like a baby in my tiny 1st gen 5dr RAV4. When solo, it's sensible to avoid the roughest trails anyways, and a small SUV is easier (or just even possible) to turn-around on narrow trails, or get unstuck in a pinch.
Advantage of a larger interior space when offroading includes a more comfortable shelter when the weather turns bad... Extra room to heat water/soup/etc when cooking outdoors is too exposed to bad weather... Smaller vehicles are lighter and less prone to the jarring ride of potholes uneven surfaces and easier to pull out of problem areas if the get stuck and easier to change a tire when not on the tarmac... Good segment, the only suggestion to the channel would be on either vehicle, to have a good fatbike so we can see more of cycle/hike/climbs in 2021 👍🏽 Love this channel ❤️
I love my Suboverland beast! I do feel like a king (queen) when I'm driving. It sits so tall! I feel very short when I get into my other car, which is a sedan. Lol. I chose the Suburban base for a rig since it's pretty much the biggest SUV you can find. Mine will be a full-time rig, so I needed the extra space. I'm putting a cargo box up on the roof to gain even more storage.
I like the way you explain things and in an intelligent and logical way. And it is good, too, to "show and tell" when possible. Btw- I bought those awesome down pants you showed us! Love them!
I had a large(ish) class b rv, but now I have a minivan do to an accident. You are correct, whatever vehicle you have, you can make it work. I have all the same necessary items in the minivan I had in the rv, just smaller, fewer, and foldable. I have the same amount of fun. =:) Happy Trails.
Thanks, Tristan! As always you illuminated both the pros and cons. I love that you borrowed a rig from Grady. He is doing a build for me so I am at partial to a little more space and like the heaviness of a larger vehicle for safety and ride height etc. However, the Rav (anything Toyota makes is great...) is 2 ft shorter with much better gas mileage but if I get in a wreck, I'd rather be in a larger SUV. I am a neophyte to this way of life and will try it out. As time goes by and if it is not a great fit, I'll be selling and getting something else. However, it will be a great starter vehicle for me.
Two comments to add that I'm not sure you considered. I have an old Toyota Highlander Hybrid that gets the same gas mileage as your Rav4. Camping in it is 'okay' but everything needs to be rearranged all the time and it is just not particularly comfortable 'hanging out' in the back. I took out the 2nd row of seats and made a platform but the wheel wells take a lot of space and there just is not much head room. I'm in the middle of transitioning this vehicle into a small van with a pop top that from the outside is the same exterior size but just has more room and a bit of storage so things just aren't strewn everywhere. I like my space to be reasonably neat. The second comment that you did not mention is "Can it fit in a garage?" Most large vehicles including RVs are too long and sometimes too wide. Being able to park the vehicle in a garage at home can be important. And there is a correlation between garageable and maneuverable.
This is where I am in the decision making process. RAV vs. 4Runner. With the 4Runner I can sleep stretched out flat. When I crawled into a RAV at the dealership I had about 3 inches of feet hanging out the back, plus the rear seats did not fold perfectly flat. But, the gas mileage difference. Your "middle ground" is the best way to go.
I was able to climb into that big cave on the shore of Great Salt Lake you showed us in your past video simply because my truck had enough clearance. It gets lousy gas mileage but I'm willing to pay extra not to miss those opportunities at cool spots several hundred miles away from my home, as I don't get to travel as frequently. You're right on that it's all about what you prioritize. I want to thank you for giving me lots of ideas - I had a lot of fun last summer exploring that cave, Iosepa, Notch Peak, Cosmic Ashtray, etc. Take care and stay safe out there.
I feel the same way. My SUV RVing trips are already an inexpensive enough way to travel that at this point, I'm willing to pay more (in terms of fuel efficiency) for better clearance. Thanks for watching.
We love our setup, but are always improving We have a Jeep Wrangler with the back seats removed and a sleeping platform. Many of the people we go out with have a roof top tent or a trailer. We keep saying we prefer to sacrifice comfort for speed and simplicity in camp setup. We like to work toward more minimalist gear. We also prefer to have good off road capability. It's great to see all the different setup options. I never scoff at a "glamper"-- they are doing what makes them happy. Thanks for the comparison and the insight.
I talked to a fellow traveler at a truck stop in Ogalala, Nebraska. He would spend 2 - 3 nights sleeping in his Wrangler enroute to tent camping somewhere. He made it work!
@@OspreyFlyer Yea, we've slept in a casino parking lot, truck stop and rest area. I love the simplicity of it and the ease of finding a spot to sleep overnight.
I have been thinking about camping, traveling, living in a vehicle for over 30 years. That being said, I am now retired and because of your video with Grady, I have ordered a Suboverland. It will be my full time home starting shortly after delivery. I came to this decision for several reasons, but having considered everything from a Subaru Outback to a small Class-A, this will fit my needs best. One other advantage to the Suburban is it's ability to pull a small trailer or a small travel trailer. Love your videos. Keep on keeping on :-)
I pull a 23" travel trailer with my Yukon (gas) works great but when I get on the road full time I'm going to purchase a Suburban diesel and pull the trailer as I have dogs and need more room for them to ride. But I love the idea of fitting out suburban for some off road camping as well it seems like you get to see so much more.
I'm still in the planning phase - recovering from a broken leg and a hip replacement. I'm thinking more of a van built out simply with basic items including enough solar to have plenty of power to be comfortable. I have a long way to go but I'm so excited to see some of the fabulous places that you have visited. Love your adventures! The best to you and your lovely wife!
Having owned both big and small I'd add a few things: A) You get used to a big (long) vehicle pretty quickly and much of the difference in parking lots, etc. goes away. You do have to deal with the size when choosing a parking spot but it becomes second nature. B) Having been in and seen wrecks with both, the big vehicle is far safer (due to mass) vs. other vehicles. The exception to this may be a Mercedes G wagon or similar but for most people small means something like a Rav 4 and they crumple against something like a Suburban. C) Towing and payload are night and day between the two. The solid axles, V8 + HD powertrain and overall body-on-frame construction make the Suburban (or similar) a far stronger vehicle. I'm in a V8 swapped 2009 Wrangler JKU now so it's got the gas mileage of a Suburban and the space of a Rav 4 :p It can go most anywhere though and I've got a full off-grid micro-camper build in it!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has those thoughts. Having grown up driving pickups (and larger, much, much larger) on a farm parking our suburban was no different than parking my wife’s small Chevy Equinox. That said, I feel MUCH safer when I’m in the ‘Burb than in her car. I also like that it can tow, that I can take out/fold down the back seats and fit in full sheets of plywood, and haul a galactic crap-ton on the roof. The only thing I’ve not been able to do is haul bulk landscape materials like mulch or wood chips. Borrowing a trailer solves that though.
I would consider a third option as a happy median that offers the best of both, mid-sized SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra, or Chevy Tahoe for example. They have enough room for a nice detailed camper build, they have a shorter wheelbase than a larger SUV like the Suburban so handle a bit better on and offroad, they also have more modifications available for offroad use than small SUVs like the CR-V or Rav4, they also have more towing capabilities than a small SUV and get better fuel economy than a larger SUV...my 4Runner for example gets 18-20 mpg. I can say without doubt moving on from my 2005 Honda CR-V to a 2005 Toyota 4Runner was one of the best decisions I've ever made, it's been night and day difference both in available living space and drivability.
Really great video discussion, good to hear things I would not have thought about. That minivan I rented was so long compared to my SUV. I can not tell you how many times I went around the corner and the wheels went over the curb. It was like driving a bus and like you said comes in to play with parking, changing lanes etc. That gas $$ is a big one, I get 30 to 33 MPG with my SUV on the freeway. Just have to see how you want to travel and what you are willing to compromise on. You didn't hear about the new unicorn SUV? It is awesome with gas, space and not expensive. 😉🦄
So it’s like the difference of hiking with a lightweight 2 person tent vs a 4 person tent. You might have a better experience with the 4p at the campsite after set up, but carrying it on your back, finding a site that can work etc. is more work.
Great comparison. I have a Ford Expedition which like the Suburban puts you high up and feels great! But gas mileage compared to my CRV is dismal. Yet it tows my little camper w/o missing a beat and provides bedroom #2 if camping with friends. So I agree with you: each have pros and cons, so don’t be afraid of buying a bad option. They both work!!
Smaller AWD is better to access tough roads. 2 people fit just fine in Subaru Outback, Forester, or Rav4, but these vehicles need OEM high vent exhaust and low vent air intake. I already use rain window gutters to crack windows for ventilation with bug netting fixed with painters tape, but a better vent system sold by you or OEM is needed!
One thing that all so makes a big difference is how big you are. I am 6'4" and am more comfortable in the larger vehicle. It is also safer in an accident if a RAV4 hits me.
Its an interesting video but I would have liked you to show us the space, bed, storage etc in each vehicle rather than just telling us about it. There are some excellent points here. What about 4wd as apposed to AWD? Thanks for posting.
Suburban tour video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-inT9WQVDGDM.html RAV4 tour video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TXzta2-OeDg.html
I own a E85 Flex Fuel 4x4 Suburban with a 31 gallon fuel tank. There’s a $1.30 difference per gallon right now between regular gas and E85 here in SoCal. Any savings 70 cents or more make it totally worth it even if E85 is 10 to 20% less fuel efficient than regular gas. The E85 I use is over 100 octane and produces more horsepower and torque while keeping engine internals clean. I love this Suburban, it checks all the boxes for me, I’ll never ever sell it. :)
All good points Tristan, especially the shorter wheelbase and fuel efficiency. However, if you are a fulltime nomad you may need a larger vehicle for clothes and some essential equipment, unless you tow a small trailer or rooftop storage container. Thanks.
Ahh dude the struggle is real! Big, small, SUV, Truck with Camper, Van, the combinations feel overwhelming. I just accepted a position at Moab Regional Hospital. So the move from Pa. is soon. I’m bringing my 2013 Tundra Rock Warrior out. But I am struggling with the adaptability of this platform to achieve what I want. Our first priority has always been accessibility to parking and tighter spaces, which is why we gave up on the idea of a traditional rig like an RV and decided four our camping needs smaller is better but too small won’t work. I am 6’4” and need length to sleep comfortably. The wife is 5’1” so she’s pretty compact. As a secondary priority but just as important is mileage+range(fuel capacity). So essentially I need a vehicle to get into the back country, sleep a person that is 6’4’ and have 20-25mpg with a 400-500 mile range(25-30 gallon tank maybe?) Interested to hear your thoughts on this and if your ever in Moab look me and the wife up!
Good point about height being a factor! This particular 1993 Suburban had a massive gas tank (42 gallons), and the range was in that 400-500 mile range. It was pretty great. My RAV4 has a small gas tank, but the range is still 400 miles (16 gallon). I've heard from people are 6'2" and I think even 6'3" sleeping in their RAV4, but 6'4" is probably too much. Something like a 4Runner might have enough space.
@@SUVRVing I owned four 4Runners before the Tundra. Loved all of them immensely. And I am considering going back to one. The driveability of the Tundra I have found to be more comfortable for me. But the wife doesn’t like to drive it because of her size. Another factor to consider. I’ll probably take the Tundra out there then trade it in on a 4Runner once I’m in Utah. Might be easier for sales tax purposes.
It seems there are an infinite number of ways to play the camping or RV’ing game and that’s one aspect that keeps it interesting. Some compromise is always required, but there are many levels of compromise that can work. That being said, the availability & cost of fuel twenty years down the road is hard to predict, which may be a good argument for investing in smaller & lighter RV’s, unless you plan on living in them full time.
I have a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Quite a bit smaller than the Rav! But it has 4wd with a center diff lock, so Ive made it work with a roof rack and some Plano trunks. Sleeping still sucks. Even at 5'9" I can barely fit diagonally. Looking to get something bigger. I have family in Boise - might have to go see Grady on my next trip up there!
If I was camping in the boondocks, I'd feel a lot more secure about my RAV 4 turning over in the morning than I would with any large US made vehicle. Toyota might be less versatile due to size, but they are the world's most reliable vehicle. Thanks for your great videos.
Safety... Do you feel safer in one of the vehicles? Collisions ... Are you safer in a large vehicle because it absorbs more of the contact or are you safer in a smaller vehicle because you are quicker to avoid collisions with other vehicles? Which feels safer?
Any one vehicle will not fill every mission. Small 4 door hatch back is good for 2-week 3000 mile trips. A full size van with a small motorcycle is good for unlimited trips with comfort.
Major cost that has to be considered is gas mileage. Suburbans have bad gas mileage compared to a smaller SUV. I guess it depends on the mileage you travel
Regarding leveling the car at camp site. What I do is place the car in the desired place that look plain and then go out and see the leveling or use a level gauge. If it is not acceptable, then, dig a small pit in front of the higher wheels. Then, move the car into these pits to level the car.
Digging pits in front of the wheels is definitely more effort into it than I've never wanted to put! But that sounds like a good option if all else fails. Thanks for watching.
I have an AWD Honda Pilot which falls pretty much in the middle I would say and gas mileage is acceptable and the living space is really surprisingly adequate. Lots of nice little cubby holes for stuff too. Wish I had more ground clearance though and I may address that someday. My old Chevy van just killed me as far as gas mileage. Real deal breaker after awhile. Yikes.
Did you mention towing a Baja bug, sandrail, enclosed utility trailer, prospecting equipment, utv and on and on We have a cat and dog your rav you would have to sleep with your head in the litter box to stretch out Also with all your stuff can you fold up the back seat for friends to ride along My scale easily tips suburban or expedition extended
I went from a high-top Ford van to a 3 and a half inch lifted all wheel drive Toyota Sienna. I've been living in the minivan for a year. At 6'3" I miss the room to stand up while pulling my pants on. The minivan is cozy and comfortable once your in sleeping mode. But it's not a place to hang out when it's raining all day. The big van got 10mpg. The Sienna, fully loaded, and a rooftop carrier (unnecessary in the full size van) gets 13 to 14mpg.😳 For the the trade off in liveability vs fuel, I'll take the full size van. I'm currently looking for my next full size van or maybe a truck camper? Thanks for your summary Tristan. You're correct that there are many variables.
@@susans7091 ... However, it's an example of a large space (Suburban) vs a small space (Rav4). For me, Tristan's video was about space versus fuel economy. There are many variables to consider.
You overlooked a major 'big vehicle' advantage: Endurance. More water & more food = a longer stay once you get somewhere, or more days to explore multiple locations without resurfacing to replenish. I think Grady ended up landing on a great concept: an affordable, spacious, road worthy liveaboard cruiser. But unfortunately, every one of his Subs comes with a 4-speed transmission. Having lived with that and touring the Rockies for some years now, I'd say that's its biggest disadvantage, also not mentioned.
I think that for most people, the endurance advantage is more of a theoretical one than a practical one. I have no problem carrying a week's worth of food and water in my RAV4. I've never needed to carry more, but I could do it. My guess 99% of people will never need or want to spend a week in an SUV without resupplying. I've never had a problem with the Suburbans in the mountains. Thanks for watching, Jack.
Actually, I had less problems in the mountains in my Suboverland than I did with the Nissan Rogue I rented, which likely has a 10 speed transmission. That little thing barely made it through the mountains. The Suburban did just fine. It didn't struggle near as much. Hard to slow in down on the declines, though. Lol.
Big SVVs you have more room you can leave everything in there,I'm wanting a bigger van so I can do a build just a simple one,I love camping but getting a little old for tents any more at 68 yrs I have had traveler trailers don't want to pull any more ether,so a bigger van is great my dodge van just isn't big enough for me to have a twin bed to leave in all the time cause I have my granddaughter 6 yrs is with me all the time so need back set left in,anyway I been really checking out your channel and I know what I want so keep posting oh ya I'm in nampa idaho good camping not far from me and good point on gas and driving but I'm used to driving big rigs drove Simi for years yes yes turning around is hard so I'm looking for just the right fit for me to find for camping you made some really good points in driving makes me do some more thinking on want I should real get extra for camping and driving wow you just made me rethink ok going to start driving test to see what is a smart checking out thanks for your help
Great comparison. I am in that quandary situation of RAV4 vs. basic 4WD 4Runner. Gas mileage is a big issue, but so is being able to lie flat full length due to back problems. Oh, by the way, I purchased the DaCool thermos using your link and on first try it kept soup warm for at least 6 hours. Thanks for the tip.
@@OspreyFlyer I really appreciate your comment. I have since looked at the Subaru Outback as an alternative. The seats fold flat, but in order to lay down flat from front to back, you must somehow fill the gap between the folded rear passenger seat and and the front passenger seat. This could be done by filling the space with soft gear or suitcase, or building a platform across the gap. I will check out the Sorento this week. Thank you so much.
@@H.pylori I have to push the front passenger seat forward max, lay down the second row seat, and fill in the gap with a 7.5 gallon Sterlite storage container with pillow(s) on top of that. Mine is a 2017 Sorento.
I recall a comment saying wheelbase more important than ground clearance. So you would go with RAV4 if you lived in it FULL time? (Cassie, I mean hypothetically)
Love your Chanel! Love the scenery. I have always driven big trucks. I feel like the world is caving in on me when I'm in a small car. I like the suberban 👍👍👍
You didn't mention reliability. Toyotas don't die (at least not easily). My 14 year old Landcruiser has 200,000 miles on it and still going with regular oil changes and timing belt replacement every 100,000 miles. A better option instead of the Suburban is an old Toyota Sequoia or Landcruiser, at almost same price.
I own a 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ with a modest 3" lift, roof rack and 31 x 10.5 tires. It will go anywhere I need to go. It CONSUMES gasoline like no other vehicle I own. I also own a 2006 diesel GM 2500HD. I used it to tow a toy hauler and a large fiberglass boat. After towing the toyhauler for 10 years, I sold it and purchased a Camp Inn teardrop trailer. I also sold the boat and purchased a 15 ft. kayak. Then I purchased a 2013 Ford Econoline van that I am converting to a camper. I plan on putting Fiberine fiberglass top on the van. None of these vehicles are perfect all the time. The Jeep is too small but can go anywhere. The diesel truck is awesome, can tow anything, lots of room inside and has a 6 ft. bed but is big and heavy . The van is extremely comfortable to travel in, plenty of room but is 2 WD.. There is no perfect vehicle......they all have a place.
Wow! Well done again Tristan! Carbon footprint, yeah, new vehicle manufacturing has one for sure...I like that they use an older models for this reason. Also being a auto tech, ease of maintenance is always on the front of my mind. Flat rate working on my own socks. So I want it easy. 2002 Envoy works great! I over packed for a 9 week trip west recently. I considered a different vehicle, bigger for space. But space wasn't the problem. TMS is the problem..( Too Much Stuff..aka, fish'n gear...)
Very fair points, both pro and con. Thanks for the assessment. After asking quite a few questions related to finance, and what I'll actually do, vs what I wish I could/would do, I decided to "build" the 92 Hilux I already had. Had I not had that truck, I'd likely land on a recently imported 90's JDM diesel Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero) or wait until '21~ '22 and import a coil sprung diesel Nissan Patrol. It's obvious I prefer to split the difference with a mid-sized 4x wagon.
There's an old Pajero that parks on my street. Super cool rig! And yeah, I think for most of us, it's best to just use whatever vehicle we already have. Thanks for watching!
Next time you have a chance in a video, i would like you to comment more on the clearance issue on gravel mountain roads on the way to a trailhead. i find sometimes the roads are so bad, even my Honda CRV will not make it. Would a Suburban make it? Thank You!
I feel that there ought to be a mid-size SUV optimized for off-road driving and fuel efficiency. It seems that the designers of SUVs put big engines in them that make the SUVs capable of pulling a lot of weight. But most SUV RVers and off-roaders don’t need to or want to pull a trailer or anything.
The Toyota is very reliable. My last ride was a Scion xB. I'm now in a Ford Transit van. It has a 25 gallon tank and I can drive about 200 miles on about half a tank of gas.
Comin from someone who learned to drive in a 2013 durango, i actually feel safer and more comfortable driving a big ass truck like a durango or a suburban! i think its easier to drive for me personally bc it slows my brain down a bit and makes me think a bit more. my adhd caused a LOT of issues when i had to drive my dads subaru sedan for a few weeks when mine was in the shop, i felt really sporadic and a little neurotic 😅 but thats def 100% just my personal preference, i like feeling like im driving a bus that no one can run off the road 😂
I guess it is all about what you get used to. Having driven big farm trucks and pulling big trailers, a suburban seems awfully small to drive. Smaller vehicles five me road burn! Feels like I am sitting on the pavement. Fuel mileage is a consideration, but I will pay the difference for the comfort.
@@susans7091 - I, for one, enjoy the new car experience and I'm willing to pay for it. And especially for a vehicle that was designed to be taken off road, I don't know what condition that used vehicle would be in. I don't want to buy someone else's troubles. In addition, I tend to keep my vehicles a long time. So, for me, depreciation is not a big factor.
Big vehicle gives you more room and comfort especially when you have family and friends. Compact SUV is more fuel efficient, taking up less road & parking space but only suitable for small family or couples.
Thanks ofr the ideas everyone! I have an idea. Thinking of a "fold over section to the "bed" that would go over the back seats when they are folded down.
