"Lexus Official" (mickeypoodle)
05/22/2019 at 10:42 • Filed to: None
2
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"Lexus Official" (mickeypoodle)
05/22/2019 at 10:42 • Filed to: None | 2
| 8 |
Apparently continuing on a theme I would like to propose that although the first generation of RAV4 may have been ultimately more capable off-road, I think the Second Generation is a more visually pleasing vehicle while remaining suitably capable off-road so as to be an ideal camping vehicle for a party of 2.
With short overhangs (which I’ll agree is mostly irrelevant in the level of off-roading the average camper will attempt with the vehicle), a short wheelbase, available manual transmission , exterior loading of the spare wheel, and a capable roof rack; this is a good sized vehicle for the demands of a weekend warrior who would like to get a little further into the wilderness than an RV campground, but not quite as far as might “necessitate” the standard $70,000 modified Jeep Wrangler to access.
While it does seat 4 or 5 I propose removing the rear seats (they clip in and out with ease) and making it a couples expedition. That extra room in the rear isn’t enough to sleep in coming in at just over 5 feet and with an uneven floor. But it would make camping into a near-glamping experience with all the gear that could be easily hauled.
Fit an extra set of wheels with more aggressive mud/snow tires and you’ll be set for both your weekend expeditions and for some of the more severe winter weather Canada and the US have to offer. Keep the stock wheels with a set of well mannered highway tires and it remains a capable commuter car.
Jalopnik was kind enough to remind us about the First Generation RAV-4 in this recent article:
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
WiscoProud
> Lexus Official
05/22/2019 at 11:42 |
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I agree with you. They’re a good size, good reliability, and I’m a sucker for a rear tire hanger. I couldn’t tell if they had a locking center differential, and i doubt they have a 2 speed transfer case, but it would be great for fire roads and light duty
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Lexus Official
> WiscoProud
05/22/2019 at 11:56 |
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After some cursory research I have found that there are aftermarket options for lockers, but no cheap options for low range gearing. It’s a fairly simple transverse mounted i-4 engine, so it’s not surprising that the small package transmission is light on options.
But as you say, light duty off-road is certainly the target.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Lexus Official
05/22/2019 at 12:07 |
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im a fan of them
https://jalopnik.com/the-original-toyota-rav4-was-better-and-more-important-1680994462
FYI the seats recline INTO beds if left in, though they are more for napping that full on sleeping. That being said they were pretty dang comfy for napping. Make sure you get the manual though, they actually come with a true center locker that will make all the difference. You can also find torsen LSD’s to swap in to make them pretty dang legit
Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
> Lexus Official
05/22/2019 at 12:19 |
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Dodge made an ideal camping vehicle as well :
AWD, excellent suspension travel, configurable seating with plenty of room for sleeping, torquey V6 power, decent economy.
A 2" lift and some ATs and this will take you further into the wilderness than most CUVs will even think of going.
vicali
> Lexus Official
05/22/2019 at 12:25 |
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I don’t disagree, but I find that the recent trend of taking early model Rav4 and Subarus and making them ‘offroad’ is more a reflection of them becoming cheap used cars vs their actual offroad capabilities..
At the time of sale none of these cars got dirty. Only now that there are no small 4x4 available are they turning into the ‘best’ options.
In the past Suzuki filled that spot very happily right off the showroom floor ;
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Lexus Official
> Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
05/22/2019 at 13:16 |
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As is my manner, I would like to suggest a Toyota based alternative to the alternative you have suggested.
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Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness
> Lexus Official
05/22/2019 at 16:02 |
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I have a feeling one of those with ATs would be more underpowered than my van was pre-motor swap. Pretty much trailer it to your destination because you ain’t making highway speed.
I don’t have most people’s fondness for Toyota, we’ve had a few, never been impressed. In fact the last one we had was by far the biggest POS we’ve ever owned, it’s sworn me off them for life.
pip bip - choose Corrour
> Lexus Official
05/23/2019 at 04:49 |
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Toyota do make an excellent vehicle for camping
