Americas Best Overland Vehicle - Full Size Trucks

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 07/10/2016 at 16:45 • Filed to: Best overland truck, Truck yeah, hhfp, Overland

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Overland generally comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and zip code. “Small” range from Subaru XV’s and such all the way up to vehicles as large as the Nissan Patrol/Armada which, at nearly 3 tons and 18 feet, is hardly “small”. I recently compiled a “best of” list for this category and you can !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . On the other end of the scale are the big trucks; heavy duty chassis where you need a winch to get the spare wheel down and appear to be the unholy lovechild between an RV and a DAKAR truck. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and others come to mind and while they have their fans...I’m not one of them. In between the worlds of “livin’ in a tent” and “off road house” is the happy medium of rugged off road campers. This category includes half and 3/4 ton pickups equipped with campers or trailers, as well as vehicles like !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and topping out at medium duty cab overs like the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The idea of the medium category is to have a healthy portion of capability, be small enough for most trails or to be put in a container for international travel but with the ability to tow or haul a comfortable live IN solution.

For this list, I’m ignoring the custom solutions like the Vans and Fuso based trucks and focusing on dealer ready pickups to be used as platforms for various camping solutions like a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or more !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Overlanding, expedition travel, heavy touring whatever you call it, has different requirements than what you might consider for a traditional “4x4”, and I ranked the vehicles based on these requirements and not according to which one is the best “off roader” since that means so many things to so many people. All categories are 1-5 with 5 being score all the rest are curved to with the exception of trail score which is normalized at 10 in an effort to weigh that aspect above the others. The categories are:

Load Capacity - Payload and towing

Fuel Economy/Range - City/Highway/Offroad/Combined

Trail Worthiness - Stock capability

Reliability - Will it leave you stranded?

Durability - How soon until is starts to fall apart

Value - All scores factored into the price

For a detailed account of the scores, figures and price !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

1. Toyota Tundra TRD PRO

(Photo: TRD Pro Tundra. Toyota Press room)

Hur durr “Turd PRO” yeah, yeah. Think about this though, a current gen Tundra is one of less than 10 vehicles EVER to reach a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . That’s a pretty powerful statement on its own. As someone with an admitted Toyota bias it makes me happy to see it here, but I was a little surprised when I crunched the numbers to be honest. However, with factory tuned bypass suspension system, aggressive AT tires, heavy skid protection while keeping a decent payload and tow rating, not to mention of the biggest fuel tanks in the group...it adds up to a very well rounded vehicle to take off the beaten path. Yeah the frame is open C in the back, but hilarious twerking meme’s aside, its not going to hold back this dated but capable truck from dancing its way into the top spot.

SCORES

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2. Ram Power Wagon

(Photo: Modified current generation Power Wagon. Credit Barry Andrews, used by permission)

Its the only vehicle here with: Locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bars, 33 inch AT tires, an integrated winch. Add in a 3/4 ton chassis that’s built around solid, proven components and you have an effective heavy hauling weapon. The only trouble with the power wagon is that for all its toughness and capability, its hamstrung but a so/so payload and the worst in test range and mileage. Shortfalls that, combined with a high base price, mean that the most capable of pickups, plays second fiddle for value. Note: 2016 model reviewed, 2017 model not available yet.

SCORES

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3. Ford F150 2.7 ecoboost FX4

(Photo: F150 Lariet FX4. Ford pressroom)

If you’ve made it this far without jumping down to comment on the lack of a Ford Raptor, congratulations. The sad truth is: there is not 2016/2017 Raptor and while we know one is coming for 2018, there are no firm details that would work for this roundup, that being said, the standard F150 (included 3x in this test) is a solid performer whose inclusion on this list is a testament to the excellent qualities that have made it Americans best selling vehicle. Combined with an optional extended range fuel tank the 2.7 EB has outstanding range and economy. An electronic locking rear differential and a healthy aftermarket will ensure that it will be a good platform to start tuning from. The 2.7 suffers mainly because its payload is only midpack here.

SCORES

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4. Chevy Silverado Z71 5.3

(Photo: Chevrolet Silverado LTS Z71. Chevrolet pressroom)

When I was younger, a Z71 Chevy was a pretty big deal and while it seems Chevy has let the Z71 moniker gather dust...or rather, not gather enough dust...the base truck is still a solid performer. Best payload, second best towing, a standard locking differential (though not user selectable) and well proven engines and basic hardware that tends to go the distance. This truck needs the most work to get trail ready but if off road capability is a lower priority over heavier camping systems this truck is worth a look.

SCORES

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5. Ford F150 5.0/3.5 EB

(Photo: F150 Lariet FX4. Ford pressoom)

These trucks are, more or less, tied with the 5.0 edging out the 3.5 mostly due to price. These trucks were all a surprise to me that they fared better than trucks on this list that I thought would trounce them. Choosing between the two version of this truck is mostly down to preference, with a nod going to the 3.5 for high altitude performance where the 5.0 gets the pick if you prefer the V8's noise and ease of maintenance. The 3.5 gets better range score, even factoring in the turbo penalty off road, but be advised that the 3.5 has a tendency to be a much heavier than advertised drinker when hauling or towing.

SCORES (top is 5.0, bottom is EB 3.5)

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6. Nissan Titan Pro 4X

(Photo: Titan XD Pro 4X. Nissan pressroom)

I was actually expecting the brand new Nissan to do much better here. Being a “light-heavy” truck it should have the payload and towing categories locked up, combine that with the diesels economy and the Pro 4X package that includes a driver selectable rear locker sound like a winning combo. In the end there is too much “light” duty and too much “heavy” truck. In order to sneak into class 2b where its cummins V8 is subject to looser emissions targets the Titan XD had to bulk up and while it hit its goals it wasn’t the kind of bulk that helped it. At 7257 lbs dry, the Titan XD is a lardass and its 14/17 mpg reflect that, combined with a small 26 gallon tank and you aren’t getting much range benefit from the triple nickle engine. That being said, its likely to actually deliver on its promises of economy when its loaded up heavily, since it will represent a smaller mass increase as a percentage and because of diesels efficiency with high load. All in, the “5/8th ton” truck doesn’t even break into 5th place in this comparo.

SCORES

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7. Ram Rebel 5.7

(Photo: 2017 Rebel. FCA pressroom)

This truck, on first glance, seems like this truck should be on the top of this list, and certainly not at the bottom but here it is. ...in this case, both payload and clearance are right at the bottom of the list, and like the outdoorsman above you can thank the suspension that has the 2nd worst payload (1254 lbs. About the same as a Tacoma and nearly 300 lbs less than a ridgeline) as well as so/so clearance and angles, and yes that includes the raised “off road” setting. The Ram is testament to myth that stronger springs automatically increases payload...it doesn’t. The light duty ram also suffers more than its heavy duty compatriot in terms of reliability. Add in the price of the vehicle and you have a truck that would make for a very comfortable and capable weekend warrior truck but a poor overland choice.

SCORES

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8. Ram Outdoorsman 3.0 EcoDiesel

Outdoorsman? EcoDiesel? Of course this truck is going to be on this list! Who knew it would be so far down on it though. When the ram 1500 line was introduced, it was seen as a revelation in its use of coil or air(!) springs for the rear axle that improved ride quality to an astonishing level but what people don’t mention is what was sacrificed for that ride quality - Payload. The 2 bottom of the listers are well bellow par in that regard, the Ecodiesel at a paltry 1240 lbs. On the plus side, the range is amazing and its not even that expensive given the much more costly VM Motori 3.0 diesel V6 under the hood. If you can pack light...its worth a look.

SCORES

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*Caveats and disclaimers - I compared the cheapest versions of 4 door 6 foot beds (where I could or the closest available) that were available as the off road model or with the best off road options. Could I have included a different variation of the truck you like? Yes, you bet, but with literally millions of permutations I can’t compare them all. By keeping this comparison limit in scope to popular sizes and off road configurations it gives a broad comparison on the strengths and weakness of each truck generally.

Also I think its fair to say that with effort, creativity, money or all three any of these trucks could be modified from their factory configurations to make up for shortcomings (within limits) and that is something you will have to account for on your own.

All-in-all, this is just a guide for you to go out and find the right truck to get you out in the back-country.

Originally published Friday - republished today due to it being quickly buried. Enjoy your weekend.

LongbowMkII > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:20

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Good series.

Considering the payloads, what advantages would the dodge 1500 have over a midsize like the Tacoma?

HammerheadFistpunch > LongbowMkII 07/08/2016 at 11:24

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Well the dodge payload is more or less limited by spring choices, since its the full 10.5 (11.5 for 2017) AAM axle in the back and 9.5 front as well as the 3/4 ton frame so beefing up the suspension solves that issue. It doesn’t solve the range/price/size issue but such is life. The person who let me use the lead image built up his suspension for extra duty work and its in the process of being completely redone again with some seriously excellent mods like a pair of RV batts tied to the frame rails, a long range fuel tank, a built in water tank, a flatbed with custom camper...its going to be WELL above the stock payload, but the frame and axles can handle it.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:27

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So I guess the Tundra IS new to this, but still true to it...

Sorry I dunno. Whatever.
Good reading man.

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:31

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In sort-of unrelated comments...

I was recently surprised to see two AEV Prospectors sitting out in front of the local RAM dealer. One red, one white. Not so surprised to see a +$70k sticker on the window.

Although they have discounted it since - http://www.bluebonnetchryslerdodge.net/new/Ram/2016-R…

misfitmascots > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:31

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Good read as always, do you think the F250 would be a better choice than the Ram Outdoorsman and Titan XD?

HammerheadFistpunch > SWITAWI 07/08/2016 at 11:32

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AEV would be a great choice...might have included it but I um...forgot.

HammerheadFistpunch > misfitmascots 07/08/2016 at 11:33

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great point. I didn’t even consider other 3/4 ton entrants. The main reason the Titan XD and Power Wagon are in there is because they are very off road oriented trucks. I should look at those trucks and see how they compare. Granted, the value isn’t going to be great once you get the diesel in them.

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:34

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I figured the pricing of AEV’s Jeeps, Brutes, and Prospectors would have put them outside a list of 10 in any case.

HammerheadFistpunch > SWITAWI 07/08/2016 at 11:36

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yeah, it would have seriously skewed the scores to since they are curved. In any case, as I mentioned this is more a general guide to show off a small portion of the truck range. people in the market are going to be doing a lot more research on their trucks than I have I hope. In any event, the data is a good place to get a sense of capacities at a glance to see trends in the market.

misfitmascots > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:38

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The diesel is usually the deal breaker, as it’s the most expensive option normally.

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:42

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I wonder how a leftover/unsold 2015 Titan Pro-4X would fare in the comparison.

HammerheadFistpunch > SWITAWI 07/08/2016 at 11:46

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probably not too bad, better than the 1500 RAM’s I might guess.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:48

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I’ve always loved Ram’s Power Wagons. I want to say they would be better with a diesel, but those straight 6 Cummins are pigs. The 6.7 I6 weighs something like 1100lbs dry where-as the Hemi is like half of that.

I think what you get for your money the Power Wagon isn’t really that much more expensive between the locking diffs, the suspension, the tires, the winch (i think that’s standard), the disconnecting sway bars, and probably a few other things.

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 11:51

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Was the 37gal fuel tank only an option with the 7ft bed?

HammerheadFistpunch > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 07/08/2016 at 11:53

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I agree, and on merit points alone, it wins the competition.

HammerheadFistpunch > SWITAWI 07/08/2016 at 11:54

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For the Titan? or the Ram? I didn’t find an optional 37 gallon tank (the ram rebel is only available as a short bed, btw)

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:07

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I’m pretty sure the previous-gen Titan had a 37gal fuel tank on the LWB models starting in 2008 - http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2008-niss…

HammerheadFistpunch > SWITAWI 07/08/2016 at 12:09

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interesting. I didn’t note an extended fuel tank option...but...that could only be available on the gas model.

SWITAWI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:12

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True. Not sure there was ever an option for it actually. Maybe it was just THE tank capacity for their LWB models.

More interesting is why I insist on taking up bandwidth on a lame duck model in a current-model thread? (lol)

We now return to your regularly scheduled whatever...

BigBlock440 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:17

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I was going to ask how the TRD had a higher payload than the Powerwagon, but I hit google and damn, I thought it used to be 1,800.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 07/08/2016 at 12:23

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Also where the big diesel radiator would be, that is where the winch lives.

Tim > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:34

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Step one, buy Power Wagon.
Step two, remove sticker kit.

Step three, profit. err offroad.

I’m partial to this generation, but only because I like the simple looks and my brother and another buddy owned one so I got to play with them.

It’s not stuck. He’s just towing an old CJ out of the river.

BJ > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:47

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I thought you had a typo there with the curb weight of the Titan... What a porker!

HammerheadFistpunch > BJ 07/08/2016 at 12:48

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yeah, its a MAJOR lardass.

BigBlock440 > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 12:57

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So, do you dismiss my comments, or does kinja have the ability to actually ban individuals now? Curious how this vacation thing works.

Pistol Whipped Cream > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 13:22

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Great Write Up and Great Info! Now to save my pennies...

vicariousILive > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 14:04

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My coworker has the Rebel. i just rode in it yesterday... Meh

HammerheadFistpunch > vicariousILive 07/08/2016 at 14:17

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why meh?

vicariousILive > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 14:26

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Lift was weak my taco seemed taller. It has the air lift but why not just hav th elift all the time? Doesn’t seem very customizable. Interior was spacious but so is everthing else. i think a base model tundra or a F150 is nicer.

If they are trying to compete with Raptor they fall way short.

HammerheadFistpunch > vicariousILive 07/08/2016 at 14:28

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yeah, check out the ground clearance on the google docs, its pretty pathetic for an off road truck.

Rufant > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 14:31

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Another great job. Well done.

Come the day I need an American overland vehicle, I know who to ask.

I happened to have a look round a Tundra the other day (big woos for you guys I know, but a relatively rare occurrence here), it was a ‘1794' special edition (didn’t know they made Tundra’s then...) and man that thing was plush inside. I kind of see why people complain about the cost of the 200 over there, when I see what you guys can get for substantially less.

HammerheadFistpunch > Rufant 07/08/2016 at 14:34

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oh man its so true, we are complainers big time...which is exactly why Toyota doesn’t offer a GX 200 here, since it would cost a lot but not have all the fancies to go with it. I can’t say this with authority but I can bet that tundra you saw cost a fortune, I remember reading an article on what it cost to have a Tundra imported and converted to RHD and I was all...WHAAAAAA?!

Rufant > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 14:44

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Oh don’t worry I’ve kept well abreast of the prices, yeah not cheap.

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details…

Has to be said though, Performax do a super clean conversion, you would never guess they were not factory RHD.

Conversely, we only get the top spec ones here it would seem.

Are all Tundras’s 4x4?

Just too big for most our trails though.

Andrew P. Collins > Rufant 07/08/2016 at 14:48

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You can get 2WD Tundras. Maybe not in the fancier trims, but definitely in some configurations.

I really like these trucks! Both the current and the original one. Good size, feel surprisingly light in steering, engine sounds AWESOME with the right exhaust.

Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so because they sure are expensive used.

HammerheadFistpunch > Rufant 07/08/2016 at 14:53

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What Andrew said. yeah you can even get single cab long beds....and there is even a supercharger for the 5.7

Rufant > Andrew P. Collins 07/08/2016 at 14:59

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Isn’t that (being expensive used) just a general Toyota truck thing though? It is here, with good reason too.

Rufant > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 15:01

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I think I NEED that supercharged 5.7 in my 105...

HammerheadFistpunch > Rufant 07/08/2016 at 15:02

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504 hp and 550 lbs-ft? yes please! That neatly doubles my [our] output and then some.

Poovey Farms Racing > HammerheadFistpunch 07/08/2016 at 21:21

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Yeah but with the Ram you can get a lifetime warranty. That was worth the drawbacks to me.

I’m a weekend warrior so the lack of hardcore off road ability are more than offset by the ride quality.

The only problem I have with the truck is the unfortunate association with redneck morons and bros.

Have Jeep, will travel. > HammerheadFistpunch 07/09/2016 at 01:50

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Nice. The big hinge is mpg when loaded. Some trucks are drastically effected, others not.

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 07/13/2017 at 17:46

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Cool list!

So my girlfriend and I are in love with the Earthroamer. But, a half million dollar rig isn’t happening (or even a used 300k rig). We recently borrowed my brother’s E350 sportsmobile for a long weekend and sbolutely loved it, so we decided in the mean time that my F250 will get a gradual transformation into an expedition rig. Not the optimal rig for the job, but it’s a ‘99 7.3 SuperCab Long Bed 4x4, and I own it outright so I see no reason to get something newer or a little better.

Since it has the long bed I’m leaning towards the Palomino SS 1500 pop-up camper. I have plenty of space to store it when it needs to be removed.

For the bumper/suspension/wheel and tire package, this has been my inspiration:

HammerheadFistpunch > Saracen 07/13/2017 at 17:48

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I love this idea. There are, truthfully, a lot of reasons NOT to get an earthroamer...the main one is there are lots of earth it can’t roam on account of its size and weight. I think something this size would do really well for general, non-technical touring. Kept me updated on its progress!

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 07/13/2017 at 18:09

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For sure! I have posted a few updates before, but I’ve just been so busy with work and I’ve been working on the truck myself. When things settle down I’ll be doing enough work to the truck to make more regular updates.

HammerheadFistpunch > Saracen 07/13/2017 at 18:11

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Can’t wait. best of luck.

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 04/10/2019 at 19:05

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So I haven’t forgotten about this...I was just reminded because Davesaddiction liked my post haha.

I still drive it as needed (drove it to work today, infact). The shocks are so worn they’re dreadful. I was all set to get a set of Bilstein’s and a leveling kit installed from the local offroad specialty shop...but it burned down. Just my luck. I may do it myself but we’re doing a lot of travel so it’ll have to wait a bit longer.

I haven’t done anything major to the truck, and it’s getting delayed because we’re planning to move to the PNW, so the build will wait until I find a job up there and we’re all moved.

But I have a long list of things to address...weather stripping, some rust, injectors, 2nd alternator install, new tailgate, transmission...it feels like it’s never ending.  I also am liking the thought of a flatbed camper, like the FWC Grandby.