Full size rigs! who's got em?

[Trail_pilot]

Hey Full size peeps! who's got what? what would you change and what do you love? I may be looking at building a full size rig down the road but likely not for at least a year of 2. That said it will likely end up much like my Jeep and be able to tackle a moderate to difficult trail ( middle of the road type deal but rocks and water crossings) to get to where I want to go camping. I have been leaning towards older Tahoes or Suburbans, even Explorers. maybe a Cherokee or 4 runner would be big enough but I have a thing for older Blazers/Tahoes as I went through some tough times with one in the past and miss it.
Show me what you got!

 

[RoarinRow]

Hi James, there is a similar thread already started here - Let's see those full size rigs - Trucks & SUV

Feel free to jump in see what's out there.

 

[BCMoto]

Hi James welcome there is a full size section for us. I do have a silverado crew cab with a standard bed, the next thing im thinking about is changing out my lift kit for a bigger one

 

[Autism Family Travels]

Suburban z71 was a favorite fs I owned. I had a 2005 and had 285 etc on it. Worked great.

 

[Blue line overland]

Love the full size rigs. I got a 97 suburban with a 3 inch body lift for now to clear the 33's. A pioneer platform roof rack with a smitty built xl roof top tent/annex. Led bar light/ditch lights. Still a work in progress. Looking to build a pull out kitchen and up grade the suspension.

 

[Ceg]

I used a K5 Blazer for over 20 years. I used a few different Suburbans over the years. I use a F350 and Lance Camper now for pavement adventures. I also use it to pull may car trailer with one of my Jeeps for base camp adventures. I am working on replacing the camper with a shorter lighter newer one.

 

[Sparksalot]

Oh no, full size is terrible. too big, too heavy, blah blah blah.

waitaminute:

 

[RoarinRow]

Oh no, full size is terrible. too big, too heavy, blah blah blah.

waitaminute:

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Rollin in style and comfort!

 

[Trail_pilot]

I had a 1500 blazer and a pathfinder before I got into Jeeps. That was probably 15 years ago almost. I miss having the space but the Jeep was able to tackle he trails I wanted a little better. Now with a growing family I think I need to get back into a full size rig.

 

[RoarinRow]

I had a 1500 blazer and a pathfinder before I got into Jeeps. That was probably 15 years ago almost. I miss having the space but the Jeep was able to tackle he trails I wanted a little better. Now with a growing family I think I need to get back into a full size rig.
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A smaller wheel base is definitely better for maneuverability and rock crawling, at least that's what I'm assuming. There's 5 of us in my family so full size works better for us, I just have to be more choosy on trails.

 

[Trail_pilot]

A smaller wheel base is definitely better for maneuverability and rock crawling, at least that's what I'm assuming. There's 5 of us in my family so full size works better for us, I just have to be more choosy on trails.

Ya I will have to do the same. And get used to taking things a little slower too.

 

[DevilDodge]

My full figured HeftyDuty

 

[BCMoto]

Sometimes the longer wheelbase helps you over stuff but short wheelbase helps ypui turn around easy. When I go out with my jeep buddy I have to back out most times

 

[janders]

I spend a lot of time backing down trails that I have no business being on. But we throw a queen sized mattress in the back of this diesel pig and whenever we put it in park, camp is made. And I sleep better in the back of this truck than I do at home.

 

[haaken675]

Very happy with my f150. Full size is great for accept for tight trails. Only problem on tight trails is if your vehicle is new enough that you don't want to scratch the paint then it kinda sucks. I think that goes for any newer rig though. We are a family of 3 going on 4, with 2 dogs. I am not sure at this point how i would fit everyone in something smaller...

 

[PonoAdventures]

I love the full size life. Super comfy while driving with plenty of room even with 4 people. Not only that but fully loaded I’m still within gvwr(if it’s just the wife, myself, and dog).

 

[Trail_pilot]

I love the full size life. Super comfy while driving with plenty of room even with 4 people. Not only that but fully loaded I’m still within gvwr(if it’s just the wife, myself, and dog).

Ya I never really though about gvwr. I really should weigh my the lol. It's probly close when empty lol.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

Don't ask to weigh the wife.

Just sayin'....

 

[haaken675]

Don't ask to weigh the wife.

Just sayin'....

This is solid advice!

 

[DevilDodge]

GVWR is the max weight at which your brakes, steering and suspension are rated to perform.

Payload is the suggested number for stuff you can add to, load in...including passengers.

Curb weight is your empty vehicle with full fluids...so a full tank of gas.

To easily find your curb weight...take you GVWR minus your payload.

Using the door stickers if your vehicle ia new enough

For instance my HeftyDuty has a GVWR of 10000lbs. A payload of 2998

So my curb weight is 7002 lbs.

There so a bit of capacity over GVWR...check your axle ratings...mine is 5500 front and 6000 rear. But you also must remember some of that capacity is for inertia...weight transfers to the rear when pulling out and to the front when stopping.

The important thing is to make sure when you load you do not remove too much weight from the front. This is why a truck has a rake to it...and why I do not like level kits.