Truck and Trim level suggestions for an overland build?

[dorrson]

I'm currently leaning toward either an 07-09 Tundra (w/4.7 engine) or a GEN1 Titan for an overland build (other truck suggestions are welcome though). I'm also trying to determine which trim level would be most cost effective. I expect a split of 80% pavement / 20% dirt while overlanding. Something capable of getting us off the beaten path, but not a rock crawler. We would be also looking at towing a Hiker Tear Drop (5x9 Extreme Off-Road Deluxe).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Eric the Eric]

I'm currently leaning toward either an 07-09 Tundra (w/4.7 engine) or a GEN1 Titan for an overland build (other truck suggestions are welcome though). I'm also trying to determine which trim level would be most cost effective. I expect a split of 80% pavement / 20% dirt while overlanding. Something capable of getting us off the beaten path, but not a rock crawler. We would be also looking at towing a Hiker Tear Drop (5x9 Extreme Off-Road Deluxe).

Thanks in advance!

Hey there!
I am using a 2008 Nissan Titan Pro4x. The pro4x has the factory rear locking differential and skid package. It sits alittle higher and the suspension is better (though mine had to be redone due to age and km). They have alot of power for a 1/2 ton to get you through mud and up hills but do quite well on road as well. I Have been very happy with mine.
They are also easy to work on so that's a plus too!
Watch for rust in the driver side bed tool box that Nissan dreamed up. Mine rarely opens and and has been rusting badly. Not a deal breaker as the image is a non issue just be aware of it!

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Mac

 

[dorrson]

Hey there!
I am using a 2008 Nissan Titan Pro4x. The pro4x has the factory rear locking differential and skid package. It sits alittle higher and the suspension is better (though mine had to be redone due to age and km). They have alot of power for a 1/2 ton to get you through mud and up hills but do quite well on road as well. I Have been very happy with mine.
They are also easy to work on so that's a plus too!
Watch for rust in the driver side bed tool box that Nissan dreamed up. Mine rarely opens and and has been rusting badly. Not a deal breaker as the image is a non issue just be aware of it!

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Mac

My next question would be, would a non pro-4x titan 4x4 (or equivalent tundra), be a more cost effective purchase?

 

[Eric the Eric]

My next question would be, would a non pro-4x titan 4x4 (or equivalent tundra), be a more cost effective purchase?

I would say with the older ones, the cost difference is pretty irrelevant just do to the age. I bought my pro4x for $8000.00 CDN and the equivalent condition and km SV was also $8000.00 CDN. The lower trims (S & SV) for the Nissans anyway are more aesthetic than performance from what I gather.
The last Toyota truck I owned was an 82' so I can not speak to the Tundras ;) though Toyota around my part of the woods is always more than Nissan.

For me, the skid plates are a big help when off road/ dirt road as I have cracked transfer cases on other non plated vehicles when I was younger so I would still recommend then pro4x if it is an option for you (or a set of plates on an SV).
I will say though with the pro4x, repairs are more costly due to higher quality parts needed to keep the trucks capabilities up. I am sure the Tundra TDR series is the same way.

Cheers,

Mac

 

[dorrson]

I would say with the older ones, the cost difference is pretty irrelevant just do to the age. I bought my pro4x for $8000.00 CDN and the equivalent condition and km SV was also $8000.00 CDN. The lower trims (S & SV) for the Nissans anyway are more aesthetic than performance from what I gather.
The last Toyota truck I owned was an 82' so I can not speak to the Tundras ;) though Toyota around my part of the woods is always more than Nissan.

For me, the skid plates are a big help when off road/ dirt road as I have cracked transfer cases on other non plated vehicles when I was younger so I would still recommend then pro4x if it is an option for you (or a set of plates on an SV).
I will say though with the pro4x, repairs are more costly due to higher quality parts needed to keep the trucks capabilities up. I am sure the Tundra TDR series is the same way.

Cheers,

Mac

Thanks!