Random thought...but as I consider more overlanding equipement investments into my 2016 Silverado...I wonder why the universe of Silverado's being used in this capacity is so small?
I have always been a GM guy, but I have something very different now, and I have a few thoughts. And some of it carries over to the F-150 and even the 1500 Ram.
1. Size. Pretty sure only the Power Wagon or other larger 3/4 ton trucks are larger than my rig. Pretty sure there's alot of trails I'll never be able to do simply because I can't fit. But...this is a full size overland vehicle issue and not just a Silverado problem.
Nope, we're about the same in terms of width and a very negligible difference in wheelbase.
There is a perceived notion that a full-size can't do a lot of things. I encounter this all the time in Moab. Especially from owners of smaller vehicles. I love hearing it from Tacoma owners while their wheels dangle.
2. Turning radius. Sorta hand in hand with the first point...my ability to turn, say on a switchback, seems pretty limited.
3. 4X4 performance. Not sure this is much of an issue...my rig has never had an issue, but I lack front lockers or even the ability to lock my rear diff on command. The G80 is fine if you understand how it works, but I'd think that e-lockers will always be preferred. But...I haven't found anything my truck can't go through, so perhaps this is another issue that's more theoretical than reality. I did learn how much it sucks to not have a disconnecting sway bar since I broke mine on a recent trip to Big Bend.
If you check out the turning on the 1/2 ton and 3/4 tons, IFS should turn better. Turns out Ram though beats Chevy and Ford in that department. Ford actually has the worse and Chevy follows much closer to Ram.
I use my rear locker a lot more than the front. The disconnectable sway bar isn't that huge of a deal.
6. Lack of aftermarket support. It's no Toyota...but I think I've been able to get most everything I need or want.
It actually depends on the vehicle. Tacoma's are very popular and trendy, just like Jeeps. But most of the full-size stuff is geared towards Bro's and big lifts. That being said, there is a very large market for desert running. A lot of that translates over and is useful.
Look at Carli and King, those are big names. Carli supports Ram & Ford. Both are popular in desert racing.
Someone mentioned pricing though. That's another aspect. Things in the Jeep and Tacoma market are less expensive because there are 100 options for say a bumper. In the Ram world, there are like 8 and thus it costs WAY MORE.
Right now, for full-size Ram's there are 3 companies that make rock sliders who are known. Anyone else, no one knows about.
But it does seem like Chevy has just fallen to 3rd place with their offroad offerings. I blame GM for this. They have taken badge engineering to a whole other level. The new TrailBoss is another joke mobile.
While both Ford and Ram are getting more and more serious. Chevy just seems to want to slap stickers on everything and charge extra.
OK...so that's alot but what I've considered. I'm curious what the community thinks. Honestly thinks...so have at it and don't worry about hurting feelings. I am really hoping to make an educated decision on how to proceed and getting some brutally honest, outside perspective will be a huge help!
IFS sucks. There I said it. I've had a smaller IFS SUV, it's nice and dandy. I had a 1500 truck too. I now understand the hype about solid axles. Chevy went and stuck IFS on their 3/4 ton trucks too.
That's a big turn off for anyone who isn't a "ME TOO" overlander and actually knows something. You can make IFS perform with a bunch of money. But no one likes fixing a broken tie rod or a CV axle on the trail.
GM quality is about right. The LS motors are awesome. Plan and simple. And I always thought Ram was a SH**T bucket. But since FCA took over, quality is way up. I abuse the crap out of our Power Wagon, and I haven't had one mechanical failure our breakage on the trail or off.
My friend Marcus commented that there was something very satisfying about driving his 170k mile Power Wagon past a whole line of broken down Toyota's when we were done with Top of the World last year.
You want to beat something, Heavy Duty is the way to go, IMO.
I try to tell people to steer clear of the 1/2 market if you want to haul, tow and crawl. You'll get greater longevity overall.
The biggest thing though is perception. People just think you need a Jeep or a 4Runner to do XYZ. But I'll say this, probably 98% of all the "OVERLAND" Tacoma's on this site are over their GVWR. And the real delusion is that a lot of people think "Oh well I get better milage out of my v6 Tacoma." Until you over load it with all that crap and then complain about getting 12mpg.
Congrats, you should of bought a 3/4 ton.
So I think the perception of "OMG IT WILL SUCK ON GAS" is also a large factor.
Me, I'm content in my gaint truck that can't do this trail becuase its "FOR HARD CORE JEEPS ONLY BRUH"
