4x4 pick-up or soft-roader?

[bolthole]

This is probably a no-brainer...

 

Just looking at replacing my wee van (Vauxhall Combo) with a 4wd work truck. Been looking at pick ups, Ford Ranger, etc...

 

Trouble is, a lot of the time I'll be using the truck to do other things; need to go down to London once a month, plus have a property and elderly parents I need to keep an eye on about 40 miles away. Will be clocking up significant motorway miles.

 

 

Just now this is fine as the van gives me about 50mpg. Obviously a pick up will be nearer 30mpg.

 

Has anyone successfully used 'soft-roaders' as their work truck?

 

Have been looking at ex-utility Mitsubishi Outlanders as a compromise. At the moment I'm subbing as a groundie so anticipate having to access sites off road, tow my own single-axle trailer or CS100 and possibly slightly larger stuff like hired chippers, other trailers.

 

Are they up to the job off-road wise? Would a decent set of off-road tyres make any difference?

 

What do you all think?

 

Ha

[dreish]

One thing that will be worth noting that most'soft roaders' do not have a low transfer box.This is one big downside if venturing off road ,especially if towing at the same time.

I know a couple of wood operators who chose a suzuki vitara as they still have a low range,while returning decent mpg.

[TheHungrySquirrel]

Whatever you buy if your going into London check it goes into the lez zone or it's a hefty fine

 

A few guys I know use jimnys and vitaras, good off road and not bad to tow. Also a forester would give you a low range box, towing, comfort and decent economy.

[Maxnaggle]

Now I did not know foresters had a low box! Surely knocking motorway speed down to 60 would impact the economy of a 4x4 significantly???

[Al Cormack]

 

My Mitsubushi Pajero has a low ratio box and diff lock. Nice and comfy inside with leccy windows, power steering and air-con.

Very capable off road.

 

Only downside is it does mid 20's mpg.

[Steve Bullman]

Now I did not know foresters had a low box! Surely knocking motorway speed down to 60 would impact the economy of a 4x4 significantly???

 

I swan around like an old man these days, never in a great rush to get anywhere. I still struggle to get over 30mpg out of my navara

[harvey b davison]

For me it would be either a jimny / vitari or an old jeep cherokee.

[bolthole]

Thanks for the comments guys.

 

I think I'll probably go down the whole 4x4 pick up route. Need the carrying capacity and towing ability and the low-range box...

 

Has anyone had any joy with re-mapping (or tuning boxes) specifically for economy?

[nepia]

A PSI Powerbox is great; it's a plug-in, not a remap. I get 32-33mpg (Navara) with a mixture of journey lengths and load carrying, trailer towing included.

[Sussex Groundie]

I was warned by my insurance company to check before I bought one wether a 4x4 pickup is regarded as a commercial vehicle or not, thus needing commercial insurance, some are some aren't I forget which attract vat and which do not, maybe someone else can advise us? At the moment the van is insured as normal including business use as I do not carry goods.

 

I am looking to go from van to 4x4 just to carry tools and a bit of chipper towing.