When is a vehicle too big for off-roading?

I have a 3rd gen 3/4T diesel Ram Laramie and it is a terrible 4 wheeler, there is so much weight on the front end it just plows into anything remotely soft. Now if you want to tug on something, that’s a different story……

 

Why is your last sentence a question?

You can improve approach and departure angles without shortening a vehicle.

And, a solid axle does not dictate bad ride quality. Go drive an 80 series once. Sure, it won't ride like a luxury sedan, but it isn't bad.

 

I was talking with a guy I know that had a heavily mod’d f350. He says he takes it as far as he feel capable, then unloads the SxS and tears it up.

His rig is huge though, mine looks like a stock highlander next to his. He’s in 40’s too…


Also my last time on a trail a few weeks ago I say the new Hummer EV pulled off and the woman yelling at the man. We heard her yelling that he scratched her car that he had bought her and she wanted to go home. Honestly pretty damn funny.

 

Hummers are gigantic! And, still badass off-road. They would suck on the tight trails we have in Wisconsin, though.

 

... I've seen countless videos where most pick-ups since they have no weight in the back that just spin and spin in loose dirt.

 

Noice. Only way I'd drive a 3500/350 series is if I get a 5th wheel camper or haul a lot of toys like a boat or ATVs/SxS (although SxS drivers tend to be obnoxious drunks )

 

Bleh, I think they're unnecessary toys for the rich. Even if I was rich, I still wouldn't buy one.

 

Yes ofc, but these are meant for high speed desert runs... and they're 2WD... these would be terrible in small tight trails of the north and east, even Rocky Mountain off-road trails.

 

The original HMMWV's were designed as tools for the military. Just because they got turned into overpriced, bloated status symbols doesn't change the fact that they'll school most other vehicles off-road.

 

Yes the OG military ones are badass no doubt, but the new EV Hummer are yucky.

 

My buddies drove them for the Marines at 29 Sticks. Friggin LOVED them!!!

night time doing over 60 with goggles during training. Inflate/deflate from a switch, even more crazy stuff (that was crazy in 90’s)

 

Ha. When I was in the Army, we always referred to it as "29 Stumps". The Jarheads hated that, which is why we did it. They could never figure that out. Ah, those dummies sure made us laugh.

 

Again, it comes back to the type of off-roading you want to do. One of those things wouldn't even fit through some of the trails I run. But, it would kick my ass in an open area.

 

Hehehe, my family is Navy so that crap that went back and forth was ENDLESS!

 

This is probably too big for off-roading, also.

 

They’re AWD now. 7 of the top 11 were AWD Mason trucks last week at the Baja 1000. They took 11 of the 12 podiums positions in the 4 races this year.
They are not rock crawlers but they do fine in rough stuff too. Check out Fred’s Tractor Trail in Baja or the Desert Race at KOH.
I don’t know east coast “trail riding” though. If it’s the mud bogging stuff, then yea, I agree. I wouldn’t touch it with any vehicle.

 

A Jeep knockoff. Plus you can't get them new now.

 

Compared to today's IFS trucks, 80 series ride was bad. A solid axle in the front makes it feel absolutely awful if you hit a bump at high speed.

 

So, anything with a short wheelbase and solid axles is a Jeep knockoff?

The real Jeep knockoffs were the original Landcruiser and Land Rover.

I bet a lot of the members here wish they would bring the Jimny to the US.

 

Jeep inspired many. They all tried hard but couldn't compete. All are gone, except Jeep that's still going strong. 2 door Wranglers are going for as much as $65,000, and people have no other choice

 

Today’s Jeeps are so far removed from the originals they feel like knockoffs as well.

Ironically, the last of the Jeeps that felt like a “real” Jeep was the first gen Wrangler.

Ford should make a modern version of this…

 

The grill hasn't changed

 

My TJ was my best vehicle I've ever owned. I miss my lil boy so bad

 

You've driven a Willy's? And, all generations of the Wrangler?

Whether or not they are true to the original, they are still the closest thing we have now. Just because they've gained some convenience features doesn't change the fact that they are the top off-road vehicle available.

Why Ford?

 

Ford sucks. I am not buying a Jeep knockoff by Ford

 

You can still get one for under $40K. It seems ridiculous that I find that reasonable, though.

 

I'd probably buy a Ford before a Jeep.

 

If only that thing came with Dana 44s on both ends, and two lockers.

 

I have owned many Jeeps, people are unfair to Jeep. Jeeps are alright. Today's JL is more reliable than the Bronco. The 3.6 in the Jeep is a good and mature motor, all its problem have been fixed

 

You can break an axle if you throw 37s on that thing. I always tell people, you want a Jeep then get the Rubicon, AND THE 2 DOOR