Carlodabroads Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 Sadly the time has come to replace Princess. With 270,000 kms, shes just starting to cost more than I care to continue paying to keep her runnin, that coupled with rising gas costs. Princess is a 1995 GMC Safari AWD with Dutch doors at the back. I removed all seats (obviously except for the driver and passenger) so the back is just one giant open space. Safaris and Astrovans are built on the GM/Chev Truck platform so they are tough and have great clearance. Theres a roof rack and I can even slide the pontoon boat right in through the rear hatch. I built a bed frame for the rear that allows for storage of Big Rubbermaid totes under as well as everything from waders, beer, gear, Of course the subwoofer box, blah, blah, you get the picture. If you dont get the picture, She's been all the way to Mexico and on Countless fishing/camping trips all over Alberta and BC. I really love the fact that with the bed system, you can semi-comfortably habitate in the vehicle should the weather turn. Plus No dirty, wet tents to take down. And the best part, Its really good for the Bearanoia when your sleeping inside a vehicle. zzzzzzzzzz peacefully. So Im struggling with down sizing, getting something different or replacing her with another and thats where I would like your offerings of testimonials on your favourite Fishing Camping Vehicles. I have been thinking about a Toyota Tacoma, Subaru Outback or Forester, and Ford Focus Wagon or just getting a newer one of the same. THanks in advance, Spencer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigalcal Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I have a Mazda B4000. No complaints so far. I use it exclusively for camping/fishing as I ride my bicycle every day in the city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monger Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I used to have a 3/4 ton Dodge van with a raised roof that I totally camperized. It had everything and was good for year round camping. Big enough to house 4, small enough to get to some secluded spots. It would be expensive for gas now. Today I have a Safari AWD and a tent trailer. I just wish it had more clearance. Next will be a Tacoma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brownstone Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 it hurts to get rid off a vehicle your attached too..sold my 98 ram last spring with about 400,000 k on it .. seemed like the responsible thing to do at the time cause as it was starting to cost me money in "little" things .. she was loud and smelly .. but i loved her.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayr Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 My wife and I found this Jeep to be pretty versatile. We are able to sleep in the back, when the seats are removed (they always are), we can get into the hard to reach areas, carry a boat without a trailer and makes a weather-proof tent. we called it chateau Cherokee and when it was time to upgrade, we bought the exact same Jeep, just newer. Cheers, Ayr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teck71 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I use a chevy venture right now, and it gets the job done but i am thinking next summer might look into one of these Mitsubishi Delica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luukesh Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Seen a few of those delicas around......wish vehicles like that were a little more common around here, a smaller offroad capable diesel would be perfect for my line of work. Think I'm gonna settle on a forester for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regdunlop Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I use a chevy venture right now, and it gets the job done but i am thinking next summer might look into one of these Mitsubishi Delica I just bought a Delica this week. It is being shipped to Calgary in the next few days. Can't wait to pimp it out for camping! If anyone is interested I can put you in touch with a guy in Vancouver that imports them and does a great job getting them serivced and complianced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayr Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Hey Guys, What are the engine options for the Delica's again? I looked at a few when we were on the Island last summer. Very good layout of the vehicle and good features for the outdoorsman, but I remember thinking that the engine may not have the juice for haulin' cargo, like a small trailer etc. What do you guys think? Ayr. I just bought a Delica this week. It is being shipped to Calgary in the next few days. Can't wait to pimp it out for camping! If anyone is interested I can put you in touch with a guy in Vancouver that imports them and does a great job getting them serivced and complianced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtforward Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Looks interesting. What is size of engine ....gas mileage ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lundvike Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 wiki Article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlodabroads Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Great responses guys, Thanks. I have been hearing lots of the Delicas lately. Reminds me of my travels through indonesia. every cabby was rockin one. Looks like they would be quite adaptable to my demands. Will have to do some research. I test drove a ford focus wagon last night. could sleep one, lots of cargo room, sporty to drive around town and great mileage. will probably get that for day trips, solo trips. and keep princess for wife and I, multi day camp trips only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regdunlop Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 Looks interesting. What is size of engine ....gas mileage ??? Have a look at www.delica.ca. Great forum with tons of info on these awesome vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigSky Posted June 13, 2010 Share Posted June 13, 2010 i have an astro, and the seats are often out as well, a great vehicle for hauling everything you could ever want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbowtrout Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 i have an astro, and the seats are often out as well, a great vehicle for hauling everything you could ever want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pipestoneflyguy Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 ack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulmo Posted June 14, 2010 Share Posted June 14, 2010 i just got a '09 Taco last spring, the truck has been bullet proof through 40,000K, wanted the the FJ originally - but the wife said no - too ugly ;-) gonna cap the Taco this summer i think, make sure you look at the 6' box if you wanna sleep in it though, a newer one of the same would be a safe bet, but also look at the Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer/Escape (hybrid options), or just a regular cab truck with an 8' bed and a cap, good luck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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