The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Ford F-250
Dodge 2500

That ought to do you.

-- T.

Don't do the CRV...it is a genuine grocery getter. My buddy thought it would be a good fishin rig. It rattled apart on dirt/gravel roads. I personaly will never own anything other than an F150 or 250. I beat the hell out of vehicles and my truck takes it well.

I have a 2000 diesel 4X4. Goes almost anywhere, still gets 17.5 mpg overall after 140,000 miles. It's been a great huntin/fishin' rig.

I love my Xterra. It is built on a truck chassis as opposed to a shell on a car body like the CRV which is really just an accord with a different body. since they changed the model in 2005 the newer designs get a little over 20-25 mpg, they have lots of room, and will go anywhere. I can fold down the back seats and stretch out inside for an overnighter. It is great for going places and carrying lots of gear.

Thanks for the replies! Lots to think about!

Billy

I agree, we have an xterra for my wife. Definately built more solid than the other small suv's. My parents have the hybrid escape...I would not feel comfortable taking it to half the places I go in my truck. It does not even have a full size spare tire, as is the case with the CRV or the small toyota SUV. (or even room to put one). I don't know how many flats I get each year, can not imagine being in some of the places I go without a fully functional spare tire, in fact I cary two.

Alright...I may get flamed for this, but I dream of having a Suburban like my parents' to take on fishing trips. My fishing trips are almost always with at least 2 to 3 guys, so having the room is great. And I've driven that thing in all sorts of messed up conditions in the PNW...it's been a great truck.

Turns out my parents can't sell the Suburban (1999...last year of the "square"...fully loaded) for much money up in Portland, so they told me to come and get it! I can't wait...sure, I live in San Francisco, but that thing will just sit in our garage/driveway waiting for the monthly fishing trip.

Gas costs ain't so bad when you're splitting them in half or quarters...

Had a F150 for years, loved it. Finally died after 300,000 miles, love that inline 6....

Got a 2000 Tacoma 4cyl 4x4 since its 200 miles each way to my fav rivers and I go a couple times a month. I like the 20mpg at 85 mph. Also does great on the dirt roads and can get into anywhere. Even pushed through some thigh high snow at the Pit this year. Clearance is amazing.

That said it is a small truck. I'm 6'2" and can sleep in the back, but I have to empty it out and sleep diagnal. Cab is fine, but definately not as comfortable as the big truck.

Basically, if you live in a city and drive lots of distance to fish, I'd go with the Toyota. Easier to drive in town and better mpg. If you live in the country and don't have to drive 6hrs to fish I'd go with the bigger rig. I'm moving back to Oregon and am hoping to upgrade to a F250 diesel soon.

One more thing, if you do go with a Dodge get a stick. great trucks but I've had 2 friends have new Trannys go out WAY to early for such a truck.....both times automatics.

Good luck, always fun getting a new rig.

I have a '98 Diesel Yugo that rattles to beat hell, but it gets over 50 mpg. I had it converted to 4WD by a mechanic in Oroville You can take one float tube only and it must be deflated in order to be able to bring along waders and a rod. I love this car. Everywhere I drive it people tell me I'm #1. I get a good look at them because I'm rarely doing over 45mph, and I move way over to the left on freeways so's there's plenty of room for them to pass me. I'm going to put a roof rack on it sometime soon so I can pack extra gear. I drove it from Oroville to Willows one time and it was awesome. It doesn't have air conditioning, so I just roll all of the windows down and move the rug from covering the hole in the floor. Anyway, it's a thought...you can find 'em everywhere.
HJ

sweet.

Thats like putting a Volkswagon Thing on top of a truck chassis!

no/msg