Thanks for the suggestions guys! I guess I could have been more specific, but I sold my v8 and want to get a v6 or smaller, since the v8 was overkill for what I was doing, so gaining more mpgs will go a long ways as most of the good dirtbiking/camping spots are an hour out or more in each direction from here in SJ. That pretty much rules out most Ford and Chevy cargo vans since they're usually a v8 if there's room to put a bike in the back of it. I suppose it would be safer than a hitch carrier..
I also have another 2500 with a camper shell which is very roomy to sleep in the back of it, but I want to move onto something where I can access everything from where I sleep, so cargo vans or suvs would work in that case.
What kind of budget are you looking at? What kind of bike will go on the back?
I had a 2005 element and loved the thing. One draw back is that the hitch capacity (I think it was 350lb tongue weight/3500lb towing), so a full size 4 stroke is hitting that upper limit with the mx hauler. You can save some weight by getting a lighter hitch carrier. Another thing that sucked is that the seats, mainly driver since it gets the most use, end up tearing at the seams.
Were you planning on sleeping on the fold flat seats? or fold them out of the way and lay on the floor? The seats don't fold completely flat so it isn't exactly like a bed.
With that being said, I would still own it if I didn't have needs that it couldn't meet. I need to seat 5, and get commuter MPG (although I no longer have that need).
My budget now only works for the smaller blazers, as they are usually on the cheaper side. I spoke with a buddy about wanting an element, which he proceeded to find a bunch of ads for ones under $5k, but I really want to get a newer model EX with awd and manual transmission. Which trim did you have? If I recall my research correctly, the EX trim had the weather tech seats that were good in all seasons, maybe didn't have the tearing issue? i feel with any car, use creates wear and tear
I plan to haul my xr350 by itself as it is usually only me, and if a girl ever came along, I doubt she'd ride also. If it were the case, then I could bust out the trailer. When I go farther forward with my ideas, I will speak with my buddy who runs a fabrication shop, I'm sure we can engineer a overkill hitch to support that weight on the back over long drives
And I've seen pics of people sleeping on the seats folded down, doesn't look very comfortable.. The floor space is great for quick overnight camping. I love how the seats fold up or you can take them out, would be perfect for everyday use for myself
I guess both these pics are the best representations of what I want to do right now
