Photo travel by vehicle, what's your favorite?

[Eric Woodbury]

I've always preferred photo expeditions by auto. My first was a station wagon. Then a couple 1971 VW vans. After that a 1983 Ford Econoline. This was safer, more powerful, and whole family friendly. Now I have a 2004 Ford Econoline E350. I had it modified with nice seats for the kids, a pop-top so it could sleep four.

Alas, we are not four any more. Kids have moved on, I'm retired and travel sometimes alone. At 14 mpg, the Econoline is too big of a footprint, both in carbon, dollars, and parking. I'm considering a used Ford Transit CONNECT delivery van. It looks fine for one or two of us.

What are the rest of you using? Likes and dislikes.

Thanks and happy trails,
-e-

[jp]

I have the Ford Transit connect. It's an unassuming work van that's not questioned wherever it goes, even trespassing. It has the front seat comfort of a refined minivan. I get about 26 or 27 mpg. I do use it for work and for photography.

[Two23]

I've gone from a K2500 to a RAV4 and now a Subaru Forester. I really like it. I need 4WD where I live and the Forester delivers. Plenty of room, comfortable, maneuverable, reliable.


Kent in SD

[John Olsen]

Ditto on the Subaru Forester, ours is a real trooper even in deep snow. However, a few years ago I decided I wanted to sleep in my vehicle as I got tired of crawling in and out of a tent. I got a Toyota Tacoma and put a Leer canopy (with raised rear) on the back. With snow tires and 4 wheel drive it's a real expedition vehicle, yet small enough to get down some narrow forest trails, with assistance of my trusty saw. Last month it took me up a couple of icy roads in Eastern WA, turning back only when the drop-off to the side was just too scary. On some trips I carry Speedotron lights, 4x5 equipment and lots of accessories - the carrying capacity is important to me.

[Maris Rusis]

Blizzard, Charlotte Pass.

Gelatin-silver photograph on Ultrafine Silver Eagle VC FB photographic paper, image size 16.3cm X 21.3cm,
from a 4x5 Arista Edu Ultra 400 negative exposed in a Tachihara 45GF double extension field view camera fitted with a Nikkor-W 210mm f5.6 lens.
It is only April and the snows have started. The road out has no snow plough service and if there isn't a break in the weather the car will stay there until September.
This is not good for an automobile, not even my nice old Subaru Outback that has never failed me. Snow stopped, got out, close call, thanks Soobie.

[Roger Thoms]

Seems like the Transit van could be a good choice especially if it’s available with 4 wheel or All wheel drive. Currently I’ve got a Ram 3500 4x4 which is functionally is great but not very economical. Nice thing is that I can have a ton of gear in the truck and still sleep in the back. We also have a Subaru Forester which is very good but can be a little cramped.

Have fun with your search.

Roger

[Willie]

Dodge/Mercedes/White Sprinter vans. Diesel, 24mpg on the highway. Various configurations and easy to convert to campers or whatever. Used market they are no bad at all and drive well. UPS switched to them in our area and cut fuel costs big time when the fuel mileage doubled during deliveries. Gravel and dirt roads in the country and they are holding up well.
They do have 4x4 versions but expensive. The 2WD normal vans with a winch handle a lot.

[Two23]

The 2WD normal vans with a winch handle a lot.

I could use a good wench every now and then.


Kent in SD

[Dan6077]

I could use a good wench every now and then.


Kent in SD

So could we all

(Once a class clown........)

[Doremus Scudder]

I've always needed 4wd since I spend a lot of time camping in the backcountry and driving off-road or on jeep-only trails.

Here's my current ride, a Nissan Xterra:



It has a truck frame, not unibody construction, is small enough but, with the rooftop carrier, holds enough for extended trips away from civilization (a couple months at a time sometimes) plus 10 gallons of gasoline. All the camping gear (5 sleeping bags, two tents, etc.) goes in the rooftop carrier. Two cameras, two tripods, 50 filmholders, lenses, etc., etc. ride behind the driver's seat.

It's served me well since 2008.

Doremus