Ideal bird hunting rig?

P

pfc1966

New member
Wonder what everyone thinks a good hunting rig would be? I have a Dodge Ram 2500 cummins turbo and spent too much time stuck last year both in South Dakota and Kansas. It's a 4x4, but its so heavy it tends to sink.

Criteria would be room for at least 2 people and 2 dogs, guns, shells, extra clothes, cooler, maybe room to stretch out for a nap, etc. and reasonable gas mileage. With diesel over $3.00 I'm thinking gasoline powered would be better.
 
Take it from a man that has been down that road. I had a Dodge Caravan. It was wonderful room for 2 dog crates and all the the other stuff. Side window vents to give the dogs air by the rear tailgate. But it was 2 wheel drive. I got stuck 2 times where 4 wheel drive would have pulled me out. So I traded it for a Durango 4x4. Worst move I ever made. I keep wanting my Caravan back, it did all the stuff I wanted. Only this time I'd make sure I had a 4x4.........Bob
 
I really like my F-150. Wasn't a Ford man before....am now. I wish it got better gas mileage, but whatever. Everything else about it is perfect. I got the shorter bed b/c I wanted to carry as little weight as possible. I have a topper too that has wings and a sliding glass window that I can open to give the dogs some air. It's very nice on rainy and super cold days. The dogs are just as comfortable as I am and I don't have to smell them if one gets sprayed by a skunk. Hatchbacks make for a comfy pooch, but if the heater is blasting, it may be too warm for some dogs. Besides, a skunk sprayed dog is nothing nice in a hatchback.

If Toyota Tacomas had more room, I'd suggest one of those, but you're gonna sacrifice some space for the gas mileage......it sure is 0tough to get one stuck though! It isn't easy making a decision when buying something so expensive. Best of luck. I hope you like what you get.
 
How about this?

Tracks.jpg
 
I drive a subaru Forester. UNSTOPPABLE in muddy fields and snow, but if you bang the bottom it might be an expensive day. Good gas mileage. You can fit two men, two dogs and all the gear you mention, especially if you throw a big roof box on it.
-Croc
 
I am all about the small SUVs. Jeep Cherokee, Blazers, Forerunners ect. Room for the dogs in the back and easy to maneuver.
 
im all for 1/2 ton 4 door short box pickups with 4x4 with the four doors if you do have a third or fourth person you can all fit and if its just you and a buddy you can have the back seat for storage and your still light enough to skim over the top of most mud holes and for snow laugh if you must but tire chains are the key for 2 wheel or 4x4 trucks
 
Gove County Britts said:
im all for 1/2 ton 4 door short box pickups with 4x4 with the four doors if you do have a third or fourth person you can all fit and if its just you and a buddy you can have the back seat for storage and your still light enough to skim over the top of most mud holes and for snow laugh if you must but tire chains are the key for 2 wheel or 4x4 trucks
Click to expand...

Yep, this is what works best for me too.
 
Hunting vehicle...

The best rig for me has been a Suburban, 4 wheel drive. Not the best gas mileage, but I don't drive it that often.

Room for two dog cages, and gear for 3-4 men. Works well off road as it is taller than most vehicles and is basically a truck with appointments. We don't transport 6-8 people to the field - no need for a pickup truck vehicle.

If necessary, I can haul a small trailer, but to date, don't have the need as the truck handles all the gear, dogs and hunters.

Jon
 
bobeyerite said:
Take it from a man that has been down that road. I had a Dodge Caravan. It was wonderful room for 2 dog crates and all the the other stuff. Side window vents to give the dogs air by the rear tailgate. But it was 2 wheel drive. I got stuck 2 times where 4 wheel drive would have pulled me out. So I traded it for a Durango 4x4. Worst move I ever made. I keep wanting my Caravan back, it did all the stuff I wanted. Only this time I'd make sure I had a 4x4.........Bob
Click to expand...

Bob, how in the world do you keep from high centering with the caravan?
 
I personally prefer a SUV but if you need the room a 4-door pickup with a topper on the box gives you a lot of room. Size of vehicle depends a lot on the number and size of dogs and how many people you are transporting. I drive a Ford Expedition which I really like. But when I am traveling with two dog kennels in the back and another guy, by the time we get all our bags, guns, dog supplies and a cooler in we are full.
 
This is about as good as I've had.
I first put this camper on a Z71 1500.
Didn't like the travel, truck was to light. Back end heavy tough in the wind.
This is the 2nd 2500 HD diesel. You don't hardly know the camper is back there. Cruise down the interstate at 80 if you want. Get 16-17 mpg for the entire trip.
You need a high center rig out West.
In the pic I have dug out a little ground to lower the back end for convenience. Especially if I plan to stay in one place for a while.
Incidentally, over the years I have spent around 400 nights in the camper. I think it's great.

P1010057-2.jpg
 
Ford F-150 is great for off road adventures. Never been stuck in it! If i need a little bit more room I take my Ford Expedition and that thing is really nice off road. Tires make a world of difference as well so make sure you have some good ones. Not sure which ones better but I like taking the Expedition just because it handles great in all conditions!
 
Only if that FJ had 4 doors!! I have a 89 4runner. No power and wish I had 4 doors. Never been stuck ( yet ) and gets good mileage. Never been lost either. LOL. Only a bit confused!!!!!:thumbsup:
 
MNMT, be very careful which roads you pick to drive on. The terrin out here is much different than the midwest. You cannot get off the good roads to far.........Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top