chase vehicle question

[S Kalka]

I am debating replacing my chase vehicle and was wondering what type (mini van, SUV, etc) is the most popular and why. I am currently using an S-10 blazer and thinking about going with a diesel F250, and wondered if anyone out there used full size pickups and could give me the pros and cons. I apologize if a thread already exists, I couldn't locate one.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Are you chasing locally or going out the plains? I see you're from central IL. A large truck or even four wheel drive is not necessary at all in this state since a good portion of our road network is paved and practically everything else is at least gravel. That said, I don't think it really matters what you chase in as long as it meets your needs. So what are your needs? Fuel efficiency? Comfort? Space? I chase in a minivan because it has a ton of space. I can fit a twin mattress in the back and camp out in it. Plus it holds all my gear really well and gets pretty decent fuel economy. Unless you need a full size pickup for other work you do, it might be quite expensive to drag a vehicle that large out on long plains trips and you'll be sacrificing quite a bit of room for people and gear. Overall, I think SUV's and crossovers are the most popular picks, but people chase in everything from compacts to sports cars to large trucks.

 

[N Parker]

I'll bite first. I happen to have a Chevy duramax diesel and just be ready for 14-17 mpg average with these heavy trucks. I have a fifth wheel I pull and multiple other heavy trailers. If I didn't have them, I wouldn't have a 3/4 ton, not in these high priced fuel times. If your looking to strictly chase, look for something ALOT smaller. Easier on insurance as well. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the power, but somedays I need it just to do my job.

 

[S Kalka]

I will be chasing both locally and out on the plains. I'm looking for something more comfortable than the S-10, but keeping the 4 wheel drive. The F250 would let replace 2 vehicles with 1, but the fuel economy hit might not be worth it.

 

[Jason Boggs]

I drive a Nissan Xterra 4x4. It has plenty of room, and actually gets pretty decent gas mileage for a 4x4. I also would not chase in a vehicle without 4 wheel drive. It has saved me more than once out in the field. Pro's definitely outweigh the con's for this vehicle. Finally, I have a special place in my heart for Nissan's.

 

[Robert Rohloff]

I have used a Subaru Forester AWD Turbo and my current is a Honda Ridgeline 4 wheel drive which I love. I also would not chase without the AWD/4WD option as it has saved me a couple of times. If I had the money I would by the Ford F150 Raptor and would never worry about the off road mud road issues..........

 

[Jason Foster]

Your top popular chase vehicles bought specifically for chasing or chasing/daily driver combo:

(not in order)

- Full size trucks (I didn't worry about individual models here...the same overall)
- Nissan Xterra
- Subaru Legacy/Forrester
- Chrysler family mini Vans (Caravan, Voyager, Town & Country)
- Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy (same as Olds Bravada, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, Saab 9-7)

Chasers, when buying something for chase duty tend to go for 'wagon' style vehicles due to cargo capacity. Assuming you are talking about chasing in the great plains (cause that really is the only way to go if you are thinking of a semi or full dedicated chase vehicle) than these are a good starting point.

F250s are great, ability is no question. But realistically, no real need if you are just going out for the first time or two. If it's a good decision based on other needs (like you go off road otherwise, haul stuff, etc.) than sure. But yes...the mpg loss is huge when you got to that level.

AWD/4WD, etc. is great, but tons chase without it. Frankly, if you are new to the hobby, the 4wd might make you more embolden than you want to be the first year out. But it is nice to have...even in IL.

I had a 1999 S-10 (Xtreme package). Damn truck was great. I had also owned a 1983 S-10 Blazer as my first chase vehicle. That chassis overall is tough as hell and certainly a great vehicle with some exceptions. If you have on of the shoe box square generation (the early ones) probably a little long in the tooth, so I'd go for newer. However, if you have a newer model, the rounded body, then stick with what you got unless it is just that uncomfortable (reg. cab?).

Other option is to rent a vehicle if that is in fact an option to you (age, credit history, driving history pending....beside funds).

 

[Scott Bennett]

I love my Mazda Tribute (Same as Ford Escape) it's only 2wd but it's front wheel drive.

Good clearance, good fuel economy and plenty of room for gear and a couple friends.

Had no problem keeping up with the 4x4's on some horid roads in WY this year... got stuck once but all the 4x4's around me were too.

 

[Dave Rennie]

My only vehicle is a Ford F350 crew cab diesel 4x4 (bought primarily for pulling a 5th wheel RV). Fuel mileage is a bear with it, although I just updated my Superchips programmer with an "Economy" mode....we'll see how that works.

The 4x4 part is great, and it came in especially handy last year when I was chasing a storm and ended up on a ranch road that turned to muck after a heavy downpour. In places I was actually getting better traction driving in the grass along side of the road than on the road itself! Ended up inching my way up one hill mostly sideways as the tires fought for traction. After 20 miles in 4x4, finally made it to some decent road.

The F350 part adds a bit of safety confidence, especially driving in inclement weather. A couple of years ago a drunk Chevy S-10 driver heading east in the westbound lanes of I-94 topped a hill and hit an F350 head on. The S-10 driver was killed but the F350 driver walked away from the crash. I hope I'm as blessed, if the situation ever arises! That would make the extra fuel costs worth it!

 

[Adam Lucio]

I chase in a Ford Expedition. Love the room love the durability...hate the gas mileage. If you can afford the gas I say go for a larger 4x4, especially if you are a chaser who likes taking the back roads and avoiding the crowds.

 

[Bryan Stokes]

I chased with a 4-wheel drive Ford Explorer for my first two seasons, and then I switched to a 2006 Toyota Prius. It may sound like a silly idea, but it's been a fantastic chase vehicle. The gas savings are phenomenal. I chase 8,000 to 12,000 miles a year and the 48-50 miles per gallon makes it totally worth it. The hatchback design allows me to carry a lot of gear and the vehicle's heavy weight (3,000 lbs) makes it very stable in high winds. The only downfall is sacrificing 4-wheel drive, but it really hasn't been too bad and the gas-savings more than make up for the inconvenience. I routinely travel 500 miles on 10 gallons of gas...

If I wasn't chasing with a Prius, I'd probably be like Skip and chase with a mini-van. Tons of room and you always have a place to sleep when the seats are removed. I bet he saves tons of money by mostly avoiding hotels!

Bryan

 

[Donovan Gruner]

I chase in a 2004 Dodge Stratus. It doesn't have any fancy options, and it looks awful. That being said, I don't care about getting my car all dinged up by hail, and it's simple enough that I'm able to fix basic problems in a hurry if need be. It isn't 4wd, but you can avoid any problems that may bring up by not taking roads you shouldn't be on. Although you may be out and see a dirt road that might take you into a real good spot, at this point I don't even look at it as an option, being I'm not going to risk my entire chase day on getting into the right spot just to end up getting stuck. Overall, it's been a great chase vehicle. If I had the money right now, I'd probably go with a Subaru Forrester or something of the sorts. But for the time being, the Stratus is just fine.

 

[Matt Tottle]

I have a 4WD Durango, and I avoid dirt roads at all cost if there's a chance they could be wet. Once they get wet (especially if the rain is fast and heavy), dirt roads suck even with 4WD. The "dust mud" that forms on top is almost like slime on top of dry dirt, which removes all traction. I took a GPS shortcut onto a dirt road one time because it would've saved a few miles to where I was going. It had just rained, and almost immediately after I left pavement I felt the truck start to fishtail. I pulled it into 4WD which helped a little, but it was still like driving on a sheet of ice. My tires had lifted the mud up (like when you touch a Devil Dog cake and it sticks to your fingers) and it got packed into the treads turning them into slicks. I don't even think mud tires would've helped. I had to turn around and stick to the pavement.

 

[Fred Dearborn]

We use a '04 Ford Explorer with AWD and a V8.Gets better fuel mileage at highway speeds than the V6 model due to less rpm's and less torque than the smaller engine.Has a third seat that folds down for plenty of room and plenty of power to pull the boat or whatever I need in the off season.We normally make 15-20 chases a year and very pleased what this rig has done for us.

 

[Brian Davidson]

My SUV just kicked the can. I'm thinking about buying a new car and I'm heavily looking at this

It's a 2007 ford explorer XTL with 60,400 miles on it. This will be an upgrade from my 1997 ford explorer sport.

I'm excited and I will have this on the roof