The G-spot

[MrH]

4Runner!

[giant_mtb]

Ground clearance is easily achieved.

[GoCougs]

New SQ5! There's an option for air suspension that boosts ground clearance at lower speeds by a whole two inches, up to 9.2 total (which isn't bad).

Looking again at the underside of the G I bent the engine cradle support member. Still steers and tracks as good as ever but was a close call - hitting the AT pan or a lower control arm and I could have been screwed. I would ride back to town on my bike just fine but blocking a forest road is asking to get involuntarily moved (pushed off the road). Getting a tow truck out that far would be a major PITA and $$$.

But really, plenty who shred do indeed have a second beater, usually a truck. Dirt roads can get tricky but parking lots can get a bit nasty what with vandalism and careless. Thing is most of any such rides are 2+ hours of freeway driving followed by a bit of forest road travel. Would rather not suffer in a penalty box. I will have to do something though if I'm to continue these more remote rides.

[12,000 RPM]

This sounds like a "what should I buy" thread in the making. I'm thinking a used dead nameplate 4x4 pickup will be your best bet (i.e. Mitsubishi Raider, Isuzu Ascender?)

[giant_mtb]

Do it. Get a beater truck! You'll love it.

[GoCougs]

Oh, I know the drill - I've had three beater trucks in the past. A second vehicle is a PITA, plus the remote trails need a fair amount of highway driving, so it couldn't be too much of a beater.

[CALL_911]

SQ5 wouldn't be a bad choice

[BimmerM3]

F-Pace.

[GoCougs]

The problem with that class of vehicle ultra low profile rubber - not so good over rocks and the like, particularly puncture resistance.

Turns out my Infiniti dealer has a low(ish) mileage late model Xterra on their used lot. I have to go in next week for service so I'll test drive it then. Should be able to get it for $20k and maybe a bit less.

[68_427]

The problem with that class of vehicle ultra low profile rubber - not so good over rocks and the like, particularly puncture resistance.

Turns out my Infiniti dealer has a low(ish) mileage late model Xterra on their used lot. I have to go in next week for service so I'll test drive it then. Should be able to get it for $20k and maybe a bit less.

Unless you meant strictly the top performance variant.

[GoCougs]

Well, I was perusing Audi's online builder, and the SQ5 comes with a minimum of a 20" rim.

[68_427]

Well, I was perusing Audi's online builder, and the SQ5 comes with a minimum of a 20" rim.

Yeah the brakes on that require at least 19" wheels* (some 18's fit but not all)

These don't look horrible sidewall wise (255/50/19)

[12,000 RPM]

He doesnt need a top trim one anyway

[BimmerM3]

I don't know how gnarly the roads he's talking about are, but the Audi Allroad might be a good compromise between the G and taller CUVs/SUVs.

[SJ_GTI]

Some guy on TCL just bought a Golf Alltrack (I think that is what its called). Seems ideally suited for what Gougs is doing, but probably not a manly enough image. #alphaalldayeveryday

[68_427]

Some guy on TCL just bought a Golf Alltrack (I think that is what its called). Seems ideally suited for what Gougs is doing, but probably not a manly enough image. #alphaalldayeveryday

With Porsche brembos 😂

[veeman]

If you're considering an Xterra for about $20G, then sporty character is not that important or luxury trappings.  Not sure if the ground clearance of a Subaru would suit your needs.  Might be worth checking out.

[BimmerM3]

If you're considering an Xterra for about $20G, then sporty character is not that important or luxury trappings.  Not sure if the ground clearance of a Subaru would suit your needs.  Might be worth checking out.

I think the Xterra thought was as a second vehicle, and would get him pretty much anywhere that any stock SUV could go.

The F-Pace and Allroad suggestions were intended as a G replacement since he mentioned he didn't enjoy his previous experience of owning two vehicles.

An Outback would almost certainly be tough enough though - the newest models have 8.7" of ground clearance according to Edmunds. Same site has my Explorer listed as 8.2".

[giant_mtb]

Detailed a new Outback today and indeed thought to myself "damn, this thing has decent ground clearance."   I think Tacoma is rated around 9.5".  Inch by inch, it does make a big difference, but it surprised me.  I wonder what they use to measure clearance.  Lowest possible point (ie, the rear pumpkin on a truck)?  Frame rail height? 

[BimmerM3]

Detailed a new Outback today and indeed thought to myself "damn, this thing has decent ground clearance."   I think Tacoma is rated around 9.5".  Inch by inch, it does make a big difference, but it surprised me.  I wonder what they use to measure clearance.  Lowest possible point (ie, the rear pumpkin on a truck)?  Frame rail height? 

Yeah, I'm not sure exactly how it's measured, and obviously things like approach, departure, and breakover angles are equally (or more) important, depending on the exact road/trail you're trying to drive on.

[giant_mtb]

Yeah, the front overhang is usually pretty limiting on stuff like cars...no way the front lip of an Outback is 8.7" off the ground (though I could be wrong ).  I wonder if it's a measure of hang-up height.

[Laconian]

Detailed a new Outback today and indeed thought to myself "damn, this thing has decent ground clearance."   I think Tacoma is rated around 9.5".  Inch by inch, it does make a big difference, but it surprised me.  I wonder what they use to measure clearance.  Lowest possible point (ie, the rear pumpkin on a truck)?  Frame rail height? 

Yeah, the Outback has huge ground clearance. It's pretty clean underneath, too.

[giant_mtb]

Yeah, the Outback has huge ground clearance. It's pretty clean underneath, too.

Yes, very smooth. Most everything is tucked away nicely, which provides good confidence off road.

[Laconian]

I believe the smoothness is more of a fuel economy measure than an off-roading one.

[giant_mtb]

Most likely.

[CaminoRacer]

Detailed a new Outback today and indeed thought to myself "damn, this thing has decent ground clearance."   I think Tacoma is rated around 9.5".  Inch by inch, it does make a big difference, but it surprised me.  I wonder what they use to measure clearance.  Lowest possible point (ie, the rear pumpkin on a truck)?  Frame rail height? 

Lowest point. On most cars it seems to be the engine crossmember or exhaust right behind that.

I have about 3.5 inches of clearance

[BimmerM3]

Lowest point. On most cars it seems to be the engine crossmember or exhaust right behind that.

I have about 3.5 inches of clearance

Or rear diff for solid axle truck/SUVs.

I'm guessing that the lowest point doesn't include the wheel end of the lower control arm since that moves with the wheel? Because that looks like the lowest point of a lot of taller cars with independent suspension.

[CaminoRacer]

The rear diff also moves with the wheels on solid axle trucks.

[AutobahnSHO]

FWIW the trucks and SUVs also don't put vulnerable stuff easy to bang up. My minivans have packed all kinds of goodies out of sight to most people but right where rocks would shred them off-road.

[AutobahnSHO]

Cougs, you need something like this so the drive is nice     Put the bikes inside easily.