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So, for some time now, I have been contemplating getting a sid-by-side ranch work vehicle that would be a utilitarian SXS (rather than a sport-style). I had intended to use it for things like plowing snow on our property or hauling large rocks away. But, I also thought it would make for a really cool and agile short run overland weekender.
I first started thinking about a SXS for overland style camping when I was traversing Engineer Pass in Colorado several years ago. It was there that I saw people with SXS on longer distance adventures. I had seen them often before, but rarely had I seen them used in a multi-day adventure. Mostly, it was just people running around for a day trip.
As time went on, I looked on Google to discover a very few had converted their SXS into an overland 'rig' of sorts. Outfitting them with rooftop tents, locked down refrigerators or roto-molded coolers, camp stoves, etc. The one that intrigued me the most was this one by UTV Planet Magazine (shown below)
Well, that was all before I bought the property here in Angel Fire. Thus, after renovating the cabin, selling off Ghost Cat (our RV) in Arizona, and purchasing a CANAM Defender DSP HD7, we are on our way to building this little but very capable rig.
We intend to use it for backcountry escapes and exploration into the high elevations around our cabin.
I've owned three Jeeps. I own a RAM truck (that I intend to turn into a longer range overland vehicle). But, I decided that neither a Jeep nor the Truck would be optimal for such adventures mentioned above. Mostly because the majority of the trails are ATV trails or very rugged overgrown, narrow Jeep trails. These explorations wouldn't be ideal for the Ram truck, and we just didn't want another Jeep. And, the way I see it, there really isn't much difference in towing a SXS to a jump off point and using it vs. driving a Jeep and using it. Well, a couple things:
1.) The Jeep is less comfortable getting to the dirt you want to explore vs driving the RAM truck and pulling the trailer.
2.) The Jeep gets filthy dirty on the dirt and you have to ride in it all the way home whereas with a truck you load it on a trailer and go home.
3.) The Jeep may be more convenient in some ways as your exploration may not return you to the same start point.
4.) Unless you enclose the SXS, the Jeep may be more comfortable in colder weather or rain (our SXS cab will likely be enclosed at times).
5.) The jeep may get better gas mileage than a truck pulling a trailer with a SXS.
6.) The SXS is much more agile than a jeep on off-road terrain.
7.) A Jeep doesn't lend itself as well to being a Ranch hand on our property.
And, maybe other reasoning...
Since purchase, we have added a 4500 lb winch, a street-legal kit, front glass windshield on gas struts, a RazorBack Offroad gear rack system for the rear dump bed, a plastic roof (SXS don't come with them standard).
I do intend to put a rooftop tent on it. Probably a compact one. Likey a side ladder. A lock-down cooler, throw in my cook system, probably cover it with LEDs wrapped around for good lighting.
Our first outting will likely be to one of the many alpine lakes in the area. For instance, Goose Lake above Red River (which some people do take jeeps up to but is more ideal with a SXS). And, also, right behind the cabin we have over 80,000 acres of remote NM State Trust land. Pretty epic really, and all of that terrain is ATV trails only. Trucks and jeeps can only get so far back.
Anyway, it is a tool for the ranch with an off-road adventure spin. Should be an interesting project.
Very Cool Set Up! I think it makes great sense for you to have that around the Cabin property, for all the reasons you mentioned for sure! Looking forward to following the build up and addons.
I was mulling over which direction to go as well. Pull a trailer with a side by side, or a Jeep?
Ultimately I have decided for what I plan, a Jeep makes sense for me right now. I actually plan to get a Jeep, and start using it as my daily driver, instead of my Pick Up. Since eventually I want to keep the camper on the truck, more often than not.
Plus with the weight of the camper coming in at over 2000 lbs. Dry weight, plus all the added gear etc. I don't want to add any more tongue weight to my truck. Although, I am planning to replace my current 5 leaf springs, 2000 LB. capacity each, with 7 leaf 3000 LB springs, which basically makes my 2500HD more like a 3500HD. I considered air bags, but the leaf springs are a one time easy swap out, with virtually no maintenance ever afterward. Just a stiffer ride when the camper is removed. Cost is about the same, especially installing my self. The air bags are actually less expensive to pay for install than the leaf springs. But then you have compressor and controller issues to deal with over time. I'm all about KISS! Keep It Simple Stupid! Especially when you are way out in the bush and break down.
With a Jeep, I can just flat tow, with just the tow hitch weight on the tongue. I have plenty of power to pull it long, will only feel it probably on steep uphill climbs. Plus a trailer is always more of a pain finding parking, or maneuvering around. Except for backing up, definitely, a trailer is easier.
Next to impossible to back up with a flat towed Jeep, But you just disconnect and drive it away. Parking with a towed jeep is also a challenge, but again you just disconnect and drive it wherever, especially if you have some one riding shot gun with you.
Definitely Pros and Cons to both! I for sure think the Side By Side makes great sense at your cabin! That would be my choice as well in your situation. For me the Jeep makes sense for a tow along to be able to park my rig in a fairly remote spot, then go in and explore a bit deeper with a Jeep. Then if I towed a Side By Side behind the Jeep, I could go even deeper!!LOL! Or I could get off my fat ass and just do some hiking and go really deep, which is after all the ultimate plan! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Your Jeep experience is helpful, things to consider for sure! Always great to share different incite to things!! That's what 4X is all about, isn't it!!
Cabin life sure has some fun advantages than city life for sure. This new little machine that we've named MAX 😉 is going to be so much fun. The build will be pretty cool as well. A combined effort of things needed for us both for outdoor and backcountry exploring. It is amazing when looking at accessories and pricing for it vs a truck or jeep. Makes the pocket book happy. Yay happy shopping. I am already researching heat kits and or heated blankets that can plug right in. Needless to say this little guy will get used! Can't wait to get out and explore.
John your rig is great and the Jeep seems like a great option for your set up at this time. Ha I love that -KISS- is total truth in many things in life. Don't over complicate something that could be so easy. 🙂
@4x_admin, @heather-jo, I can't wait to see what adventures you are able to go on once your CanAm is set up proper for exploring.
Scott, thank you for the great YouTube recommendation of Happy Trails Adventures in Wickenburg. I ended up taking out my youngest son for an amazing experience a few weeks ago