[yogiyoda]

Hello,

I will be doing some extended solo traveling in North America with a mix of some car camping along with staying in hotels/hostels etc. Want to see national parks (some mountain and dirt roads) as well as cities (need for secure vehicle that can be parked in the city). I have a lot of gear including large canvas tent, deluxe folding cot, cooler, bicycle and much more.

Some vehicle requirements: Would like a place to throw some wet/dirty items when having to pack up a site in the rain etc. Would like to have space behind drivers seat to lean back chair and sleep occasionally. Would like to keep total cost of ownership as low as possible. Would like as good fuel milage as possible. Would like to minimize fear of having items stolen. (not so sure how secure cargo boxes are)

I'm not real happy with my current 2007 V6 Honda Accord from either a cargo carrying or mpg stand point. What are your thoughts on the following vehicle options from a fuel efficiency standpoint?

1.) Small wagon (Jetta Sportwagen TDI, Mazda5) with roof cargo box and tow hitch bike rack.

2.) Small SUV (Forester, CX-5, RAV4) with roof cargo box and rear hitch bike rack.

3.) 4 Cyl Toyota Tacoma with camper shell and rear hitch bike rack

4.) Ford Transit Connect with roof cargo box and rear hitch bike rack.

5.) Mini-van (Toyota Sienna) with roof cargo box and tow hitch bike rack

6.) Mercedes Benz Sprinter

7.) Dodge Ram 1500 Pentastar v6 with camper shell and rear hitch bike rack

8.) other?

I can look up fuel efficiency online for each vehicle. But don't know what the best choice from a fuel standpoint would be when taking into account the heavy loads, roof cargo box and rear bike mount. Your thoughts?