Ultimate road trip vehicle

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

It was developed when compact trucks were in fact somewhat compact, to the point that many modern compact cars are outsizing it, even the Prius. And it still has a lot of room for improvements to both aerodynamics and drivetrain.

The Ranger is still 15-20 inches longer than a current Civic, Corolla, or Elantra (or Prius), and almost exactly as wide (not to mention, quite a bit taller). The OP would be better off using that length to fit a tapering shell over the bed, and then put a cargo box extension on the end a la The Spirit of Ecomodder or that F-150 in Arkansas. Then fit panels to the underside to smooth all that out. Far less cost and hassle than trying to make it a hybrid, and he would end up with a quieter, more efficient road trip car with factory reliability.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

I guess the possibility to use a camper shell might provide more comfort to sleep, plus it might still haul more camping gear than in a Prius.

You'd be quite comfortable with a tent, sleeping bag, and pad - which I've carried on my back or on a bicycle, and in motorcycle saddlebags across most of the US & Canada.

It was developed when compact trucks were in fact somewhat compact...

Compact, yes. However, while I've never driven a Ranger, if it's like theToyota, Dataun, Mitsubishi equivalents, it is NOT comfortable to sit in for long periods.

About the only reason I could see for using a truck is if you're planning to spend part of your time on roads where high clearance is needed. Which really isn't what I think of as "road trip".

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

About the only reason I could see for using a truck is if you're planning to spend part of your time on roads where high clearance is needed. Which really isn't what I think of as "road trip".

That's what I was getting at by mentioning the Prius on steep rutted logging roads. The only way the Ranger can be the ultimate road trip vehicle is if ground clearance is a requirement for it being ultimate. Otherwise, it's kinda the opposite of that.

[RustyLugNut]

I would do as some have suggested and improve the aero as much as you can as that will give you the most economical returns for your time and money.

Then I would convert it to diesel. I have an old Mercedes OM601 four cylinder diesel I am looking to put into a compact pickup truck to putter around, with the wife, to camp and sight see.

Use of an older indirect injection diesel makes it easier to use the waste vegetable oil I have in a strategic reserve.

[ThermionicScott]

In that position, I would convert the Ranger into dollars, and then convert the dollars into a small, efficient, but comfortable car for long drives. Do I lack imagination? Maybe.

[redpoint5]

Exactly. This thread was DOA.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

However, while I've never driven a Ranger, if it's like theToyota, Dataun, Mitsubishi equivalents, it is NOT comfortable to sit in for long periods.

I'm more used to the 2nd-gen S10 Blazer. An uncle used to own one, and I liked it.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

The only way the Ranger can be the ultimate road trip vehicle is if ground clearance is a requirement for it being ultimate. Otherwise, it's kinda the opposite of that.

Yes, and if ground clearance (and 4WD for the steep parts) is a requirement, you'd do better to start with an '80s Toyota pickup. I've sometimes wondered if the Prius powerplant could be mated to the pickup transmission without major problems.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Yes, and if ground clearance (and 4WD for the steep parts) is a requirement, you'd do better to start with an '80s Toyota pickup. I've sometimes wondered if the Prius powerplant could be mated to the pickup transmission without major problems.

Not so sure about the suitability of that, but the HSD system already had longitudinal-engine applications at least in the Lexus LS, Toyota Crown and those Hino 300 trucks.