Newbie with, well, newbie questions

Here is my situation:

1) Northern WI, lots of snow, atleast this year.
2) I own, well, a hill, well developed trails.
3) We do maple syrup in the spring, sap collecting.
4) I'm 6'3", 210lb.

So, with that said, what truck should I be looking for? From what I can see on here so far I'm thinking I need a Jumbo with tracks(studded). With that said, how would a Mini with tracks handle 800lbs of Maple Sap in a tank on reasonably hilly, but not suicidal hills, with 12-16" of snow?

Need some honest feedback to see if a Mini is even in the realm of doing what
I would need it to do.

Thanks from a newbie for any good insight...

 

If you can't find a jumbo, a Subaru would be the best stock option for you but I have not yet seen a Subbie with tracks. I think if you can find a jumbo, that would be your best bet. I would go with a Daihatsu Climber if you get a chance to be specific. Good luck with the search. I am not saying it will be impossible but it will be a little tougher than a regular stock mini truck.

Hope this helps.

 

My experience with my truck in our little storm week before last was as follows:

Virgin snow (about 6", which is alot for Texas), my little truck was a tractor with snow tires on all four wheels. You still had to mind the speeds in which you took sharp corners. I ended up having my truck plow sideways in 4x4 mode for about 50 yards, before straightening out and driving forward. Your 800 pounds of extra weight in the bed, however, will help you out tremendously with grip. Getting into tracks, I was all over the place, with the vehicle trying hard to find a low point in which to track in. That's just the breaks with a narrow vehicle looking for footing in a wider track. I would definitely look for a Jumbo at your size. I'm 6'2", and it's a snug fit in my truck.

 

try it

Hmm... well your living in a hill so your truck must be a tough one. I have this Ford F150 which is good in a hill. My friend own a Chevy Truck it's a good one too specially in snow. See this pic...

 

Getting what I need direct

Anyone have experience with the JCE site in the banner above? Looks like I may have a hard time finding the exact truck I need/want in the US.

Thanks again, SS

 

Consider a truck with locking differentials.

 

So..... are you try'n to tell us that the pic is a ford? looks like a chev to me. besides I thought the forum is about mini trucks. My little slumpy may be small..... but he knows karate! Can you say the same about your truck?

LOL, glenn

 

So, what are my chances of finding a Daihatsu Jumbo with locking differentials? Or a Subaru with locking hubs? I'm in West Central Wisconsin, don't see many of them around up here. One dealer really close but the prices are up there for sure.

Thanks again,
SS

 

Found a potential winner

I've found a '94 Daihatsu Climber with a dump. It's got high/low range and a differential lock button on the dash. Odometer says 15,000km. A couple questions for the experts:

1) Is it common for a 94 to have only 15,000km? What things could I look
at to determine if it's 115,000km?

2) When I switch it to low it automatically goes into 4WD on the dash, is that
the norm? No 2WD low?

3) The differential lock on the dash does not seem to do anything, no lights,
etc. What kind of test could I do to make sure it's working correctly?

4) It's a little hard for starting too, have to pump the throttle quite a bit. Could this be an easy fix for something more serious?

I ask these questions because the guy selling the trucks does not know ANYTHING about them.

I also climbed into a '96 Subaru (someone recomended them for a guy over 6'2") I must say, the '94 Daihatsu is a much better fit, my left knee does not get jammed up.

And last but not least, anyone got a price range for a truck like this?

Thanks,
SS

 

1) Is it common for a 94 to have only 15,000km? What things could I look at to determine if it's 115,000km?

I would almost bet 115,000 KM especially on a dump truck

2) When I switch it to low it automatically goes into 4WD on the dash, is that the norm? Yes No 2WD low? No

3) The differential lock on the dash does not seem to do anything, no lights, etc. What kind of test could I do to make sure it's working correctly? First make sure the switch is working.

4) It's a little hard for starting too, have to pump the throttle quite a bit. Could this be an easy fix for something more serious? If is has been sitting awhile this could be the reason.

 

Interesting. I'll have to find a Daihatsu to try out - my left knee has a permanent dent where it contacts the dash next to the radio.

 

I was surprised also. The other thing is the shoulder room, none of them seem to be all that great.

SS

 

I might not be an expert on mini trucks but..... mileage is recorded every year in japan, just like up here in Ontario, there are ways of going around it but it's not easy. Tell tale sign that milage has been rolled back? lots of wear signs in and on the vehicle, also when rolling back the odometer by hand.... the numbers do not line up exact in a row. one or two will be slightly up or down.
I'm 6'6" and although its a tight fit, it's not too bad... not for long trips without a stretch or two.... just try one out and see.
800 lbs of sap? you might have to beef up the springs, the truck is rated for 800 lbs including passenger in the cab (so I've been told).

In Tennessee, John has a different use for maple trees, he uses the charcoal to flavor his sipp'n tea....most people call him Jack but if you've known him as long as I have you call him John....know why he uses square bottles? so they don't roll out from under your seat when you get pulled over!
LOL
good luck hunting...
Glenn