SouthWest road trip 5th Gen vs 3rd Gen

Hello everyone!
We have a road trip planned mid October for a couple weeks from Northern California through Nevada into Arizona and Utah before working way back. Somewhere around 36 hours of driving. We are bringing the dog and plan on alternating the sleeping at night between in the back of rig and in hotels. The question is do we take the wifes 2018 5th Gen with 30k or my 2001 3rd Gen with 120k? Both have BFG TKO2 tires. My main issues were fuel range with a full tank, comfort for an occasional 8 hour day, off road capability if we went back into a secluded camping spot, and anything else any of you can think of. Thanks for any advise.

 

Welcome to the forum, and flip a coin.

 

Thanks, might come down to that. Is your avitar an Airedale?

 

I would take the 5th gen.

 

Thanks for suggestion, the 5th is nice with its heated seats, navigation, audio, and sunroof options.

 

Labradoodle, name is Cosmo.

 

Never owned a 3rd gen, so I can't comment on comfort. But I did a trip in my 5th gen from East Central Fla to Phoenix and back last Christmas by myself. Averaging 10 to 12 hrs a day w hotel stops. The fatigue factor is real and dangerous for a lone driver, so having the Wife to trade off driving is a great thing. I would seriously consider your 5th gen. I don't think I would have made it with a lesser vehicle. The passenger seat is pretty comfortable for naps along the way as you trade off too. So bring a couple of pillows. As good as these trucks are off road, they thrive on the highway as well. She just ran better and better as the trip went along. Welcome! Have Fun and a Safe Trip!!

 

That's quite a hardcore solo trip you went on. Thanks for info. We are leaning towards the fifth at the moment now for sure.

 

I have had both a 3rd gen and a 5th gen. The 3rg gen I used to drive from Fl to Pa, 16-17hr drives in one day. I was in perfect comfort (at 25 yo). In October '19, we did a very similar trip form the Bay Area to LV , Mt Zion, Moab, Arches, SLC-> home. I would take the 5th gen. The comfort, fuel range, and overall comfort would put it to the top.

 

Thank you, coming from someone who have had both I am gonna take 5th.