Looking to get a vehicle to set up for running a trap line. We can ROW trap here and my son and I want to hit it hard next year and want to set a vehicle up for running a trap line and never have to take stuff out of it. What is everyone found they like? A little truck? Small suv? Also tough and easy to work on would be nice. I’ve only ever owned fords or chevys
I also wouldn’t mind seeing how you guys have your rides set up

The roll up bed covers are great. You can leave everything in the truck like you want and cover it in a matter of seconds if you need to.

1998 Subaru Legacy Wagon. Manual transmission.

Well, it kinda depends on what you are trapping for. Water trapping, dirt trapping, cats/K-9s, coon? I can't say I have ever had the perfect setup, but I can tell you I've never had too much room in the bed of my truck. I will say, I would never go with a rig where the dead critters rode in the same space as me. I can get plenty of stink, fleas and lice in the fur shed.

I often thought a mini van w/ sliding side door would be ideal for ROW trapping.

Trapper Les uses one, so I can assume that's not a great idea. That is, however, a great rig for for soccer moms and road hunters.

If your going to trap row only you only need 2wd. Lots cheaper. If you can find a white pickup with an enclosed bed level with the top of the cab, put an orange gumball looking light on it, no one will guess what your doing. wear orange safety vests. carry everything in an awol bag.

He'll never find of these. The lesbians just don't part with them. Plus it'd take hours to scrape off all the rainbow bumper stickers.

Something easy to get in and out of. Plus easy to get into your storage compartment. I agree with keeping the animals in a different compartment as myself. Maybe Ford Ranger of Chevy S10 with extended cab.

Really, any truck will do. I keep traps and setting gear in totes next to the tailgate. The catch gets piled in the area between there and the cab. All of it sits on a plastic "grate" made from old shelving, a couple inches tall that allows water to drain off the catch and air to circulate.

Now that is hilarious!

If I was only going to ROW trap then I’d agree with Danny. 2wd truck only.

I’d get one of the early 2000’s Toyota tundras. Single cab 8 foot bed 2wd. 4.7 v8. Super reliable truck that will last forever and can be bought for a fair price

I agree a white GMC 1500 with a white topper all wired up for the beacon , I took it off and caulked the holes shut.

just so happens I have one runs great , just has a little deer front end damage

I'll cut you a deal on it since I have no idea when I will have the time to fix it.

Not in Iowa. You can't get up icy hills and you can't get on the dirt roads if they are wet. There are even questionable gravel roads if it's muddy. Missouri roads leave a lot to be desired as well in places I've seen.

Here's how I set up a small truck for trapping in the past...





I much prefer a full sized truck even if it has a short box...

A topper with side entry is mandatory for my trapping truck. Everything is dry and more secure.
A raised bed that allows wet critters to drain and cool when piled up is also a go to for me.

When I row trapped in Iowa, 4wd was a must.
I use 4wrd less In Wyoming than I did in Iowa row trapping.

ADC you must drive slower and got better trials than I run.
That stuff on top would fly right off.

Good set-up I like that., I just can't have stuff up like that to many steep hills here.

The cheapest 4x4 you can get that is not a ford……

To toss my two cents into the ring, you don't need 4wd until you do. And then you really wish you had it. If you can find it some rigs have a toggle for 2 wheel/4 wheel but I personally feel the slight milage loss from 4wd is worth the reliability. Not sure if it'll matter that often in Missouri unless you're on dirt roads though. Anyone living north of Missouri should definitely spring for 4wd if they can.