I agree, they are cheap for the amount of tech you are getting, just not so handy to use as an overland camper. Not easy or cheap to fix a 7 speed automatic in the middle of nowhere.
To large to turn around on a mountain pass. to heavy to hook to the little tree on the other side of the mud puddle.
But very cool to look at, that is for sure.
Most mogs would have the same issues but they are simpler.
My toy project with a 404, is very small, shorter then a full size pick up. The experiment is mainly to get the cab integrated with the living space and maintain full frame flex , axle articulation. the aluminum bus body is relative light weigh, standing height and sturdy,.... the kids safety.... you know.
Sorry did not want to get diverge your thread.
Johan
If extremely technical offroad obstacles are your mission, most are just too tippy for an LMTV. But if you just want to get out there and camp far away from civilization, you can get places in an LMTV that others can't.
I don't want anyone to read your thoughts, and be dissuaded. I think LMTVs are what you want them to be. I have thousands of miles on mine, wheeling it in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and other western states. I wouldn't list a single one of your "issues" on my list of difficulties with it. They're a totally different animal... things that are easy for a Jeep/Tacoma/K5 are harder in an LMTV, but things that are hard for a Jeep are easy for an LMTV.
The Jeepers are usually amazed at the places I can get my LMTV to, and how nimble it actually is. The height is a problem - have to carry saws and loppers. The weight is a problem - the Earth is not a solid, immovable object to a truck this heavy. Tipping is a problem - though it will actually lean way further than you are probably comfortable letting it (45°!). Width can be an issue, if even psychologically - some of those mountain passes are very narrow, with like a 300' drop off one side, and the LMTV can crush the ground away.
Turning radius usually isn't a big problem (65'... Jeep 2dr 35', Jeep 4dr 40', fullsize pickup 50') - every now and then I have to do a multi-point turn, but often can just straddle over the arc of the turn on switchbacks. Gas mileage isn't a big deal - it goes about as far on a tank as other vehicles (~300mi), just costs 3x more. Water crossings, 4' deep snow, big mini-fridge-sized rocks, steep hills, and trees fallen across the trail are just driven over. You can carry an almost unlimited amount of tools, fluids, food, recovery gear, etc.