I would suggest a hicap pickup for all the gear and storage you need but they aint cheap and vertually all of them have worked hard for a living. Have a look on autotrader or plant auctions for 90/110 hard tops or pickups and invest in some rachet straps to keep everything still.Ideal world would probbly be a 130 but they have the turning cirle of a locamototive and have all grafted.ANd like you sed v8 is relly an option.You will probbably find insurnce cheaper if you go through commerical insurers and sign writing can save you some munny.Good luck!