We researched for about 5 months before deciding a Foc 24-5N would fit our needs, then another 3 months or so to find a dealer to deal with. We bought one of the first new 2004 units and have been very happy with it. It is solid and heavy.
We have put on a bit over 65,000 miles on it to date and you mentioned some off-road or dirt road travels? We have been on some logging roads here in California, but many more miles on gravel roads in BC, Yukon and NW Territories as well as Alaska. The first long trip on gravel was to Coldfoot AK, North of the Artic Circle. That trip took the dinette table away from the wall and it came all apart. It was a bundle of lumber. It was also our first experience with Frost Heaves. I put it back together in Fairbanks with deck screws and never had an issue since.
The next trip north, we drove the 458 mile long Dempster Highway to Inuvik, NWT. Almost all was gravel or mud. No issues, drove wonderful and the sights are beautiful.
I've never had an issue with the length of the 24-5N. We have been in many parking lots, restaurants, stores, campgrounds, etc.. Never been too long. Oh, and spent 4 hours driving in downtown Manhattan looking for a way to get to the Jersey side. I wouldn't go back to Manhattan again with ANY vehicle let alone a FW.
