Try bigger backpacks, always open traders ( so you don't have to wait all night for a trader to open, plus you can do quests and get the rewards any time of day). Faster vehicles is nice, cuts down on the feeling that you're playing a walking simulator. I also play with steel ammo added back into the game since brass is such an issue at the beginning if you're playing with more than one person. I also like the 2 skill point per level mod, as it helps a bit with the early game to get to the point where you're self sufficient and can craft heals and food and base defenses. Then you can start concentrating on a nice end game mega build like a sky scraper or something.
