Finally finished my Sandcrawler and with Jaisonline's help have already done some fine tuning to the hatches. This thing has great playability and lots of options to modify it. The pics are just a quick MOC to see what it will look like with the studs covered. I can get the elements I need from Bricklink for $40. Then I plan on adding power next.

Go for it! Though the Sandcrawler does have a cool look with the studs revealed, I think the build is MUCH better with a smooth exterior.

 

If given the choice between power functions and smoothening out the outside, I'd go for the power functions. Keep us updated!!

I think 2x4 tiles would look great and could decrease the element count needed (instead of some 1x4s)

http://brickset.com/parts/4579690

More options included more 4x4 with 4 studs, and 4x6 with 12 studs. Not completely flat but close enough.

http://brickset.com/parts/colour-Red-Brown?query=Plate

On my set, I started to use darker tiles on the small side cargo doors. I'm not a fan of the light tan color there.

Yeah I'm going with 1x2 flat tiles to cover the orange then dark brown, brown and tan 1x1,2,3,4,6 and the 2x4 Also the 1x2 flat grill and the second ladder

I`m going to answer this by quoting your current signature: "He who hesitates is lost  "

Looks really good. I was suprised at how though its almost double the piece count it really isn't incredibly bigger than the other.