40MPG 1/2 Ton Pick Up: Proton Arena/ Jumbuck

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Maybe trying lean-burn like the owner of that black Eagle Talon did?

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by BLSTIC

The factory option lips that came on 1-3 shape lancers? You could go all out and install a GSR/EVO kit. Might help looks while allowing for a flatter undertray.

And an AWD 1.8 turbo from a Libero GT, but that would destroy fuel economy.

Lancers panels are actually quite different. I suspect there was a lower lip for some grade of Wira/Satria. The Satria GTi had a different bumper cover though.

The Jumbuck GLSi already has side skirts, and yes, possibly a good attachment point for an undertray. Particularly if I can find a spare set to drill into.

I'd love the old 1.6 MIVEC, plenty of power without hopefully ruining the economy too much. Problem with trying to use Lancer parts is that my car is seven years old with 40K on it, while lancers are closer to 30 years old.

[oldtamiyaphile]

Aero modding continues. From the Wiki we know that a tonneau and cab deflector is 80% as good as a full aero shell. I already have a van so I want to retain the open load bay.

I have factory inserts under the roof, which would be either for the factory full shell or sports bar:



I found some ally strip in my recycle bin. It had previously been bent for a solar panel install so they are a bit wavy, but they were free:



Tip: if you want square bends using a vice, use a set square to make sure you've clamped your stock perfectly vertical I also used pipe bending pliers to help with the curves.

I don't know why people are so stuck on coroplast, when the other aeromodding staple, lawn edging can be use to make long lasting and good looking deflectors, spats etc etc.



I used electrical tape to help hide the supports:



Road Test.

While I have no ABA test, high speed shows that the soft tonneau doesn't balloon any thing like it did before.

It also helps shade the interior and add a little privacy, which are both side benefits.

This was a quicky install using what I had at hand. I now have some shiney new alloy strips and I bought some 6" edging to replace the 3" that I have at the moment.

The 6" edging will also make great tyre spats.

[freebeard]

The pre-existing mounting holes are a nice feature. Overall, a nifty little truck.

[slowmover]

Nifty. Agreed.

How many passengers? And then cargo capacity afterwards?

What's the ton-mile calculation fully loaded?

Truth is that it really can't do much compared to a regular pickup, correct?

And that's before we add a suitably aero trailer. Where almost any car will kill it on ton-mile calcs. And a regular pickup leaps ahead again

So it's spec is really so narrow as to optimal use it's neither he nor she.

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[oldtamiyaphile]

Let's be honest slowmover, 99% of full size pick ups spend 99% of their time moving nothing more than themselves and a driver.

I've got a 2.5t GCM. I still beat NEDC with a full load. Just on the weekend I had about 800lbs of pavers in the back followed by 15 bags on concrete on Monday.

I also have a big van, but it's so long that I struggle to tow with it. It's around 30' long with a 10' trailer, so I deliberately wanted something small and maneuverable so I could get into narrow inner city driveways. One time I had to park two city blocks away as the van wasn't even close to a fit in the under ground parking.

This was a great combo, can't think of anything more practical. Still miss my little Kangoo: 2.4 tons as pictured (3.0t GCM) - roughly 30mpg city 16mph avg speed:



The only annoyance was there was no really good way to transport 4x8 sheets. They were a bit heavy for me to get on the roof solo.

Two loader scoops of sand/gravel etc fit in the back of that trailer, same as a regular 6x4 garden trailer. I still use the trailer with the Proton now (no pics yet) and I've used it to tow a 10' trailer to pick up my 8' long tool box.

Not everybody needs to tow light plant on a regular basis. At the end of the day even if you have a Kenworth, there will be times when it's not big enough to transport something. Overall you're better off just paying the occasional delivery fee.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

Let's be honest slowmover, 99% of full size pick ups spend 99% of their time moving nothing more than themselves and a driver.

The popularity of trucks, SUVs and the so-called "crossovers" in the U.S.A. is more of a downside of the tax benefits and the easier emission and fuel-efficiency regulations for them than anything else. Had the common-sense prevailed, it wouldn't be surprising to see more of the good old-school station wagons and minivans, and maybe even some forward-control vans for commercial operators.

[slowmover]

A trailer behind a family sedan covers most contingencies. 7-8k pounds if set up correctly.

And, agreed about paying delivery fee. Time, if for no other reason.

FE is first about family fuel budget. One vehicle to do it all, not several. Thus one minivan or V8 sedan can be cheaper.

What a business does may be different, and, as above, is different according to taxes, insurance, etc.

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[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by slowmover

A trailer behind a family sedan covers most contingencies. 7-8k pounds if set up correctly.

And, agreed about paying delivery fee. Time, if for no other reason.

FE is first about family fuel budget. One vehicle to do it all, not several. Thus one minivan or V8 sedan can be cheaper.

Gotta like minivans more than a sedan due to their increased versatility, and an eventual ability to haul some occasional cargo instead of having to pay for delivery.

It's worth to remind once again this Venezuelan ad for the early Fiat Fiorino:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzZOWhEMUmk

What a business does may be different, and, as above, is different according to taxes, insurance, etc.

Sometimes a small business owner or a freelancer may rely on a single vehicle for both work and family.

[JacobLeSann]

I’m late. Any updates on this Ute? I quite like it and would love to hear more.