Originally Posted by UltArc
The impression I am getting is that you want mods that will pay for themselves pretty quickly- so either super cheap mods, or super effective.
Some things that are dirt cheap, easy, and should make a difference...
-Deleting things that aren't needed
--take off a mirror if you don't need it, antennas, roof racks
I've already taken off the TV antenna. As for mirrors, I'd like bigger ones! Backing up one of these brutes can be stressful to say the least. I'll probably be investing in a backup camera next year. Most of the roof mounted stuff can't come off without major changes.
-Smooth wheel covers (election signs)
-Rear arch covers (election signs)
Rear arch? Do you mean rear fender skirts?
-Dropping unneeded weight (Do you have things you don't need?)
Dropping weight will be tough but I'm working on it. No granite counter tops, I never had that in my stx & brix home. As a geologist I know only too well how easily damaged it is.
--For example, if you had a granite countertop, is it worth the extra weight verse a basic plastic?
-Grille block (or partial- either way, easy to remove)
A grill block is worrisome, Holiday Ramblers are well built, but many RV's have small grills and suffer from engine compartments that get so hot spark plug wires get scorched and wiring melts
-Partial underbody
May work on that in the future, would a partial underbody shield like from the front bumper to the rear axle help?
-streamline your vehicle into the trailer/caravan (would be more costly)
-Test pulling the caravan flat vs on the trailer. Better or worse?
Can't pull the Caravan flat without expensive mods
-Warm Air Intake
-DEFINITELY an air dam
I'll have to research air dams
-start switching fluids to synthetic
I've been using synthetic fluids in my cars since 1996, I'm sold on synthetics!
One fantasy I have is an MP5 (or MPV) in a standard, setup to road trip in. You'd have a standard, could pull flat, and they are pretty cheap relative to other vans in its class. Another alternative is a estate. On past road trips, three of us have slept in a coupe (2002 Monte Carlo) over several nights. If you want more comfort, an estate would work great. Not hard to find a standard, better aero, would meet the needs you have shown so far. What comes to mind is the Subaru Outback/Legacy estate- which can be found pretty cheap (as low as 1,600 USD).
I've actually been thinking of a Mazda MPV, I also like the Subaru's but I'm not interested in the full time AWD. I wish they made them in 4WD with lockout hubs. I've found over the years that front wheel drive will get me through most any road condition I'd actually choose to drive in.
Just some ideas.
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