Tell me again why you "need" that big truck - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

2000mc · 09-09-2009, 12:21 AM

yea... i was going to say something like moving large furniture, and beds... very heavy loads... but now i can see i'm just foolish and wasteful

Frank Lee · 09-09-2009, 01:00 AM

bgd73 · 09-09-2009, 01:02 PM

old sube hauling a complete engine

there are many reasons for a truck.

weight limit of car execeeded
density of item hauled is greater than the unibody metal (number one worldwide error- that is NOT a big bad 4cyl wagon you got there)

the above photo is an ode to welding, over 5 reels of mig, about 75 pounds of steel, and finding oem anomolies. I learned the 3 main is the "heavy hauler" for the four banger world and gave it a body with alot of work mind you. this one hauls its own engine, without a pallet, oil pan being the point of all the weight. I expected a squish in the body, and there wasn't. I joke of it being a half ton sube. do not try with a normal car. Also, if to haul with a trailer hitch, you may find your car has a class two hitch version and a class 1 receiver, go for that one, do NOT use the class1 and class1 receiver together, it is a ripoff.
other than that, a truck creaking and moaning down the road could be your best bet, let the car creak and moan to its own weight limit, One needs to learn many specifics. If you are a transverse drivetrain, stay close to oem limits, (and it aint much).

jkp1187 · 09-09-2009, 09:23 PM

I need a cargo-carrying utility vehicle at most two times/year. So far, I have always succeeded in borrowing one from someone else when I need them. When this is not possible, I can rent a truck from Zipcar for $11.25/hour or $70/day.

$140.00 for two daily rentals is still less expensive than the cost of purchasing, fuelling, and maintaining a vehicle that I truly need two times every year.

wagonman76 · 09-10-2009, 01:36 AM

That's why I have this.

I can haul anything I need with it. That's my old 6000 wagon that towed it very well. I am using my van right now but the car towed it better IMO.

No need for a truck. It's there when I need it, and if I change my mind to do it later, or if it takes longer than planned, it's ok. One good thing Michigan changed with licensing awhile back was made trailer plates permanent. 1 time fee of $75, rather than $25 every year.

What is that in the original pic, a fridge? Strap hooked to the roof rack which is probably only rated for 50#? The packaging would lead me to believe it is new. Geez, most places will deliver, some for free. Wonder if it made it home in one piece, or if they wasted hundreds of dollars.

CoastRider · 09-10-2009, 08:46 AM

I dont always Need my "big" truck. but at least once a week I use it to its full potential.

What I need is a vehicle that changes size, lol If it could shrink to a 1 passenger vehicle at the push of a button that would be perfect.

gone-ot · 09-10-2009, 09:54 AM

...need a picture of a Metro Geo or like sitting in the bed of a big pickup...just to make a point.

Frank Lee · 09-10-2009, 01:49 PM

I'm picturing it... what's the point?

jkp1187 · 09-10-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoastRider

I dont always Need my "big" truck. but at least once a week I use it to its full potential.

What I need is a vehicle that changes size, lol If it could shrink to a 1 passenger vehicle at the push of a button that would be perfect.

I think if you're using the truck as a truck at least once a week, then you arguably do need a truck.

(Wouldn't hurt to think about getting a car for the other six days/week, though, if the money's there.)