Buy a trailer (instead of a pickup truck)

[Stubby79]

I was thinking I need a trailer hitch on the Insight...then it dawned on me, I could just pull the hatch off and it could be a mini pickup truck...much easier conversion than a Metro pickup!

[freebeard]

Piotrsko — At the moment, two. The Dasher works, it just needs a oil pressure indicator light (LED on a flexicable ). The 1958 Baja Bug is a roller (up on jackstands ATM) but I have a five-speed transaxle and a 1776 stroker engine that could go in it. ....if I had the funds.

The Super works. It runs Okay, but it just has a limited number of miles on the remaining three cylinders.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by freebeard

On topic: No trailer hitch...(

yet!

Hey, what if the next time that I find a beat-up old Civic, or maybe any cheap car, I gut it and use it as a trailer? Ideally I would want a convertible... or a metal cutting blade on my reciprocating saw...

Not what I was thinking, but a 2001 Odyssey with a good engine, but bad transmission: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...1613065961476/

Uhhh... 1998 Ford Econoline with 110,000 miles for $1,000: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...3584081747987/
It sounds like they rebuilt the transmission, but it needs a new motor.

Civic! I want something Civic-sized!

[Charlie Cheap]

Building cars for over 50 years I always had a trailer and a pickup, then we moved to the farm. I then had 2 trailers and a pickup. A 16' and an 8', using the 8' to haul a riding mower or golf car. The farm was a wildlife management farm and gun range (I am/was a federally licensed gunsmith before retiring) and with a small tractor, 2 riding mowers, 2 golf cars, car parts chasing, and hauling things around the farm, a trailer is required. My 2011 Ranger 2.3 with automatic gets 25 - 27 MPG depending how I drive, and since we sold the farm after 21 years, I don't need the trailers. One's needs dictate pickup or trailer I think for most people. I do feel somewhat naked without ANY trailer now that they are gone. I also miss the range since I can't walk out side and unload 15 rounds of 9mm to test a gun. I guess I could, but the neighbors would almost certainly complain.

[freebeard]

I have to exit the city limits.

I upped this picture in 2014 to document two things, the Coanda nozzle exhaust stacks and a stowable single-wheel trailer. ( three: half-tonneau )



Here's a simulation using an old tow bar:




edit: An half-tonneau for your ranger could net 1-2mpg

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Stubby79

I was thinking I need a trailer hitch on the Insight...then it dawned on me, I could just pull the hatch off and it could be a mini pickup truck

Considering how some truck owners fit them with slantback bed covers, it makes some sense...

[freebeard]

What it says on the tin: justacarguy.blogspot.com: interesting trailer designs





Note the outrigger leaf springs on the second one.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Note the outrigger leaf springs on the second one.

Reminds me of when I wanted to do some experiences with motorcycle-type swing arms for some sort of full independent suspension on cars.

[Xist]

The last time that I rented a van I still had the hitch and accessories in my basket, so I paid like $175. I returned the van, but I now have the hitch and accessories. It is surprisingly small. I read that you could install it in two hours in your driveway, but it is smaller than I expected, so I doubt that it would take even me that long.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q7ODDMUdIs

Yeah. It is three bolts.

1. Put a cargo strap under your muffler.
2. Drop your muffler supported by the cargo strap.
3. Use wire to pull one bolt into the frame on each side and out the hole.
4. Bolt the hitch to the tow hook and those two bolts that you just embedded.
5. Reattach your muffler.

Now I am contractually obligated to design an aero box?

Ha. Harbor Freight has an ad on their main page for Black Friday sales, but they weren't showing any regular price, just compared them to real tools by real manufacturers for real prices.

Then I saw their $10 angle grinder, currently on sale for $5, but their Black Friday price is $10.

Here is an aluminum cargo carrier from Harbor Freight for $86. It is rated for 500 pounds and goes on sale for $65-70 six times a year, about what it would be if a regular 20% off coupon applied. It looks like it should qualify, so $68.80.

It is 47.25 x 20.5 x 6.

Those are the inner dimensions?

I am underwhelmed. I should be able to put 8 deck piers in it, but if I needed to haul 8' lumber it wouldn't stick out past this thing.

Shape some 2" foamboard, coat with the expensive version of epoxy, and put fiberglass on it?

Will this increase my fuel economy measurably?

[freebeard]

Now I am contractually obligated to design an aero box?

Not until you install the hitch, then — yes, of course. Is it Class 1 or 2?

That bolt leader is a slick tool.