Buy a trailer (instead of a pickup truck)

[user removed]

Counterpoint, my Ranger (31.6 MPG) is number 169 out of 316 in the gas CARS category in my garage. I'll drive it today, about 5 miles, but that is not the point. I can drive the Ranger and the wife could drive the Fiesta, if for some reasonshe has to, as she did with my Insight and she got 56 average with the CVT. Last manual she drove was a 73 Beetle.

When I get the three wheeler done, I have to decide which other vehicle I would sell. 2 bikes (one insured and roadworthy) truck, car and trike. I'm leaning toward selling the truck and bikes and getting a trailer to tow behind the Fiesta. Now for a drop in aero camper extension for the pickup.

regards
Mech

[Kilroy]

Originally Posted by richierocket

Hi Miller88, looks like you are a good example of what this thread is talking about. For "light hauling" like those couches, that could easily be done with a utility trailer pulled by your Focus. Then you could get rid of the gas-pig Cherokee and save $$$ on the tax, reg, and maintenance of the old SUV.
Of course, a trailer also has reg and maintenance, but obviously much less.

Back on post #109 of this thread, I posted a picture of my '98 Civic towing a motorcycle on a small trailer. I also towed couches, washer/dryer, etc.

People are amazed at what you can do with only a small bit of inconvenience by towing with your car rather than having a gas-hog pick-up or SUV.

Rich

My wife's 84 Saab could haul a couch without it sticking out. Had to leave hatch open though. 😄

[freebeard]

When I was driving a Type III Squareback I could haul my (apartment-sized) washer or my (apartment-sized) dryer with the hatch closed.

But I ripped a bumper bracket loose backing up with a jack-knifed trailer.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Opel Corsa C sedan (this bodystyle was available only in Latin America, Africa and Middle East)


Toyota Etios with a relatively large trailer, seems to have an 8-ft. bed, and 13" wheels as usual with Brazilian trailers.


Saw this one in a park where I usually go with my dog.


Spotted this Civic a few weeks ago.



Gas hogs can tow too

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
Am I leaving anything out?
Vertical exhaust pipes.

Perhaps you thought i wouldn't take you seriously. Oh, but I did.



The fold-down-and-flip-out single-wheel trailer is just to keep this on-topic. The half tonneau is self-explanatory, although it would be nice if it would fold or slide so it could collapse if needed.

The vertical stacks however may need some explanation. The vertical stack has two or three times the cross-section as the tailpipe with an air bleed at the bottom, so the volume is increased and the temp is reduced (like a high-bypass jet engine). Then there is a cap on the top and a row of louvers (rear-facing innies) at 100° to the forward direction.

Injecting hot air into the stream moving past the stack causes a Coanda effect that wraps the air around and blows it toward the back of the cab. Between the half-tonneau and the Coanda nozzles, this might have a result similar to a full aerocap. If fully optimized, of course.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Fiat Uno Mille with a Jeep-wannabe trim, and a trailer



Ford Corcel II, based on the Renault 12 and made only in Brazil. With a small trailer in the upper picture and without it in the lower.


A previous-generation Ford Fiesta with a relatively large trailer. Not sure if I would be willing to get a trailer so big for something so underpowered as the Fiesta was.



Rednecks gonna get a mindstorm with this Beetle due to its tow-mirrors

[freebeard]

Rednecks gonna get a mindstorm with this Beetle due to its tow-mirrors

I have a pair of those from when I was trailering with my Squareback. If they fit my current car they might come in handy for tuft-testing.

Vdub peeps are going to be looking closely at that roof rack. It's not the 50s Italian one that gets reproduced today.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Vdub peeps are going to be looking closely at that roof rack. It's not the 50s Italian one that gets reproduced today.

I haven't seen too many of those racks with a curved profile to match the Beetle's top, but "mother-in-law's bed" racks used to be very popular in my country.

[freebeard]

Looking around, there are at least three variations. Reproductions were made by Flat 4 and Vintage Speed. I like the Vintage Speed version the best.




The original had some weird clamps and the slats have their butt-ends exposed.



Racks that have the slats running lengthways will be quieter. Mine hums from 35-45mph.

Edit:
The one made in Spain, the Airstreme, is neat. It has fold-down end racks.

[oil pan 4]

I have a rack for my suburban, it lives on top of my flat top garage.
Remember a roof rack will screw up your aero when it's empty.