Cars for Stunt

[Dennis Toth]

Guys,

Seems the old Taurus wagon is giving up the ghost and I need to look for a new vehicle. Question what cars work for CL stunt. I fly PAMPA and OTS so I need something that will fit a full size PA ship like a Magnum. I was thinking of a Ford Edge or a Toyota Vensa but could go for a Honda CRV and there are some great lease deal down here on the Honda, just not sure the 2009's have the room needed. What do you drive?

Best,          Dennis T

[Bob Reeves]

94 Doge caravan, 240,600 miles and tomorrow on it's way to Brodak with 3 full size stunters, a Ringmaster and suport equipment for two bodies. If it ever dies I'll buy another Doge Caravan.

[Howard Rush]

I'd tend to agree with Bob.  I liked my '95 Plymouth Voyager better than my '04 Honda Odyssey. 

For long-distance contest trips, I prefer the Prius.  I can get my Impact plus a whole lot of stuff in the Prius without disassembling either the Prius or the Impact.  I saved 100 gallons of fuel going to the Nats in the hybrid, rather than the van.  You can calculate the present value of operating costs and add it to the purchase price to decide what to get.  Operating costs probably differ more among cars than they used to. 

I'm holding out for a modern diesel van for my next rig. It should be possible to do even better than the Prius for long trips. 

[tom hampshire]

   Hey Dennis - Lois and I ae on our 5th Dodge minivan, but we flip them to our daughter at about 50K.  The new ones with fold down rear seats are as reliable as can be, with ample space.  The Honda Odyssey is excellent too, although 6-8K more money.  I'd look for a closing Chrysler dealer, but check the location of the nearest survivor dealer first.  Tom

[Ralph Wenzel (d)]

'02 Nissan Pathfinder . . . with an 8 x 10 trailer for the planes, field gear, etc.

(Edit: I thought 4 x 8 sounded small ! ! !)

[Gene Martine]

 
Dennis:
I have a 09 Honda CR-v, love it. I also fly expert stunt. OTS & classic. I be going to the NATs in a couple of weeks with 3 planes one of them is a SV-11w/PA-65.pipe. My 10X10 canopy, flight box , case of fuel, suite case, etc, etc.... Do I need to go on. It's not as big as some of the minivans, but works for me.
Enjoy what ever you buy. I got a great deal on mine.
Gene 

[Bill Hodges]

Gotta agree with the Dodge Caravan folks.  I bought my 07 a few months ago and I love it.  Took the two rear seats out (mine doesn't have the fold down seats) and put in a PVC rack that holds three planes. 

Bill Hodges

[Dennis Toth]

Gene,

In the Honda CRv how do you pack the ship? With the rear seat folded down an you put the ship in on the deck or do you use a carrier to stack them?

Best,       Dennis T

[Dalton Hammett]

Hi Dennis

     I work now for Ford/Volvo and I know the Edge is a super family vehicle but to be honest the best vehicle I ever used for hauling planes around is a Honda Element - my wife was angry with me for buying "that ugly thing" for a long time but you can't believe how versitle it is and now that it's been updated to a Volvo wagon we both miss it.

Dalton H.

[billbyles]

<snip>

For long-distance contest trips, I prefer the Prius.  I can get my Impact plus a whole lot of stuff in the Prius without disassembling either the Prius or the Impact.  I saved 100 gallons of fuel going to the Nats in the hybrid, rather than the van.  You can calculate the present value of operating costs and add it to the purchase price to decide what to get.  Operating costs probably differ more among cars than they used to. 

<snip>

And not only that but if you run out of gas in the Prius on the way to the Nats you can just run on the battery to get you to the next gas station...er, well...maybe not.

[Willis Swindell]

You can’t beat the Town and Country I have a 2001 with almost 200,000 and the rear seat out, also have a 2007 with fold down seats. I’m thinking about fuel milage now and a replacement. Maybe the VW Jetta Sport Wagon Diesel at 45 MPG.
Willis 

[Matt Colan]

We have an 04 GMC Safari van.  This can hold 5 SV-11 sized stunters in the back without taking the seat out.  Works very good for us.  I heard the Ford Flex has a lot of room in the back.  The Edge, I think could be a bit hard to squeeze a magnum sized plane in it unless you lowered the back seats and put it on a rack.  The GMC is really great, and comfortable seats for those long trips to contests.

[catdaddy]

You can’t beat the Town and Country I have a 2001 with almost 200,000 and the rear seat out, also have a 2007 with fold down seats. I’m thinking about fuel milage now and a replacement. Maybe the VW Jetta Sport Wagon Diesel at 45 MPG.
Willis 

I just sold my 96 T&C to a fellow clubmember, it had 180,000 miles and three Brodak trips on it. I bought a cargo carrier for the luggage rack and you wouldn't believe how much stuff I could haul. In addition to 3 stunt ships and 4 combat planes we had two big plastic boxes of model stuff, flight box, fuel, shade canopy, chairs, ice chest, two guitars, and 4 people. Baggage was placed in the cargo carrier. I will tell you not to expect good gas milage with a big box on the roof of your vehicle.

I replaced my 96 T&C with a 05 T&C Touring with 40,000 and expect to drive it for 180 to 200 thousand miles before replacing it with another T&C if there are any around.

[frank williams]

I went from a full size van (10 mpg) to a Honda Element a few yrs back.  I know it looks funny, but it's really quite practical.  Plenty of room for stunt ships, rubber floor (no carpet to get fuel soaked), and the economy (25+mpg) is OK.  Rear seats either fold up or remove.  Not expensive either.

[Will Hinton]

I'm on my second Pontiac Montana and love it.  I remove the back seats and can fit many airplanes there.  With Pontiac no longer around you could probably find a steal on one!  I get anywhere from 26 to 29 MPG on the four lane at speed limit speeds.  We pulled a pop-up camper to Wyoming and back to Ohio two years ago with no problems and my son-in-law was driving over 80MPH in the wide open spaces of eastern WY.  The beast almost seemed to be having fun at those speeds.  (I don't recommend it, though.)
Blessings,
Will

[Paul Smith]

I just upgraded to 2003 Chevorlet Astro Van.  Only 23,000 miles and a leather interior with all the toys.

You can buy an little dwarf car any time.  If you want a full size car or van, better pull the trigger now before currrent excuse for a government stops production completely.

Some people are stockpiling guns and ammo in anticipation of the roundup and meltdown.  Me, I've layed in a stash of four full size GM vehiciles to last my family until we get a genuine American government.  The same "cold dead hand" determination applies.

[Dan McEntee]

  I used to have a '96 Ford Escort Wagon that would hold several models stacked on top of each model if done carefully and correctly. It was a 5-speed and got 40 MPG. When it got to 217,000 miles, I was ready for something new, and sold it to Chris McMillin for an airport car, and replaced it with an '06 Pontiac Vibe with a 5-speed. It doesn't get quite the same mileage as the escort, but does sit a bit higher and is easier to get into and out of.  It has a roof rack and I use a soft luggage bag to hold duffel bags and such for trips, and all models and equipment go inside. It says Pontiac on the outside, but under the skin, it's a Toyota Matrix, so that is an option also.
  My other vehicle for model transport when money allows is a Ford Club Wagon. It has over 170,00 miles of model and motorcycle transport under it's belt. Just don't like the 12 or 14 MPG it gets, and the A/C went over the hill a long time ago.
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Randy Powell]

1992 Chevy S-10 Blazer 4X4. 320,000 miles. On the second transmission and parts too numerous to name, but it runs pretty well and I can fit in up to 3 planes, flying equipment and camping stuff if need be. 24mpg on average (much better on the road than in town). And it will be around for awhile. My spouses 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is OK. Better gas mileage at about 28-30mpg, but it doesn't have a flat rear deck so you have to be creative to haul planes or remove the rear seats which is something of a pain.

[Eric Viglione]

2004 Toyota Sienna mini van  - Holds all my planes, luggage, tools, and every one of Owens planes for all the events he likes to enter (have you ever seen Owen at a contest? He's everywhere!  ) 3rd row folds into the floor, second row rolls forward or you can take it out and leave it home. 27MPG on the highway, 18 around town, and as comfortable as sitting in your favorite livingroom chair. Quiet too, which is a big beef of mine, hate road noise unless I'm driving a hotrod with an engine I WANT to hear, heh... 70K on mine and been dead reliable so far, planning on keeping it a while longer. 

EricV

[Howard Rush]

I tried to buy one of those, but in 2004 Hondas were more plentiful, hence cheaper.  I didn't want to pay for all the Toyota's aft-cabin amenities, because I intended to use it only for airplanes and lumber hauling.  It sure looked like a nice machine, though.

The Paul Smith car I remember is a diesel Oldsmobile that could blow a huge cloud of opaque black smoke.  I hope he still has it.  Made you proud to be an American. 

We were shopping awhile back for a Honda Element.  I convinced my wife that the name of the car was Elephant.  She asked why and I made up something about it having a big trunk.  My parents would tell me stuff like this as a child.  Now I'm doing it.  It's a cycle of abuse.   

[Paul Smith]

The diesel Cutlass was a learning experience.  A knee jerk reaction to the gas scare of the 70's. Won't make that mistake again.

It got 28 MPH on the highway compared to 15 on the much-nicer cars available at the time.  In 1978,  dieseling was the best way to cut fuel usage, but with some downside that didn't become obvious until later.

Lesson learned: I'm back to driving what I like and leave the windmill credits to AlGore and the like.

[Steve Fitton]

 
Dennis:
I have a 09 Honda CR-v, love it. I also fly expert stunt. OTS & classic. I be going to the NATs in a couple of weeks with 3 planes one of them is a SV-11w/PA-65.pipe. My 10X10 canopy, flight box , case of fuel, suite case, etc, etc.... Do I need to go on. It's not as big as some of the minivans, but works for me.
Enjoy what ever you buy. I got a great deal on mine.
Gene 

Watching Gene unload the teeny CRV is like watching the 20 clowns pile out of the Mini at the circus!  Its amazing what he crams in there.

[Bradley Walker]

The best car for stunt is a truck.

[john e. holliday]

Yeah, I sure  miss my little Chevy 1/2 ton with a cover/shell.  Melvin could never figure how I could get so much into the back of it.  Don't know how many miles I put on it after the valve train overhaul right after I got.  Made trips to all the NATS with it.  Melvin, Brenda and I in the cab.  Also all the trips to schools for Ma Bell and relatives in Texas.  The last two years without a speedometer as the cruise control gears went south and Chevy wanted  too much to repair it.  I either was very lucky or the patrol ignored me as I never got a speeding ticket.  Just wait for a string of vehicles to start passing me and blend in.  Now I have my little Ford which is almost big enough for Emmy, James and myself and our gear.  Having fun,  DOC Holliday

PS:At least so far the cruise still works even tho the gear shift indicator doesn't.  jeh

[John Miller]

I agree, those "Monster Trucks" do the best stunts. Nascar racer do some awsome stunts some times when they hit the wall too.

[Robin_Holden]

Greetings guys from an ex-pat Brit in France.
Over this side of the water diesel rules ! Two years ago I swapped our Peugeot Brake [ oops sorry , Station Wagon ] which gave 50 mpg all day long for a Toyota Avensis Station Wagon Diesel Turbo.
Bags of room with the seats up or down.
120 mph ..... 49 mpg all day in everyday use  plus much more on a long run.
Cruises in 6th gear at say 80 mph with around 2,200 on the tach' in silence !

If I lived in the US I'd buy one of the latest VW Turbo Diesel Station Wagons with their latest technology ..... Brilliant. And you can have an auto transmission.

We also have a small Citroen Turbo Diesel Automatic which never goes below 60 mpg !!

Good luck with your choice ,

Robin [ ex-pat Brit in the Charente full of ex-pat Brits ]

[Howard Rush]

You guys got bigger gallons, though.

[John Witt]

Here's mine. I only have ONE airplane to haul in it, but it's great. Went to Alaska in it for three weeks a few years ago and Mary Ann and I were still speaking when we got back. Can't be too bad, incredible visibility and 20-21 mpg, with or without the airplane. Can't wait to get some more airplanes.

John

[dave shirley jr]

And their miles aren't miles either.
It might take a little bit of math to figure out the comparison
Dave jr.

[Neal Beekman]

Bob Lampione has a nice Kia Sedona for sale, I think its an 2006 in great condition and will hold all your planes.

[Robin_Holden]

And their miles aren't miles either.
It might take a little bit of math to figure out the comparison
Dave jr.

Sorry to have to correct you Dave but I was referring to miles .....the same as yours in the U.S .

You may be confusing miles with kilometers perhaps ? Sure , there is a small difference in the calculation of a British gallon [ around 4.54 litres ] but after all that you'll still save a packet with a modern turbo diesel.

My 2 litre turbo diesel [ sorry , don't know the equivalent in cu. inches ] gives over 220 lbs. ft of torque at around 1,800 RPM .

Perfect for your long , straight roads ....You'll fill up maybe once a year perhaps ....only kidding !

Robin.

[Bradley Walker]

I suppose I could get my plane in the back seat of my 330i with the top down, but the plane might blow out.

[Warren Wagner]

2003 Chrysler Town & Country van

Love my T&C van...as comfortable as a car, but with better visibility.  Leather seats and 6 disc changer makes long trips pleasure.

The second row of seats is still in place, providing room for 4 adults.  Between the second row of seats and the foam rack, is a wooden tray/box that securely holds all my support supplies....tool boxes, fuel cans, etc.

The foam plane rack was first observed in a very old picture of Bob Hunts.  It works out great.   Can carry up to six planes if necessary, and in a manor that gives them good protection in an emergency stop, plus minimum risk of "hanger rash". 

Only downside, is that with the 2003 model, the rear seats had to be removed....sometime later, Chrysler offered the 'fold and stow' seats which would make it more convenient.

I like it well enough to want to buy another, but I wish the company and not filed bankruptcy !   Ouch! 

Cheers.

Warren Wagner

[Ward Van Duzer]

If I had my 'druthers (which I don't!) I'd have one of those big ol' Buick Estate Wagons with the Corvette engine...or...

a 5 series BMW station wagon. Both CLASS cars! In reality I drive a Chevvy Tahoe. Haulin' Bass boats, moving trailers, carrying airplanes, great comfort over the road...but...

I miss my Suburban!

Did sombody say Suburban?


W.

[Steve Fitton]

2003 Chrysler Town & Country van


The foam plane rack was first observed in a very old picture of Bob Hunts.  It works out great.   Can carry up to six planes if necessary, and in a manor that gives them good protection in an emergency stop, plus minimum risk of "hanger rash". 

Warren Wagner

Hey!  You still have that old Time Machine back there!  How's it working these days?

[billbyles]

2003 Chrysler Town & Country van

Love my T&C van...as comfortable as a car, but with better visibility.  Leather seats and 6 disc changer makes long trips pleasure.

The second row of seats is still in place, providing room for 4 adults.  Between the second row of seats and the foam rack, is a wooden tray/box that securely holds all my support supplies....tool boxes, fuel cans, etc.

The foam plane rack was first observed in a very old picture of Bob Hunts.  It works out great.   Can carry up to six planes if necessary, and in a manor that gives them good protection in an emergency stop, plus minimum risk of "hanger rash". 

Only downside, is that with the 2003 model, the rear seats had to be removed....sometime later, Chrysler offered the 'fold and stow' seats which would make it more convenient.

I like it well enough to want to buy another, but I wish the company and not filed bankruptcy !   Ouch! 

Cheers.

Warren Wagner

Hi Warren,

Not only did Bob's van hold several airplanes in the foam rack but it was able to back right over Bob's own airplane at the Nats a few years ago!  Bob himself told me about that one so I guess it's OK to mention it here.  Great van, though.

[JIM SHAMBLIN]

When I go to the Gluedobbers field, I use a Mazda MX-5, Holds 2 flight streaks.  That way it is fun to fly and/or drive.

[john e. holliday]

And their miles aren't miles either.
It might take a little bit of math to figure out the comparison
Dave jr.

Hi Dave,  After numerous trips to Mexico after VSC it has finally soaked in that 60 miles is about 100 kilometers.  It also helps when the speedo in the van has them both indicated on the dial.  DOC Holliday

PS:Someone mentioned Suburbon which was another great vehicle. jeh

[Steve Helmick]

I don't remember what year the Suburbans were updated to IFS, but I would kinda like to have one, with 4x4 and one of the Getrag 5 speeds, Vortec 350's and maybe posi. My '97 GMC had posi, and 4x4, but the crumby automatic.

That's why I bought my current '06 Toyota Tacoma. It was about the only truck I could buy in '06 with a stick shift that wasn't a Dodge or Ford diesel. I woulda bought the 5 speed in the '97, but my left knee was giving me a lot of grief. That was fixed with a $30 bottle of Glucosamine/MSM/Condroitin. 

FWIW, the Toyota is 80% American built, including the engine and transmission. The engine is awesome, tho the MPG is only about the same as the GMC. The flexibility is amazing, as is the horsepower. It'll pull away from 500rpm in 3rd, and it'll go up about any hill on the highway in 6th. Our "Vantage Grade" is 15 miles of 6%, and it'll do that easily in 6th. It's also seen 120mph on the speedometer, and I honestly think it might do 140 or better, because it was pulling hard and just getting into 5th when I glanced at the gauges.

MPG is claimed to be 19 highway with the towing gears, which I got. It still cruises fine at 80, tho I prefer 70. The close ratio 6 speed always has a few gears that will work fine...except that I strongly advise against pulling onto a freeway in 2nd. It'll be through 2nd in a heartbeat, and you'll be fishing for another gear, which doesn't happen too fast. The trans is a slow shifting truck tranny...dang. It does also come with a 5 speed automatic. I'd like to put one of these V-6's with the automatic into a hotrod...it'd be pretty quick! 

I have a nice Snugtop canopy on it. A taller canopy would be good, but wouldn't haul the canoe as well. I put a shelf on top of the bed rails, and it will haul two models ok. I could probably do something better, but a lot of chairs and sunshades and tool boxes etc., fit nicely under that shelf. The shelf could be "dropped" and maybe another shelf layer added? Vans would be more practical, but none have stick shifts, that I know of.  (stirring the gears!) Steve 

[dave shirley jr]

Sorry, i wrongly assumed that all of europe uses kilometers instead of miles
I didn't think the cars over there would have odometers registering in miles so i figured he was talking kilometers instead.
Our modern cars over here in the states usually have both on the speedo but most even the euro imports have mile odometers only.
and by the way 2 liters is about 120 cubic inches.
most of my stuff is around 5 liters and up. and they aren't economy types, but they are mostly fuel injected and they all have MPH speedos.
we keep an economy car that my wife drives for long trips(honda pilot).OK not really an economy car but close.but the short trips are for fun and i try not too worry about how big my carbon footrprint is. i usually worry more about the tire footprint. (traction is pretty important to me)

Dave jr.
politically incorect california hot rodder.
and model builder.