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Yesterday I completed my research on the Buick Enclave crossover . It is one of the nicest looking and smooth driving vehicles I've been in. Larger than a Jeep or most towables. More attic storage.
It is dingy towable in both AWD and FWD (front wheel drive) with out any alterations. Blue Ox doesn't have a base plate yet but I expect it to be similiar to the new sized Saturn Outlook. It uses the same chassis, etc.
What a beautiful car.
Lew
Ray: In Lisbon I saw just the tow car for us 45 footers in California.
Check it out:m
http://www.smartusa.com/
Actually Harry, you Californians are a little late. Petervs has been playing with a very unique tow position for his SmartCar. http://www.prevostownersgroup.com/forum/
Brian: The picture of Petervs smart car did not show on my copy of your message.
Harry, Look at my post # 33 up above for more information on this car. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by win42
Gary S
OK, So the cat is getting out of the bag because I am too slow to finish this project. I was hoping to show up at a POG with this as a surprise but here it is right now then.
What I do not like about towing a car is that it is a pain to back up, and flying down the interstate at 75 mph makes me nervous with a car back there. Plus, a car in tow is really a trailer so you have to drive trailer speeds. Here is my answer to this problem.
I have had the car for a couple of years, and it is a great car for two people. I drove it for an entire tank of diesel ( 5.5 gallons) at 78 mph one day, and averaged 59.5 MPG.
Yes, all the axle, tire, and coach weights are still within limits. The engine access doors still open like before. The car weighs 1600 pounds, the lift is 240. It is not all hanging off the receiver! I still need to add taillights and paint, and some further road testing. It goes on and off in about the same time as hooking up a towed car with brakes and a gravel shield.
Wow! So, how did you get a smart car already? I assume it's available in Europe and you imported it? Is it the same as the URL posted by Gary?
My smart car was imported by a German fellow who lived in Illinois. He removed the engine/trasnsmission and shipped those in a box. Shipped the rest as a rolling chassis. Licensed it as a "replica". It is a very bad replica of a 1970 Mercedes! But since it is "old" it requires no emissions inspections.
Washingto state does not care. The insurance company does not care either. They have a picture and insured it as a Smart.
It is a 2002 model. Now has about 35000 miles.
A blast to drive too.
Very slick, indeed!
Holy Crap!
I don't know what the final contest at POG IV is going to be. But whatever it is, this wins it hands down.
Very Cool.
Mango
Let's vote online. YOU WIN.Peter. That's some nice engineering!
So now what do you have 45'+7'=52" an XL 52
:cool:
Great Looking Rig, Peter. :)
Can you esplain how you get the SmartUSA Car up on the rack? It looks like you drive it on from the side, fasten the Safety Bars, and then ? Just guessing, please explain in detail for us.
I was going to test drive one of these here in Houston, next week. They won't be available until the first of the year.
I guess it is ok, to put the car(t) before the horse (bus) isn't it? Or in your case after the bus.
Just too cool for words. Great Job. Need to get your bus lights more visible, but I am sure you knew that. :confused:
Gary S.
Listen up guys, this thing is not finished yet. Brian let it's existance slip out so I had to prove there was really something happening here. I would like to show you all the details, but I will refrain until it is completely done.
I plan to install lights on the bottom of the rack so even though the bus taillights are somewhat hidden, there will be no problem with traffic behind. It is not wider than the bus.
The lift is carefully designed so the car nestles up close to the back of the bus to minimize the overhang. Overhang is ONLY 5 feet! Pull two uplock safety pins, release the car tie downs, push a button so the car lets down to the ground by a parrallelogram linkage which sets it down about 2 feet further back. Flip out the attached ramps and drive the car off. Loading is the reverse.
Installation of the rack requires only 2 half inch holes drilled in the bus body into the frame, I had them covered with a piece of tape at POG 2, nobody noticed. And if the car is not on there, you can flip the outer ramp up by hand so the whole thing only hangs out 1 foot on the back of the bus.
There is no effect on the bus framework, you can still unbolt the bumper to remove the engine should that be necessary some day. There is no welding on the bus at all.
Let me know if I should get a patent and then build some more to sell to all you bling guys. About $100,000 each would make me happy.
Hey Guys, If Peter's are selling for $100,000.00, mine are going to be only $90,000.00:D :D
Too late to patent it. We all know now.:p
Oh, sorry to report we will not be at POG 4. This April/October schedule in the middle of the country just does not work too well for our family timing.
I would really like to see some POGs in the north in the summer, and in the south in the winter instead of just what we have been doing. January in Tucson, July in Washington or Montana, etc.
But it would be my pleasure to demonstrate the Smart car and lift at some future get together. Assuming it has not fallen off the back along the road somewhere first!
Last trip, I hired a driver and what a joy. I had a toy hauler I pulled and the driver had his own place and we had our privacy. I was thinking of getting a conversion van with it's own roof A/C and the like but I belive most of those would need to have the driveshaft disconnected each time and that creates extra work. The idea is the driver has his own place to crash AND we have a toad as well to run around in.
Anyone know of a van converstion that wouldn't require this ? I'm looking to get an older one for $5-$10k to start with. I think the older ones would all need the disconnect. Is this a 5 minute procedure once you get used to it ? Never done it before. Never even towed a car yet.
Jeff, Some links for helpful towing items:
http://www.towbarsunlimited.com/page/page/580054.htm
http://www.remcotowing.com/drive.asp
http://www.woodalls.com/email/diamondnewsletter/0607/gadgets_and_gear_landing.html
I hope these help to give you ideas on what to do!
Petervs: Outstanding, and I thought you were going to get the "Anal Award" for the fuel MPG, but now you have exceeded our Award Nomeclature, We will have to come with something for outside the "bracket". Like your awning supports too.
I don't know about the west (Left) Coast but on the East Coast there is a potentiAl market not only for toads, but for the Golf Cart nuts. Golf Carts have become extremely popular in the Campgrounds.
The Smart Car is by Mercedes- Are they going to be sold by Mercedes Dealers or has anyone heard? I have heard it rumored that they willl be a stand alone franchise?
Great job Peter. Although I believe Mango could fit two of those in his bays. Now, we got to find a catchy name for the lift. Any ideas? How's about 'the mini lift' or 'toad tail'
Peter, AWESOME idea! When you are driving the smart car to you feel well protected? It seems so European small:D I like your name suggestion of "Toad Tail" Gary.....I can just picture the commercials-ha~!Quote:
Originally Posted by garyde
Hey Roger, see the Previous Posted message # 33 in this THREAD, page 4.Quote:
Originally Posted by rfoster
Gary S
SMART CAR:
I saw a diesel smart car in Halifax, Nova Scotia last summer—owner of a campground had one. It was really quiet and at first I thought it was an electric. Owner reported 72 MPG average in different types of driving.
Went to the local Mercedes dealer there with the intent of trying to buy one. They (the diesel)are not to be for sale in the US nor can one import one from Canada. Evidently, what is to be sold in the US will be a gas version. Glad to see Petervs had the patience to work around the whole importation goat rope.
Just a hell of a note since it seemed like a fine little car. With all the hoopla about the environment it’s just a shame we can’t readily buy something like the diesel version to use here. Unlike many econo boxes it was well built with excellent fit and finish.
JEEP:
Don’t think they are perfect but I am partial to the Jeep as a tow. Jeeps are probably an overkill as a Toad since they are not very comfortable or economical. They are a bargin if one likes to do jeep type outdoor stuff when you get there. I like them as they are an easy hookup even with automatic transmission. Have a 91 Wrangler that I have towed around quite a bit. It’s an old one (1991) and getting a little long in the tooth. Bought an 06 diesel Liberty but haven’t towed it very much. Don’t much like the idea of putting a new car behind the coach.
I really like the old one. It earns it’s keep on the backroads, logging trails, and powerline roads as I wander around looking for fly fishing places. I don’t wash it much and it is a true beater! If I see it passing me on the highway someday I will salute it as it goes by. I hate being ready to pull out in the morning and having to screw around hooking up. In most places I can pull the jeep around to the back of the coach and hook up the night before.
Hi Debbie and Bob,
To answer your question, driving the smart car does not make me feel little, vulnerable, or like I am about to die. They did not design a cheap little car like all the original imports were. Rather, they designed a great 2 seat car that turns out to be little. The passenger area is incredibly roomy. Of course there is no back seat at all, and there is a smallish cargo area behind the seats and on top of the engine/transmission area. Big enough for a grocery run, etc.
It is a blast to drive.
It also has the modern safety features like air bags, belts, padding, crumple design, etc. The structure surrounds the passengers in what they call a Trition Safety Cell, rather than being beneath the skin as on most cars.
Check out this video to see what you think. They crash one into a barrier nearly head on at 70 mph.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju6t-yyoU8s
I have been pondering a name for my contraption as well, so far I am leaning towards Smart Lift, other ideas are welcome.
I might put a sign on the back that reads: "These two vehicles average 34 MPG"
Peter, You have to add your sign above some how. That would make it PRICELESS.Quote:
Originally Posted by Petervs
Gary S.
Peter....
Have you given thought to a sign that says: "OVERLENGTH"?
Do you need to have red flags or flashing lights on the rear just like extra length trucks do? I will guarantee you that you will not make it through Ohio with or without signs, warning flags or flashing lights.
Overlength?
I have no idea what you are talking about. I see trucks pulling trailers all over that are labeled 53 feet long ( trailer only). Besides, I have a rubber tape measure that makes the coach and Smart only 40 feet long!
Actually, if that was to become a problem, all I need to do is hang a very lightweight trailer frame beneath the Smart. There is still a receiver hitch exposed. If the trailer were to stick out one inch past the back then I am legal length again because when pulling a trailer you can go 65 feet. A simple trailer, 6 inch wheels, simple frame, etc. Could carry it in a storage bay and only use it if needed. Could attach it to the Smarf frame with a little chain and it's wheels might never touch the ground. It could be called a car dolly. In Washington those do not need to be licensed.
Besides, I have no desire to go anywhere in Ohio. Well, maybe the Wright Air Force Base museum in Dayton, but I can not think of anything else there I need to visit.
I'm just breaking your chops, but only partly. The state of Ohio is the only one in the nation that I am aware of that strictly enforces the laws relating to large vehicles. I cannot answer why a semi trailer can be 53 and we are limited to 45 unless we tow and then typically the maximum is 65 feet.
I doubt if anywhere else you will get a hard time.
If you ever get to Ohio seriously pushing the limit is doing 59 in the mandated 55 MPH zones for vehicles over 8000 pounds.
Hey Peter,Quote:
Originally Posted by Petervs
Thanks for answering, this car looks really cool! At POGIII, I got to drive Roger and Micki's turbo mini cooper and was pleasantly surprised at the room inside. Of course the power was amazing as well but I didn't want to test the waters too much with Di in the backseat:D
Jon is correct about the Ohio staties....I was born and raised in Ohio and only go back to visit now but when we do, we go the speed limit--they show no mercy and will take a prisoner.
I'll bet the Merchants in OH 10 Appreciate all the good PR the cops are giving their state. I will X that state off my travels.
Harry,
You can look at that two ways. You can feel good that the Buckeye Smokies are making folks obey the law, or you can get really upset because they have a 10 MPH speed differential between heavier vehicles and cars, and that sometimes creates interesting situations.
The truckers hate passing through Ohio.
Hi Bob and Debi,
I too got to drive a turbo Mini Cooper a few weeks ago. It was fun, but a completely different experience than the Smart. Not even a close comparison.
The Smart has a tiny engine, 700cc, diesel, a 6 speed trans, and of course is really short. The Mini is much like my VW GTI in size and power, and is even heavier. The front seat passenger room in the Mini are not quite as roomy as the seats in the Smart, surprisingly.
The Smart weighs just 1600 pounds ( same as 2 Harleys or one Cessna 172). The Mini weighs 2800 pounds, quite a difference!
Just a note of correction. No turbos on new New Mini Coopers. The S model is Supercharged.
Dale: And yes, even tho I am hooked to the bus, I run the gear shifter thru all the gears for good measure. I think its called Peace of Mind.:cool:
Price reduced on the 2006 Saturn Vue. Ready to tow...$18,500 from original asking price of $21k. Should get snapped up real quick. I love the car but I want a larger unit because it is my attic. Just the opposite of Peter.
Lew
Lew, can you post a picture (or two) of your Saturn? Does it have a brake system installed?
Ray, I considered working on a brake system but the car is so lightweight I feel it would be unnecessary and a waste of Lewbucks.
If I knew how to post a picture you'd have a lap full. It is charcoal grey with a grey stripe on it.
I have been told how to post a picture, but by the time I get around to it I either forget or loose the printout of instructions.
This is a real good buy.
Lew
Lew if there is anyone in the group that can help you post pictures it has to be THE Ray computer wiz Davis.
Call um on the land line.
lewpopp:
click on "post a reply"
scroll down and click "manage attachments"
find your picture on your computer using "browse"
click "upload"
let it finish the upload: you will see the name of the picture appear under "manage attachments"
"submit reply"
testing:here is a picture of :
guard dog Pootie
Lew, if you size them before you put them in a folder it will work great. Make a folder for POG postings on you c or d drive, call it POG photos. Size your photos or image size to 3.5 X 5 X 72dpi, use the cropping tool in photoshop and other imaging software. Save a copy of the image to your POG image folder and don't save changes to your original image.
DaleJ has been trying to teach Lew and I how to post pictures for months now. It will be the beginning of the saddest days of this forrum when either or both of us learn how to do it. DaleJ will probably be drummed out of POG all together. You better be happy the way things are and remain.
First Warning!
This is my new driver learning to back the coach up