What's the best toad?

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Let's vote online. YOU WIN.Peter. That's some nice engineering!

So now what do you have 45'+7'=52" an XL 52

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

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.

Gary S.

[Petervs]

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.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Hey Guys, If Peter's are selling for $100,000.00, mine are going to be only $90,000.00
Too late to patent it. We all know now.

[Petervs]

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!

[Jeff Bayley]

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.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

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/diamon...r_landing.html

I hope these help to give you ideas on what to do!

[rfoster]

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?

[garyde]

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'

[rmboies]

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 I like your name suggestion of "Toad Tail" Gary.....I can just picture the commercials-ha~!