Old or Older?

[richafranco]

Pete,

Thanks again, good straight forward info. In my mind, I don't see me
speeding along really, more of looking around at what's out there, kinda
guy. Fred's reply was really good, his Vespa is plenty to just get
around, but I would be dragging a lot of camera gear and as I've
mentioned, security is an issue. Example: when I'm out photographing
wherever, I generally pack a few bodies(cameras!) and a few lenses in a
small backback and head out a few hundred yards or maybe even a mile or
two. I usaully have an old moving pad that I throw over my gear that's
left and anybody looking in just sees an ice chest and a messy back. So
I guess I would need to haul something, hardtop, not a jeep with canvas
sides. People can always throw a convenient rock through the glass, but
It's never happened to me out in the parks. It did happen in my driveway
about 20 years ago!

Rich
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> Keep in mind, the 55 mph speed limit while towing applies only to
> certain states. If you are in and/or pass through those states
> regularly, it will be a consideration.
>
> California, has a 55 mph limit for vehicles towing. Arizona, Nevada,
> Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming do not set a
> lower limit for vehicles with tow -- and speed limits are up to 75 mph
> in some of those states.
>
> The reality is, that 60-65 is actually the maximum reasonable speed
> for a coach (most of the time) anyway. Most of the large tires have a
> 70 mph rating (something to think about when the speed limit is 75).
> The REAL factor is that fuel use climbs radically at speeds above 60
> or so. With aerodynamics like a brick, higher speeds really bring down
> fuel efficiency. (My worst recorded mpg is 4.5-- while crossing
> Wyoming at 70-75 with no tow. That taught me a lesson about time vs.
> fuel cost.)
>
> I tow a Toyota Camry (about 3200 lbs) and frankly, when I've compared
> mpg with and without the tow, other variables appeared to be more
> important. As a practical matter, I can't sort out the difference. I
> suspect that a heavier tow might generate some data, but wind
> resistance is the biggest fuel efficiency factor. I don't have much
> comparison data, since I almost always bring along the tow.
>
> I get my best fuel economy* when I keep the bus in the 55-60 speed
> range -- which means while I'm in California -- as in most cases, 5-
> over on the freeway won't bring notice from the CHP, although the
> passing horde may be annoying, at times. Heck, go the 65 mph speed
> limit in your car on most CA freeways, and you'll be in the slow lane
> and even the trucks will be passing.... but that's another story.
>
> My very best mpg was calculated on a trip segment that included the
> Natchez Trace. The 50 mph speed limit there, plus the slight rolling
> terrain contributed to keeping 45-50 mph cruising. Got over 7 mpg
> along there.
>
> As for ground clearance, my Toyota is a standard sedan -- nothing
> spectacular for ground clearance. Never a problem. Indeed, you
> _really_ don't want to take one of these off-road anyway. They're
> +highway+ busses, not intended for rough country. Use your tow vehicle
> to explore the quaint byways where ground clearance is an issue.
>
> Choice of what to tow is another "depends". Since I didn't want to buy
> something new, my choices were a 1993 Camry and a 2003 Toyota Echo.
> Camry (automatic) required a transmission lube pump to tow 4-down.
> The Echo (only 2300 lbs! -- same as the DD-S-60 engine) could not be
> converted to tow 4-down with its automatic transmission. (Spouse is
> shiftless.) So that settled it for me. In practice, the weight
> difference between the two vehicles is not an issue. The bus tows and
> I can't tell the performance difference with or without the tow.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
> Photos:
> http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#
>
>
>
>
>
> On May 18, 2009, at 3:00 PM, richafranco wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Fred,
> >
> > Put down the coffee pot and step away from the computer!
> >
> > Really, really good info, but I was out of breath by the time I
> > finished. You brought some good points up.big vs. bigger, if I
> > might paraphrase the thread I started. This was the first suggestion
> > that smaller might be better and I agree with your arguments for it.
> > I never thought about towing a vehicle and staying at 55mph. I mean,
> > I've probably been passed by some of these members and I thought I
> > was speeding!
> >
> > I've got a '98 Ford Expedition, 2wd, with less than 100k on it and
> > I'm a photographer(http://www.richfrancophotography.com) and I think I
> > would need a car or truck of somekind to keep the gear in. I'd
> > rather not tow something, but most of the stuff I take photos of,
> > seem to be down these little narrow roads. We've got a 2002 Wv
> > Beetle too, with low miles, maybe that might work, but low ground
> > clearance could be an issue.
> >
> > I'm open to suggestions! Maybe that's a good thread to start" to tow
> > or not to tow, that is the question"
> >
>