Smallest Car that Conveniently Holds 2x2 Widebody

[Bob Richards]

I still have the Club Wagon (full-size van) that I drove to the '95 Nats. I can put my Finesse inside without taking it apart, might be able to do that with a 2m. The standard rear bench seat folds into almost a full size bed, and that is where I put my planes when it is just weekend flying. For long distance contests, where I might have someone else with me, the seats come out and the plane rack goes in. I have had three people and all their planes/support equipment inside.
 
Gas mileage on the interstate is 18, which is great for a van that size. It also holds 35 gallons, which allows driving long distances without gassing up. Coming back from the '95 Nats, we averaged 64 mph INCLUDING the three stops we made for food, gas, and leaks. :-)  Splitting the gas between three people really helps, and makes more sense than driving seperate. The planes ride much better than in a trailer. 
 
This is not an everyday vehicle for us. Mainly for weekends or travel where we need the space. It is almost 12 years old and only has 75k miles.
 
Having said all that, if I get back into contests much, I'll be using the camper. Only 10mpg, but makes up for that by not having to pay for a hotel, or meals at restaraunts, etc. And it is SO nice not having to worry about packing up everything to get to the hotel and back. Gives me more time to hang out and swap lies with John Ferrell and Carl Zavalney. :-)
 
Bob R.
 


RUDDERCABL at aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 9/6/2005 10:58:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, bob at toprudder.com writes:
Gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped. Highway mpg at 70mph is less than 24.


As far as I am concerned, a minivan is the best all round pattern plane hauler. I have a 1994 Aerostar extended window van. Carried three pattern planes, all required field and support gear and fuel for them, personal luggage for myself and Kirk Gray and what became known as the "Official Team Cooler" to the 1999 World Championships. All with comfort, room for leg stretching, a good ride and 22 mpg.
 
I am partial to the older style like the Aerostar and Astro with the removable seats and flat floor. With the seats removed, there is almost no limit to what they can carry for two people at a pattern contest for the weekend. I am surprized that Ron Lockhart didn't recommend one. Have you ever seen all the stuff that Ron and Dave pack in their Astro? And , yes is the answer, if you feel compelled to ask me if I can put a whole sheet of plywood inside. Many in fact ! 
 
The newer front drives such as the Caravan and Windstar can carry two planes, two pilots, and gear with the seats in them and folded.
 
While not going to contest, they make great get around errand runners, take the kids to school, grocery getters.
 
If all you want is a "pattern wagon" , nice used Astros and Aerostars can be found at economical prices (cheap) and they are very reasonable to insure. If you need a little more of a second family use vehicle, they can do, but a newer style might fit that role better.
 
I also have a 2000 Explorer and a small trailer that I use. However, for day in and day out overall versitility, I would give the nod to the van.
 
201,000 miles and a new set of tires, the Aerostar is still going strong.
 
Robert Gainey
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