Vehicle for hauling Pattern Planes
01-29-2019, 06:11 PM
#1
Vehicle for hauling Pattern Planes
i have been using an old Honda Odyssey to take planes to and from the field (middle seats removed, back seats put down).
it is probable time to think about replacing it and started looking around. I have heard people mention Toyota 4Runners AMD Highlandera, however I looked at a used 4 Runner and I don’t see how in the world you could get a pattern plane to fit
what are people using to haul pattern planes, I prefer not to use a trailer because with an enclosed vehicle I could take a plane to work in the summer and go straight to practice
andy
it is probable time to think about replacing it and started looking around. I have heard people mention Toyota 4Runners AMD Highlandera, however I looked at a used 4 Runner and I don’t see how in the world you could get a pattern plane to fit
what are people using to haul pattern planes, I prefer not to use a trailer because with an enclosed vehicle I could take a plane to work in the summer and go straight to practice
andy
01-29-2019, 07:34 PM
#3
I would think any of the mini vans would have more than enough room with the rear seats removed. If you just want a "beater" they are available for not a lot of money used.
Ken
Ken
01-30-2019, 03:04 AM
#4
Ken,
I have a beater mini van now and want to upgrade. My idea was to buy an SUV which I would drive more often, I just thought something like a 4Runner or Pathfinder etc would be large enough, I thought some people had mentioned using something that size, I just don't see them being big enough but was hoping I was wrong
I have a beater mini van now and want to upgrade. My idea was to buy an SUV which I would drive more often, I just thought something like a 4Runner or Pathfinder etc would be large enough, I thought some people had mentioned using something that size, I just don't see them being big enough but was hoping I was wrong
01-30-2019, 07:31 AM
#5
Can't beat a Suburban for hauling pattern planes. On contest day, I take two 2 meter pattern planes and all associated gear like a pop up, cooler, tent, table, chair, etc. In a pinch, I can fit 3.
01-30-2019, 09:54 AM
#6
You can transport one model in a bunch of vehicles by stowing the second row seats, move the right seat forward and tilt the back of the seat reward. That's where the tail will go and I've done it with a Jeep Cherokee, VW Touareg and now a Ford Explorer. A Suburban or Expedition would be nice but they're just too damn big for my tastes and garages where the Explorer fits the garages better, is easier to handle in traffic and parking. It's probably the best of the vehicles I've used to haul models.
01-30-2019, 02:23 PM
#7
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I feel your pain. I drive this 35yo clunker and have about 2.35m (~7foot 8 inches) from the back of the front seats (rear seats fold flat too) to the lift gate and was very surprised and disappointed with what my options to replace it with something new were so I still haven't made the change.
Great all round visibility too with 360 degree glass...
Great all round visibility too with 360 degree glass...
01-30-2019, 03:22 PM
#8
i have been using an old Honda Odyssey to take planes to and from the field (middle seats removed, back seats put down).
it is probable time to think about replacing it and started looking around. I have heard people mention Toyota 4Runners AMD Highlandera, however I looked at a used 4 Runner and I don’t see how in the world you could get a pattern plane to fit
what are people using to haul pattern planes, I prefer not to use a trailer because with an enclosed vehicle I could take a plane to work in the summer and go straight to practice
andy
it is probable time to think about replacing it and started looking around. I have heard people mention Toyota 4Runners AMD Highlandera, however I looked at a used 4 Runner and I don’t see how in the world you could get a pattern plane to fit
what are people using to haul pattern planes, I prefer not to use a trailer because with an enclosed vehicle I could take a plane to work in the summer and go straight to practice
andy
Regards
01-30-2019, 05:50 PM
#9
I will second the vote on a Suburban or Tahoe. They are cheap if buying used, don't cost a lot to insure and maintenance is inexpensive except if you need to replace a transmission. Only real downside is the mileage however if you figure total operating costs for a year they make good sense. Not to mention if you travel to a contest and find yourself without a hotel they are pretty comfortable to sleep in.
01-31-2019, 07:34 AM
#10
Join Date: May 2007
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I have a 2013 Toyota Highlander. I can carry two pattern planes or one with a passenger. Looks for a 2010 and up. Very cheap and reliable. 25mpg
I tried the "Chevy's" for years but they stayed in the shop
I tried the "Chevy's" for years but they stayed in the shop
Last edited by lasers200; 01-31-2019 at 07:36 AM.
01-31-2019, 08:17 AM
#11
thanks for the help!
01-31-2019, 12:33 PM
#12
Art Wagner in North Dallas drives a highlander (90% sure) and he goes nose in first which puts spinner/prop next to driver's shoulder. With a BJ Invitation fuse goes in upside down and I think he has a styrofoam cradle for area just behind nose section to support it....probably a piece of pipe insulation goes under the top of the rudder too...
-mark
-mark
01-31-2019, 12:35 PM
#13
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Move the front passenger seat all the way up. Or do it as the other poster side. In the middle. The right cradle is key
02-02-2019, 08:14 AM
#15
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The Chrysler Pacifica and the equivalent Dodge van with the rear drop down seating are probably the best. Earl Haury has one with an aluminum frame that holds two pattern planes with a bunch of room underneath for tool boxes, battery case, canopy, ice chests, and baggage. I am thinking of replacing my aging Durango with one later.
02-08-2019, 09:39 AM
#18
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As uncool as they are minivans are made to hauls stuff comfortably and provide good handling and mileage. Lots of space and big doors are perfect for our use. Don't have kids and have been driving a minivans since 2002. Toyota and Honda variants usually provide excellent service and lowest cost of ownership for long term. My current Sienna just passed 192k miles.
02-08-2019, 11:53 AM
#19
[QUOTE=Anthony-RCU;12500964]minivans are made to hauls stuff comfortably and provide good handling and mileage. Lots of space and big doors are perfect for our use.[/QUOTE
+1 on Mini Vans.
Here's my 2008 Honda (base model) outfitted with a DIY rack made of PVC which can carry 2 2-meter fuselages secured off the floor leaving ample room for support equipment and luggage below. This vehicle has made several trips from Houston to Muncie in addition to a multitude of regional contest in D6. Has proven to be reliable comfortable with low operating cost. How many vehicles can you travel at 75mph transporting your pattern stuff an average 25mpg?
It's amazing how I can pass a trooper traveling over the speed limit and not get pulled over in the van. Different results when I do the same thing in my 370Z....go figure
+1 on Mini Vans.
Here's my 2008 Honda (base model) outfitted with a DIY rack made of PVC which can carry 2 2-meter fuselages secured off the floor leaving ample room for support equipment and luggage below. This vehicle has made several trips from Houston to Muncie in addition to a multitude of regional contest in D6. Has proven to be reliable comfortable with low operating cost. How many vehicles can you travel at 75mph transporting your pattern stuff an average 25mpg?
It's amazing how I can pass a trooper traveling over the speed limit and not get pulled over in the van. Different results when I do the same thing in my 370Z....go figure
02-11-2019, 05:44 AM
#22
Lots of people buy expensive SUV then take a bath in depreciation.
For many years i had various station wagons. Going all the way back to my 1965/Pontiac Grand Safari 9 passenger. Today I have a 94 Buick RoadMaster Estate Wagon. It’s only got 100k on it and seeing it’s first winter. These cars go for about 3-5k. You can haul a pile of 4x8 sheets in the back and close the tail gate. Oh yes the tail gate opens down or side ways. Add snow tires and 3-400 pounds under the rear seat and you can go anywhere reasonably. 20 mpg. These cars are EFI so start instantly.
The Chevy is not quite as fancy but about a grand cheaper. Drive these cars for a few years and sell them for nearly what you have in them or just scrap it. It’s cheaper than new cars.
For many years i had various station wagons. Going all the way back to my 1965/Pontiac Grand Safari 9 passenger. Today I have a 94 Buick RoadMaster Estate Wagon. It’s only got 100k on it and seeing it’s first winter. These cars go for about 3-5k. You can haul a pile of 4x8 sheets in the back and close the tail gate. Oh yes the tail gate opens down or side ways. Add snow tires and 3-400 pounds under the rear seat and you can go anywhere reasonably. 20 mpg. These cars are EFI so start instantly.
The Chevy is not quite as fancy but about a grand cheaper. Drive these cars for a few years and sell them for nearly what you have in them or just scrap it. It’s cheaper than new cars.
02-11-2019, 11:46 AM
#24
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I use a 2013 Ford CMAX, and a trailer. I use the CMAX everyday for my 60 mile commute, and then can hook up to the trailer for going to contests. Best of both worlds, 40mpg when commuting, and 35mpg for hauling planes, chairs, canopy, and 4 people ;-)
the cmax and the trailer, cant be beat!
the cmax and the trailer, cant be beat!
02-13-2019, 10:18 AM
#25
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I feel your pain. I drive this 35yo clunker and have about 2.35m (~7foot 8 inches) from the back of the front seats (rear seats fold flat too) to the lift gate and was very surprised and disappointed with what my options to replace it with something new were so I still haven't made the change.
Great all round visibility too with 360 degree glass...
Great all round visibility too with 360 degree glass...
I was able to fit a Sig Rascal 110 and another 60 size plane in it.