Gas is 158 yen per liter here in Japan. That's down from about 170 yen earlier in the year and works out to something like $5 a gallon. My flying field is an hour and a half drive away (one way) so I figure I'm probably spending a minimum of $20 in gas each time I fly. (Also a 4-liter can of nitro fuel runs about $35.)

On the plus side, it's one heck of a nice drive this time of year! The first photo shows the road to the field. The second shows my model sitting on the nice grass strip. The third photo shows the view of the mountains as seen from the field (with a telephoto). The fourth photo shows my van...just shortly before I got stuck in all that lovely snow. And the last photo shows the vehicle I'm considering getting next! :D

I got by with Suburbans for years .Now I have a Denali XL. The older 1995-1999 Suburbans are pretty much bullet proof and will go for as long as you maintain them. Both of mine were well over 200K when I replaced them and still going strong. The operating costs ( Gas ) are high but the purchase, insurance and maintenance costs are very low. When I ran the numbers as to cost per year of the Suburban Vs cost per year on a like year mini van the Suburban was less expensive.

Hi Ron, I had been looking at a Traverse. A buddy has one and we examined the back. The rear seats fold down but I still can't imagine a 37% edge in there. Does the front passenger seat fold down? How do you get that 84 inch wing in there? Got a picture of it all loaded up?

I did get a chance to drive a grand caravan (rental) the other day. I like the stow-and-go seats that fold flat into the floor. It is not all that comfortable to ride in though.

Ford Expedition. I have a 2003 that holds planes well. the seats fold down. I made two racks that hang on the mid and rear coat hanger hooks that can hold an 84in wing easily.

Ford Edge 2013. 2L ECO Boost 24 mpg FWD. Delightfull ride. Am able to slide in one piece 80" wing as well as a broken down:

1/4 J-3 Hangar 9
or a 1/4 Tiger Moth Hangar 9

You and your wife will love it. You can get it in several configurations and price range.
Enjoy

Rafeek

I have a 4X4 Suburban, 96" floor length, 37" high at the doors and 48" wide at the floor wheel wells, second seat folds to level with the floor, 3 seat is removed, with the added width ahead of wheel wells you can get two large planes in it easy. I built a plywood floor that when done it will slide out 4' and the two rear side doors allow easy access to what's up front, and it's all under cover and secure when locked up. It's possible to put a second deck on it for smaller planes, wings or whatever. I'm liking mine.

Older ones are cheep and 15 to 18 MPG is not bad for it's size, I also pull a camp trailer. try that with a PU and a 6' box.

Leroy

Yes, when gas was $1.80-2.00/gal I loved my full sized Grand Wagoneers. Comfortable, cavernous inside,unstoppable, 13mpg on a good day, 10 when towing. Finally had to retire them because of fuel costs and switched to the minivans.

I drove a 92 Caravan and then a 94 Town & Country until just recently. It was amazing how much you could fit into one of them. Just bought a 04 Town & Country, and while it's still the same length and width on the floor, the sides taper in at the top and make for a good bit less room for my wing rack. :confused:

I second the idea of staying with a mini van. Good interior volume, everything is is protected from the weather, easy access via the large back door, pleanty of tie down locations. If you get a Dodge caravan or the Chrystler Town and Country, the seats are stow and go so you dont have to remove them, just fold them into the floor.
If your worried about image, phoey! This is where function outshines any image issues.

Just finished setting up my '04 T&C.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2057887http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2057888http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2057889

After beating the snot out of my airplanes, I went with the Mercedes Sprinter. No trailers in the driveway, no extra registrations and gas for another vehicle that sits in the drive most of the year. 23 around town and 25-26 on long haul. Best part is 3 Ziroli size airplanes inside. If you are looking at a nice pickup you will spend about the same amount with the trailer.

[QUOTE=Ram-bro;11935433]I drive my FORD Flex. Seats fold down as necessary. You can just get 2 large (1/5) scale planes in there if you are creative with loading an or using shelveshttp://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2053997http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2053998[/Q

+++1

The sprinter is a very good airplane hauler ,they might even be a little cheaper than a newer suburban.

And thank goodness they screwed up and let gasoline get back down to 2 bucks a gallon ! If I had a 5000 gallon tank I would be filling it up as we speak ;)

On the topic of large models, how do you all store these beasts? Bear in mind that not everyone has a large American-style garage.

Got a 2006 E250 last summer. Love it. Yea it's bad on gas, but I only use it transport my planes, so it's not that bad. I prefer to have separate vehicles, rather then compormise. Either you get something that's good to transport your planes, and is not good at everyday, or you get something that's good everyday and sucks to transport your planes. This way, I have a large transport for my planes, it's reliable, will last forever, and is very easy to load. My everyday car is fun to drive and gets good millage.