Date: Sun, 26 May 2002 09:48:06 -0500
Reply-To: "Terry K." <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Terry K." <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>
Subject: Re: Best van ever designed (was: Why do we love that damn van so
much...)
In-Reply-To: "Phil S." <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>'s message of Sun, 26 May 2002
07:26:34 -0700
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=US-ASCII
The Toranado drive train is one tough unit---bullet proof---dependable.
However pulling that slug GMC motorhome is a gas guzzling affair---
But with all things considered--I'd much rather have it, than a wimpy
unit from the land of the rising sun----
Later,
Terry
E-mail message
Sounds like a great vehicle, But round here a "cabover" is called a
"Class C" and is not considered a Van.
If we are going to compare apples and oranges Ill take a 79' GMC 26'
Motorcoach, front wheel drive 455cid Olds and a top speed of 80mph
AND...great handling.
check out the GMC history page:
http://www.gmcmotorhomes.com/catalog/page00.html
Most of these motorhomes are still on the road becouse they were
designed to be tough as nails by an air craft engineer that worked for
GMC.
Phil
--- Andrew Grebneff
<andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ> wrote:
ITS THE BEST VAN EVER DESIGNED.....EVER
No way. Not looked at objectively. The body is great, the suspension
is great (and therefore the handling). But it is seriously let down
by unreliable mechanicals, poor electrics and crap-quality plastics
and switchgear; unergonomic controls. The cargo bay is compromised by
the engine hump; this could probably have been deleted by having no
ancillaries atop the engine and a slightly higher floor.
The best... has to be the cabover current-model (1989-present) Toyota
Hiace. Solid, safe, reliable, big, ergonomic everything, decent
handling, available with a huge variety of engines, body types, 3
different van wheelbases and levels of trim from bare bones to
ultraluxurious. And a flat cargo bay floor. All it lacks is an IRS
option, though upmarket versions get torsionbar rear, and
walkthrough. 4WD optional, including full-time and part-time
versions. And with good looks to top it off, and Toyota's top-quality
ergonomics, plastics, switchgear, fit and finish. Available with
full camper conversions, including poptops.
Toyota Hiace
Engines
2.0 gas
2.4 gas
2.0 diesel
2.4 diesel (turbo oprtion)
2.8 diesel
3.0 EFI turbodiesel
Auto or 5-speed manual; floorshift or column cartspring or torsionbar
rear
SWB, MWB (=VW length) or LWB
RWD, part-time 4WD, full-time 4WD
normal or high roof
top-hinged normal tailgate or (rare) dual vertical-hinged doors
single or dual sliders
optional small rear wheels with no wheelarches intruding into floor
electric locking, windows, morrors, dual aircon etc
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut
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