Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:58:35 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: Beyond Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <1363981244.69536.YahooMailClassic@web184906.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
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I think Sprinters are overly large, and truck like, and working on one
would be like working on a giant truck.
and the name of this other van ..ProMaster .
I thinkthat name for a vehicle model name sucks. Sounds like a name
for an exercise machine. ..with macho and sexual overtones.
I mean isn't that the name of a sexual performance enhancementproduct?
I think it is.
Of course they have to push a little 'Dodge RAM' energy toward this
vehicle, that says everything good that is american has to be hugean
extra macho. Where I live a huge empty pick-up truck is the common
one-person vehicle. Totallywasteful of resources, whether iin the
manufacturoing process or use.
Vanagons are certainly looking modest, easy to work on, and not
terrible expesive to keep happythese days, compared to modern vehicles.
Not a check engine light in sight anywhere ! No traction or
stability control, no ABS brakes, no rain sensing wipers, no tire
pressure monitoring system, and on and on.
How have we done so well with Vanagons all this time !! ? lol.
On 3/22/2013 12:40 PM, Richard Koerner wrote:
> Since it's Friday, I'll put this out:
> http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-ram-promaster-cargo-van-starts-at-29625-diesel-is-4000-more-337795.html#axzz2OITfgyOz
>
> Anybody
> thinking beyond Vanagon? I love my 85 tintop Vanagon and it's
> predecessor a 70 Baywindow. Been lots of fun and adventure over the
> past 39 years. Roadtrips will always be a part of my life, and I've
> been thinking about a future vehicle. The future may be arriving soon.
> October.
>
> Have been reading a lot online about MB Sprinters, and
> then was getting excited about then new Ford Transit (not Transit
> Connect). Both seemed to be okay platforms. But have now discovered the
> Fiat Ducato, a huge seller in Europe and currently being made in Mexico
> and re-badged as a Chrysler Ram ProMaster. In USA showrooms this October. Like the others, will be
> available in an array of
> bodies and wheelbases. For me, I would start out with an empty cargo
> van with the high roof, 116-inch wheelbase, and then build out my own camping interior.
>
> Really
> like the front-wheel drive of the ProMaster which results in lowest
> step-in height in it's class. Also, pretty tight turning radius (gets
> bigger with the mid- and long-wheelbase versions). Gas engine has an
> impressive 27 MPG highway; diesel engine is an option for $4K more.
> Presumably, parts and service would be readily available across the
> entire North American continent. And the price is reasonable too for
> the cargo versions (passenger versions not announced yet). The version I
> want looks to be around $32K.
>
> I'm sure the van conversion people
> will be all over this vehicle! And lots of interior goodies to shop
> for from the RV equipment suppliers. My plan is to buy such a vehicle
> in the next couple years, then design (I used Solidworks 3D
> CAD) a versatile interior that meets my needs and desires, and then
> build it out. Would be a labor of love I imagine. But have done the
> same with my Vanagon. The goal is to have a 4 season retirement vehicle
> for travels across the continent over the next 20 years.
>
> Take a look at the above link (copy and paste as needed).....plenty of information out there, more arriving daily. What do ya'll think?
>
> Rich
> San Diego
>
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