Rocket hauling vehicles with good MPG

Just looking for ideas! The ones the stick out in my mind as of now are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav-4.


What do you guys think has a good rocket capacity to MPG ratio?




Braden

A sixteen foot box van.

I'm very seriously considering a mid-80's suburban. Had one back then. Wish I'd tossed another engine in it rather than selling it.

Of course, I'm looking into ways to build rockets small enough to fit into a roll bag on my bike

A trailer. Build to suit. Milage only drops when hooked up. Of course, if you're not driving to, from or at a launch, you don't need any vehicle because you're busy building. Right? Of course right!

Mike

UPscaler said:

Just looking for ideas! The ones the stick out in my mind as of now are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav-4.


What do you guys think has a good rocket capacity to MPG ratio?




Braden

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid, though it's somewhat pricey.

UPscaler said:

Just looking for ideas! The ones the stick out in my mind as of now are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav-4.


What do you guys think has a good rocket capacity to MPG ratio?




Braden

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I drive a '99 CRV with just over 100K on the odo, and it runs like a top, and I can fill it with rockets, launch supplies, food, drink and family and get 28mpg on the highway.

Oh, and it has a table that pulls out of the tailgate area, set that up under the ez-up, unfold the camp chairs, and I'm ready to prep rockets for flight!

G.D.

Ford focus wagon. what I've got. am super happy with it, except for a few "features" Ford decided I need.. I can load up my R/C planes and rockets and have a day at the feild, I can help friends move, I can load up camping & fishing gear.. Heck, I can even get a dozen 2x4s in it, along with a 1/2 dozen sheets of gyprock on the roof!!

Amazing, that wagons are rare these days. I guess the minivan took over as the family utility machine.

Sorry, but I must say, you asked about the rav 4 and the cr-v. I have to laugh, as I've talked with others who "view" an SUV or similar as a larger vehicle. Yes, they look bigger, but when you get inside; look at internal cubic feet of space, it's actually smaller that the focus, or mazda 6 wagon (or the Subaroo, or the Volvo, or the...)

Of course, I laugh the same laugh when I see people look at houses, and only see the junk, the clutter, the ugly couch, the puke green paint, the.... when they take a walk-thru.

Subaru Forester... Subaru Outback... Subaru Impreza Wagon... Subaru Outback Sport... Subaru Legacy Wagon... Subaru XV(seeing a trend yet) honestly you really cant get better... good mpg... plenty of "trunk space"... awd... top safety standards... maintains the highest resale value... Screw hybrids they arn't environmentally friendly no matter what the tree huggers say...

UPscaler said:

Just looking for ideas! The ones the stick out in my mind as of now are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav-4.


What do you guys think has a good rocket capacity to MPG ratio?




Braden

Click to expand...

I'd recommend a pickup truck. I like the fact that it has tons of room for all my rockets, toolboxes, coolers, folding chairs, pop-up canopy, etc... especially for multi-day launch. Your trunk/car interior doesn't smell like rocket motors and BP residue on the way home, and the tailgate becomes an elevated working space out at the launch site. How many/what size rockets are you looking to haul? I'm not sure whether you are looking to buy new or used but there are some great new options out there. Truck MPG has gone way up as gas has become more expensive and manufacturers are responding to consumer demand. The new Ram 1500's get like 25MPG highway, so I'd say thats pretty hard to beat given the hauling space available. Plus pickup trucks are pretty darn handy to have for everyday stuff.

I also like mikemech's suggestion of a trailer, because you'll spend a lot less than a vehicle and it only costs a few extra dollars in MPG difference taking it out to the launch site, depending on how far your drive is. Thats assuming your current vehicle is suitable for towing a trailer.

I have a 2010 RAV4; bought it with 8 on the odometer, it's just above 50K, right now. I've been very happy with it.

-Kevin

Bubba02STi said:

Subaru Forester... Subaru Outback... Subaru Impreza Wagon... Subaru Outback Sport... Subaru Legacy Wagon... Subaru XV(seeing a trend yet) honestly you really cant get better... good mpg... plenty of "trunk space"... awd... top safety standards... maintains the highest resale value... Screw hybrids they arn't environmentally friendly no matter what the tree huggers say...

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Let me second that - my Outback gets 30-33 MPG on the highway even when loaded with rockets. Just don't break off the drivers sun visor - $100 - ouch

dr wogz said:

Sorry, but I must say, you asked about the rav 4 and the cr-v. I have to laugh, as I've talked with others who "view" an SUV or similar as a larger vehicle. Yes, they look bigger, but when you get inside; look at internal cubic feet of space, it's actually smaller that the focus, or mazda 6 wagon (or the Subaru, or the Volvo, or the...)

Click to expand...

BS

take a look at the specs your self

2013 focus https://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus/2013/features-specs.html?sub=sedan&style=200421412

2013 Impreza https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/2013/features-specs.html

2013 forester https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2013/features-specs.html


2002 focus wagon https://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus/2002/features-specs.html?style=&sub=

2002 Impreza Wagon TS https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/impreza/2002/features-specs.html?style=&sub=

2002 Forester https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/forester/2002/features-specs.html?style=&sub=

I wish I still had this one. This was my wife's.

Alas, being a 1967 it would be...OMG 46 yeas old!:y:

My wife and I just loved that van.

I have to admit, with all the room it had the roof rack was kind of redundant.

Bazookadale said:

Let me second that - my Outback gets 30-33 MPG on the highway even when loaded with rockets. Just don't break off the drivers sun visor - $100 - ouch

Click to expand...

if i stay off the fun pedal ill get about 22/25 but i dont own a turbo'd car to worry about gas mileage... i own it to play... when... ever... i... want...

you should check out oak leaf salvage... im assuming you bought the replacement from the dealer... (a little hint for buying from the subaru dealer... ask if they have an scca discount program or you can use ours out here and order from subarupartsstore.net :wink: )

I like our 2010 Chevy Traverse. A lot of room with all seats folded down. and 25-27MPG. Not bad when going from my Chevy truck at 12-16MPG. But after getting stuck 3 times yesterday leaving the launch site with 9" of snow I would buy the AWD version.
GP

Scion xB. I know folks who have them and get upwards of 40mpg depending on driving habits. Price is also far more reasonable than the vast majority of SUV and crossover style vehicles on the market. It's what I plan to get when we're in a position to finally get a new car. Plenty of room for rockets, RC planes, RC sailboats, cats, dogs, luggage....

dr wogz said:

Ford focus wagon. what I've got. am super happy with it, except for a few "features" Ford decided I need.. I can load up my R/C planes and rockets and have a day at the feild, I can help friends move, I can load up camping & fishing gear.. Heck, I can even get a dozen 2x4s in it, along with a 1/2 dozen sheets of gyprock on the roof!!

Amazing, that wagons are rare these days. I guess the minivan took over as the family utility machine.

Sorry, but I must say, you asked about the rav 4 and the cr-v. I have to laugh, as I've talked with others who "view" an SUV or similar as a larger vehicle. Yes, they look bigger, but when you get inside; look at internal cubic feet of space, it's actually smaller that the focus, or mazda 6 wagon (or the Subaroo, or the Volvo, or the...)

Of course, I laugh the same laugh when I see people look at houses, and only see the junk, the clutter, the ugly couch, the puke green paint, the.... when they take a walk-thru.

Click to expand...

Agree was shopping for a Escort or Saturn wagon (wanted 5 speed) and found a clean Honda Accord wagon.

28mpg here .

Kenny

gdiscenza said:

I drive a '99 CRV with just over 100K on the odo, and it runs like a top, and I can fill it with rockets, launch supplies, food, drink and family and get 28mpg on the highway.

Oh, and it has a table that pulls out of the tailgate area, set that up under the ez-up, unfold the camp chairs, and I'm ready to prep rockets for flight!

G.D.

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My dad drives an 01. We set up that table under our canopy at AIRfest, it was might convenient, because we forgot ours! We can fit the ultimate and extreme Darkstars in it with little trouble.


I like the outback, but Subaru vehicles have high re-sale value, which is bad for me, because that makes them expensive :tongue:


I like the focus wagon, and believe it or not, the Taurus wagon.



Braden

I have a 2008 Prius, lots of room with the rear seat folded down, ~50 mpg (some do better, some worse). Gotta have one of your better rockets to mpg ratios. It actually has very roomy back seats. I was surprised how comfortable for adults it is back there. I bought a top of the line model for the GPS and leather seats. Would not do that again, I think the cloth seats are more comfortable and the GPS is the worst piece of junk I have seen. Otherwise, very happy with the car.

Don

I have a 2012 Prius V and I'm able to load everything, and get 42-44 mpg. The seats lay down and I load it with a canopy, table, tool chest and any where from 12-20 rockets. I also fly rc planes with 6-8' wingspans with no problems, I will load from 3-8 plans for a flying day. I only fly electric.

I have a Dodge Caravan as a hauler and trailer tower. The 2011 and 2012 model get 24 MPG highway. I bought a fairly stripped down model and it cost less than a RAV-4 or a CRV. I have exceeded 24 MPG on the highway this past summer although I don't know that I have exceeded 20 MPG on a tank this winter. I do more city driving in congested traffic in the winter.

It has more cargo room than just about any of the smaller SUVs out there. The seats fold completely into the floor so you get a lot of flat cargo area.

I am really,really happy with my 2004 Dodge Durango..Currently at 159k and the trip computer is saying my cumulative MPG is 20.7..Oh, and that is with me doing 75 on the interstate

Would be a lot lower if I did a lot of in town driving, but most of my driving is on the highway/freeway..

Most vehicles now days will be dependable if you keep up with the maintenance. I just traded in a 2004 Suzuki Vitara with 120,000 miles on it, it was one of the best cars I ever owned. I own a 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 130,000 miles on it, it's still going strong. Both of these cars were low end purchases and not really known for their quality or dependabilty. Regular maintenance, changing the oil on time, keeping up with air pressure and tire rotation, changing belts when they need it, even washing it regularly makes all the difference. On the flip side you can take a Lexus, Mercedes, BMW... ignore proper maintenance and end up with a pig that gives you nothing but trouble.

Buy what you like, what you can afford and what you think will work best for your needs. I still say a 16 foot box van has excellent rocket carrying capacity to MPG ratio but it may not be the most practical vehicle for hauling you back and forth to work, on the other hand it would be one heck of a party vehicle.

Peace

I haul all my vendor and flying supplies in a 2003 VW Golf TDI Turbo Diesel. SHe gets between 38 and 44 mpg without fail. However, now that I've moved up into HPR I'm not sure she is going to be roomy enough.

I hate to brag, I only live 7 miles from my club launch site, that far is no biggie in my 2006 Expedition. I need the passenger room for 4 grandkids, 12+ rockets, food, chairs and canopy. If I need MPG I will use my 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. Only if there is heavy rain do I realy need the 4X4, it turns into a soupy mud bog.

I have an F250 Diesel Powerstroke. Gas mileage stinks but it is a pleasure to drive and ride.

If mileage was a concern, I woudl go with a VW bus. Do they still make those?

Yes, but they are not sold in the US.

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I wish the Kombi was.

1994 Ford Bronco 4wd with 220k miles on it.

With 17mpg I hate to think how much I've spent over the years on gas.

1984 FJ-8C ex mail van. Still had the mail tray in it when I got it.

Jeep/Chrysler based with 258 six, auto, took out all the miles of vacuum lines and crap and swapped in a GM distributor, a Ford carb and now it runs better. I say better only because it had a nice hole in a piston you could stick a finger in. I just put in the necessary parts to get it running. Once a few other bills get paid off, it will get a new crate engine and will be ready for anything. I only take it on shorter trips now. Been to Kloudbusters pasture a couple times. Maybe 30 miles from home.

Fuel mileage, yea right. Look it's a box on wheels. It drives like a box on wheels. But it sure is fun.

Check out the Chevy HHR. After watching my buddy George pull his E-Z-Up, tool boxes, tables, chairs, 7.5" x 12' AMRAAM, plus several other smaller rockets out of his 2006 model for the last few years, I got myself one when it was time to get another vehicle. It is more like a small van rather than a station wagon, with the rear seats folding to make a flat load floor and a nice rectangular cargo box and tons of usable room for it's size. This is one of those vehicles that actually beats the EPA numbers quoted for it and on road trips to the last three launches I have gotton between 30-32mpg loaded depending on the terrain. Overall I am averaging a bit over 27mpg. I'm 6'2" and it also has enough rear legroom for me to get in the back seat with the driver's seat set for me. Front wheel drive only, but does great in anything short of a really muddy field. Unfortunately, Chevy pulled the plug on these in 2011, so only 2006-2011 models are available. I'm a used car buyer anyway, so my 2006 model suited me just fine and nice ones with decent miles on them are available for below $10,000 if you shop around a bit.

Mark

What? no suggestions for this?



Seriously though, a multi purpose trailer is not be a bad idea. If only my vehicle could handle mud/snow better I would be looking that route as well.