Good idea....also a '06 or older 2wd Dodge 2500 may meet your needs since the older Cummins are easy to maintain, get good mileage and don't require low sulfur fuel.
Good luck,
J
I need shuttle rig suggestions
- Thread starter Jason4
- Start date
Good luck,
J
yes cummins 6bt are a great engine but the truck they put em in is prone to electrical problems and generally a cheap piece of junk with too high resale value because of the engine. also, diesel cost of ownership is higher than gassers. huge oil changes, almost all parts more expensive, diesel a buck more a gallon, etc. diesels are way cooler sure.
I do but usually I have 4 bikes on the roof and I don't have the luxury of paved roads where we ride. I was ok with the stress of possibly cracking the oil pan but now that my factory rack rails are starting to rattle I'm over it. I've wrecked another lower engine cover and I replace more control arms on my car than deralleurs on my bike.Why not just shuttle in the Audi???
oster_oops:I wish I a picture of just how dirty it is right now.
Do you talk from personal experience with diesels or what you read on the net? My 94 Dodge Diesel work truck has 240,000 on the clock. Been changing the oil every 10,000 miles since new. May cost more per oil change. But I can go twice as long before changes so it is a wash versus a gas motor. I still get 22 MPG on the highway empty and that is with 475 Rear wheel HP. My truck cost me much less per mile than a gas truck. Believe that.....
I have the original 5 speed transmission in my truck. Original front and rear axles including original wheel bearings. The only major thing I have done to my truck was a new head gasket which I did my self at 202,000 miles. Every truck whether gas or diesel, has its own issues. But best bang for your buck in a full size truck is a diesel, hands down. For mid sized trucks, Toyota has that market cornered.
i have a 2004 chevy colorado that i've like a lot so far. Had it for 1.5 years now and done a bit of shuttling with it. it's the quad cab and can fit 5 inside comfortably. Has the shorter bed, so that makes bikes in the bed a bit frustrating, but i usually use a 4 place rack off the hitch, then whoever can fit in the bed with their bike. it's 4wd and does great in the winter and gets pretty decent gas mileage, typically in the 17-20 mph range, on average around 18.
just another opinion
just another opinion
knew I'd get a rise out of someone. a buddy is a cummins nut and this is what I have witnessed/heard endlessly from him. were the earlier ones better? he's had mostly late 12v and one 24v. wacky electrical problems, interiors that dont hold up, etc. solid ass drivetrains though. I guess you got a good one, nice truck, sounds like it is babied.
my point was that a diesel is overkill for most peoples usage. sure you can get 22mpg out of one with an egg under your foot(most I know are around 18 mixed) but a gasser on regular at 17mpg is still going to be cheaper in actual fuel costs. I don't buy that under the same normal usage a diesel is going to cost less than a gasser to operate.
my point was that a diesel is overkill for most peoples usage. sure you can get 22mpg out of one with an egg under your foot(most I know are around 18 mixed) but a gasser on regular at 17mpg is still going to be cheaper in actual fuel costs. I don't buy that under the same normal usage a diesel is going to cost less than a gasser to operate.
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If they have a 2" hitch then they're really nice, specially on long trips. But 4 bikes (~90kg) on a hitch isn't good for the car, the back sits down too much, the suspension takes a good beating, and the handling is crap if need for emergency manouver.
I was reading up on the VW Multivan (Wanagon in the US?)/Caravelle/Transporter on an international reviews forum and I remember a few reviews where ex Astro van owners had switched to a Wanagon and were alot happier with the build quality of VW.
Jason4: So that's what I recommend if you're only going to have one single car. It has higher ground clearance than a normal car, another ~2" with the 4WD, the 4WD system is of the Haldex type and probably consumes less fuel than many other 4WD's, Automatic or stick, and they come with great VW TDI engines.
174hp 2.5l TDI from 2004 onwards, or or from the older 2003 and earlier model 143hp 2.5l TDI. Not the same engine, the newer TDI don''t have either cambelt or camchain but cogs, so $$ saved on maintanence. Both engines can run on 100% biodiesel with full waranty (if they don't have a particle filter), 100% renewable energy source!
You drive alot and diesel will be cheaper, check out owners expence calculations at any dealer that has the same model car with both a gasser and a diesel engine! You'll find that diesels hold up way better and are cheaper than gassers, period. Also check out the price of 100% biodiesel (B100), or B20 for that matter, in your area.
For the seats, just use some vinyl mechanics type seat covers over each seat when you're in riding gear. If you have a sofa in the back, pet stores sell some excellent vinyl sofa covers that strap-on around the headrests.
Only thing that might be a problem is if you find the Multivan too short (still bigger than the Astro by the looks of it), then you'll have to step down on the luxury to a Caravelle (the middle range model). Modelnames seem to differ in various countries..
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/sportline-range/
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/caravelle/fuel-consumption-emissions-and-performance-figures/
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/california/
You should also check out the Mercedes Viano (2004 and later), comes in all three different lengths and with a 204hp 3.0l CDI!
It's brutal for a minivan.
30-32 mpg combined depending on 2.2l or 3.0 CDI
Three different sizes.
Not much for trucks, but your's a beauty!Do you talk from personal experience with diesels or what you read on the net? My 94 Dodge Diesel work truck has 240,000 on the clock. Been changing the oil every 10,000 miles since new. May cost more per oil change. But I can go twice as long before changes so it is a wash versus a gas motor. I still get 22 MPG on the highway empty and that is with 475 Rear wheel HP. My truck cost me much less per mile than a gas truck. Believe that.....
I have the original 5 speed transmission in my truck. Original front and rear axles including original wheel bearings. The only major thing I have done to my truck was a new head gasket which I did my self at 202,000 miles. Every truck whether gas or diesel, has its own issues. But best bang for your buck in a full size truck is a diesel, hands down. For mid sized trucks, Toyota has that market cornered.
That's with 475 rear wheel HP!! Normally truck diesel engines have half that power, at most.Sonic Reducer said:
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Go Japanese, better fuel economy / kinder to the environment. and extremely well built and reliable, as well as excellent road and off road manners.
I have a 1996 AWD subaru legacy, I can fit 2 bikes in the boot with out the wheels, 2 more bikes on a rear bike rack and 2 more bikes on a roof rack if necessary. I live in by the andes, and the car has climbed up to more than 3000 meters / 9842 feet with out any troubles, and that is in snowy conditions and with normal road tires
what about this for more practicality?:
or an outback or forester. they do have air springs and adjustable ride height. or you could even go for a wrx impreza state and have some fun,
that kia sorento is a good suggestion too, or maybe a Hyundai santafe
PS: I had a ford explorer for a while. not a bad suv but gear change was really sloppy, and it couldn't get all the power down, very poor traction, the only down side to the legacy is the ride height, I do tend to scrape the under belly quite a lot. - you should be ok with an outback, forester or baja, they are considerably higher.
I have a 1996 AWD subaru legacy, I can fit 2 bikes in the boot with out the wheels, 2 more bikes on a rear bike rack and 2 more bikes on a roof rack if necessary. I live in by the andes, and the car has climbed up to more than 3000 meters / 9842 feet with out any troubles, and that is in snowy conditions and with normal road tires
what about this for more practicality?:
or an outback or forester. they do have air springs and adjustable ride height. or you could even go for a wrx impreza state and have some fun,
that kia sorento is a good suggestion too, or maybe a Hyundai santafe
PS: I had a ford explorer for a while. not a bad suv but gear change was really sloppy, and it couldn't get all the power down, very poor traction, the only down side to the legacy is the ride height, I do tend to scrape the under belly quite a lot. - you should be ok with an outback, forester or baja, they are considerably higher.
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Ha ha - I'm getting so I can replace control arms in 10 minutes flat.I do but usually I have 4 bikes on the roof and I don't have the luxury of paved roads where we ride. I was ok with the stress of possibly cracking the oil pan but now that my factory rack rails are starting to rattle I'm over it. I've wrecked another lower engine cover and I replace more control arms on my car than deralleurs on my bike.
I wish I a picture of just how dirty it is right now.
FWIW we rarely shuttle paved roads either. There are only a few roads that I won't take the S4 up and that's only because of deep ruts. If I had a hitch rack I could easily hold 5 bikes with gear.
But it's not made for shuttling. I posted that picture as more of a joke than anything. I would pick up a Tacoma if I were you.
my shuttle rig
get the chev/gmc fullsize. reliable, cheap, and decent mpg. dodge dakotas get horrible mpg with the v8s. Personally I can speak to the quality of the chev as i own one and i work at napa so i see what comes in for parts. true there are lemons of every kind but after what i have seen i would suggest the chev. like a half ton with the 5.3 or 4.8 v8 thats a 4wd. they are decently priced too. look for a 99-06.
What's up Jason. I know the road he wants to shuttle. Lower half is washboard but is relatively car friendly, top half has big waterbars and requires groundclearance not to scrape.
The best pure shuttle trucks I've ridden in and driven:
1. Toyota Tundra. 10 people and bikes, no problems, 5 inside in comfort and some degree of luxury.
2. Dodge Turbo diesel 4 door truck. 6 people inside, doesn't even notice the weight of 10 bikes and people.
3. Chevy Colorado 4 door. Very smooth, comfortable ride. Suprisingly nice truck.
Jimmy has a Colorado, Hawk has a Frontier, if you are looking for first hand advice.
Just don't make the mistake a friend did, buying a nice truck, and then realizing you prefer driving cars. New Outback traded in on a new Tundra, drove the truck for 2 months, and traded it in on a Legacy GT wagon. Ouch.
The best pure shuttle trucks I've ridden in and driven:
1. Toyota Tundra. 10 people and bikes, no problems, 5 inside in comfort and some degree of luxury.
2. Dodge Turbo diesel 4 door truck. 6 people inside, doesn't even notice the weight of 10 bikes and people.
3. Chevy Colorado 4 door. Very smooth, comfortable ride. Suprisingly nice truck.
Jimmy has a Colorado, Hawk has a Frontier, if you are looking for first hand advice.
Just don't make the mistake a friend did, buying a nice truck, and then realizing you prefer driving cars. New Outback traded in on a new Tundra, drove the truck for 2 months, and traded it in on a Legacy GT wagon. Ouch.
if the road is that bad, it sounds like the best option is to keep the audi for a daily driver and buy a beater truck for shuttling.
Yeah, driving a truck pretty much anywhere except snow, dirt roads and interstate highways sucks balls. Getting out to the races in a car with a roof rack is so much quicker and more enjoyable.
Thanks Thad. Grant's Tundra is a nice truck to ride in for sure. I'm thinking it's going to be an 2002ish Chevy Silverado 1500. The Audi is getting to the point that it needs more work than I really want to do. It has 155,000 miles and all the typical Audi problems. I can still sell it for enough to make a dent in the cost of the truck and it's almost paid off.
Rockwool- Thanks for the suggestions. I'd consider any one of them if any of them were available in the US. The only one that is available here is the Eurovan but only in 2wd. There have been a couple of syncros here but they are very rare and parts are all but impossible to find here.
Rockwool- Thanks for the suggestions. I'd consider any one of them if any of them were available in the US. The only one that is available here is the Eurovan but only in 2wd. There have been a couple of syncros here but they are very rare and parts are all but impossible to find here.
Dude if you got that much life out of an Audi/VW consider yourself blessed. Ditch it while you can before something on it implodes.
Bang for the buck for full-size I think I got it dead-on with my V6 Tundra. Get's 22-23 MPG if I hit the cruise at 75mph. I really can't imagine anything better for the capacity and how comfortable it is for daily use. Was about $10k less than an equivalent Tacoma too. Keep in mind this is the older generation where they offered the 4.0 ('05 and '06 only) and is 1000# lighter than the new Tundra chassis they offer the V6 in.
I don't do a lot of towing with it. Occasionally a small trailer to help someone move or a moto trailer. If I were towing a 5th wheel or boat or something, I would get a Dodge 2500 I6 Turbo Diesel hands down.
2WD can handle quite a bit if you are careful with it. Unless you plan on crawling out of ditches 4WD is generally overkill.
Bang for the buck for full-size I think I got it dead-on with my V6 Tundra. Get's 22-23 MPG if I hit the cruise at 75mph. I really can't imagine anything better for the capacity and how comfortable it is for daily use. Was about $10k less than an equivalent Tacoma too. Keep in mind this is the older generation where they offered the 4.0 ('05 and '06 only) and is 1000# lighter than the new Tundra chassis they offer the V6 in.
I don't do a lot of towing with it. Occasionally a small trailer to help someone move or a moto trailer. If I were towing a 5th wheel or boat or something, I would get a Dodge 2500 I6 Turbo Diesel hands down.
2WD can handle quite a bit if you are careful with it. Unless you plan on crawling out of ditches 4WD is generally overkill.
for a small amount of 69k you can roll in one of these.
but for fun and budget I am converting a crew cab frontier that i got for dirt cheap, plus it will air out the whole way up the mountian
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but for fun and budget I am converting a crew cab frontier that i got for dirt cheap, plus it will air out the whole way up the mountian
taco all the way! just get a 96 or 98 or something like that. or a new one! you won't find a better small to mid sized shuttling truck ever.
mines a tank, they all last forever. anyone who doubts that just youtube top gear killing a toyota
I picked up an 07 4 door 1500 z71 with 3k on it for well under what a year old tacoma 4 door was running at the time. It doesn't get the best gas milage around town, but it is flex fuel so for long trips on the highway it's not bad at all. I think the shuttle record in it is 12 bikes and 11 people, but it was pretty uncomfortable in the bed. It''s had two trips to Northstar,2 trips to Winterpark, 2 to Angelfire, and a ton of trips to Northern Arkansas, all from Dallas... I've got 67k on it without a problem other than getting a rock wedged between the rotor and caliper and a handful of flats. Just my 2 cents, not seeing it's the best option, just my experience.
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bent_steel: does yours have the cylinder deactivation? My buddies '08 with a 6L does and he gets 22-23 mpg combined city/highway.
Thanks Thad but that's more than I'm looking to spend, especially when I know that it will get minor scratches and dents from shuttling. My target is $10k but I'd probably go to $15k for the right truck. I'm thinking 2002ish Chevy 1500. There was one on CL that was a used work truck with 88k, 4wd, crew cab for $10.5k. I should have jumped on that but I just haven't decided to pull the trigger yet.