Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Might want to have them watch the DoveBid auctions and get a Frito Lay vanWould work great for that and the Cummins powered ones get close to 30MPG loaded. Mike Luckily, nothing has happened while people's personal vehicles have been transporting gear and boats. However, up until recently, there was no such insurance which infuriated me! The question came up at a board meeting (how much insurance do we have, and does it cover personal vehicles even if our club doesn't own any? It was rectified the next day. It is better to have your ducks in a row now than pulling the gerbil out of the rear end later. There is a plan in the works involving the purchase of a cube van to use as the gear/boat transporter. It would be the race Transport Unit, basically everything needed to run a dragon boat race right there in the truck all inventoried and ready to go, no counting, loading and unloading before every race. I hope it has enough steam to be approved. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Might want to have them watch the DoveBid auctions and get a Frito Lay vanWould work great for that and the Cummins powered ones get close to 30MPG loaded. Do you think one of these Cummins 4BT or 4BTA equipped vans could be fully loaded and pull 6500# worth of boats behind it? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
They are a Chevy one ton truck chassis underneath a big aluminum body and a GVW of 14K. Not as powerful as your 06 but no slouch either. Mike Might want to have them watch the DoveBid auctions and get a Frito Lay vanWould work great for that and the Cummins powered ones get close to 30MPG loaded. Do you think one of these Cummins 4BT or 4BTA equipped vans could be fully loaded and pull 6500# worth of boats behind it? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
We've had 3 3.3L vans in the family, a 1990 Dodge Grand caravan, a 1991 Plymouth Voyager and a '05 Chrysler TC. We also had a '97 Grand Caravan with the 3.8L engine (don't know how similar this one is to the 3.3L). I've heard of the valve geometry problem with the Mitsu's and have been steering clear of them. I've heard so many horror stories about the electronically controlled automatics behind the 3.3's and 3.8's, but like Mike's friend, I was told that it's not usually the tranny components at fault, but rather the electronics. They are great vans, and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300Sd 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
The late 80's / early 90's minivans with V6 engines had serious transmission problems the issue was the electronic controllers. But any still on the road today should be OK since they were replaced by Chrysler under warranty. Unfortunately, some transmissions were replaced 3, 4 5 times before the company figured out that the issue was software, not the transmission itself this really hurt the company's reputation. This was Chrysler's first venture into computer controlled transmissions and the mini-van was the first car that used the system. Chrysler eventually converted the entire fleet over to the system with excellent results. Thanks, Tom Hargrave www.kegkits.com 256-656-1924 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Kraly Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 3:08 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel We've had 3 3.3L vans in the family, a 1990 Dodge Grand caravan, a 1991 Plymouth Voyager and a '05 Chrysler TC. We also had a '97 Grand Caravan with the 3.8L engine (don't know how similar this one is to the 3.3L). I've heard of the valve geometry problem with the Mitsu's and have been steering clear of them. I've heard so many horror stories about the electronically controlled automatics behind the 3.3's and 3.8's, but like Mike's friend, I was told that it's not usually the tranny components at fault, but rather the electronics. They are great vans, and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300Sd 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Go with the commercial body Sprinter and get the open box rear for that classic VW pick up look. I have seen a few around town. The first one just blew me away. They drop a box van back on them, so the truck should be able to haul what you need it too. clay On Jul 7, 2007, at 7:23 PM, Kevin Kraly wrote: Well, we've had a change of heart. Wifey is the Vice President of the local dragon boat club, and also happens to be the only one or who's spouse has a large enough and powerful enough truck to pull the trailerand boats. The total weight is around 8000#. The organization is too cheap to get a box truck to haul boats and gear, so the duty falls upon those who have vehicles to take up the slack and the wear and tear, not the path that such an organization should take, IMO. I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. Well, I've had enough, so the truck is officially up for sale!! The travel trailer sits most of the time, so it's going too. All we really need is a SUV/Van to pull OUR 21 foot boat. I want it to be something that gets good mileage, is dependable, and can tow at least 5000#. Any suggestions? What is the feeling on a Sprinter van? I don't think I want to go near $50g for the new ML320CDI, but what about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Diesel engine that's due to hit showrooms soon? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
I would be wondering what the board had in mind for insurance coverage should there be an unfortunate event in which truck was involved in fatal misfortune while boats were hauled. Not the time to be figuring out who is getting screwed. One non-profit I work with is finding out it is better to have ducks in a row than try to get the gerbil out of rear end later. On Jul 8, 2007, at 6:28 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: . I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. I take it said board member doesn't have to sleep with Wifey and doesn't give a crap about the grief the VP of said organization will endure when Hubby sells off the truck and no one can haul said boats. Seems pretty childish overall to me...Can't anyone just speak up and say NO anymore? Gee, I need a bigger truck but I don't want anyone else to benefit from it, let alone an organization I am involved inSomeone has to drive there anyway..Why not be the one to pull the boats with a nice new diesel? is what I would ask said member. 8000# on a trailer is nothing for a good 1 ton truck these days. Just makes it ride nice. Sounds like the proverbial cutting off the nose to spite the face... Mike Well, we've had a change of heart. Wifey is the Vice President of the local dragon boat club, and also happens to be the only one or who's spouse has a large enough and powerful enough truck to pull the trailerand boats. The total weight is around 8000#. The organization is too cheap to get a box truck to haul boats and gear, so the duty falls upon those who have vehicles to take up the slack and the wear and tear, not the path that such an organization should take, IMO. I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. Well, I've had enough, so the truck is officially up for sale!! The travel trailer sits most of the time, so it's going too. All we really need is a SUV/Van to pull OUR 21 foot boat. I want it to be something that gets good mileage, is dependable, and can tow at least 5000#. Any suggestions? What is the feeling on a Sprinter van? I don't think I want to go near $50g for the new ML320CDI, but what about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Diesel engine that's due to hit showrooms soon? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Clay Seattle Bioburner 1972 220D - Gump 1995 E300D - Cleo 1987 300SDL - POS - DOA The FSM would drive a Diesel Benz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Luckily, nothing has happened while people's personal vehicles have been transporting gear and boats. However, up until recently, there was no such insurance which infuriated me! The question came up at a board meeting (how much insurance do we have, and does it cover personal vehicles even if our club doesn't own any? It was rectified the next day. It is better to have your ducks in a row now than pulling the gerbil out of the rear end later. There is a plan in the works involving the purchase of a cube van to use as the gear/boat transporter. It would be the race Transport Unit, basically everything needed to run a dragon boat race right there in the truck all inventoried and ready to go, no counting, loading and unloading before every race. I hope it has enough steam to be approved. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
. I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. I take it said board member doesn't have to sleep with Wifey and doesn't give a crap about the grief the VP of said organization will endure when Hubby sells off the truck and no one can haul said boats. Seems pretty childish overall to me...Can't anyone just speak up and say NO anymore? Gee, I need a bigger truck but I don't want anyone else to benefit from it, let alone an organization I am involved inSomeone has to drive there anyway..Why not be the one to pull the boats with a nice new diesel? is what I would ask said member. 8000# on a trailer is nothing for a good 1 ton truck these days. Just makes it ride nice. Sounds like the proverbial cutting off the nose to spite the face... Mike Well, we've had a change of heart. Wifey is the Vice President of the local dragon boat club, and also happens to be the only one or who's spouse has a large enough and powerful enough truck to pull the trailerand boats. The total weight is around 8000#. The organization is too cheap to get a box truck to haul boats and gear, so the duty falls upon those who have vehicles to take up the slack and the wear and tear, not the path that such an organization should take, IMO. I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. Well, I've had enough, so the truck is officially up for sale!! The travel trailer sits most of the time, so it's going too. All we really need is a SUV/Van to pull OUR 21 foot boat. I want it to be something that gets good mileage, is dependable, and can tow at least 5000#. Any suggestions? What is the feeling on a Sprinter van? I don't think I want to go near $50g for the new ML320CDI, but what about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Diesel engine that's due to hit showrooms soon? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Great points, Mike. Wifey and I do feel the same way and don't want ourselves or our truck to be involved with EVERY transport just because it's big and powerful enough. The board member previously discussed does help with his truck since the gear is more than even a long bed pickup can handle. The club doesn't have all of the gear and boats in one place, so there's a lot of driving back and forth across town to get everything that's required to be transported for a race. 2 of the four necessary boats are in the river downtown, trailer 15 miles southwest, and the racing gear is in a storage unit somewhere in the middle. Of course, if two of the four boats are 25 miles east of the river getting repaired, this adds 50 miles of driving, you get the picture. They're working on having boat repairs done in house as soon as they obtain a larger facility, and gear will be stored there as well which will also cut down on the driving and fuel costs as well as wear and tear. In nearly every instance, it's one truck (ours) that ends up running back and forth between the different places taking on gear and boats too, and then, it's not there if we need it for day-to-day activities. Gear must also be loaded and unloaded for every trip since it can't stay in everyone's trucks, and the boat transporter usually ends up doing this all by him/herself, not too fair since it's a team sport. Well, enough rambling on and on about this. The REAL issue here is since neither of us can drive this wonderful Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel, it gets driven by family members or by the two people within the club whenever a transport takes place. A more manageable vehicle is needed for a daily driver since it's so long and hard to park in many of the places we go. Rather than having both the truck and another vehicle, I want to sell the truck and purchase a vehicle that will better serve us every day but still pull the boat with plenty of power. An SUV or preferably a short van with a diesel engine would be ideal since it can haul people, gear and my guide dog. The Sprinter would do pretty well. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
What would it cost for the club to rent a tow vehicle on race weekend? Surely less than the cost of somebody owning a late model large truck. Sprinters are nice, but I'm not sure if they are worth the money. Wasn't that long ago you could get a 2006 Caravan for about 13k new, I wonder if they've got any left? Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
What would it cost for the club to rent a tow vehicle on race weekend? Surely less than the cost of somebody owning a late model large truck. This is true, and exactly what happened this last time. They rented a truck with a 16' box on it that also served as the boat transporter. It did the job nicely while our 1 ton towed our boat. We had fun on the boat before race day, and it also served as the start boat for the dragon boat race course. Back to the vehicle situation, it would cost me at least the same amount to buy a Sprinter as it did for the truck. A minivan with the towing capacity necessary for towing our boat would be the ideal setup, the only choice being the GM RWD minivan (safari/Astro) if they're still being made. My parents' '05 FWD Chrysler TC Stow'n Go would be fine in terms of hauling us around as well as cargo with the stowaway seats, but the towing capacity isn't enough. Its mileage averages around 20mpg in mixed driving and has been as much as 26 on the highway. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
I don't know what the rated towing capacity for a Grand Caravan is but I know for a fact that my friend Rick put many miles on his 90 pulling a 17 foot utility/car trailer hauling his '25 Model T Delivery with no problem at all. He would just leave the OD off and take it easy.I can't imagine your boat weighs that much...DOes it? Mike What would it cost for the club to rent a tow vehicle on race weekend? Surely less than the cost of somebody owning a late model large truck. This is true, and exactly what happened this last time. They rented a truck with a 16' box on it that also served as the boat transporter. It did the job nicely while our 1 ton towed our boat. We had fun on the boat before race day, and it also served as the start boat for the dragon boat race course. Back to the vehicle situation, it would cost me at least the same amount to buy a Sprinter as it did for the truck. A minivan with the towing capacity necessary for towing our boat would be the ideal setup, the only choice being the GM RWD minivan (safari/Astro) if they're still being made. My parents' '05 FWD Chrysler TC Stow'n Go would be fine in terms of hauling us around as well as cargo with the stowaway seats, but the towing capacity isn't enough. Its mileage averages around 20mpg in mixed driving and has been as much as 26 on the highway. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Once again, great points! I can't imagine the boat weighing more than that Model T. Do you know which engine he had in it? Oh, I just remembered that the caravans equipped with the 3.0 Mitsu engine came with a 3 speed auto W/O OD behind it, and you mentioned that his van had OD indicating that it must have had the 3.3L. I'm going to check the towing capacity on the newer Caravans and similar to see if they would meet the need. Of course, the boat only gets towed a few months out of the year, so something smaller than the truck to drive around during the rest of the year would be wonderful. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Yes it was the 3.3 with OD. He figured out that when the tranny get's a little wierd shifting to go to the PnP and get a new electric shift box for it and away you go without a typically not needed tranny rebuild Mike Once again, great points! I can't imagine the boat weighing more than that Model T. Do you know which engine he had in it? Oh, I just remembered that the caravans equipped with the 3.0 Mitsu engine came with a 3 speed auto W/O OD behind it, and you mentioned that his van had OD indicating that it must have had the 3.3L. I'm going to check the towing capacity on the newer Caravans and similar to see if they would meet the need. Of course, the boat only gets towed a few months out of the year, so something smaller than the truck to drive around during the rest of the year would be wonderful. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
The 3.0 liter Mitsu engines suffered from premature valve guide wear due to improper valve train geometry and many were repaired under a quit recall. Back then if you brought in a smoking minivan with less than 90,000 miles and you were the original owner, Chrysler fixed the issue - no questions asked. The improper geometry wore the guides egg shaped because there was some sideways pressure placed on the valves stems. The Chrysler 3.3 liter engines did not suffer from this problem. Thanks, Tom Hargrave www.kegkits.com 256-656-1924 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Kraly Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 8:02 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel Once again, great points! I can't imagine the boat weighing more than that Model T. Do you know which engine he had in it? Oh, I just remembered that the caravans equipped with the 3.0 Mitsu engine came with a 3 speed auto W/O OD behind it, and you mentioned that his van had OD indicating that it must have had the 3.3L. I'm going to check the towing capacity on the newer Caravans and similar to see if they would meet the need. Of course, the boat only gets towed a few months out of the year, so something smaller than the truck to drive around during the rest of the year would be wonderful. Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Our next vehicle (replacing the 2006 Dodge Ram Diesel
Well, we've had a change of heart. Wifey is the Vice President of the local dragon boat club, and also happens to be the only one or who's spouse has a large enough and powerful enough truck to pull the trailerand boats. The total weight is around 8000#. The organization is too cheap to get a box truck to haul boats and gear, so the duty falls upon those who have vehicles to take up the slack and the wear and tear, not the path that such an organization should take, IMO. I've taken the advice of another board member who said what happens if you're truck wasn't available or if you suddenly didn't want it anymore? He won't buy a larger travel trailer since it will require a Diesel to pull it, and this would make him the next one with the job to pull the boats which his V8 Dodge Dakota isn't heavy nor powerful enough to safely perform. Well, I've had enough, so the truck is officially up for sale!! The travel trailer sits most of the time, so it's going too. All we really need is a SUV/Van to pull OUR 21 foot boat. I want it to be something that gets good mileage, is dependable, and can tow at least 5000#. Any suggestions? What is the feeling on a Sprinter van? I don't think I want to go near $50g for the new ML320CDI, but what about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Diesel engine that's due to hit showrooms soon? Kevin in Portland, OR 1983 300SD 267Kmi, Ursula ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com