Re: O/T Comments on mini vans

Posted by Hugh MacKay on February 12, 2005 at 14:40:51 from (64.228.11.133):

In Reply to: O/T Comments on mini vans posted by Farmer Paul in Ont on February 12, 2005 at 03:30:06:

Paul: From what these guys are saying, I don't think the Fuel milage is very good. I get that good with my Buick LeSabre.

Back a few years ago I thought I had a use for a full size van. I went to try one out and my son, Sandy went along as he had been around vans some more than I. At the time I had a 3/4 Chevy diesel pickup. Tried several out that but the only one I really got on the open road was a 3/4 Chevy diesel van. There was a light breeze and I couldn't believe how we were being tossed around. Worse than a 53' refer in heavy wind. I suddenly decided I didn't need a van.

Here in Ontario, I am on the 401, 402 and 403 a lot with a Mack and 53' refer trailer. It takes a lot of wind, snow, rain, etc to make Ontario drivers back off on their speed. They are one brave bunch. The one thing I can tell you, is the first one's to back off are the mini van drivers, followed very closely by the full size vans and empty van highway trailers. That is the best description I can give. Those 3 types of vehicles scare the h#@$ out of me, and I don't scare easy.

I once crossed the bridge to PEI in heavy cross wind driving a highway tractor and empty B train aluminum van trailers. These are about 85' long. Speed limit is 80 km or 50 mph. I was backing off from that speed. I was travelling with my left front tractor wheel 3' from centre line. The left rear trailer wheels were running on centre line. This bridge is monitored very closely by attendants. When I got to other side he called me in, had noticed my slowing speed. I told him what I was fighting and I was damn nervous. He said,"Bridge is now officially closed to empty van trailers." and the lights went up. The bridge has a 6' solid concrete wall so small vans are unaffected by wind.

I cannot understand why families subject themselves to mini vans. The weight to wind catching ratio is very little different to that empty highway trailer.

Follow Ups:

• Re: O/T Comments on mini vans Dave 2n 06:51:56 02/13/05 (0)

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