Re: [A/S] Voyager van vs. 19' Globe Trotter

[<lindner.1@xxxxxxx>]

I didn't notice any hackles up -- it seemed like they really were trying 
to help you.  Let me try to rephrase and to summarize a bit.

If the question is reduced to the dichotomous choice of whether or 
not your Voyager can pull the a/s -- yes, it can.  On level and even 
pavement, even a bicycle can do it -- that experiment has been 
performed many times.  

But there are pluses and minuses to everything.  What are the 
liabilities with the Voyager?  Well, in the first place, if you put very 
many miles on that combination, no matter what modifications you 
make, you will burn up that little 3.3 liter and its transmission 
relatively quickly -- even in Massachusetts.  However, perhaps more 
important is the fact that the brakes on that Voyager are pretty 
puny, so that in any emergency situation or on any long downhill, you 
are putting the bodies of yourself, your passenger, and all that 
sacred aluminum to indefensible risk.  (Personal experience -- my 
wife has had a couple of those, and went through brake linings like 
they were paper napkins.)

Obviously, you like your Voyager.  Then consider switching to a 
conversion van with a long wheelbase, a big engine, and a 4.10 rear 
end.  There are plenty of used conversions on the market, so if you 
shop for something with relatively lightweight casework you will end 
up with a vehicle that will feel similar to your Voyager (ladies will 
love sitting up that high), be able to pull the a/s up brick walls 
without even noticing, and will stop it on the proverbial dime -- even 
going down the same brick wall.  As an added bonus, there will be no 
way the tail can wag the dog.  On top of all that, the van will be 
available as an extra room for your mobile dwelling that will almost 
double its size (put a bed in it if you wish).  Finally, when all this is 
done, the mileage won't even be that bad -- the engine will be 
loafing.

Your call.

             -- Lew #4239

'72 Safari
bicycle and conversion van