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<DIV>In a message dated 9/6/2005 10:58:20 AM Eastern Standard Time,
bob@toprudder.com writes:</DIV>
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<DIV>Gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped. Highway mpg at 70mph
is less than 24.</DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=3>As far as I am concerned, a minivan is the best all round
pattern plane hauler. I have a 1994 Aerostar extended window van. Carried three
pattern planes, all required field and support gear and fuel for them, personal
luggage for myself and Kirk Gray and what became known as the "Official Team
Cooler" to the 1999 World Championships. All with comfort, room for leg
stretching, a good ride and 22 mpg.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>I am partial to the older style like the Aerostar and Astro
with the removable seats and flat floor. With the seats removed, there is almost
no limit to what they can carry for two people at a pattern contest for the
weekend. I am surprized that Ron Lockhart didn't recommend one. Have you
ever seen all the stuff that Ron and Dave pack in their Astro? And , yes is the
answer, if you feel compelled to ask me if I can put a whole sheet of plywood
inside. Many in fact !</FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>The newer front drives such as the Caravan and Windstar can
carry two planes, two pilots, and gear with the seats in them and
folded.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>While not going to contest, they make great get around errand
runners, take the kids to school, grocery getters.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>If all you want is a "pattern wagon" , nice used Astros
and Aerostars can be found at economical prices (cheap) and they are very
reasonable to insure. If you need a little more of a second family use vehicle,
they can do, but a newer style might fit that role better.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>I also have a 2000 Explorer and a small trailer that I use.
However, for day in and day out overall versitility, I would give the nod to the
van.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>201,000 miles and a new set of tires, the Aerostar is still
going strong.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Robert Gainey</FONT></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>