Re: [Paddlewise] Small car capability

MadPoodle_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> michaeldaly_at_home.com wrote:
> 
> >Two sea kayaks and a rack are about the same weight as one small person.
> >The gear I carry for two on a long weekend's trip weighs about the same.
> >Not what I'd consider an excessive load and well within the ratings for
> >the car.
> 
> Within the **weight** ratings, certainly. But what about factoring in the
> additional wind resistance load (s) both just plain going down the road, and
> also in crosswinds? [snip]

Anecdote in support:  Couple years ago, I loaded a big double and a large
single atop my '87 Mazda PU and took off for Canada.  A hundred miles later,
the strain of pushing that profile at freeway speeds revealed my radiator was
shot.  (Fortunately, there was a good radiator shop at the exit where it
cratered -- trip salvaged!)  My "normal" driving pattern did not push that
light PU much.  Haulin' yaks in quantity *did.*

> Ultimately, buy what you need. Keep in mind, we all have different needs from
> our vehicle. My full size diesel pickup is certainly not what most people
> would buy to haul a 'yak or three. But since I tow heavy trailers daily, its
> what I need, so I bought it. If your lifestyle is such that a moped with a
> 'yak trailer works, please, buy it and get on with life....

I like that, Scott ... errr ... Mr. Poodle.  You summarized perfectly my shot
at this thread.  

A compact pickup with a low-profile canopy fits my needs perfectly, but maybe
not anybody else's.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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