Following this logic, I'd be better off using an M-1
Abrahms... :-))

You are correct. In a panic, rainy, downhill stop
situation, I'd take the Abrams if it was available
)

All kidding aside, the 3/4-ton Dodge diesel gets 25
MPG empty, 20 in town and 20 pulling the sailplane
trailer. (I'm not exaggerating. I keep a fuel logbook
for tax purposes.) In its 2 WD configuration, 5 speed,
and without a lot of bells and whistles, it cost around
$26000 new in 2001. It now has 165,000 miles (mostly
pulling the trailer) and runs like new. Other than
oil changes, it's never been in the shop. I expect
it to last around 300,000 miles. The last set of tires
even lasted 90,000 miles! It's big, comfortable and
roomy enough for all my gear. I've run the numbers.
It is the cheapest sailplane transporter there is.
And no sparkplugs to change )

There is NEVER a question about towing authority.
I've had a few panic stop situations that would have
been pretty scary in anything lighter. I've had trailer
tires blow and wouldn't have even known if I hadn't
heard the bang.

I've seen a sailplane trailer blow a tire and wrap
itself around an Acura Legend. Totaled the car and
trailer. Luckily, the sailplane wasn't in it at the
time. Nearly sideswiped a semi in the process. Up
till then, it towed fine.

If you tow a lot with the VW, you can expect to put
a new transmission in before 100,000 miles. And a
hefty fee to tow it and the trailer from whatever God-forsaken
stretch of highway it failed on...probably at midnight.

Just my $.02 worth.





At 22:00 04 February 2005, Papa3 wrote:
IMHO, not nearly enough
tow vehicle mass, regardless of tires

Following this logic, I'd be better off using an M-1
Abrahms... :-))

The Passat is a fantastic tow vehicle. With a curb
weight of around
3800 lbs, all-wheel drive, stiff suspension, low CG,
and a relatively
short coupling between hitch and rear axle, it's a
great compromise
between tow vehicle and every day transportation.
And with highway
mileage of about 25 (versus what - 16 for the Dodge?),
I can still
afford to take a tow when I get to the airport! (and
no, I don't really
tow at 75mph, but it is [was] no problem if I needed
to for short
bursts with the old setup).

P3