Random Thoughts

[BoldAdventure]

I'm over the "Made in America" is somehow better nonsense we all delude ourselves into believing. I usually try to buy things made in the USA, but as of late, a number of things I've bought made in the USA have shown the wonderfulness of American work ethic. Both in terms of quality and customer support.

Airstreams are made in America, how many folks complain about that. So just because it was made in some asian nation doesn't mean it's garbage by default. I think it just means you need to be more choosey and make sure you are getting what you want.

But the truth is, "Made in America" does not equal better quality product by default.

[lahrfarm]

I never thought it was about quality, it's about supporting American companies, and American jobs.

[lahrfarm]

I live in a very small town. I buy American, when possible, and shop at the few local businesses we have. They cost a bit more, but they are good people. I still have to go to Walmart ect...😉

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, to me, Made in America can mean it's made in any of the North or South American countries. It needs to say made in USA.

[paiceman]

Made in America often means it was assembled in America, often using foreign parts to assemble the finished product. Plus most companies are now international entities and a company you "know" is American because all the assembly points are in the US is actually an Irish company as their corporate tax rate is 13.5% vs the US corporate tax rate of if I remember correctly 38%.

When something says "Made in America" it actually only has to be assemble in the US, Canada or Mexico. One of the companies I was GM which each of us would swear is totally US, secured parts from all over the world, assembled them in the US to make the product and the corporate headquarters was also overseas.

Bud

[switz]

In the 50s, made in USA could also mean made in Usa, Japan where a lot of "inexpensive" stuff was made and shipped here.

[BoldAdventure]

I was using Made in America and Made in the USA interchangeably in reference to folks always assuming that it equals better quality by default. My argument is that is not always the case anymore.

We try to support only local businesses and avoid franchises and national chains. One of the things we do while full-timing is completely avoid eating at chain/franchise based restaurants. And we look for IGA groceries when we can along with farmers markets.

[BoldAdventure]

Apparently I'm doing it wrong, or I'm an ultra-minimalist without trying. Late 30 something couple pulls up behind us in this environment murdering monstrosity with two kids not much older than ours.

[Wayne&Sam]

Not to worry Bold, you're on a better path.

[J. Morgan]

It wouldn't surprise me if that Freightliner gets as good or better fuel mileage towing than most or all pickups towing a similar load.

[Msmoto]

I would guess the freightliner pulling the fifth wheel get between 8 & 10 mpg if they are lucky. The diesel is probably 9 l at least. But only my guess.


Ms. Tommie Lauer
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[J. Morgan]

At 60 or 65 I would get 7.5 to 8 with a loaded 53 foot trailer...

It wouldn't surprise me if that little truck and "little" trailer got quite a bit better.

But ever if your figures are right, that Freightliner is not going to be a gross fuel waster when compared with a comparable pick up truck.

Sometimes first glances generate the wrong conclusions. The truck LOOKS like a waster, but it probably isn't!

[slowmover]

There's a group on SKP who utilize this size. Some private, and some in business. The TV (even a Class 8 Volvo, modified to single drive axle) often post better mpg numbers than lighter rigs using pickups. And were cheaper to buy as well.

Frankly, anyone posting less than 20-mpg towing a sub 25' Airstream has made the decision to be "dirty" for selfish reasons.

Things are not always as they appear.

One of those big rigs that can park and go without re supply for two weeks can also be seen as more efficient than a small rig which has no choice but to move every three days.

Those who start with a clean sheet of paper as to FE, longevity, reliability as well as capacities usually have to give up assumptions about what is necessary and what isn't.

Extra propane capacity makes sense. But a BBQ grill doesn't.

Etc.

[Secguru]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

It wouldn't surprise me if that Freightliner gets as good or better fuel mileage towing than most or all pickups towing a similar load.

Well, as a former Freightliner FL60 owner/driver (I towed a 37ft high-line 5th wheel travel trailer with it), I would be very surprised if it got more than 10mpg towing.

I currently get 21 to 25.5mpg with my 2006 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins diesel towing my 1983 34' restored Avion 34V.

Believe me, I'm much happier with both my current TV and my current (and last) travel trailer.

(Livin' in Aluminum!!!)

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

[QUOTE=slowmover;1651793]
Frankly, anyone posting less than 20-mpg towing a sub 25' Airstream has made the decision to be "dirty" for selfish reasons.



/QUOTE]

Hi, what in the world are you talking about???????? How many people are there out there towing any Airstream while getting better than 20 MPG ??????? You just called everyone selfish. What about you?????? I think you should look in a mirror.

[J. Morgan]

Sorry, anyone claiming 20 or more mpg while towing an Airstream (or Avion) , is going to earn a healthy dose of my skepticism.

#JustSayin

[SeeMore]

Originally Posted by BoldAdventure

Apparently I'm doing it wrong, or I'm an ultra-minimalist without trying. Late 30 something couple pulls up behind us in this environment murdering monstrosity with two kids not much older than ours.

If that hurt, wait until BeetleBob and Pagey park their 2015 Freightliner M2 and 2015 Classic beside you!

[boondockdad]

I'm getting around 11mpg with our 7.3L PSD

Which, IMHO, supersedes any and all green/sustainable/carbon friendly ratings anywhere- when you look at the totality of the situation (including MPG per passenger).

A family of 8 living out of a 30' trailer, and all the significantly reduced 'footprint' that entails... I could be getting 5 gallons to the mile, and still be 'cleaner' than the average home-dwelling consumer.

[Panama Red]

I'm growing a couple hundred acres of trees, so I'll see your carbon footprint, and raise you an Al Gore...

-Red, stomping around with his big old carbon feet...

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by Panama Red

I'm growing a couple hundred acres of trees, so I'll see your carbon footprint, and raise you an Al Gore...

-Red, stomping around with his big old carbon feet...

Bwaahahahahahaha!!!!!

I love it!