Just got the copy of our Owners manual from Secretarial Serives. Skimmed through and it is going to be very helpful in some ways and as some of you had mentioned - certain areas only give the basics.
So far - there is really nothing that is overly complicated - in fact the systems are quite simple - no wonder some of you ...
when you read a "newbies" post
.
Two things I found interesting.
1. The Vinyl -Asbestos - Floor - Yikes - but was put at ease by Rog's thread "Via Search" and Shari's great research as usual - bravo!! - so if we need to replace the floor we will follow very strict protocols. and;
2. The Airstream "Weight-to Horsepower - Ratio" I keyed this into the Search but nothing came up.
Having had a bit of concern at the begining with our Tow Vehicle (as we bought it well before our decision to buy an A/S - and was not prepared to nip out and buy another brand new TV
)
We knew our choices in A/S were somewhat limited. The new A/S's seemed incredibly heavy not too mention incredibly expensive! our lifestyle did not suite the over 24's footers (not full timers yet but will no doubt upgrade when the time comes) and our luck at finding a 50's A/S in relatively great shape would be a long search) So when we came across the 69 Globe Trotter - it really fit perfectly into the specs we were looking at.
Getting back to the above ratio - is there a reason that this is not used anymore? Seems pretty logical to me. But then I am certainly no mechanic or really into the vroom vroom and ins and outs of the marvalled engine.
I realize there is the issue of Mountain driving - and possible overheating - but if well equipped with coolers and sensible speeds are maintained then it should not be a problem. - right?
There are also suggestions that the smaller engines V6 will not last - but if they are maintained well, and the OD is used correctly and excessive speeds and overloading are avoided then why should an engine fail any quicker?
Anyway we put the Kia Sorento through the ratio formula - and she falls within the 30- 40 WTH noted as very adequately powered empty and just 7 points over, loaded (adding an extra 1000# to the trailer and 550# to the Vehicle) but a respectable 13 points below the recommended upper limit of 60 WTH.
Airstreams comment of "with any lower ratio being a "Hot Rod" - (under 30 that is) .. brought a smile - and what I envisioned was a big Shinny Diesle Dually pulling our GT through the back roads of the Kawarthas. I'd just have to put her in drive and let her go
- no foot on the gas - yeh ha!
Anyway it was just really interesting and seemed to make a lot of sense - as I have always thought trailering is all in the weight distribution system as well a bit of pepiness to pull with and of course exceptional brakes on the Trailer.
In the flats where it was safe to pull out and pass the slower traffic and push up to the 65-70 mark we were very impressed. The hills she also held her own without a struggle - so I'm sure that when it comes time to tackling a few mountains - with OD off and possibly using 2nd just prior to apex she will have the same pep but at a slower - safer speed for the condition. (You know Slow Traffic Keep Right
)
On another note we finally got around to calculating our gas mileage from our trip - keeping in mind the vehicle was brand new - well just went passed the 800km break in perioed and safe to tow. Before we left we were barely getting 12mph - Highway or City. By the time we picked her up she travelled home at 14mpg (all up hill). And, much to our surprise unloaded she now gets just under double - around 24mpg highway for an SUV that is much heavier than any other in her class - that is pretty good. (we were warned that her mileage would be lower - but we wanted a heavier vehicle with a truck frame rather than a "unibody")
SPK
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