New HG vehicle

Post by **Dave Proctor** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:57 am

Well, the truck was getting long in the tooth, so I decided it was time for a replacement. The new vehicle will carry three pilots, harnesses, gliders and gear. Will cruise comfortably at 80mph, and best of all, get 40+ miles per gallon. I bought a VW Jetta TDI. The bad: it's not as not smooth, fast or comfortable as the Audi; it doesn't carry as many gliders as the truck and it isn't 4wd. The good: It is way smoother, more comfortable and will carry more people (inside) than the truck. It gets 2x the mileage of the Audi and almost 3x the mileage of the truck. The VW also has a DSG transmission, which is basically a 6-speed manual without a clutch pedal. It has two computer controlled clutches. Pretty slick. Can be used in full auto mode, sport auto mode, or manual sequential mode. While the rack still needs some finishing touches it is useable. I am working on the 2M radio install and bluetooth for phone. All in all a very civilized HG vehicle.

DaveP

Post by **mcelrah** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:05 pm

Way cool! What's your opinion: could that thing tow a light trailer? Like for a motorcycle or a trike. - Hugh

Post by **Dave Proctor** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:56 pm

Hugh,

The manual lists max trailer weight at 1000lbs (both with and without trailer brakes), max tongue weight 200lbs. The engine has 100 hp and 170 ftlbs. The torque is substantial. I don't think it would be a problem towing a trailer in the 6-700 lb range. Trailer limits are typically optimistic so I wouldn't want to routinely tow anything approaching 1000 lbs.

DaveP

Post by **obryandavid** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:51 am

I can vouch for the torque of the Jetta Tdi. We have a 2002 Tdi wagon and this last summer we had to take it camping instead of our Vanagon Westfalia since I am still putting the Subaru engine in the Vanagon. We had the Jetta loaded with 3 adults, a child, about 300 lbs on the roof rack

and easily a couple hundred more in the back. I never had to slow down or downshift on the hills from Slippery Rock, PA to home via Rt 70. 75 MPH or more the whole way and 45 MPG also.

hanging3 · Post by **hanging3** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:07 pm

Hey Dave,
Did you have a long wait to get the diesel?
Cool vehicle!

Post by **Dave Proctor** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:25 pm

I sent out an email requesting quotes from about 10 dealers. Only one came back with a possible fit, and it was 45 days out (back in early August). This was mainly because of my requirement to get the DSG

and No sunroof. No sunroof on the Jetta means *no* packages and you know how the foreign cars are. While in theory you can get them without a package, it is quite rare. I didn't want to give up the headroom to the sunroof. Now for the bad news. VW is not producing any TDI cars for 2007. They are going to wait until 2008 when low sulfur fuel will be available. If you want one you will have to settle for a 2006 (or wait for 2008s), and I think the dealers have gotten the last of the 2006's so what they have in stock is what you have to pick from. You can search dealers inventories at vw.com pretty easily, but you have to do it one dealer at a time

.

DaveP

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:03 am

Dave Proctor wrote:I sent out an email requesting quotes from about 10 dealers. Only one came back with a possible fit, and it was 45 days out (back in early August). This was mainly because of my requirement to get the DSG and No sunroof. No sunroof on the Jetta means *no* packages and you know how the foreign cars are. While in theory you can get them without a package, it is quite rare. I didn't want to give up the headroom to the sunroof. Now for the bad news. VW is not producing any TDI cars for 2007. They are going to wait until 2008 when low sulfur fuel will be available. If you want one you will have to settle for a 2006 (or wait for 2008s), and I think the dealers have gotten the last of the 2006's so what they have in stock is what you have to pick from. You can search dealers inventories at vw.com pretty easily, but you have to do it one dealer at a time .

DaveP

Speaking of cool vehicles--are you going to have to plug it in to keep her warm at night during the winter?

marc

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:15 am

I was looking at the same kind of set-up--but believe it or not Maine doesn't allow diesel passenger vehicle sales, even with controls on sulfer fuels. Meanwhile, Maine allows low-mileage trucks, many which "sneak" higher sulphur (cheaper) non-red diesel fuel.

I settled on a Pontiac Vibe--which is basically a Toyota Matrix with a different skin. Has decent room and gets almost 40 mpg, but I haven't loaded it up yet for a long trip. As a downside, it uses only 91 or better octane, so your "real feel" savings compared to regular burning vehicles would yield less mileage per equivalent dollar spent. Ground clearance is low too, so trips up Daniels wouldn't be possible. But I got it brand new for 13K.

marc

Post by **Dave Proctor** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:05 am

Marc,

I thought about a lot of the gas econo-boxes, but I think while they may get mid 30's mpg with nothing on the roof, once you put a rack and glider up there they will drop off significantly. I would be curious what type of mileage people are seeing with these vehicles when loaded up. I haven't seen any significant drop in mileage with one glider on the roof, still around 40.

DaveP

Post by **hang_pilot** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 5:23 pm

Dave Proctor wrote:VW is not producing any TDI cars for 2007. They are going to wait until 2008 when low sulfur fuel will be available.

The fuel is here, the car's aren't. EPA required stations to start pumping low sulfur diesel as of 10/15. VW's 2006 models do not meet EPA 2007 emissions standards. In 2009, an even stricter set of regulations becomes effective. Rather than spend the money making the technological changes necessary to comply with 2007, VW are pulling their diesel line out of the US the market and will re-enter in ‘08 with an ’09 compliant product line.

CA, MA, ME, NY & VT have adopted the ’09 standards early, so that’s why you can’t buy a current model diesel in Finksville.

You don't have to plug them in at night anymore.

I now return to studying,
~Daniel

My girlfriend, Charlotte, is a hired gun for the diesel industry.

Post by **mcelrah** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 6:24 am

My 2003 Vibe is the "mid-life crisis" model with the VVTi 1.8 liter engine that gets 170 hp - at 7500 RPM. You get a six-speed manual with that, disc brakes all around, low profile performance tires on 17-inch wheels. Advertised mileage of 25 city/31 highway is about right, with one glider loaded. 92 octane gas, though. - Hugh

Post by **Dave Proctor** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:58 am

Daniel,

Thanks for the inside scoop. I had been told by a couple of the dealers that it was the low sulfur fuel. I guess VW just figured it wasn't worth a new engine for 2007 that would be out in two years. The new regs must be pretty strict because Europe already has low sulfur fuel. I have seen some pumps with warnings that they are not for 2007 vehicles. I know that clogged EGR systems is a problem with the TDIs. Maybe the low-sulfur fuel will help with this problem.

Hugh- Is that 31mpg with local fuel? The Audi would get 23 on the hwy on Maryland's suck-ass oxygenaged fuel. On North Carolina fuel I got 27-28 (calculated over a one day trip, not all hwy either), and on Ohio fuel I was seeing instaneous readings in the 29-30 range on level ground (but didn't calc mileage over the trip). Just curious if anyone else that travels has noticed the difference.

DaveP

Post by **mcelrah** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:32 am

I generally put in the cheapest stuff I can find, although I will spring for 93 octane if I can get it. Lacking an instantaneous mileage calculator, I'm afraid my mileage calculations are more like: "hmmm...252 miles and 8.2 gallons, yup, sumpin' like 30 mpg..." I have not noticed any difference in gas purchased in different states.

An associate at work has just purchased an old Mercedes 300D to convert to biodiesel/used frying grease filtered into a separate tank in the trunk from Five Guys and McDonalds. You put heating pads on the tank to keep the grease liquid, start up on regular diesel, let the heaters work, then cut in the grease, then switch back to regular diesel for the last few minutes to clean out lines, fuel pump, injectors so nothing congeals in there...

- Hugh

bustedwing2 · Post by **bustedwing2** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:54 am

My old 1988 Ranger4wd just gave me one way mileage to Ridgely a week ago of 22mpg,glider on the roof for the return trip,some local driving around town,pilot ride to the Pulpit,stop and go to Kirschners,overall for 465 miles of 20.5 mpg,regular gas.No payment book.

Post by **hepcat1989** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 6:59 pm

As far as my 93 VW Passat VR6...... I run it hard ,and it takes it!
Gas milage- F**K, I don't know,but I likes driving it!
FARFROMPUKIN- Drivers Wanted!
Peace, Shawn.

Flying Lobster · Post by **Flying Lobster** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 11:35 pm

hang_pilot wrote:
Dave Proctor wrote:VW is not producing any TDI cars for 2007. They are going to wait until 2008 when low sulfur fuel will be available.
The fuel is here, the car's aren't. EPA required stations to start pumping low sulfur diesel as of 10/15. VW's 2006 models do not meet EPA 2007 emissions standards. In 2009, an even stricter set of regulations becomes effective. Rather than spend the money making the technological changes necessary to comply with 2007, VW are pulling their diesel line out of the US the market and will re-enter in ‘08 with an ’09 compliant product line.

CA, MA, ME, NY & VT have adopted the ’09 standards early, so that’s why you can’t buy a current model diesel in Finksville.

You don't have to plug them in at night anymore.

I now return to studying,
~Daniel

My girlfriend, Charlotte, is a hired gun for the diesel industry.

Tad Eareckson · Post by **Tad Eareckson** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 8:31 am

VW Passat Sedan TDI (diesel) 1996
5 speed manual
121K
50+ mpg combined
racks on
glider on sometimes
air conditioning running a lot of the time

Aids...

Damnable daytime running lights disabled.
Cruise control at 55 in right lane.
Wiper blades live in cabin 'cept...
In stop and go backups maintain steady creep.
Plan ahead to avoid braking.

Cheating...

Tires a bit overinflated but no apparent associated wear problems.
Draft semis up to 65-70 mph steady.
Sneak past 35 mph speed limits to stay in top gear when coast is clear.

Details...

Racks

The racks front support is essentially a Wills Wing AT inverted control frame with the streamlined downtubes spread to perpendicular with the straight basetube. It's cross braced with turnbuckle tensioned flying wires. Longitudinal poles running aft from the top corners to the fore roof rack ends brace it fore/aft.

The roof racks are Yakima.

The three lateral supports (bow and roof pair) are faired with Yakima obscenely overpriced and counterintuitively named WindJammers (I'm suspicious of the effectiveness of their "Fairing"). The fairings angles of attack reflect the ridge lift at the bow and moderate and major downflows at the fore and aft roof racks respectively.

A cradle consisting of a third longitudinal section of 10" x 13' Schedule 40 PVC pipe (Victor just adopted the other two.) is mounted via three machine screws on the centerline with a slightly negative AOA to compensate for the ridge lift. Comes off after trips to Ridgely 'cause it weighs 34 pounds and interferes with vertical airflow.

The entire assembly takes about an hour and a half to rig so stays on for the season ('cept for aforementioned cradle).

Glider

Custom tapered bag - no flapping - with no handles (ever wonder if all that drag is worth the convenience of not having to grab a handful of material instead during the second and a half the glider is raised to shoulder level?).

Straps

Custom lengths for the three securing points, snap shackle fasteners, no loose ends flapping in the breeze.