Sometimes good luck happens.

The other day while checking one of my regular web sites, I happen to see a post about a Dodge Van for sale in Salem, Oregon.  Mind you I already have an old one ton “Maxi-Van” that we use for towing.  The van in Salem was newer, an 84 as opposed to my 71, and a slant six engine.

Well a few phone calls to confirm the price, $175 seemed too low, but that was the price.  My brother and I took a quick trip to look it over.  I was is pretty good shape, but was in need of a radiator, due to a freak accedent involving a tent pole.  Found a radiator $75, bringing the total to $250.

I had to get back on the road with the Freightliner, so Robert made the trip back to Salem to drop in the new radiator, and bring the van back to Portland.  Reports are that it runs very well, and seems to be in good condition.

Seems like a silly thing to add to our growing fleet, really it doesn’t do anything that the Maxi can’t, but it is easier to drive around town, and while the Maxi gets about 12 MPG, the 1/2 ton van is closer to 20 MPG.

All things considered, it fits with my new view on vehicles.  I had a run of bad luck with the newer computer controled cars, and am beginning to think about going back to well maintained older cars.

Sure we’ll keep the Intrepid, I’ve replaced just about every part on it by now, and it seems to have settled into old age well.  The 66 Valiant stays, the little slant six in that will probably run forever, and there is not one part on it I can’t repair in a weekend.  The M.G. Midget, that’s Junes baby, and it couldn’t be simpler to work with.

I just like the idea of lifting the hood, and recognising every part.

Cars like the Sebring, which needs an engine. Well….I read through the manual on it, something I should have done before buying the car.  Simple repairs on the Sebring are major jobs.  The engine dosen’t even pull through the hood, you unbolt the motor then lift the car off the motor.  Yes it can be done, but not my cup of tea.

U-Haul Rant

I’ll depart from my normal posts to warn you about U-Haul.  You see the vans around town with that “Rent this truck for 29.95 a day” painted on the side.

Well what they don’t tell you is that their going to add a huge mileage charge to that daily fee.

Last week my oldest Daughter was faced with an quick move, oh and there’s a whole story about that.  Anyway I happen to get the chance for a trip to Phoenix, and would be in the area during her move.  The was apparent that we needed a van or pick-up for some of the move, my 53 foot trailer and Freightliner tractor, could not get into the apartment complex. 74 feet of truck is a little bulky at times.

Well, I went to the local U-Hual and rented a Ford Van.  One short move, for many reasons I’ll not say to where, returned the Van and payed $93.00 for the daily plus mileage.  Mind you, I could have dropped my 53 foot trailer, and rented a 28 foot furniture van for $35 for the day.

To be fair power is way more expensive that trailers.  If you should, always try to get the job done with a trailer.  Even if your car is a Mini, or a Golf, think about getting a proper trailer hitch, that way when the need comes along, you can rent a small trailer, for $20 a day, and no mileage charge.  It’s just a better idea.

With a 28 foot trailer, both apartments would have been no problem.

Just something to think about before you rent a truck.  Think about passing some cash to a friend with a pick-up, or a Van.  To many people $50 will get you a Van and some help for the move.