Using an Insight as a "Toad"

JimIsbell · 07-13-2008, 09:13 PM

I am considering using my Insight as a "Toad" behind my 1967 UltraVan motor home. The Ultravan is similar to the Insight in that it is all aluminum with no chassis, monoque construction. It weighs only 3700 pounds and gets 16 to 21 MPG on the highway. But it is very low powered, 95 hp Corvair air cooled engine, so the usual "Toad" is far to heavy for it. But the 1800 pounds of an Insight would be possible especially with its low rolling resistance. BUT what about the transmission? Can I tow it flat with the 5 speed tranny in neutral?

Pictures of the UltraVan are at http://picasaweb.google.com/jim.isbell

ibjeff · 07-13-2008, 09:32 PM

I am very familiar with the"Whale on Wheels" There is a Corvair collector friend in Apache Junction that has 2 Ultravans. He has an early model with the aircooled corvair 6 and one of the last UltraVans with the rear V8! Very strange, but very cool RVs

JimIsbell · 07-13-2008, 09:45 PM

You are talking about Howard Boso. A very good friend. We have an annual gathering there at his place in February of the year.

ibjeff · 07-13-2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimIsbell

You are talking about Howard Boso. A very good friend. We have an annual gathering there at his place in February of the year.

YES!!!!!!!!! I almost bought the older one years ago and went the classic Airstream motorhome route instead! Small World

Dgate · 07-14-2008, 03:54 AM

JimIsbell Wrote....Can I tow it flat with the 5 speed tranny in neutral?

I see no reason why it wouldn't tow just as any other vehicle with manual tranny and front drive.
I do have reservations about the electric power steering and neutral toe in/out geometry but it may be no problem.

I'm curious just how many toys do you have? So far I count 3 Jags,2 Boats,1 Motor home,1 Insight and a couple of projects.
Can I come to your house and play sometime?

DGate

JimIsbell · 07-14-2008, 09:29 AM

ibjeff, I bought a 1972 Travoy from Howard. If you ever saw it you would recognize it. It looks like a Santa Fe Streamliner. I have spent many enjoyable hours and days with Howard and Marsha. It is a small world for sure. I am selling all my antique motor homes now, but the UltraVan will be the last to go.

How many toys? More than enough, 2 motorhomes, 8 cars, 3 or more boats,1 motorcycle, 3 houses, but its lots more work than play. Sure you can come over to play, but better be ready to work on something.