Join us as we run down this week’s top five, take some time to rant about the cost of fuel’s affect on working people, and offer some insight into an upcoming Toolmonger feature: five grills to help you (re)kindle the flame this summer. Remember, if you’ve got a question or comment you can call us at 866-718-9403. (Podcast Download)
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2 Responses to Tool Talk #41: Trucks and Grills
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Hi guys – On the trucks, there IS an economical alternative available. The Dodge/Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter gets an average of 24mpg in daily use. It comes in all kinds of configurations and capable of towing. There is a cab chassis available as well. Utility, dump and dropside bodies are out there.
Of course, you do have to buy diesel, which is more expensive these days. It’s not perfect, I have heard about some known gripes with the Sprinter, but I am pretty impressed with this vehicle.
The rumor mills also say that the domestic manufacturers are working on some light duty diesels that will appear in trucks like the F150.
On the charcoal, ROCK ON. But lighting lump charcoal doesn’t have to be that hard. I just light mine with a MAPP torch held in three couple spots for about 20 seconds each. You need a ceramic cooker in your review, like the Big Green Egg. It can go from 700 degrees for searing steaks, down to low and slow BBQ temperatures. Yes, and you can also bake breads, cakes, pizza etc in it.
I agree with Kelley, those sprinters are nice vans. Tons of nice features that people who work out of vans (such as myself) really appreciate. That being said i drive a F-250. It’s like they actually did customer research! Their future is in doubt though, since Daimler and Chrysler split. New dodge vans are going to be subbed out to Nissan so it might be all Freightliner.
Check out this link about the possibility of ford adding a hydraulic regenerative braking system in 2009 models. It could potentially increase stop and go mileage. http://tinyurl.com/yt4o83
Also the 2008 Tahoe hybrid has a really interesting transmission that mates a Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT) with four fixed gears. The CVT keeps it pegged smack in the middle of its torque curve for normal driving while the fixed gears are for towing. Cool idea that would be nice to see in smaller trucks. http://tinyurl.com/64t625
If all else fails there’s always one of these. 🙂 http://tinyurl.com/5tznw9
3000 euros seems a bit steep though.