Bruce Greeff wrote:
Now that is a sensible argument for having the big lump. I just fail to
understand the "bigger is always better" argument.

I most situations that the average driver experiences - an SUV or "full
size" sedan is more liability than advantage. At least the guy with the
compact sedan can dodge the 18 wheeler...

How about the 34-wheeler, 42-tonne, B-double passing you at 110k on a
narrow, single lane road in a 30knot crosswind gust at the top of the
Great Dividing Range? Or a road train with 500 sheep on it? The guy in
the Civic can have his nimble, comfortable, economical car but he'll
scare himself witless and it'll nimble him right off the road with the
blast from the truck. Cars are just the same as aeroplanes. More
nimble = less stable.

I prefer two and a half tonnes with under a metre from towball to back
axle. They don't take crap from glider trailers and they don't get
blown off the road.

- in something as nimble as the
agerage big SUV it comes down to trying to intimidate your way on the
road. Problem is that does not work with the average 18 wheeler (at
least where I come from) Fact is that these jobs are less safe, less
economical and more work to drive in most situations. I know the average
US male has never had the opportunity to experience the convenience of
driving a spacious, comfortable and compact car.

Wow!! I didn't know so many prejudices could co-exist in one small
jaapie - and all at the same time!

If you have a situation that justifies the inconvenience - like having
real need of off road capability - drive the SUV.

I drove mine 2 kms to the shops today on a smooth bitumen road. It was
quiet, smooth, relaxing - and with its 6-stacker, I could play both
kinds - country AND western! Last week I drove 800kms a day for a
couple of days with a two-seater glider behind. It was still quiet,
smooth, relaxing AND the music was just as good! How can that be
inconvenient?

Get your hands above the desk, Bruce baby.

...If you can afford it,
as a couple of my friends can, have the SUV for when you need it and a
more practical vehicle for the commute. (As an extreme - one member at
our club drives a 2ton Landrover Discovery for gliding and
mountaineering, and Scuba expeditions, but commutes in a Mini Cooper S)

Whatever works for you.

Ah! That sounds a bit more tolerant.

...I just fail to understand those who have to
justify emotional / ego / social purchases by somehow trying to
construct a reasoned argument for why bigger is better. If you take that
to it's logical conclusion you should be buying Peterbilt (Or Mercedes,
or Renault...) horses for commuting in- I mean there is no shortage of
power, leather upholstery, aircon, air suspension, power everything, and
the best thing is you don't have to dodge the 18 wheelers, you are on
their level so to speak.

No, Bruce, that's dopey. All anyone said was that a 1 1/2 tonne glider
trailer is best controlled by something a little larger than it is. 2
1/2 stable tonnes will do fine. If you want to do it (tow) with a
little car, go ahead, but you'd be much more relaxed, comfortable, safe
and in control in my 4WD.

For what it is worth I have driven military 10ton 6 wheel drives through
Damaraland in Namibia - really needed the traction, power and ground
clearance, especially in case we hit a landmine, but I would hate to put
this on my list of fun vehicles to drive. Also driven all over South
Africa in ordinary sedans and MPVs, most with front wheel drive. Towed
retrieves with vehicles ranging from a Jeep Cherokee, to a 1600 hatch.
Have to say that for comfort, safety, good stability and everyday
convenience the best I have met is a small MPV. The current crop has
adequate power, excellent aerodynamics for stability in those windy
situations and certainly beats driving a truck all day.

Well, Brucie, we can all claim our experience. After 40 years towing
all over Oz, here's mine in a nutshell: I've towed with big and I've
towed with small and believe me big is better (with apologies to Pearl
Bailey(?)).

Problem is the US carmakers can't make small cars profitably, SUVs are
very profitable because they are made on cheaper "truck" platforms. Once
again we have the victory of marketing and corporate profit over common
sense.

Now, Bruce, watch those prejudices! They sneak out and show your true
colours just when you're sounding all pompous and solemn.

GC