vehicle for dob

At some point I'd like to upgrade to a bigger (16"-18") dob. Right now I drive a Honda Accord, and I doubt any scope of this size will fit into an Accord.

I'd rather not buy an SUV. I prefer sedans and would like to stick with something similar. I'm guessing a hatchback or wagon of some sort would be the ticket. Any suggestions???

Thanks,

Duane

A truss style dob should fit in your Accord. Anything bigger than 12.5 or so ought to be a truss anyway so your current car ought to work.

jon

I have 2 sugestions. First, if you want to keep everything in the car, consider a station wagon. I like Subaru's myself, but there are lots of them around.

Second, how about a trailer? I saw a guy at a star party recently with a really nice setup - a Subaru WRX with a trailer that had roughly the shape of a VW bug (a bit smaller than one). The back end of the trailer had a "trunk" opening that revealed a kitchen setup (sink, stove, mini-fridge), the center and front sections held his scope in transit, and became a sleeping area when the scope was set up. He only had a 14.5" scope, but there was easily room for a 20"-24" truss in there.

Jarad

Duane, I just bought a Pontiac Vibe (GM has some really good incentives on 2004s right now), which is really a Toyota Matrix under the nameplate. It's a small wagon, but with the rear seats folded flat there is a LOT of room, more than enough for that sized dob. My 13" solid tube dob (with 16" tube) will fit in it easily. A friend of mine transports a 12.5" Portaball in his Matrix.

My $.02

Doug

Duane,

I have three refractors and two mounts which I transport occasionally. For this purpose I use a Toyota Sienna minivan with the two rear sets of seats removed. While The Sienna is functional, very reliable, and reasonably priced, it lacks panache. I am trying to talk my wife into a Questar and a Porche, which seems to me a nice match, but that is another subject for another time. I think a minivan is an economical and practical choice.

Walter

Duane,
I use my 'beater' car for hauling stuff. That usually means lumber up to 10' long, tools, trash to the dump, etc. My '86 Volvo wagon has done this well but it's over 300k in miles now. I ended up choosing a Honda Element to replace it. It's cheap, has lots of room, and the engine and transmission have a good reliability record. With windows all around, it's easier to drive than a van and the rear seats fold out of the way (or are easily removable). Just one more vehicle to consider. Or two: a low mileage Volvo wagon might fit your needs, too.

dan kowall

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I think first I'll challenge myself to see what I can fit in my Accord.

The next time I buy a vehicle I'll probably look for something that's friendlier to big scopes.

Duane

Duane,

I was in your same situation. I recently upgraded to an 18" Obsession. It fits nicely into the back of my BMW 318ti hatchback. I haven't fashioned ramps yet, so it takes 2 people to lift the rocker box and mirror box int the hatch. It is not too heavy, just bulky.