The problem with cheap oil is it eliminates/lowers potential profits for alternatives which eliminates the drive towards innovation (which is generally fueled by $$$$). I watched as govt funding for energy research (for example solar research) dried up in the 80s & 90s when the price of oil was no longer a concern. The same will occur in our future if the price of oil is no longer a concern.
BTW I'm not against oil burning internal combustion engines or big ones; I'm against waste (example: a 10-14mpg vehicle primarily for 1 person commuting vs. 10-14mpg vehicle for hauling/towing).
BCSnob wrote: BTW I'm not against oil burning internal combustion engines or big ones; I'm against waste (example: a 10-14mpg vehicle primarily for 1 person commuting vs. 10-14mpg vehicle for hauling/towing).
That is exactly how I feel. Everyone on these forums keeps telling people "There is no such thing as too much truck" and it's wrong. There IS such a thing. The right tool for the job isn't always the biggest hammer in the toolbox.
'04 Ford Freestar (Primary tow vehicle) '05 Subaru Forester (Backup tow vehicle) '65 Bethany popup (best popups ever made!) Looking for a tow vehicle Minivan towing
I used to think the more cubes the better. But, between '88 and '08 there have been tremendous advances in engine efficiency. Had an 88 Suburban 454 that we towed with and it got 8-9 mpg solo or towing. In '05 I saw the coming gas crisis coming and traded the Sub and an Arctic Fox TT in on an '05 Roadtrek 170 with the 6.0 engine. The 6.0 (364 ci) is much more powerful than the old 454 and gets up to 17 mpg solo, and the Trek weighs 7500 lbs dry (I weighed it). We also tow a 20' TT when it rains and we get 11-13 with the 364. The tow/haul setting on the transmission works wonders too. Amazing.
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