MacGregorSailors.com

We ripped out the V8 from our 88 Range Rover and fitted an Isuzu 4BD1 3.9 litre diesel, these are traditionally used in 6 and 8 ton NPR pantec trucks, we have added a Garrett T25 wastegated turbo and converted the wastegate push rod so it can be adjusted, at the moment we are peaking at 17 PSI boost which is fine until we start towing Imagine our 1997 MacX, the turbo starts getting a bit hot so now there is an intercooler to fit.

Other than the current overheating issues we are very happy with the Rangie as a tow vehicle.

Glenn

I just found the best tow video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BNMvBnm ... re=related

That's awesome! Reminds me of when I would tow a Hobie 16 with my convertible 1979 Superbeetle. The tow was more than twice as long as the car. I also towed the same Hobie 16 with a 1977 Datsun 280Z.

Bob

More room in this one. For those who can't backup in convential manner, and tow your boat to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFFrSF1 ... =endscreen

Dave

robbarnes1965 wrote:I just found the best tow video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BNMvBnm ... re=related

DaveB wrote:More room in this one. For those who can't backup in convential manner, and tow your boat to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFFrSF1 ... =endscreen

Dave

robbarnes1965 wrote:I just found the best tow video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BNMvBnm ... re=related

I may be a bit uninformed about that vehicle, but I cannot imagine any vehicle roof that is rated to support that kind of point load
They must have a very strong support structure tied into the frame of the vehicle - similar to a 4-point roll bar..

Just add one pothole ... instant convertible

Glenn

Trying to imagine the effects of fishtailing with that config ...

I also don't belive in strength both down preasure and lateral strength. Brake quick or rear end/your rear ended, The toung will push the car top forward or backwards. Why I had the smile put in.
Dave

I may be a bit uninformed about that vehicle, but I cannot imagine any vehicle roof that is rated to support that kind of point load
They must have a very strong support structure tied into the frame of the vehicle - similar to a 4-point roll bar..[/quote]

The 5th wheel Beetle rig was era-appropriate. Safety wasn't as much of a concern in the age of higher birthrates.

Yeah, some advantages, some BIG disadvantages. Didn’t I see that in Popular Mechanics way back when?

I would be very surprised to find that any vehicle manufactured for sale in North America today was incapable of supporting at least its own weight on the roof.

I believe that even the windshield (the “A” pillar) of a convertible must be able to bear at least the weight of the vehicle without deforming.

Sure - it’s the instability of this towing system (high attachment point) during abrupt or evasive manoeuvres that makes this attachment arrangement not feasible, though.

- Brian.

Remember when some had a VW Beetle doing this? That vid is on YouTube too!

K9Kampers wrote:Remember when some had a VW Beetle doing this? That vid is on YouTube too!

You mean this one?

robbarnes1965 wrote:I just found the best tow video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BNMvBnm ... re=related

I just picked up a Mac 26s yesterday and took it from the seller's address to a nearby marina. I used my v6 Ford Escape with standard factory towing option; the distance was taken was less than 30 minute drive, I took city streets for the first leg and a highway for the second. While everything was in 'spec' by paper and we made the drive safely, I think a long trip in that vehicle would be out of the question. The Escape is too light and wheelbase is too short for the MacGregor for a long trip. I felt every bump in the road on the street and at 80km/h while not fighting for control, the overall sensation had the Escape being pushed around. Control in the marina yard was no problem, I will use the Escape to launch come spring and look for a solution for vacation trips requiring towing.

OnToHsc wrote:The Escape is too light and wheelbase is too short for the MacGregor for a long trip. I felt every bump in the road on the street and at 80km/h while not fighting for control, the overall sensation had the Escape being pushed around. Control in the marina yard was no problem, I will use the Escape to launch come spring and look for a solution for vacation trips requiring towing.

I may be bucking everyone's trend towards midsize vehicles, I would say go large. I have a 99 ford F-250 crew cab I was going to get rid of, then I bought the boat and - Kismet. I've taken my lashup through a twisty mountain road to Canyon Lake, AZ a number of times. I've decided that a large vehicle, while a pain on gas...is the way to go. I feel as safe as I can reasonably be expected to be. I've already had to pull it out of a soft shoulder (tire change) with the boat in tow. All has been fairly good. You can pick up a used one that is nice for under 5-7 boat bucks (new is a whole 'nuther story ).

My $.02

Agree with windyp. My F150 is a significant improvement over my previous Explorer as a Mac tow beast!