Dinghy of the future?

How about this for a great little dinghy? Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) has unveiled a new, single-motor research electric car. The new Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (i MiEV) will be used for joint research programs with Japanese power companies in fleet tests in 2007. The companies will gather data and evaluate its commercial viability. The i-MiEV is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Top speed is 81 mph with a range of up 81 miles for the 16 kWh pack or 99 miles for the 20 kWh pack. The motor is coupled to a reduction gear and differential to drive both rear wheels.

Saturn unvieils new RV-towable cars

Saturn has introduced the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue, a compact five-door crossover vehicle with European design and sporty ride and handling. The new Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brand's new design character and intensified focus on driving characteristics. When it becomes available in the second quarter of 2007, it will be the fourth new Saturn model since the beginning of 2006 calendar year. A towing package with hitch and wiring is available on all models. A towing stabilization system uses active braking to help control the vehicle in trailering situations. The Vue (except Red Line model) can be towed as an RV "dinghy vehicle" with all four wheels on the ground. Read the full press release from General Motors.

How NOT to Tow Your Dingy

Cruising down the highway with an Arizona state trooper on patrol is an interesting time to ask your favorite questions. Like: "What kind of dumb things do you see RVers do?"

Arizona DPS Office Joe LaPre gave me the usual rundown on slow moving rigs in the hammer lane, but one of his favorites? Trying to tow "doubles" illegally. No, it's not a problem to tow your dingy behind your motorhome. And actually, it's not even illegal to tow your dingy behind your fifth wheel, being towed by your pickup truck. Not real common, but not illegal, at least not in the Grand Canyon State.

What some crazy folks try to do is to set that final "double" in the chain behind something other than a fifth wheel. Fer instance? Oh, try a motorhome, pulling a dingy, and the dingy pulling a boat, be it a dingy or a yacht. In LaPre's eyes, this makes the guy behind the wheel of the motorhome a bit dingy himself. Bottom line? Only one "hitch ball" anywhere in your combination. Check back with me later for his lecture on radar detectors stuck on the inside of your windshield.