Futuristic Looking "Bird" May Be Toad of Future

A California firm has a new wrinkle in the world of eco-friendly autos: It's a three-wheeled, bird like mobile that promises nearly 300 miles per gallon in its hybird version, and a 120 miles "per charge" in its all electric variety. Can you buy one? Not yet--but you can put down a deposit on one, provided you live in California.

Aptera Typ-1 is actually registered as a motorcycle, but don't let that scare you. The vehicle safety design and statistics are impressive, and includes airbags as part of the standard equipment. The two-seater gains its fuel efficiency from aerodynamic design, light-weight construction, and with "three on the ground" instead of the typical four wheels, less rolling resistance.

California buyers will have first crack at the new bird-mobile, but the company promises all across the US these new high-flyers will soon be available. According to the company, the first Aptera vehicles will begin rolling off to buyers in the fall of 2008. Meantime, a $500 deposit will hold your place in the line. And how much does it cost? At this point Aptera coyly says, "The purchase price is yet to be determined." Visit the Aptera website for the full scoop.

2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing now available

If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it -- and do it right. The slim but info-packed book outlines which 2008-model cars, SUVs and trucks can be pulled behind an RV with all four wheels down. Most vehicles are not classified by their manufacturers as suitable for towing because of concerns about damage to automatic transmissions. If a vehicle is not included in this guide, then it’s not officially approved for flat towing. Another very important consideration is the towing capacity of the motorhome chassis. This 2008 guide includes a comprehensive section that includes virtually all the major RV chassis and their weight ratings, plus information about towing equipment and dinghy braking systems. The editors profile many different tow bars to help you decide what’s best for you. The 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing is a slim 32-pages, but it contains all the information an RVer needs to know about pulling a vehicle behind a motorhome.


Other books and DVDs about dinghy towing behind a motorhome.

Small Toyota SUV gets "best buy" ranking

Thinking about buying a small SUV to pull behind your motorhome? Consumer Reports published its test results of 2008 model year small SUVs in its December issue, which you may wish to read before making a purchase. When the testing was done CJ put the Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6) at the top of the “Best Buy” category. Small SUVs, Consumer Reports noted “can handle some light off-road duties and light towing, and they get significantly better fuel mileage than larger SUVs." At the bottom of CJ’s ratings, in the 17th position, was the Dodge Nitro SLT (3.7) which the magazine reported had poor reliability even though it was among the highest priced of the vehicles rated, which ranged from roughly $21,000 to $30,000 as tested. Photo: 2008 RAV4 Limited V6.