Astronomy Vehicle

I would gather that many of you deal with transporting telescopes...
Some of you just ride a Polaris up the driveway... okay... lets RULE OUT that and custom vans/trucks

For those of us who are looking to make a decision in the next month or two, on what to get?
For me... even tho my desert is normally passable by a miata, it only takes one bad night...
So
4x4 or AWD
Can transport a UC-22, which has truss tubes...
ramps that fold...
Ice chest which when full is probably 40 pounds..
Can sleep me in the back (5'7")
Can transport of 6' EZ UP
Etc...


I used to have a 2005 Tundra 4x4 with cap and a 6' bed. I was perfect. But alas it was a PAIN to park on the streets (live near the beach). And it's 12mpg on my commute was not pleasant.



Tacoma with a 5's bed and a tent on the back?
Mini Van?
Outback?
What?

Mini Van?
Outback?
What?

I have always used a Minivan for either a 20" Obsession Classic or now a 22" U.C. With the passenger seats removed, one could sleep in it or have plenty of room for camping gear. For a one-nighter, passenger seats move forward and the U.C. stores fine with the handles still attached.
Al

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lamperti

Mini Van?
Outback?
What?

I have always used a Minivan for either a 20" Obsession Classic or now a 22" U.C. With the passenger seats removed, one could sleep in it or have plenty of room for camping gear. For a one-nighter, passenger seats move forward and the U.C. stores fine with the handles still attached.
Al

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Thank you. Mini-Van does sound like the right idea...
I have to mix in my other hobbies...
Any other opinions?

I know this may be a bit late for you. I use a Dodge/Chrysler mini van. It has stow and go seats that fold down for cargo space. 4' x 8' sheets of plywood fit in with ease. I purchased a 10' knot free board and cut it in half for ramps. My 15" has wheel barrel handles, my 12" is on a dolly. Leave the equipment out and covered, I can sleep in the back on an inflatable mattress. 20 MPG highway

20" Skywatcher in back of a Golf (loaded by hand):

Attachment 2845

Depends on the scope and the vehicle.
I've seen a 30" in a Ford Festiva and a 22" in a VW Beetle.
I carry a 12.5" truss dob and a 4" apo refractor with mount along with >500 lbs additional gear in a VW GTI.
Judging by the room, I could carry a 16" conventional dob with all the stuff, and probably the UC22.

What kind of 30" was it in the Festiva?

I got a 12.5" dob, an 18" (f/5.5!) dob, a TeleVue Pronto, a 6' observing table, a week's worth of food/drinks/clothes, a canopy, a twin mattress, two eyepiece cases, a 7' ladder, ramps for unloading the 18", an observing chair, and a trunk of miscellaneous equipment into a Dodge Caravan (minivan) for the Brothers Star Party and had a bit of space left over.

However, I cringe every time I have to take it "up the mountain" to our better dark site here; it's not really a vehicle for off-roading.

Is the question how much can you pack in a small vehicle or how well can you travel and enjoy your hobby? I have an F350 Supercab Longbox that has a queen size bed under the cap. That way after a long observing night I can crash close.