Truckworx - Crankworx Whistler 2022
This '94 F-250 belongs to the Free Radicals, sports a custom-built aluminum flat deck, and is powered by a 7.3L Veggiestroke engine. It does 17L/100km while towing a custom trailer and has 196,000km on the clock. In other words, it's just about broken in.
Crankworx is all about mountain biking, of course, but if you've spent time at any popular trailhead you probably know that many riders also own some pretty neat vehicles that they use for road trips or even to live in full time. While fast cars are a common sight on the Sea to Sky highway and Whistler, the resort's five main parking lots were packed full of off-road monsters, 6x6 expedition motorhomes, and plenty of homemade conversions that look like they'd need a long downhill stretch of road to come anywhere close to the speed limit... But when it's your home on wheels, what's the rush?
We took a walk through the parking lots to see if we could find anything interesting and were not disappointed.
Europeans love their monster-sized RVs, and it's not uncommon to see colossal MAN or Mercedes expedition vehicles lumbering around British Columbia in the summer. This beast is based on a Mercedes 6x6 chassis and has been manufactured by Ormocar in Germany. The owners weren't around or we would have asked for a tour, but I suspect you'd find a pretty comfy interior that includes a living room, kitchen, and maybe a bowling alley or indoor pool. While it seems a bit excessive, I also want one.
At the opposite end of the price scale of the monster Mercedes above, this blue beauty has no doubt seen plenty of miles.
There's no way you're going to miss True Mobile Mechanic's silver van that calls the Sea to Sky corridor home. They'll come to you and offer same-day service, a hard thing to find this time of the year, as well as a selection of parts to get you back up and running again. Something tells me they had plenty of work while parked in one of the Whistler day lots.
If you have the time and skills, converting an old school bus into your mountain bike get-away vehicle is a smart strategy. This one has some solar panels on the roof, a bit of astroturf for when you're stargazing, and even a chimney. And it's not a home-on-wheels until you paint it yourself, right?
These riders are also part of the ambulance club, although theirs is a much more recent example. I hope all the lights still work.
Both Canada (and especially America) have a bunch of stupid rules that keep many of the world's most interesting vehicles from being imported, but things like this 4x4 Toyota van are allowed in once they reach a certain age.
Big trucks, dinosaurs, and K9s.
This Euro-inspired Mercedes camper conversion is just the right size; big enough to live in for a decade or two, but small enough to not feel like a Carnival cruise ship when you want to 4x4 your way into a remote camping spot.
The only thing this Ford van needs is a side pipe without a muffler.
This truck's front bumper probably costs more than most of the vehicles in this article, but who am I to argue with RoboCop? All it needs is a few more light bars.
Some good 'ol boys with a truck that's more my style. Also, check out the old Datsun (aka Nissan) Z31-era 300ZX parked to the right - now we're talking!
The Outside rig ready for the weekend.
A perfect right-hand-drive Land Cruiser that's locked and loaded for a weekend of fun.
This old Toyota is worth $700,000 USD in the Sea to Sky corridor.
It's a long drive north from Texas to Whistler, but not when you're an overlander.
After rescuing Princess Vespa, Lone Starr and Barf came to hang out at Crankworx for the weekend. Also, any vehicle with a side pipe is the best vehicle.
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I see a lot of built trucks that are actually not trying to look like offroaders. And I'd place this Ferd in the same category, "mud" tires or no. These guys are just going for a look, no different than a stanced 350z or a mountain bike with a purple ano headset. It's just a different flavour of nerdery.
Once I wrapped my head around the idea that modified trucks can be about style instead of just machismo, I started enjoying seeing them. Crew cab long bed with a sparkly paint job and low profile tires - why not? If it's diesel, it probably gets better fuel economy than a lot of other modified vehicles.
I get it's funny and all to make jokes about huge trucks and inversely corresponding genitalia, but man.....
The next time I see a woman driving a truck I am going to go, "JESUS! she must have the loosest vagina this side of the Mason-Dixon!"
May the Schwartz not be with this article...
Watch out for spaceballs 3, the quest to find more douchebags with micropenis and too much money!!!
I thank you, and my wife will hate you.
And shipping trucks ac(t)ross oceans with stupid stickers of bands that once were great 25yrs ago (1997 Lost Highway).
Be safe be well,
Incognito Robin
That outside shitbox is the second worst rig in this article
translation: "I can't drive without you. I'm stuck with you too."
very Rammstein-like
Source: I'm a daily commuter and drivers of trucks like this enjoy threatening my life on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.
But I still don't see an issue with anyone owning a big truck like this. Cyclists get injured and killed by all sorts of vehicles.
BTW the most courteous drivers I have yet to experience were in North Carolina back roads. Never had a single driver buzz me and most would just cruise behind me at a distance (working my ass off to go as fast as I could on a road bike) until it was safe to pass and they had visibility to see far enough down the opposing lane.
Sure, 'cyclists get killed by all sorts of vehicles', but normalizing driving around in these murder wagons or hyping up those who lift their vehicles (thereby making them more dangerous to vulnerable road users) is irresponsible. Vehicles like these are more likely to kill people.
Source: A literal article on cbc news website this morning www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/street-safety-groups-say-suvs-pickups-more-likely-to-kill-1.6551924
But lifted trucks aren't "murder wagons" and the people driving them (usually) aren't out to kill or injure anyone. Calling them that is hyperbole. I can't argue stats or the sense you're making because you are 100% right that these monster trucks are more likely to kill or hurt someone when an accident does happen...
But I'm still not going to get down on anyone that drives something like that or tell people they should own and drive something smaller.
But where should the line be drawn? Should someone in charge say, "Bumpers can't be higher than 2.5ft off the ground" and lifting a truck is illegal? Ban lifted trucks in 2025, put governors on all vehicles so they're electronically controlled and can't go over whatever the posted speed limit is, and everyone has to ride foam-covered electric scooters by 2030? A lifted Tacoma is okay but a guy in a lifted Tundra deserves to be berated? I know I sound facetious but I'm serious - when does it stop? Let the people drive whatever they want.
Some things are more dangerous than others, but I'll always lean towards fewer rules and laws, not more.
There are countries where both gun control and pedestrian protection of cars are regulated more restrictive, f.ex no massive bull bars on cars/trucks.
These regulations do work in developed countries and save lifes.
Ah lad, what's the point of bringing a gun control argument here? Seriously.
And get down off your proposed high horse because in Europe we allow bull bars. Look at the Scanias, Volvos etc. Massive bull bars on some of those rigs.
Also in Europe we mostly have cars. People don't use pickups as a daily driver for a multitude of reasons. Put a bull bar onto BMW 5 series and see what it looks like. There's a reason we don't have them on cars, because they look stupid on cars
europe.autonews.com/article/20021118/ANE/211180803/abs-to-be-standard-and-bull-bars-banned-by-2005
eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/vulnerable-road-users-and-frontal-protection-systems.html
"As well banning bull bars and making antilock brakes standard, all new vehicles will have to undergo tests to assess how they react in frontal impacts with pedestrians.
To pass the tests successfully, cars will need to use more flexible material for the hood or protective foam in the bumpers, said a Renault spokeswoman."
But I live in the deep south of the US. From a hideous truck and redneck mentality standpoint, in many areas it's as bad as they say it is. I would be in support of requiring a CDL to drive a dually or even outright banning lift kits for highway use vehicles.
There was a time in my life that I wanted a lifted truck more than anything (I was raised a southern boy after all and even enjoy that nasty dipping tobacco. I know, yikes), but now i can't help but point, laugh, shake my head, and try not to get hit.
What I said have bull bars don't fall under the 'passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (category M1 and N1 vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes)'.
Oh, and by the way this article
europe.autonews.com/article/20021118/ANE/211180803/abs-to-be-standard-and-bull-bars-banned-by-2005
That bill was amended, and you can in fact fit bull bars to your vehicle.
If you never leave the city, that's one thing, but if you spend any time driving on the highway, country/mountain roads, they make all kinds of sense.
And even more idiotic is the people pushing their strollers out into traffic to stop traffic. Maybe step out with stroller behind you so at least the baby survives.
It looks like a lot of Canada has similar restrictions.
Hey, not one of those had an automatic transmission, does that mean I get to be a real man, or is associating my ego with the car I drive (and therefore owning a truck apparently) a requirement?
Both sides of the argument have to compromise, but you are also ridiculing the other arguments. It just seems that trucks are getting out of hand while traffic, population density and the now more than obvious in your face climate disaster are on the up. There is you ripping around in your mini, which has no more impact than the average transportation pod, and that's cool. But there also is a lot of insane stuff on the road that could plow through the entire peloton and has the environmental impact of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier. Not for work, just to pick up 5lb of mulch once a year.
TBH, I just don't see much willingness to compromise in those vehicles...
2. What truck has the same footprint of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier?
3. Exactly how much “less green” is a 3/4 ton truck vs a Prius?
If Your whole opinion is largely based on logical fallacies and gross exaggerations, it probably doesn’t hold water.
I am conceding that people can drive cars I personally think are bs, but just gotta accept that. Or that my car has to fulfill regulations I maybe disagree with. Again, Ideally I don't want to tell anyone or legislate what they drive.
Didn't have to pull the sedan card man, I don't drive a sedan
Sounds like you really think YOU should be the one who dictates what people drive.
Especially for people who do sports where you need to have an intact environment. Like for riding bikes in forests or on mountains.
The American continent must be stuck in about 1972?
www.clubofrome.org/publication/the-limits-to-growth
To me, getting down on people's vehicle choice feels like moral grandstanding, especially when there are far worse things for the planet than Billy Bob's big truck
mountainbiking without any intact nature, wondering how that will look like.
driving these monsters for huge distances is even worse with their enormous gas consumption and super poor energy efficency.
Let's see just how righteous you are... you must be a smash hit at parties.
only purchase things that don't contain plastic? Are all your investments in renewables?
Chill, this holier than thou CO2 attitude is absurd.
And none of my environmentally minded Prius owning friends complain about the truck when I am shuttling them.
5 of us in dodge 3500 with a cummins, pulling a camper trailer and all of our gear, food, beers, bikes for 10 days riding and averaged 30mpg-8L/100km.
Pretty hard to beat that. Driving them to the grocery store is goofy. But using them for what they can do, is excellent.
I justify it by working from home...and a 7 liter engine is exactly what could be had in my car originally, but now I have a modern aluminum EFI 7 liter engine instead of big cast iron one with a carburetor.
To all the others, we know that we have to change, but that doesn't happen overnight. It can't. I can't get an electric vehicle that will take me into the mountains and back yet. I do my part by keeping everything for as long as possible.
"there are far worse things for the planet than Billy Bob's big truck"
Sorry, but that is not an argument. Do what you want but be aware that the environmental impact is absolute shit if you drive your 6x6 through BC. And one can not put that kind of pollution on the same level as buying a carbon bike, just because that ain't good for the environment either. We have to be held accountable for our actions of destroying the planet and be called out for actions that have a big environmental impact. Just because there is always someone polluting the world more, we can not shit on nature because we don't have as big of an impact as others. That's no excuse. We should all strive for the better and at least don't defend shit behavior that is rightly critisized
So few people actually need a giant mega-truck that weighs 11,000lbs and could trample a stadium of people without breaking a sweat. The world would be a better place if people lived somewhat within their means, and realized they can do the same thing in a Camry that they do in their F-250(Looking at you, folks who have an empty bed, live in the 'burbs, and have a 2-bike rack or tailgate pad on their big truck to drive 3mi to the trailhead parking lot).
while the forests around the World burn.
But where you lose me is when you get to criticizing others. I just don't think the people who own these big trucks should be vilified. I'm sorry, but that's not "shit behavior" in my mind. I'm obviously in the minority, and I'm not defending coal rolling here, but there's nothing wrong with owning a big ass truck.
What I meant to imply is that I care about the environment regardless of being a cyclist or not. I'd still pick up trash on the ground and do the things you're supposed to do even if I never found mountain bikes. But I don't think I care an extra amount just because I ride bikes in the woods. I love the woods regardless
Of course the current situation is worse than driving a truck, but that is not the point. I can directly influence my way of transportation and reduce my environmental impact that way. And I will critisize people for not giving a f*ck about their personal impact just because some countries are f*cking up the environment on a bigger scale as well. I will not pour my old engine oil into the nearest river just because a chinese factory does the same on a bigger scale. Some actions just stay stupid no matter what others do.
Who cares about the flashy lights, and exterior doo-dads, he thinks it’s cool, and loves it. Prolly loves riding his bike too. Just cause you don’t agree with it, doesn’t make it any worse
To jump on, you’re always better off to keep and maintain your older vehicles, than buying a new electric one. Keep em, fix em, restore em, build em, race em, rod em, drive the ever loving shit out of em, just don’t buy new ones….
Much of the world is ceasing production of internal combustion engine cars by 2030-2035. And electric can't replace them necessarily - the new "electric" hummer has worse effective efficiency than a Chevy Malibu.
I'm patiently waiting for the anti-gravity technology that's been hidden from us for the last 70 years, thereby forcing us to depend on fossil fuels
Everyone on this thread should research how the local communities have been affected in South American countries by these mines. How much diesel is burned in the production and transport of just the raw material to make the batteries, that on their own have toxic waste concerns for disposal once they reach the end of their life. How much coal and diesel is burned just to charge EVs, since everyone fears nuclear.
While you’re at it, have fun looking at how much NO2, sulfur, and CO2 the cruise ship industry on its own creates in comparison, among all the other health and pollution concerns that come with those.
Check out how much the private jet industry boomed during Covid, something Bill Gates admits to being a “guilty pleasure” of his. How many tonnes of CO2 those people rack up flying around, because they can’t be bothered to fly public with the rest of us peons. While their numerous mansions sit heated and air conditioned. And then countries who propose carbon tax, but at the same time give exemption to private jets and yachts, you know, since the owners can’t be bothered to pay a tax.
Checkout how our presidential administration travels to Europe to discuss climate policy.
If you’re into crypto, research the difference between proof of work, and proof of stake, along with the amount of energy that is required to power the servers running these calculations, primarily based in China and powered by coal.
The EV industry has created a new wave of virtue signaling, and keeping people fighting against each other while real damage is still being done elsewhere. But yeah, hate your neighbor for their vehicle choice, because THAT is what’s going to destroy the planet.
Vassals guilt trip the Serfs, and keep them fighting each other, so that they can continue on with their business.
For those talking about the problems with electric vehicles (@BlindMan77) - you aren't entirely wrong. However, the point of the broader energy transition is that the energy sources will also be renewables (including nuclear), and that battery tech is likely to make massive strides in how they're designed, what they're made of, and how they get recycled.
Keep in mind we've had decades of investment in the internal combustion engine. Concerted R&D into batteries and electric motors is likely to have equal, if not larger changes, in significantly less time periods.
Do you think the world can survive another Thomas Midgley, only in the name of EVs instead of gasoline or cfc’s?
Lots of respect lost for you. The environment has everything to do with mtbs. I guess you're just some basic white boy with no concept of the real world.
You're too privileged to feel the real pain of climate change, and the fact you don't care is pathetic.
Think about all the jet planes blowtorching the atmosphere…We should ban those first.
The way we travel the world today has never been possible before in human existence.
How people act is no matter of nations, though. It is a matter of income and mentality.
You can go to any European bikepark, and find the same collection of vehicles there. It's the bikers/DHers/van life attitude. Insta world worldwide, you know...
For example the ecosystem and economy around the Niger Delta was completely destroyed beacuse of Shell. That is the main reason piracy is so rampant there, people have no way to feed theirselves and their families beacuse the land is ruined and the ocean is too.
Mankind is to Earth what a raccoon is to your garden.
I dont think that driving a XXL Sprinter for camping and biking to the Reschenpass is that more sustainable than shipping an Actros to Canada.
With the current state of most western energy grids it would take 90,000km before the electric car matched the ice car for emissions. Most people who buy new cars have another new one in less than 3 years, so it's never going to hit 90,000km before a new car is built. We also don't know for sure if a battery will get to 90,000km. Not enough electric cars have been in the real world for long enough.
I was talking to someone the other day that were so happy that their new electric car could do a 260km round trip and stop to charge only 3 times. Now this statement doesn't make sense to me as claimed mileage of modern electric vehicles is higher, but maybe they differ alot in real world use. Either way I was surprised at their statement.
Electric vehicles aren't the future. Long haul trucks can't be electric with all the stopping for charging that's required.
Something like hydrogen seems like a more viable option.
I now live in the UK, where almost all trails are accessible by road in any vehicle, but I am from Australia where this is far from the case, and I am certain North America is similar. I own a landcruiser as my weekender, to take my bike to the trails (and my friends too) and also because i enjoyed off-road driving and camping- the hobbies all fit together. I did not drive this car to work during the week, I used public transport to commute and/or my partner's much more economical hatchback for local driving.
All of the vehicles here are clearly owned and modified by enthusiasts, who every much as right to their hobby as we do to mountain biking. And as i stated above, it's a hobby that is tied in very nicely with my interested in mountain biking and the outdoors.
@mikelevy: Please read this link and maybe reconsider your statements.
Whether they have a cargo bike or a lifted F350 as their daily driver is a separate thing, and a separate part of their character.
FWIW, I'm both a petrolhead and an engineer - I cant wait for fancy electric cars and motorcycles to exist/be affordable for me.
By the way, I never called out anyone for being a "dumbhead", I simply pointed out the hypocrisy of todays mainstream narrative that rails against everything, yet has provided no real solutions......
I'm all for realistically tackling the issues that face all of us, I just rarely see any real solutions, just alot of virtue-signaling, hypocritical BS.
You folks making perfect the enemy of good are not here in good faith.
Nissan Versa $17300 plus taxes 6L per 100 km 25000 km per year 2.00 per litre gas = $3,000 per year gas
Nissan Leaf $39500 plus taxes
39500-17300 = 22000 / 3000 year = 7.4 years before any payback. For simplicity not including cost of electricity(maybe you get it free at work) or time value of money. Perhaps the electric cost would be similar to the maintenance on car(if you actually do what is needed not what dealership says)
Since most people dont keep their cars that long it is not worth the electric car.
Here you'll see passenger cars are 8x light truck emissions. Light trucks are lower than aviation, shipping, and medium/heavy trucks.
www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown
Here is a good start on emissions per sector, transportation is half of what power generation is:
www.statista.com/statistics/276480/world-carbon-dioxide-emissions-by-sector
Ever seen a road built with a Prius?
Does the guy that fixes your roof drive a Tesla?
Would it be practical for Amazon to deliver your iphone in a Nissan Leaf? How about your 80” TV?
How do you think the food you eat gets to the store?
Ever moved residences in a prius?
Do you own a bed? A dining table? A sofa?
17mpg towing is pretty damn decent. My land cruiser gets that while falling off a cliff with a tail wind.
That’s what we are arguing here, ones beliefs based on the marketing that they have put their faith behind.
The powers that be, on all sides of the debate are just trying to sway public opinion with as little real information as possible. Give us some new religion to believe in, make us think that buying new, more fuel efficient or even electric cars are going to save the planet, all while consuming more. Everyone has a vested interest, and trying to unravel it is near impossible.
For the ones in the back…
Build em, modify em, rod em, have fun with em, restore em, fix em, maintain em,drive the ever loving shit out of em, Just stop buying new ones!
And try getting a modern electric car fixed in certain locations. I've heard that the Mach E has a 2-3 day shop time to update the software. His Chevy can be back on the road with a stop at the local parts store or with items he probably has at his house.
Finally, there has been little said on about costs. That 6.7 SuperDuty is similar in price to an electric but there is a big difference between an '80's GM truck and a new electric vehicle especially one that can take on truck duties.
The EPA link is a worthwhile look. One item I would question is the amount of charging stations. I believe the Tesla stations are a large part of that number and it is more difficult for non-Tesla's to charge there. Matt Farah has noted on his Smoking Tire podcast that he has had a number of difficult experiences with the charging of his Mach E (which he seems to really enjoy) on roadtrips. Stations have had broken hardware, software or in really sketchy areas that might not feel safe to go to. He also noted on a trip to a Las Vegas hotel that some cars just "park" at the station overnight. I know there are some growing pains and the electric charging structure will get better but it is a factor.
Look at the global carbon footprint of mountain biking. Is mountain biking necessary?
Sounds like you want to keep your cake and eat it too!
That was my point from the beginning. If we want to have a REAL discussion about reducing human impact, we need to get REAL honest and quit circle-jerking and spending trillions of dollars on things that won’t amount to two shakes of piss.
Your comparison of an F350 to a mtb is flawed. The proper comparison would be F350 to Prius or EV. I’d be willing to bet the true difference is marginal and that’s without factoring in capabilities/uses for each. If you can provide data to the contrary, I’m all ears! I use my 2007 Ram 2500 diesel for work, delivering industrial-sized items to customers that produce gravel and concrete for our roads and buildings, our food, our processed petroleum products, boats that fight fires and clean up oil spills, aluminum, etc. I also use it to pull a trailer that carries model aircraft that I enjoy flying, it also carries a camper that I enjoy using to explore all that the PNW has to offer. I own a home and prefer to do my own home maintenance, which occasionally requires picking up lumber, water heaters, drywall, appliances, furniture, etc. Did I mention how convenient it is when I want to load a few buddies and their bikes for a good shred? You’ll be hard pressed to show me how a Prius could cover all of those things with a smaller carbon footprint.
Have a look at what the production of lithium batteries leaves in tailings ponds.
Probably better then all these fake news and stolen elections everywhere on "the media"...
Despite all the science and summits, leading capitalist states have not managed to mitigate anything close to an adequate level of carbon emissions.”
Before my BS meter went ape shit crazy. Before I spend any time diving in any deeper than I already have, I need to see the data set that can quantify anthropogenic climate change. I’ve searched high and low and cannot find that info anywhere. We all know climate change is real (just ask the dinosaurs), but we need to know how much of it is attributed to man before we can embark on expensive, intrusive programs to “fix” it, with no data to be able to measure the effectiveness of such measures. I’m not convinced that man has a significant impact on Mother Nature’s course, so it is my opinion that no matter what we do, no matter how much we spend, it won’t have any real value and just serves the virtue signalers to feel better. I only deal in facts, if you can provide facts that show I’m wrong, I’ll gladly jump in and work on solutions.
In the meantime I’d better sell my perfectly tuned 1 ton diesel truck that has run flawlessly for 649,567km and buy a new electric car because my 30mpg embarrassment that I use for travelling to bike parks rather than flying is destroying the world.
I've driven big trucks for work, they do have a place. But driving around in a crew cab f450, using it like a family sedan screams poser so loud people in the next town over will go deaf.
I don't care if you can afford it, the rest of the world cannot. Just get a bumper sticker that proclaims you have a small dick and a lot of money. Hey! The chicks are gonna find out anyway. Just be honest up front and stop f-ing up the world for no reason.
climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus
I'd note that there is no such thing is "proof" because even commonly accepted ideas like gravity and evolution are only theories. And some of the "facts" and data presented are well beyond my intellectual capability to comprehend.
If a bunch of nerdy scientists aren't a good resource (they suck at communicating to people like you and I), how about Exxon Mobil?
corporate.exxonmobil.com/Sustainability/Environmental-protection/Climate-change
I'd also suggest that if the world's biggest insurance companies think climate change is real - and negatively impacting their profits - they're probably on to something:
www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/financial-services/articles/insurance-companies-climate-change-risk.html
If you want to discuss more, I'm totally open and happy to, just send me a DM.
Did it ever occur to you that the attitude you're so vocally trying to defend is literally the reason why the planet is in such a mess? That exact way of egregiously wasteful and desastrously environmentally harmful behaviour is the reason why we are staring several end-of-the-world type climate scenarios right in the face. Anthropogenic climate change will eventually kill us if we don't do something about it. And that's why this isn't a matter of personal choice anymore. It can't be because the survival of billions depends on all of us finally starting to act responsibly. Playtime is over, everyone needs to get their shit together now. Even Billy Bob.
Everyone (morally) has to be held accountable to the degree of their own responsibility. If you can do something, anything, to make a difference, you are morally obligated to. Because if every single one of us doesn't, the consequences are dire.
If that level of personal responsibility includes not driving a brodozer that wastes an egregious amount of resources and causes catastrophic damage to the environment, then so be it. Therefore it's perfectly fine and completely reasonable to judge and condescend Billy Bob for his big, dumb truck.
And BTW: Whataboutism isn't going to help the cause.
Maybe not for personal/leisure use, but the world economy is geared towards just in time delivery. And for that you need commercial haulage, real trucks (not the pick-ups that are called trucks.) Electric engines might be the go-to for inner city work, but they won't work for long distance haulage. We might see diesel-electric hybrids here in this sphere, like on trains.
I own a cycle logistics company, basically everything can be transported by cargobikes. My employees have moved residencies for customers, we have delivered for Amazon, we have delivered food to stores, even 60" TVs are delivered by bike here.
Even carpenters can do 90% of their job with cargobikes only, ex-employees of mine have founded a pretty business with that.
Anyways, trucks shown in this article are privately owned, and absolutely useless for any kind of practical work. You can't build roads with them, no amazon delivery was made with them, no shop gets food from them...
Get back to me when a meaningful amount of what makes the world go around is accomplished with truly green energy and then we can have a chat. I won't be holding my breath.
Or perhaps is one weighted a little higher for reliability and scientific credibility?
Might get one job done a day and make pennies.
People need to stop buying into hysteria on both sides of this argument.
Now keep in mind, I am NOT a climate scientist or modeller, but do work in this space, so I have to work on this type of work on a daily basis. My read of this article is as follows:
The authors tried to smooth 15 years of climate data, and remove all natural variability - a VERY questionable strategy given the noted volcanic eruptions. They then used this data to try and figure out why there was a difference between observed temperature data and the CMIP-5 climate model (a now outdated model). Their findings are roughly that the co2 sensitivity value in the CMIP-5 data (aka the number someone programmed into the model) is too high, however they dedicate section 3.C. to discussing reasons why they might be wrong. They conclude that there is also a possibility the CMIP-5 model may have significant errors in how it is designed. This, we typically call the scientific process, where we find errors in our research and data, and go back to try and figure out what mistakes we have made and rectify them as possible. Hence everyone using CMIP-6 now (among others), which is a better albeit still flawed climate model.
I hope this helps.
What is needed is better designed electric trikes that can deliver larger loads etc(maybe allow more power for delivery vehicles)
No exhaust is good to breathe, but diesel is unbelievably bad. It's the dirtiest fuel, burned in a manner that produces the most particulates.
My personal feeling is that diesel should only be allowed for large industrial vehicles where it works the best, but no personal vehicles should be diesel.
Europe enacted regulations that favored turbo-diesel engines which came to dominate many markets. In the long run this has proven to be a public health disaster, with respiratory illnesses skyrocketing.
As cyclists, we shouldn't be contributing to the problem any more than we absolutely have to.
If we all act with a conscious we'll make a real difference. Those among us who are indifferent to every thing beyond themselves need to get a clue as to the state of the world. I'm not saying this to slam you personally, but to give the perspective of a different world view.
That's it. Case cracked. He's gunning for BC to look like Sedona--then he doesn't need to travel for the field test every winter.
We’ve got our own Sedona, just less healing crystal shops
Also, there's no real connection of NO2 causing cancer, there is a bunch of articles pointing to it causing inflammation in the airways and causing asthma like symptoms.
You also need to look and see that medium to heavy-duty trucks account for about 26% of CO2 emissions while passenger cars are above 40% of total emissions. Electric vehicles as of now are no better and potentially worse, unless they figure out better and safer battery tech/manufacturing and a way to not make the vehicles a disposal product which they are since they can't be serviced by an average Joe with mechanical experience. They also weigh as much as these large pickups.
Your cancer can thank all modern pollutants, your brake pad dust, the rubber dust from tires, the heavy metal particles kicked up by cars traveling down the road..the list goes on and on. Big lifted trucks are not the problem, your clearly compensating because you got a small penis and want people to think you're more intelligent. That's why you are at odds with the lifted truck crew..who has the smallest penis with the biggest ego.
Yes the welders show up with a welding rig in their back of their truck but the majority of the trucks are empty.
Most Trucks here are used to haul once a year and never see off road. But really no different than all the muscle/sports cars. Just giant penis extensions. We can get away with much smaller engines and still get ourselves/supplies to work.
You really have no clue or experience in construction do you?
I mean if you work on a computer then you should never leave your home, right? Just go ahead and sell your car.
See.. I to can come up with generalisations about a group of workers without any experience in said field of work. I drive a big ass van, loaded with everything needed to build a f*cking home. I pick up all my own materials and tools. That's what a majority of construction workers do, why would a company pay for delivery when they can do it themselves for a fraction of the cost. The field of construction is far and wide, and a lot of times they need big trucks, vans and more to get the job done. If they do have small dicks then at least they got balls to do the hard work most of you are afraid of or physically unable to do. You really should consider painting construction workers in a different light. Without them your helpeless little world would literally fall apart.
It's amazing how simple minded these arguments are..[caveman voice] Oh, big truck bad, small truck gooood! Van even gooder!
This can do everything more efficiently than any us pickup monster:
www.mercedes-fans.de/thumbs/img/News/31/89/01/p/p_normal/neue-felgen-fuer-den-arbeitsalltag-kiruna-offroad-felgen-von-vansports-fuer-den-mercedes-sprinter-319-cdi-4x4-18931.jpg
if you need more power and off-road capabilities:
www.autoscout24.de/cms-content-assets/ll-gallery/migration-de-de-439932-439945-2014-11-12_-_grenzbereich_mitdemunimogimgelnde_-_unimog_verschrnkung-640.jpg
Usually our infrastructure is that good that we don't need that offroad capabilities. That's just some marketing shit all those manly male man guys fall into.
And looking out my window, wait what is that, empty trucks. All our site supplies all delivered on large trucks.
Wait did my sedan with no clearance drive through the site without being jacked up and monster wheels, yes no problem.
And I am just behind you in experience, 27 years.
Note your van is likely more efficient than those monster trucks. I used to drive a E350 with a 4 ft extension on propane rated at 5500 gvw. That got great fuel economy and quite clean environmentally I believe
Try riding that trike with a fridge to n van.
You do what's good for you and don't worry about everyone else.
And yes I know it's not 95% I just used that number as that was what was claimed the other way.
But it is likely over 80%.
Here's another fact for you, my crew cab ram 3500 gets 11l/100km for mileage. Small trucks and SUVs don't do much better.
www.fuelly.com/car/ford/f-350_super_duty/2021
www.fuelly.com/car/mercedes-benz/sprinter
Unimog is not needed in germany. You guys were making the argument that the us pickups have better off road capabilities which is questionable and irrelevant as neither of our countries are like the siberian tundra.
Remind me... what's the towing capacity of a Sprinter? It's 7500lbs. What's the towing capacity of an f350 super duty? 32,000lbs....most builders I know will tow Bob cats, mini diggers, cement mixers, etc and all would be overweight easily with a Sprinter.
All us pickup trucks I see in europe are clearly joyride cars. I didn`t see one that looked like it was used for construction work. Last one I saw was carrying two dh bikes to look cool.
You are delusional if you think most pick ups are sold for recreation. Sure, that market has been growing over the last 5 years but the vast majority of pickups in Europe are sold to farmers and construction workers. Go to any road construction site and you will see Toyota Hilux everywhere. Go to a Mart or meat factory and you will see Dmax and Hilux absolutely everywhere. I have a Dmax because I tow 3.5 tonne (the maximum legal limit in most of Europe) every day. All the contractors who come in to me every day have Hilux, Navaras, rangers, etc and every single one of them is a work vehicle. You don't have a f*cking clue what you are talking about.
The Dmax is too small really for what I need to tow and something like an f250 or f350 would be perfect as ideally I would tow 5-6 tonnes daily. But because Europe is a f*cking bureaucracy above all else you need a truck license to tow more than 3.5 tonnes and a small truck which is ridiculous. In the US i could buy a F250 and pull as much weight as required easily with a decent trailer with electrically operated braking unlike in Europe where I'm limited to 3.5t and passive braking which is a crap system.
You probably don't even know this but all those big lwb twin wheel sprinters you are talking about actually require a C1 license as they are rated at 5.5 tonnes. If they are rated at 3.5 tonnes then their payload is usually tiny because big vans are heavy.
You lads would want to pull your necks in a bit. A Ford F-250 Super Duty starts at $39500. A Mercedes Sprinter chassis cab starts at $45,000.
And also, you think we’re just driving those things around out here?
Population of downtown Van, 62,000
Vancouver, 2.6 mil
Bc 5+mil
I see you’re really good with math as well
This entire thread revolves around certain people generalising truck/pick up owners LOL
In fact almost all Internet discussion devolves into broad generalisations.
The broad generalizations are poor form, and someone else doing it, isn’t a good justification to do it your self. Rise above it my man, or wallow in it, your choice.
The us pickup truck trend in europe is driven by recreational 'needs'. It picked up 5-10 years ago. Before these vehicles were extremely rare and not sold directly in europe.
Maybe you should go further than 4.8 miles on the fire road.
I've been looking at a sprinter van since my Element died, but it (the Element) resurrected itself so now I'm stuck with it (270,000 miles of hell and 19 years of not enough oil changes). The thing won't die. I just hate how a decent build on a sprinter or Transit is like $80k.
That being said, I've found a few decent Doge Sprinters used for under $30k, and once the economy collapses I should find one for under $20k.
Another option is like a Chevy Express, which can come with factory AWD. Its just hard/expensive to put a raised ceiling on it.
They were so practical. So reliable. And, I hate to say it, I actually really liked the way they looked.
I'd also encourage you to be weary of the Dodge sprinters. They are often rusted out nightmares with lots of maintenance issues to boot.
expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/mercedes-sprinter-t1n-4x4-offgrid-reserved.233234
And no VW T4s? Dissapointing. But I guess those are more an european thing, although they've been replaced by those ugly T5 & T6 nowadays...
I enjoyed the article. Can we have more of these, please?
The front end difference between the square body K20 and the big 6.7 stood right out - it looks like the Warn 8274 was used last week while the Ford's winch line doesn't look like it was unspooled yet. I would say the Ford drives much better but truth be told the Chevy's tire wear looks more even.
Smart traveler move is that F-450 ambulance. I'm guessing it goes down the road very well, has ample power/storage/living area and can be easily serviced in any part of North America.
A local riding buddy got a Econoline like the Eagle 5 but with blue accents last year. He brought it up to Mtn Creek last fall and the temps dropped so low one night he had to go to Walmart and get a space heater. Other than that he said it was great to sleep in lol
Crazy the down votes you got above. That old Chevy gets 20 MPG and can be rebuilt every few hundred thousand miles with products built in North America so how is that "worse for the environment and that's your MO" smh. And with that GM body on frame platform you could add a hybrid power supply or a more efficient engine down the road. I'd like to see all the stuff the downvoters buy from Amazon and toss when it breaks.
Fastest delivery ever.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=LtwKO3jIAdk
Nice old classic car. Hope it keeps on rolling!
"Sturdy" trucks with papier mache dashboards and flimsy bodywork (esp. the hoods). At least so many were made that cheap parts from the inoperative square bodies that populate salvage yards are easy to come by.
Like Panther platform Fords, the saving grace of these $h!tboxes is cheap parts to keep 'em running. Otherwise they're heavy, thirsty, poorly built and not all that reliable.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S9gRflS4eY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHXFa0T8WNY
Bring on the BDSM gear and 50 foot tall walls of fire!
It's great to have a built van-for taking trips.
Be safe be well,
Incognito Robin
Thanks. My feed failed me.