We bought a 2006 260 LS last July, our first boat in over 15 years.  Way too long for me, but we are back in the water which is all that matters.  Shortly after getting the boat I convinced my wife we needed to get rid of the mini van and get something to haul the boat.  Since this would be my wife's car, I knew we would not be looking at any of the monster SUV's (Suburban, Excursion) or a pick up truck.  After much research we bought the Chrysler Aspen.  One reason is the highest tow rating in it's class, the other being the LIFETIME warranty on the drive train.

The Aspen has the power to tow the boat, but with the shorter wheel base and the weight of the boat, I was not too comfortable with the thought of a long trip.  I felt every dip in the road and every truck that passed me.  This spring we had an Equalizer load distribution/anti sway hitch installed, along with electric brakes.  The difference is amazing.  Now I feel ready for the trip to Norris lake next weekend.  The hills of KY and TN will be a real test.

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

An even better way to improve the towing experiance is to add air bags to the rear suspension. the cost is less in most cases and it is way more convient!

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Mark & Jennie
"Here for the party"
1995 250CR

Well at least someone is buying an Aspen! I work in industry and Durange/ Aspen is one of hte programs I manage on. The way things are going I hope you got a steal on the aspen. I am actually trying to convince the wife to get one in December when her Hummer lease is up. My discounts I shoul dbe able to cut her payment in half and stay in a nice SUV.

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1998 Corwnline 180BR (1st boat)
Waterford, MI
Go STATE!

Mike,

What part of the auto industry do you work in?  Maybe you have some thoughts on the future of the Auto industry, especially the big 3.

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'My TAI'
2006 230 LS
350 Mag

Andy Armbruster:

Mike,

What part of the auto industry do you work in?  Maybe you have some thoughts on the future of the Auto industry, especially the big 3.

 

Well I work for a larger Tier 1 supplier. I am an Account Manager (Sales & Marketing) and work on Chrysler account. I definately have thoughts for the future of the industry. LOL Every time everyone thinks we have hit the bottom, we fall further. However I think things can only get better from here. The Big 3 must focus more on fuel efficiency rather than pumping out the most vehicles each year. 5 years ago I told my boss that Toyota would be on top by 2007. I got looked at like I was crazy. However whos laughing now.

I have also believe that the UAW (Unions) are causing the difficult times for Big 3. Stop moving all their production over to low cost countries and learn something from Toyota, Honda, Nissan who have moved manufacturing to the United States Emp0loying hundreds of thousands (non union). Time have changed. Unions use to protect the workers and were needed. However in these days, I think they are doing nothing but dragging the OEM's down.

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1998 Corwnline 180BR (1st boat)
Waterford, MI
Go STATE!

Mike,

I'm on the front line dealing with final product and the public in rural america.  I agree, more fuel efficient vehicles are the obviously the answer and it will come down to which manufacturer can get more fuel efficient cars from concept to the  streets the quickest.  I think this will be a big problem for the big 3 especially GM, they don't have a very good track record of supplying dealers with 'hot' merchandise.  I also know that Chrysler was/is planning to lauch a variety of diesel engines for Light Trucks, cars, and vans.  I think this could also be a hinderance unless their fuel economy of the diesels goes through the roof.  It looks like rough water for a while on my end.

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'My TAI'
2006 230 LS
350 Mag

In Europe, the price of diesel has gone up much quicker than petrol recently. In some places, diesel is now more expensive than 95 octane petrol (the lowest available). Over here, people are now looking at more fuel efficient petrol engines rather than fine-dust producing diesels. There are a lot of fuel efficient cars on the European market as prices have been higher than in the US for ages (currently 1.70 Euro/Liter, which is 10.14 US$/Gal). But people still need to get from home to work, visit friends and family and public transport is usually not an option (travel time). The thing with fuel efficiency is, you'll have to change the way you drive (accelleration, what's that), the size of the vehicle you drive (towing a boat, forget it)...

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Stefan

2008 275CCR 496MAG B3
"Arosa"