Northwest Dive Club

which kind of cars [not truck] would make a good dive car and to the slopes in the winter?

If I didn't have to drive over Snoqualmie Pass all winter, I'd own a Honda Element, like Bob's. I think that's about the neatest vehicle for dive gear I've seen yet.

My Audi station wagon doesn't do badly, either, but nothing that's going to haul dive gear should have the rear compartment carpeted.

What is wrong with a small truck? It doesn't have to be a full-size truck and if you got a 4x4, a little weight in the bed would get you over the pass no problem.

I would suggest any type of hatch back. Like a Subaru, or Scion XB or other. I have for Scion Xb's for my business and have dove out of them many times with ease. just need a rubber mat if you don't have a truck

I would cast another vote for an Honda element. For me its not just the rubber floor mats/hosability, spaciousness, honda reliability, etc... at my height I just fit in the thing really well... which is a rarity. The seats and mirrors and everything are just in the placed right for my frame.

However my wife doesn't feel as comfortable in it so we're probably going to go with a small pickup or a subaru eventually. Something she fits in and feels safe with... yet I can totally crap up with wet gear... and still only own one car.

What's wrong with your current car? Its pretty much a mini SUV and looks perfect for hauling gear around.

-Eric

i love my subaru outback. drive really well, good gas mileage, two divers and their gear hauled easily, all wheel drive, and a rubber mat in the back keeps the carpet dry.

LCF wrote:If I didn't have to drive over Snoqualmie Pass all winter, I'd own a Honda Element, like Bob's. I think that's about the neatest vehicle for dive gear I've seen yet.

My Audi station wagon doesn't do badly, either, but nothing that's going to haul dive gear should have the rear compartment carpeted.

The Elements after about 2005 are AWD ... which would make them great vehicles for driving over Snoqualmie Pass as well as great dive vehicles.

One of the best things I like about mine is gas mileage. For an SUV, it's fantastic ... last road trip I bothered to track it, I got about 28 mpg.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I loved my Eurovan. I could easily carry all my dive gear, two dogs, and two people and still have room. But alas, gas mileage sucked. So we got a new Subaru Forester which has been fantastic! Had to get a cargo box for when I travel with the family but for just diving it rocks! Plenty of room for 2 divers and all their gear even when I'm instructing (which, of course, means I carry a tad more gear), and still great gas mileage. The Outback is used by many divers as well.
I've become a Subaru fan after reading about their environmental policies. It's a good company for a car manufacturer. Honda is as well. I like the looks of the Element (especially Bob's) but have never driven one-my wife did and didn't like it much-visibility issues for her-she's kind of short.
Good luck. Car hunting can be a pain.

Another vote for the Element. We have an '07 and really like the car. It was originally purchased as a dog friendly car, however it makes a fantastic dive vehicle. Gas mileage is good on the road, but in town is a disappointment. Bob

I love my 2001 4/Runner, BbbleMkr's 2006 AWD Element! Both are great in the snow, camping, and for diving. Her Element gets better mileage than mine, but I do need a tow vehicle, which the Element isn't. Good luck!

You would probably want something hatch-back and AWD...

Think Subaru, Audi all road etc.

Personally I hate hatch-backs I just don't like the look. We've been transporting a lot of gear in my gf's 06 330XI nothing wet but it holds 5 tanks and both our dive gear easily. I would just think with it being wet gear put it into the not so tall bins and throw it in the trunk.

For skiing make sure it has a ski bag boot thing in the trunk. It's that big leather condom looking thing that you slide your skis into and it extends out into the salon of the car but keeps all the moisture out because its technically in a water tight bag.

As for driving to the pass it's AWD with a 80-20 preference until it knows you're slipping then something like 60-40.

Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".

Alex wrote:Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".

i have no idea what that means...

... but I rented I rented an Element for the club dive weekend, and I have to say, it was pretty freaking awesome for schlepping gear and not a bad ride at all. Easy to park, good visibility out the windows, and it accomodated my height and long legs nicely. (I realize that's not so much of an issue for you, though )

What don't you like about your current ride?

Alex wrote:Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".

i really don't get what you're saying here. what's wrong with a honda element?

IT's NOT A CAR IT's AN SUV!!!! - hehe

The Honda Element is a car as far as I'm concerned. In my opinion, a vehicle has to be on a truck-frame to be a true SUV.

Those new Hummer H3T trucks look interesting. Drool.

IMHO, a truck with a lockable camper shell can't be beat for diving. You have a nice tailgate for gearing up, and when your stuff is all wet and sandy you don't have to worry about it dripping all over your interior when it's in the bed of a truck.

I've seen a cool bed slider tray hand-customized for diving too, with tank holders on the sides. Cool idea. Don't know the guys name, but I saw his set up out at Edmond OD last year. Really classy.

If gas mileage is a priority, get a little Ford Ranger or equivalent. 4WD has better resale value even if you don't plan on using it much.

I'll jump on the wagon here and say go for anything with a hatchback, preferably one you can stand under while it's raining.

Also, I guess another good question to ask would be "what's your budget?".

My PT Crusier does a good job hauling scuba gear.

I just fold up the back seats and have a rubber mat for the back. It has a nice big hatchback which you can stand up under.

It also doubles nicely as a dog hauler

What about an El Camino?! It's a car, it'd haul your gear perfectly, and it's a total chick-magnet!! :rr: The Subaru Baja would be a more updated version of the same idea, but WAY less cool.

The Subaru Baja would be an update of the Subaru Brat..... Rumor has it that GM wants to bring the El Camino back at some point.
The best dive rig that I've seen is the Honda Ridgeline. Crappy mileage for a 6 banger, but the lockable "trunk" in the composite bed is huge!

Find a retired ambulance and start a conversion project Babs.
Big enough to change in, plenty of storage space, and hey...install a compressor in there too.

School bus. Remove the seats.

laivindil wrote:School bus. Remove the seats.

Awesome. Short or Long?
Personally, I'd go for the short bus 'cause it has the nifty hydraulic ramp for lifting gear.

That and it would remind me of my childhood.

Phineas Gage wrote:

laivindil wrote:School bus. Remove the seats.

Awesome. Short or Long?
Personally, I'd go for the short bus 'cause it has the nifty hydraulic ramp for lifting gear.

That and it would remind me of my childhood.

Either. Lots 'o dive buddies? Long. Also good for extended trips when retrofitted with beds, toilets and kitchenettes.

Only a couple dive buddies? Short. Saves on gas and it's easier to park!

That rear overhang would make launching a boat at some of the more gently sloping boat launches a cinch.