I am in the process of calculating gas mileage without the pod so I have something to compare it to.

 

TerryM...I changed my sig line vehicle just for you!!!

 

Here is a quick photo I snapped this afternoon after I got home from work, with the pod in the BG.  I will use this photo as a guide to choose my graphics.  I can make them myself, but I'm limited to single colors, ie. green and/or blue and/or red and/or black, etc...the stuff I use at work is just plain vinyl, not the 'cool' stuff.  I will most likely order my graphics from Universal Products (www.u-p.com).  They have some really nice stuff and that's where I got the graphics I put on my Jeep Wrangler.  I'm really good at logos, names, and text but I don't have the capabilites of doing the really neat stuff. 

 

Techntrek.....For a project as large as yours, you may want to check out some local sign shops in your area.  They should have the capabilites of doing printed stuff as well as wraps and other neat stuff.  It won't cost you anything to stop by and see what they can do.  But I DO suggest you stop by instead of calling them.  A project like the front/back of the pod isn't something easily discussed over the phone. Or you may want to do an internet search for "vehicle vinyl graphics"  The key to good adhesion is a CLEAN surface.  Use alcohol after a really good wash to remove as much dirt, residue and WAX as possible.  I really think most of the peeling graphic problems is due to the slick, probably waxed surfaces of the pods!  Just my opinion!

 

So here is the picture, also know as the "before"....will post the "after" as soon as I get it the way I want it.

 

 

 

Congrats!  Don't forget to get some good mpg numbers. 

 

Speaking of graphics, how big can you make them?

 

Drove home my new (to me) Dakota.  It's a 2004  club cab with the 4.7 V8 Magnum engine.  Factory tow package, all I need (which I've already ordered from e-trailer.com) is the wiring harness thing-a-ma-jig to plug in my P2 brake controller.  Auto transmission which will take some getting used to since I've had a stick shift for as long as I can remember. It's white (not my favorite truck color) but some new graphics will dress it up and 'make it mine'!

 

Now here is where I have to plug Car Max.....The best vehicle buying experience I've ever had.  They transfered the truck to my local store from 2 hours away - no charge!  It has a 5 day satisfaction guarantee and a 30 day warantee.  I purchased an extended warantee at a great rate.  They gave me an incredibly fair price for my 1998 Ford Ranger with 247,000 miles.   The salesmen get a flat rate for their sales and there was NO pressure.  I can't say enough nice things about these people and the whole experience. 

 

I don't think the weather will be ideal for a camping trip this weekend, but I can't wait to pull the pod with it.  I'm real anxious to really go places now that I have the extra ponys and some peace of mind of driving a more reliable vehicle.  The clutch was about to go on the Ranger and the engine was starting to some funny things.

 

I will take pictures of our new set up soon and post photos as well. 

 

If you want a fullsized P/U the F150 would be great, too. Incidently, I traded my Dakota in on an '06 Tacoma Prerunner 4.0, which I'm very satisfied with--another midsize with good towing specs.

 

Here is why I ask...My 1998 Ford Ranger with 4.0 v6 engine and 247,000 miles is finally to the point I'm no longer comfortable pulling the pod with it.  I'm starting to see signs of mechanical problems and don't want to put the money into a truck that old with that many miles.  So I went truck shopping today   I have it narrowed down to 2 vehicles.  1 is a 2003 Ford F150 with 4.6 V8 Triton engine.  I'm very familiar with Ford and the reputation that goes along with them.  I have nothing but good things to say about my Ford.  It has been a damned good truck!  I drove the F-150 today and really like it.     I'm also considering a 2004 Dodge Dakota with 4.7 V8 Magnum engine.  I haven't had the chance to drive it yet.  Car Max has it at another location and is bringing it to my local store on Monday.  Each vehicle has it's own pros and cons, but it's a neck and neck race at this point.  One thing I really like about the Dakota is it's size.  I've never really wanted a "Full Sized" truck.  I love the size of my Ranger and the Dakota is supposed to be 'in between' the big boys and the compacts.  I like the idea of the smaller body size but the full size engine.  I've done some research on the Dakota and was hoping I could get some real life input from actual owners, preferably ones who pull campers with it.

 

Any and all comments will be appreciated.