Re: Towing does not mean "redneck"

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@symposiafoundation.org>]

Uh, Rob, you awake yet?

Try reading the original post again, buddy. I’m offended by your tone,
but I am recompensed by the fact that you really missed the point of the
post. Do the words Reading Comprehension mean anything to you? How about
Scholastic Aptitude Test? Never heard of it? I figgered not.

> My buddy Rob wrote:
> ”Perhaps this guy was just a begruntled [sic] poster who hasn't gotten 
> help
> from the list, but, this is no reason for him to attack someone for 
> asking a very pertinent and good question.  If someone owns a boat 
>  and they want to tow it say 20 times a year, there is no reason for 
> them to get a truck.“
<snip>

I don’t know what quantum leap in logic provided you with that
revelation, but to wit: I too have received and (hopefully) given a lot
of sound advice myself. Furthermore, I was requesting that others on the
list not attack people for asking ANY question (within reason, and
concerning Audis). Furthermore, you make no mention that the SIZE AND
WEIGHT of the boat make a reallllllyyyy big difference as to whether
someone should use a truck instead of a car. You evidently think
frequency of use is the limiting factor. VERY INTERESTING comment,
considering your proclaimed experience and knowledge in this area. 

Now, the real question is, why didn’t you just reply to me, instead of
the entire list with your maligned and misguided attempt at
belittlement. 

My message was typed in reference to the original trailering post where
someone (I can’t remember who) inquired about the towing capacity for
their Audi. To which another party replied that the original post‘er‘
should remove themselves from our wonderful group for having asked such
a “stupid“ question. (BTW I have been informed that this was also only
intended as sarcasm/humor, not a serious suggestion.)

You, Rob, seem to agree that trailering with an Audi isn’t an entirely
ridiculous proposition. Therefore we both agree that the fellow
q-lister‘s original question was not stupid, and in my opinion did not
deserve such a harsh response (drop off the list).

That was my point. I haven’t the foggiest where you got this redneck
inference from. I was merely pointing out that we in the US *generally*
do not consider towing boats/other items around with german sports
sedans. I too have grown up around boats (and german cars), and I have a
lot of experience trailering boats around. However, I have always used a
Chebby Suburban for this function. My father’s previous AMG Benz had a
serious towing setup on it, and we did do some towing with it, but only
on a very limited basis. The truck was a much more capable and safe TOW
vehicle.

That said, I hadn’t really considered my little 5 cylinder adequate for
towing items of much consequence (1000 + lbs). The concerns are even
greater when you consider the stress on the (91 200q) clutch resultant
of trying to yank something on the order of my 19’ Boston Whaler out of
the water. I don’t think it would be wise, but I have no hard data on
the tow capacity of the 91 200q. 

Was I inferring that I (or anyone else) would be a redneck to consider
using a truck for this? Uhh, no. No sir. Don’t know where you got that
one, either. Cars can be used for towing, but the limit is much lower. I
don’t know what kind of boats you’re selling these people who use cars
for the trailering task, but ain’t no car gonna drag a 5000 lb boat
around SAFELY, in summer heat, on the highway, out of sometimes steep
launching ramps, etc. Properly set-up trucks with transmission coolers,
big brakes, engine oil coolers, etc are definitely more appropriate.

I’ve seen plenty o’ cars trying to drag boats around that are way too
big for them to safely stop and control. I hope you’re not one of those
salesmen telling them “It’s okay, your car can pull that, no problem”
And Cha ching, you have a sale. I personally know dealers who will tell
people exactly that, because they know that’s the only way that family
is gonna buy the boat. Dad ain’t goin’ to buy no stinkin‘ truck just
haul it around, so it’s either the family wagon can handle it, or no
sale.

> Rob sez:
> “About half of the people we sell boats to have a car. So, whomever 
> posted this is a true moron and should pat himself on the back for 
> openly admitted [sic] it before all us "smarter" posters.“  

You wouldn’t perhaps fall into that *boat*, wouldja Rob? I’m sure glad
there’s smart folks like YOU (reading comprehension aside) out there to
help teach the likes of lil’ ole me.

Try reading a little more closely, and if you feel the need to attempt
to insult me or anyone else on the list further, address it to me (or
them) first. Public praise (or help). Private criticism. Wouldn’t you
prefer it, SAY RIGHT ABOUT NOW?

Perhaps my first post wasn’t clear enough, and as is often the case,
some words are easily misinterpreted. If I’ve misinterpreted any of Mr.
Nance‘s insults, my apologies in advance.

Regards,

Sarge

91 200q
86 5ktq
86 19’ Boston Whaler, 150 Evinrude.
No tow vehicle of my own at the moment