I need to load objects up to 50 pounds in and out of my car. They’re amplifiers, and I’m a musician. I need to take them to and from gigs. Trouble is, I’m 60 years old. Sooner or later I’m going to slip a disc or bust a gut. I’m looking for a car (new or used) that gets good mileage (not a truck – a…

A truck bed wouldn’t protect sensitive electronic gear (to say nothing of my cello) against rain. But I’m willing to consider ways of dealing with that, if anyone can suggest a truck that has a loading height of 24 inches or less (tailgate to ground). I’m betting there isn’t one, but I wouldn’t bet …

Oh, and I forgot to mention thieves. No, a pickup simply wouldn’t do the job. If I have to park it somewhere on a street for ten minutes, someone could walk off with my stuff. Sure, I could add a shell, but that’s an added cost…

I wouldn’t put expensive sensitve electronics in the back of a pickup. I think the best bet is a SUV like the Highlander or Honda Element. Small, yet should be more then big enough for your equipment. And it will be in a temp controled environment as opposed to the back of a pickup. Plus it’ll be a…

Also consider a station wagon like the Subaru Legacy. (The Impreza wagon may be too small.) The Scion B is Toyota’s version of the Honda Element.

I’ve looked at the Element, and may buy one. Its tailgate is 27 inches above the pavement – the same as the trunk lip in my Civic. Getting down from 27 inches to 24 or 22 may not seem like much, but in lifting 50 pounds I’m pushing my body as hard as it wants to be pushed! What I really want is a b…

I’ve wrestled with the same problem. I manage and play in a chamber orchestra. I’m always loading tympani, bass and other instruments into a minivan. I’m also in my mid 60’s, so I appreciate your concern. Big amplifiers are about the worst thing to load. The idea of a lift is not unreasonable. …

Have you considered a van setup for the handicapped in a wheel chair? It would have a lift on it. Then the height wouldn’t matter. Just a thought.

My friend has a 1989 Volvo 240DL station wagon that I love using to haul heavy things. Very low deck height. Also has what some have called an aircraft-quality motor! My mother has a '89 as well – with 245k miles on it!

They sell loading ramps for ATVs, snowmobiles, etc. for trailers and pickups. Maybe one of those could be adapted for your purposes. Note that they’re not smooth sliding – indeed, they’re set up for traction, and you’d need to find something to slide your gear on. A roll-your-own solution would be …

Loading Stuff Into Trunk

Maintenance/Repairs

lprocter September 17, 2007, 5:31pm 2

You say you don’t want trucks. Why not? A 4 cylinder Ford Ranger gets decent mileage, has a large cargo area, flat, low loading deck, room for a ramp and hand truck (if so desired) and can be had fairly cheap. I think that would be your best bet.

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Loading Stuff Into Trunk

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