We used to have a Dodge Caravan, but it was to low to the ground.

At this time we have a 1992 Chevy Astro EXT van and really like it. If
you take the seats out you can haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood in it. I am
6'3' and we put a foam mattress in and still have room for a
port-a-potti and a ice chest at the end of the mattress.

We have used it for a blind--just open the slider and do bird watching
from inside the van! We have also set up the spotting scope between the
two front seats and are able to check out birds from there. Our scope
has a 45 degree eyepiece so we can both observe the same bird, one or
the other just has to lean over to look through it.

The van has good visibility when driving and good ground clearance for a
two wheel drive.(it is built on a pickup frame) You can also get them
with all wheel drive. It has enough power to tow a small trailer if so
desired. We get 23 mpg with ours, and I don't baby it. We decided to
give up a little mileage for more room, and haven't regretted it.

End of commericial!

************************************************************************
Jerry and Sandy Converse Owls of the night, silent in flight,
Grand Coulee, WA detect their prey, without light of day.
************************************************************************


>Charles Swift wrote:
>
> Tweets -
>
> I hope you will indulge me in continuing this birding vehicle thread just a
> bit longer. We are fairly new to northen Idaho and we quickly realized that
> we would need a vehicle to handle the multitude of Forest Service roads in
> this area. We have been doing okay w/ our front wheel drive low clearance
> Toyota Wagon but don't want to tear it up. (BTW it does quite well in snow
> in general as long as it's not too deep). In addition I will be doing field
> work this spring/summer and would like something I could sleep in from time
> to time. Like Michael I am torn between a Sabaru and a pickup so my main
> questions are:
>
> 1. Can Subaru Wagons handle most conditions one would find on FS roads?
> 2. Can an average sized (5'8") person sleep comfortably in the back of a Subaru?
>
> My preference is for the more fuel effecient Subaru. But it does seem almost
> a requirement that if you live in Idaho you need to drive a pick-up!
>
> Any comments or suggestions would be most helpful especially from those
> doing field work in NFS areas.
>
> Thanks!
> Charles.
> ^__^ ========================
> (0 0) Charles E. Swift
> | \/ | charless at umich.edu
> \ / Moscow, Idaho
> \/ I'm for the birds!
> ========================