Avards
Elio Aficionado
EM has said that the Elio will be designed in such a manner as to be towable. By "towable" do they mean 3-wheel down towable, on a dolly, or on a trailer? I broached the question some months ago, and, although I got an answer, it left a bit to the imagination.
Not all of us tow with rigs based on mega-trucks or bus running gear. I have a 2010 Airstream Interstate which is a conversion of a 2008 M-B Sprinter van. The Elio is said to be designed to weigh in at about 1,200 pounds. U Haul indicates that one of their car dollies weighs about 750 pounds dry. I really don't want to add the weight of a dolly that ways about 3/4 of what the towed vehicle is to be. Thus, I desire to tow 3-wheels down.
From the information I've gained, not much, it sounds as though Elio is not incorporating towing attachment points into the design of the car. Quite honestly, I think that lack of inclusion of this design element will substantially reduce the desirability of the Elio as a potential RV towed vehicle. Perhaps they've decided that this potential market is too small to address, but it would be a market. A market means potential additional sales.
If Elio is including an emergency tow hook attachment point as a safety element, it might be reinforced just a bit for continuous use for towing, and a second one could be fitted to a similar position on the opposite side of the vehicle. As there is no front bumber on the vehicle, is the radiator surround sufficent to deal with a minor impact? Might it be stiff enough to serve as a towbar attachment element?
If anyone has obtained information from Elio on this subject, please share it with us. Or, if you happen to go to the travelling road show, please inquire and provide the information which you obtain.
Right now, my small "all in" funding expendature is increaingly looking like a donation to the cause. If so, so be it.
Thanks,
wr
Not all of us tow with rigs based on mega-trucks or bus running gear. I have a 2010 Airstream Interstate which is a conversion of a 2008 M-B Sprinter van. The Elio is said to be designed to weigh in at about 1,200 pounds. U Haul indicates that one of their car dollies weighs about 750 pounds dry. I really don't want to add the weight of a dolly that ways about 3/4 of what the towed vehicle is to be. Thus, I desire to tow 3-wheels down.
From the information I've gained, not much, it sounds as though Elio is not incorporating towing attachment points into the design of the car. Quite honestly, I think that lack of inclusion of this design element will substantially reduce the desirability of the Elio as a potential RV towed vehicle. Perhaps they've decided that this potential market is too small to address, but it would be a market. A market means potential additional sales.
If Elio is including an emergency tow hook attachment point as a safety element, it might be reinforced just a bit for continuous use for towing, and a second one could be fitted to a similar position on the opposite side of the vehicle. As there is no front bumber on the vehicle, is the radiator surround sufficent to deal with a minor impact? Might it be stiff enough to serve as a towbar attachment element?
If anyone has obtained information from Elio on this subject, please share it with us. Or, if you happen to go to the travelling road show, please inquire and provide the information which you obtain.
Right now, my small "all in" funding expendature is increaingly looking like a donation to the cause. If so, so be it.
Thanks,
wr
