Finally figured out how much diving gear can fit into a Miata!

[mwhities]

haha

Very cool. you should at least clean off the folding chair, I'd hate for you to get dirt/sand all over your little car.

Michael

 

[bamamedic]

True, true...



When I started diving doubles, I was faced with a predicament...how the heck was I going to manage the doubles by myself, including gearing up (it's not like I can put them on my tailgate) if there was no place to put them? (like a picnic table or similar)...

Finally, I came up with a way that involved a collapsible hand cart, a folding chair, and a tarp.

I lay the doubles onto the ground (on the tarp so nothing gets dirty), assemble my gear, and then, when I'm ready to dive, haul the doubles onto the chair so I can get into them. It works pretty well, actually. I've also discovered, that if I back the chair up against a car, and bungee the doubles to the chair, it holds them fairly well in between dives...

While trying to haul my doubles onto that cool little tank-holding table at ABWA, I also discovered another use for the chair. Turns out I'm not strong enough to lift the doubles onto the platform in one fell swoop, but if I lug them onto the chair, then stand on the chair, and lift them onto the table, it works out pretty darned well.

 

[mwhities]

Ohh no. Be careful doing that. Especially if your feet are wet... I'm sure you know that already. If I get to dive these doubles there, you can park yours in the back of my truck as well. They should fit side-by-side.

Looks like I'll be heading there by myself, so I'll need a dive buddy.

Michael

 

[mike_s]

I really like the "kill count" you've got stencil'd on your front fender

Be Carefull not to let those valves edges tear into those leather seats..... (on below pic)

get a small pice of foam and stick under them.... will keep the weight of the tank/valves from stretching into the leather also. Same for under the doubles (so you don't have two big "round dents" stretched into your leather.

Also, a compression/cinch strap around the doubles and the back of the seat will reduce the movement if you have to turn sharply left/right. it'll hold a lot better than the seat-belt will and be a lot safer... (just something helpful to consider). these straps are pretty cheap. (get the ones with the cam buckle in them and not the ratchet ones. they are easier to deal with for light loads.)

Phil will like seeing this pic

 

[mwhities]

Phil will like seeing this pic

I was thinking, she is up in that area and where is mine?

I need to call Phil anyways. I need another RG1208.

Michael

 

[Tamas]

Maybe its just me, but why not get a bigger car?

 

[mike_s]

you also might want to consider a VERY SMALL trailer to use as a '2nd trunk' since you're getting into more gear...

your tow limit is prob pretty low, but they make some sub-compact trailers that are low profile and would be easy for you to tow and wouldn't eat into your gas mileage and visibility while driving/backing.

something like one of these...

 

[Tamas]

I like those, small and cute I wonder what the rated capacity of those things are

 

[mike_s]

I like those, small and cute I wonder what the rated capacity of those things are

I'm sure each one is different based on the axel and tires. But I'm sure they'd hold a few hundred pounds each to maybe 1,000 pounds. But I doubt she'd need more than one that held a few hundred pounds.

One of these would be perfect for her as it'd be good for a small car like the Miata and easy for her to hook up with a light tounge weight (when empty). (she could get a flip down tounge jack with roller for if she has to disconnect it while loaded).

I wouldn't get the one with the smallest tires either as smaller tires mean more rotations on the wheel (and the bearings). But people pull the smaller tire trailers all the time. most without problems. (as long as you lube the bearings as needed (repack every x years, etc).)

Maybe its just me, but why not get a bigger car?

yeah... I've tried diving out of my Honda and it's ok (with easily twice the room of the Miata), but I still prefer the room of my full size Tahoe. that and having the Cargo-liner mat (with edges) on it catches all the sand/dirt and wetness. keeps from my carpet getting wet and never drying out. (I think mine is a Huffy Liner, but not sure). I've ended up replacing all my floor mats with the same cargo mats (made for my model truck).... makes a big difference in keeping the truck clean(er).


Anyway, just my 2 cents worth....

Not as nice as Kenny's trailer, but she'd sure not hate filling up the gas tank like he does either!

 

[Tamas]

Same reason I love my truck. Especially if I am in there alone, I can push my doubles and stages to the side and even sleep inside it. Nothing beats a truck or a wagon for diving.