What's the best SCUBA car?

[FritzCat66]

I'm constantly getting hassle for being a single guy with a minivan, but the fact is, I've owned cars, pickups, and conversion vans, and rented a lot of SUV's, but my Totyota Sienna is definitely the single most practical vehicle I've ever driven. I started out as a field tech and used it to haul equipment around (I mostly leave the back seats out). Loading and unloading it is so much easier than a pickup or SUV because 1) it's much closer to the ground, and 2) you can access it from the rear hatch, or either side with those two huge side doors pulled back. And the rear hatch keeps you dry loading & unloading in the rain.

It tows a 3000-pound camper without feeling like it lacks power. (Had to add an electric brake controller of course.)

Rack on top means you can fit overnight gear for four up there, with the scuba gear inside.

Kayaks fit fine up there, too.

Gear on a tarp in the back with the seats folded down; or usually half the seat folded, making a perfect well for tanks.

Floor is just the right height for sitting & gearing up for shore dives.

Power rear vents perfect for hauling back stinky used dive gear after the dive.

Rear A/C for back passengers, if any.

Better gas mileage than SUV (I get 24MPG even hauling my 3000-pound pop-up).

The Toyota is quiet and rides like a Lexus.

Inflate-o-mattress in back makes for a makeshift overnight camper.

130,000+ miles and still quiet and smooth with no major service headaches beyond regular maintenance.

It's my perfect scubacamperhaulerpeoplemovertowerloaderunloader pragmatomobile.

Chicks be damned - I'm a single minivan-drivin' man and I love it!

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Bottom line,
people like what they drive and will make due with what they have, which ultimately turns into the best dive vehicle in the world.

 

[Tropicalwolf]

Jeep Wrangler...with trailer if necessary.

 

[craracer]

I vote for the Honda element as the best current dive mobile

I own the EX-P and despite searching for a new vehicle, I haven't found anything better (purpose wise). I pack my doubles, two 40's, cooler, sleeping pads & bag, and a ton of other stuff into it for 3 day diving excursions. I even sleep in the back (I removed the rear seats, which takes all of 5 minutes to do, a long time ago.

I've had the bug to get another vehicle. Sadly, they no longer make the Element with a manual transmission. I've never owned an automatic and can't seem to give up manual.

 

[Herk_Man]

Yeah, I agree. Originally I was thinking of going for BIG and ROOMY, but the nearest "decent" dive site is 3 hours away, and unfortunately MPG is a factor. So mid-size SUV's are very appealing.

The new Nissan Xterra is probably the front runner as of now. I just need to fit two peoples gear for a trip. And I'm sure I could still tow one of those SWEET trailers posted earlier.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 door Wrangler) Rubicon. Get the trailer package for those long dive trips.

 

[Soggy_Diver]

Bottom line,
people like what they drive and will make due with what they have, which ultimately turns into the best dive vehicle in the world.

Too true!

For scuba, I love my Ford Escort Wagon. For a dive weekend, my buddy and I go in the front, dry stuff goes in the back seats, scuba gear goes in the back. Long hatch back is perfect length for scuba tanks, and low enought to be easy to load. Pretty cheap to drive, with better than 8 liters per 100 km on the highway (= about 30 mpg).

 

[DennisS]

I like my stretch E-250 van, it's a big box with wheels. I can put my dive/camping gear/kayak in it. It has a platform so I can throw an air matress in, hook up my little honda generator and an a/c, it becomes a mini RV. I have tank racks next to the side door so sitting down and gearing up is easy.

The downside is finding a city parking space

 

[fstbttms]

+1 for a van.

My work vehicle is a 2008 Ford-E-150. All of my dive gear lives in it 24/7 and I still have plenty of room for hauling other stuff when I need to. It tows my workboats like they aren't even there. I don & doff my wetsuits or drysuit in it as well.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

So I can show you my choice...

I have a dive buddy who's dad owns two of 'em. Been out on a lake in one ... they're a nice toy, but they suck in waves.

Honda element is a great ride. It is not the best looking thing but it works for me. I have seen a lot of folks at the quarry driving them.

They hold a lot of stuff ...

... but as I found out recently, exceeding the payload capacity can have serious consequences. Mine's in the shop this week getting a new engine, after only 143,000 miles ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[fstbttms]

Seen on Oakland Estuary from time to time