[VAC] Re: Truck Stops and Tow Cars

[Nicholas Froome <listreader@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

All these discussions of Truck Stops and Tow Cars point up how different 
it is here in the UK. It's a long-term project of mine to have an 
Airstream, and I've received useful help from a number of people both on 
and off this list

Apart from the obvious 110 vs 240 Volt power issue - and the fact that 
we drive on the left - it seems there are lots of issues about using an 
Airstream over here

Nose weight is one, and sheer size is another. Over here a Land Rover 
Discovery is a BIG vehicle. Although dismissed (undoubtedly accurately) 
by list members for towing a big AS, you have to go long way to find a 
bigger tow vehicle in the UK. Some of the newer Japanese 4X4s are a 
little bit bigger than a Disco, but 1/2 and 3/4-ton pickups plain don't 
exist here

All petrol stations carry diesel, and most pumps supply two grades of 
Unleaded and diesel, and something like 25% (and growing) of all new 
cars are diesels. Leaded petrol finally disappeared last year and is now 
only found in a couple of hundred garages across the UK - it's still 
being made specially for classic car drivers

Some stations carry LRP (Lead Replacement Petrol) which, in true British 
style, is not manufactured to a standard and will contain one of a 
number of additives. You're recommended to stick to one additive or 
another, but most garages don't know what's in the LRP they sell

Despite this, and despite petrol and diesel being nearly $6 a gallon, 
I'll still get an Airstream one day...