Float Tube Hauler

I am in between trucks for a bit. I thought I would write a review on 2001 Mustang GT as a float tube hauler. I am sure there is a worse choice, but not many. First off, the Cumberland has a Styrofoam padded seat and backrest as opposed to air filled. This makes a much larger footprint when folding it up. It just will not fit into the trunk of this car. So, to put it in the back seat it was much easier to put the top down and drop it in. With the top up the foam makes it too bulky to slide in the door and windows and roof without feeling like something would get scratched. Heck, my fishing rods had to stick out the window.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Also, I used a bucket with three pieces of PCV as rod holders to save space hauling. I do always have the bucket behind the seat of the Cumberland anyways. I don’t like having my rods directly behind me for a couple of reasons, I’m old, fat, and have terrible flexibility.
My first trip looked like this. It only took 3 minutes a side to air up with the “Intex” Quick fill electric pump, also a space saving device.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]




After the first outing I thought about leaving the tube inflated in the backseat and sticking straight up with the top down. A couple of test runs showed that nose first made a tight fit between the front seat and back seat. I put on my ABS rod holders, and it worked like a charm and saved 6 minutes or more getting on the water. The top had to come down anyway. It won’t work on freeway, 55mph it wants to catch the wind, but I live 7 miles from Lake Perris and have the restraint to dive 50mph or less.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

This works out in a pinch and I do live in SoCal so weather is not often a problem.

That was so cool watching you pull up in your convertible with your tube sticking out. Necessity is the mother of invention, and where there is a will there is always a way. Thanks for sharing this post with us and you might have just helped a few other make it to the water.

I thought it was Santa Claus coming with his green slay in the back seat, but to my surprise it was Jerdon with the top down, mind you it was 48 degrees at 6AM.
Great review on your tube hauler, can we get some info on the pump in the photo?..........GT

GT wrote:I thought it was Santa Claus coming with his green slay in the back seat, but to my surprise it was Jerdon with the top down, mind you it was 48 degrees at 6AM.
Great review on your tube hauler, can we get some info on the pump in the photo?..........GT

I got that at Big 5 for airing up camping stuff. It was $35 or $45. I don't remember. It will fill the Cumberland, but it is moving slow at the end. Nothing a couple of quick breaths won't fix.
It doesn't have the juice that Jeffs big handpump did. But it takes up a lot less room.

Intex” Quick fill electric pump.

Thanks Jerdon.........GT

Luv’d the report Brotha!!
I like your determination and your car!

Thank you for your report with pictures!

SP Dan <“))><

Thanks for the sharing the challenges of getting to the fishing hole with a tight fit vehicle. I can relate a bit since I use my honday civic. Not as tight but folding up the tube and placing in a large plastic tub works for me

Two blondes locked themselves out of their car.
One working the lock.
2nd asks how it’s going?
One says; soon…almost got it.
2nd says: Whatever we do. We need to hurry. It’s fixing to rain and we left the top down.