RE: Towing, speed, safety
"0 - 60 in 5 miles" ought to do it. ;)
I can't take credit for it, it was on a MH I saw a few years ago.
I like it! I might change it to "0 - 60 EVENTUALLY"
RE: Towing, speed, safety
I think he has a very legitimate point. You complained in your opening post about being too slow, being blown around by the big rigs, etc.
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As far as paying gas bills goes, If you want to play than you gotta pay!:B RVing is not a cheap activity.
Barney
Hmm. Well... Please read my post again.
I did not say it was too slow; I said it was darn slow--not a problem just a fact.
I did not complain about being blown around; I said a truck started moving over 20' too early. Rig handles pretty well actually even in a crosswind.
I DID weigh my rig. Not at full weight but pretty close.
My problem is NOT with my rig but with the rest of the drivers out there. The inability of other drivers to understand that the speed limit is an upper limit not a mandatory speed.
One of my concerns is being close to trucks driving 10' apart at 75MPH. You will not convince me that is safe. Find me some facts that say that is safe, please.
My concern is trying to inform other drivers of the reason I'm driving slowly.
I came to RVing because it is NOT expensive. I purchased a trailer that would work with my truck. I purchased the truck because it was a fuel efficient model. I would like to drive in an efficient manner. Going fast is not a priority while towing my camper.
As I said later, I am considering a larger truck. But I'd rather not.
Look, I've come to the conclusion that there really is only one problem with the country and the world: lack of consideration for your fellow human being. If you want to drive fast and waste gas, fine. But please don't expect me to do the same.
RE: Towing, speed, safety
I don't think it matters if you go 55 or 75......... You need more tow vehicle to be safe. A four cylinder is not a TV.
Sir, please don't start this. I went through all the towing specs and I'm under.
Are you going to pay my gas bills?
RE: Towing, speed, safety
I may have missed it, but do you stay in the right hand lane on multi lane roads?
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Sure, it's not all 'black and white' as all of this, but in general, I find going a tad bit slower then the 'flow' makes for an easier drive and the feeling that I'm in control and not the other way around...
You would THINK that goes wtihout saying but there are all kinds out there. Yep, I had my finger on the 4-way flashers and turned 'em on at 50MPH and off at 55. Yep, even when there was no traffic behind. Probably not required unless below 45 but I figured it was a good idea.
I would agree that going noticably slower than the going rate is safer on the wide open spaces of the west so that drivers can SEE that I'm going slow and plan accordionly. Not that many actually did.
My only exceptions to the right lane rule were in metropolitan areas where the right lane frequently turns into an exit only lane. And the time where a truck had a wide load off the right hand side. I pulled left, he passed me and I moved right again.
RE: Towing, speed, safety
Interesting to hear from an AK resident that doesn't drive 75 mph...I thought you guys were all mavericky up there....
No I AM a maverick! I drive UNDER the speed limit!
No, I don't tow with a Maverick though. That would be silly.
If you've forgotten about the car, click here.
RE: Towing, speed, safety
My favorite 'speed kills' story: one day I passed a stopped minivan just as a teenager jumped out to vomit. An hour or so later, I passed the same minivan with the same teen hunched over. An hour later, the same thing.
I could only wonder, if they were driving slower, would the kid not be car sick? How much time would that save them?
Re: Truckers Don't get me started on this. Suffice it to say, I think it is moronic for a Lowes to open right next a set of RR tracks yet all merchandise has to arrive via truck. This country has painted itself into a corner based on the convenience of once cheap fuel.
Any more ideas for a sign on the back of my trailer?
RE: Towing, speed, safety
Someone sent me a PM with good questions, I'll copy them here.
What is your definition of driving the speed limit or what speed are you comfortable driving on inner state highways? What specific types of driving situations make you most uncomfortable? How long is your rig?
In the western states of which I speak, the speed limts are up to 75 MPH. But there is no way you are going to convince me that driving 75 is safer than 55.
Yes, my rig is actually capable of the speed limit--in fact, due to the torque/HP range it would be EASIER to maintain those speeds. RPMs in the 2000-2500 range give me 60-65 MPH but that is a fairly low 'power' range of the engine. I dunno the exact numbers but peak power is close to the redline of 6k(?) but gas mileage drops off dramatically.
Alas, I found out about the Scan Gauge device too late to purchase one for the trip--would have been nice. I love that thing now.
The entire rig is about 40'. Roughly 20'+20'. Yes, I agree that the difference in speed is the important factor but think about this--I've got a 20' 'crumple zone' behind me. In a speed difference related collision, its obviously a rear-ender I need to be concerned with.
Yes, my rig is actually capable of the speed limit--in fact, due to the torque/HP range it would be EASIER to maintain those speeds. RPMs in the 2000-2500 range give me 60-65 MPH but that is a fairly low 'power' range of the engine. 3000-3500 results in a higher 'power' factor but gas mileage drops off dramaticly.
Tell you what, after this trip I have NO sympathy for truckers who complain about fuel prices--if you can't make money at 55 mph, that's something different.
Again, since I had no (will have no) timetable, I've got no problem with doing 55. I feel uncomfortable at 65 and definately unsafe at 75--that's just me and that setup--I just bought a '85 Porsche 944 which drives the same at 80 as it does at 30. I'm a little less concerned about a rollover in the 944 too. :)
Tell you what: a certain part of my anatomy starts to pucker when I see a string of big rigs driving 75mph 10' apart--those people should NOT be driving. Seeing that makes me slow down MORE to put more distance between them and me.
Due to the same power factors, I frequently had to drop to fourth or even third gear on hills result in speeds of 45 mph which I believe is the legal minimum on interstates (?).
I did flash my headlights when passed but very few truckers acknowledged or even used that information. Obviously that one guy couldn't wait that long. I really think I was being a responsible driver: One guy had a wide load sticking of the right hand side--I moved to the left lane to let him pass.
Now that I have an 'economy' car (hey, its only got 4 cylinders!), I'm considering a Tundra for the trailer but even if I just use it for trailer trips, I'll be using more gas. I don't feel that is environmentally responsible.
RE: Towing, speed, safety
It sounds like you have more RV than RV driving skills. These things don't drive like a car!!
Jim
I've been driving this rig for 4 years--all over Alaska. Many trips to Fairbanks, Seward, Homer...
Driving the Alaska Highway was a blast! But I frequently wouldn't see another vehicle for minutes--you could see probably 20 miles in either direction and not see anybody. Nice!
But the traffic is a little different on the Interstate... Heck, there are probably more people on the NJ Turnpike right now than live in Alaska.
Towing, speed, safety
I punched 'speed limit' into the towing category and read those posts. My thrust is a bit different so I've started a new thread...
This past July, I drove from Anchorage, AK to Clifton, NJ. While I wasn't able to weigh the rig in its final form, I did have full water and gas tanks. I was about 300 lbs under the GVW. I'm guessing I added about 150 lbs after that weigh when I actually did the trip. So, a 150 lbs safety cushion as far as that is concerned.
But the rig was darn slow. Given enough time, I'm sure I could get up to whatever the speed limit was but in the western states, MT, WY, NE & IA particularly, I never did: I had no need to get anywhere fast and the money spent on gas was a bigger concern. I think I probably passed 5 people on the trip (people passing me? zillions!)
But going that slow on the interstates was frequently scary, especially the time when a big rig first started moving into my lane about 20 feet too early and I had to slam the brakes to avoid getting splattered over Nebraska (I think--kinda fuzzy now--maybe Iowa).
Even before that incident, I was driving the US highways but there were some cases when that just wasn't an option for one reason or another.
So what should I do? What I HAVE been doing is not taking the trailer anyplace but that's not a whole lot of fun. I did want to take a trip this fall but I gotta admit, it scares me. It would envolve the NY Thruway where people seem to be maniacal on general principal.
I was thinking of putting some kind of message on the back of the trailer but couldn't figure out what would be short enough to read and long enough to really say something meaningful.
What do you think?
RE: Canadian border with popup truck camper
when you consider these border agents are protecting our respective countries.
Well, when you put it like THAT...
Still, I'd rather less hassle than more--just my take on it.
RE: Crossing the Border
And, if I understand correctly, it really doesn't matter too much what kind of meat you have as long as it is in the original container (and isn't from someplace weird)? Again, in both directions, though they might be looking for different things?
RE: Crossing the Border
In all the years I've been crossing the borders, I have never been or seen or heard of anyone being strip searched (no doubt it happens though).
Ok, I didn't mean strip search ME, but my truck and trailer. Someone just said they get searched--I'm just wondering how often that occurs.
And thanks for the info on pills.
RE: Crossing the Border
All meds in original RX bottles.
how big a deal is this? I do have the bottles but I transfer a week's worth into daily bottles--so I can tell if I've taken 'em that day.
Also, does anybody know what percentage of RVs get 'strip searched'? Are they purely random or targeted? More likely by US or Canada?
What a different world we live in: in '92 I entered Alaska on the Taylor Highway (from Dawson City) via bicycle. The entire interrogation follows: Guard "You with those other guys?" Me "Yep" Guard "You want a soda, there are some in the cooler over there. Help yourself" Me "Thanks" I did have him punch an entry stamp in my passport--Poker Creek.
RE: Hwy 86 Baker City OR to Oxbow..Hells Canyon
Be aware that this may be a part of a bicycle route (it was in '90--I assume it still is). The Transamerica Trail has trail heads in Astoria, OR and Williamsburg, VA. So you may see lots of bicyclists on yer trip! Be nice to 'em!
RE: Travelling with food for personal use from Canada
My understanding is that if the border guard is having a bad day, you'll have a bad day. But I've heard more pleasant stories than horror stories.
You answer your own question: just declare what you have! The only problems I've heard about was where the product was not in its original packaging.
And no, there is no problem whatsoever with bringing what you need for the trip. There are some restrictions--I didn't bookmark the page where these are laid out. But basically, just answer the border agents questions--don't vounteer anything.
RE: what did you name your dog and why
The previous owner named her Ava and I kept it. I imagine she was named for Ava Gardner. I don't see a resemblence but she does look and imagine herself a star. She is Alaskan Husky/Ibizan Hound. She has brilliant white blue eyes in a white face with large dark ears. She is really stunning. People stop me to say how beautiful she is.
My previous dog was Su short for Susitna--mountain across from Anchorage--the Sleeping Lady. So Su was the sleeping doggie!
Oh, and I think that Lillie could be a perfectly apropriate name for Lhasha Apso,
RE: New flat screen TV for MH, strange channel numbers?
Well, what kind of TV and where are you at?
All reputable TVs will have an EPG (that's the TLA for Electronic Program Guide). I believe it is mandatory for every TV sold today.
However, it is also mandatory for TV stations to broadcast that information. But here in Anchorage, AK, not all the stations have it. And the ones that do have it, do not necesarily have it correct.
Another possibility, how long has the TV been on? The frequency with which they program guide is broadcast is variable--some stations may not send it for a couple of hours.
If you've got a high quality TV and are in a major city, I don't know what to tell you...
RE: Dogs on Leases
Alas, I fear the idgits who need to read this thread are the ones most likely to avoid it. If they have the intelligence to operate a computer...
My current dog is as friendly as could be--you are in danger of being nibbled though. I know some people could see that as biting so I am trying to minimize it. And I will be sure to keep her on a leash (I will NOT lease her out). But she plays well with all of the 5 other dogs she has met.
My former dog just hated all other dogs. Just turned into a rapid beast. Friendly as could be to people; just hated dogs (and cats). She grew to accomodate other dogs presence as she got older, but she would never play with another dog.
So if you see my dog loose, it was not my intention. Please try to restrain her for me. If you'd like to meet my dog, we'd both love it. If you think you're dog would play nice with mine, I'm all for it!
