Comments on: Murphy’s Law

By: Roz Nowosielski

Roz Nowosielski — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:33:24 +0000

Yikes, what an experience!

We are newbies, and are planning a trip in about five weeks for Yellowstone, and the Black Hills. We are from southeast Michigan. Do you have any advice as far as routes, or must sees? Any particular campgrounds or attractions you would recommend? We fortunately just purchased a new tow vehicle, but I am still nervous about the trek, especially what you said about the inclines.

Wish us luck and say a prayer!

By: Lynne Caulkett

Lynne Caulkett — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:34:46 +0000

Hey David, listen to this one. My brother-in-laws parents were towing a 32 ft. trailer through Tennessee along I-75 years ago. They left their small dog in the trailer (It was in October and heat was not an issue). After a while the wife happened to glance over and spotted a trailer along side of them. She calmly commented on how much the dog in the trailer window reminded her of their dog, when the husband checked his rear view mirror and realized with horror that it was their dog! Talk about bad luck! The trailer had come unhitched and was now passing them. Lucky for them (and the dog, who had to be pretty confused seeing his master alongside him!), they were on a stretch of flat road with no curves, and the trailer stayed straight and slowed down to a stop with no other cars on the road, which was a miracle since the trailer was in the oncoming traffic lane. Come to find out, the husband had forgotten to attach the chains and must have not checked to see that the ball was firmly attached in their haste to get on the road. It is funny now when they tell the story, but it could have been tragic.

By: Lynne Caulkett

Lynne Caulkett — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:27:10 +0000

This is for Peggy. Stick to the 3/4 ton. When fully loaded those trialers can be pretty heavy, especially in hilly terrains, and why buy a truck you may have to replace down the road.

By: Sid Burklund

Sid Burklund — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:29:21 +0000

Peggy,
I think the worst 2 word heard when asking a seamingly straight forward question is “That Depends”. and that is were your question brings me.

Because you didn’t say how much your trailer weighs when loaded I can give you som direction that I hope will help. First find out how much your trailer waighs when loaded. When loaded I mean the trailer when empty plus propane, water, and all of your personal and camping gear.

From hear the process is straight forward. If you prefer Ford, Chevy or Dodge, go there first with your trailer information. They should be able to quickly give you several options. Things to consider:

Engine Size, is it large enough to handle the terain you plan on visiting (ie hills and mountains or just rolling terain)?

Transmission, is it adiquite for the strain you will place on it (again, hills and mountains, free ways etc.)? Newer utility transmissions also come with a load selecter that not only changes shift poins but give you “compression breaking”, a great option when you consider the safety this provides.

Breaks, with a 26 foot trailer you have trailer brakes but does the Van have enough capicity to handle the extra load? Also, Some of the new rigs come with pre wired trailer conections that includes a break controler, an option worth considering given their importance.

I know this sounds like a lot and it is but when you think about it it makes sense. With the above in mind I think you will be prepared to visit a dealer (you should start there first before going to a used car lot (they push what they have), .

As an added thought, you might consider talking to the dealers service department, I know they will have the tech side down and that will make you a better prepared buyer.

Good luck,
Sid

PS My wife and I have a 5th wheel rig with a GVWR of 15,000 lbs. Our tow vehicle is a Ford F250 Super Duty, 6 Liter diesel.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:10:54 +0000

my husband and i also had many bad lucks coming home in a hurry from Texas. His dad had a stroke and we needed to get home fast, but that didnt happen. We are pulling a 26 foot travel trailer with a 1990 full size van, we now need to buy a new truck, cause the van just cant cut the pulling anymore. So my question is what size truck do we need to pull this camper over hills and mountains. some people tell us 1/2 ton and others tell 3/4 ton. any suggestions?

By: aksmhrm

aksmhrm — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:45:16 +0000

Reminds me of a trip we took with our son and his family. All in all we lost three tires on the trip and were about ready to leave the trailer where it sat. First tire to go was just your typical flat……..we stopped along side the road and waiting for Roadside Assistance. They brought out the wrong size tire and so we ended up getting to stay overnight at the tire repair place. They were wonderful though and even hooked us up to electricity. We are retiried and so we don’t necessarily get up early in the morning if you know what I mean. At 7:00 am we started hearing the air guns whirring off lugnuts. That’ll wake a body up in a hurry. We finally got rolling again and pulled in to get fuel and there was a guy just hanging around. He looked at our tires and said we had some issues with them. After looking at them ourselves we agreed, so we bought four new tires and put the other “new tire” on as a spare. We proceeded on to the Grand Canyon and had a great time with the whole family on our fifth wheel. We moved from the campground at the Grand Canyon to a campground in Williams, AZ to spend a couple more days in the area and to let the grand kids swim and in general run off some excess energy. The second night we were there a guy up the road got his truck hijacked and we were a little nervous after that. We left the next day headed home. We lost TWO of our NEW tires as we were driving up I-5. The third showed signs of failure too. The last two tires had a total tread peal. I’ve never seen anything like it unless it was a retread. Anyway, we lost them and had to wait while Roadside assistance came and saved our bacon again. To top it all off it was so cold at the Grand Canyon we about froze. We finally made it home with all new tires AGAIN. We’ve been across the country several times since and never had a problem.

We have since traded in our 5er for motorhome and on the maiden voyage with four grand kids in tow we lost our tail pipe somewhere between Fife, WA and Canyonville, OR. Never heard it come off and never saw it again. spent the whole day at Freightliner while they configured a new tailpipe. Had some electgrical issues also but while it was toasty in the rig with NO AIR CONDITIONERS in AUGUST in Lodi, CA we survived with no addtional issues. Yup, can really relate to your problems……..as they say been there, done that, got the T-shirt……..

Wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything though.

By: Ron Moore

Ron Moore — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:17:38 +0000

Wow, I can appreciate everything you went through!!! We had a TT, but were fortunate enough to have had the Hensley Arrow – and had two big rigs pass at the same time on either side – no sweat. Positive attitude…next time will be great.

By: Thomas Mccann

Thomas Mccann — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:06:45 +0000

Another great blog Dave.

By: David Kurtz

David Kurtz — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:48:55 +0000

Wyalusingwillie…Yes, our travels have improved! As for Lena, Illinois….we have friends that have also recommended the state park and that is one of our planned destinations this year.

By: wyalusingwillie

wyalusingwillie — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:10:10 +0000

You mentioned northern Il. Have you ever stayed at Lake LeaquaNa state park, Lena, Il? Very nice park. Paved sites, electric for all.

I am very familiar with the hills and the Mississippi River. Approaching them and going down can be a daunting experience.

I hope your travels have since improved.