OverTheLine

25.7 mpg

2008-06-16T00:27:00.002-04:00

Leaving a dealer with a new trailer is always a high for me; mainly because I'm not responsible for the thing anymore and I'm not going to have any unexpected costs.

But a good tail wind is a real thrill because I know I am getting the best economy I can. Here is proof of a Hell of a wind perfectly blowing against my rear bumper all day long from Saskatoon through Minot.

I felt like that turtle riding the current in the movie Nemo.

I am in awe at how my Duramax engine and Allison transmission can push this 8000 pound Silverado along the highway this efficiently.

Find Later

2008-06-16T00:20:00.001-04:00

I was going to check out this town, but my subconscious just told me to go on for now.

The Slipped Axle

2008-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

While overnighting at the Saskatoon, SK Flying J, my next lane neighbor pulled in with a unique problem. Pulling a huge 3 axle 5th wheel he had a flat tire on the right rear and the left rear was badly worn where the steel belts were exposed.

Turned out his axle slipped on the springs, so it was tracking diagonally and thus the wear. He had another 5 hours to go and he was told to put the spare on and try to make it. He said he couldn't understand why he couldn't build up much speed as his engine was heating up.

As a few of us watched the poor guy remove the spare from the bottom of the trailer, I suggested he just remove both tires and drive on the two remaining good axles, thinking the twisted hubs would not drag. I told him I was no expert but I did stay at a Flying J last night. Everyone thought it was a great idea, but he did continue to change the flat and I drove a few blocks to my dealer and unhooked without incident.

After all, it was Friday the 13th and I wasn't superstitious, just thankful.

Tinker Celebrates her 3rd Birthday

2008-01-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

I guess this only lets me put two photos on an entry, so here are the others

Tinker Celebrates her 3rd Birthday

2008-01-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

While in Clearwater MN at a Dairy Queen Tinker and I celebrated her 3rd birthday, which in people years would be 21. Here are some pictures of the gala event. She had an ice cream cake with dog biscuit. After all the excitement she needed a post party nap.

Another nite at BRF

2008-01-10T07:46:00.000-05:00

Nothing fancy to report today after a restful night parked next to another Duramax. Had salad and soup and desert bar and shower and intend on breakfast bar in a few minutes. Hopefully will deliver to Little Falls MN today and get home.

Tinker finds a new way into Goshen Dispatch

2008-01-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

Tinker loves visiting the "Goshi Girls" as she calls them. They set me up with trailers and make sure I get paid. We like the place because its all fenced in like a huge play area

Those noisy Dodge pickups

2008-01-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here I am at the Black River Falls, WI Flying J which is one of my most frequently visited J's since it is on the way between Minneapolis and Goshen. I'm delivering a 26 Ft Dutchman to Little Falls, MN, but since its Sunday I can take my time as they won't receive it until Monday.

There is something about all but the newest Dodge pickups with the Cummings engines that really bothers me. Its the noise! When you are parked next to one and trying to sleep they are just as loud as any 18 wheeler idling. Most Ford Powerstrokes I can take and of course any Chevy Duramax is a welcome purr. Of course their owners like to keep them running because I sense its like a "Jeep Thing"; there must be a certain loyalty or sense of duty to keep polluting the air with noise.

They were right, it got cold

2008-01-03T07:38:00.000-05:00

Here I am at the flying J in Franklyn KY waking up and turn on my propane heater and it works a few minutes then stops. Turned out my propane tank had been covered by the sleeping bag and wasn't getting heat, and it froze. So I reached on the other side of the bed and turned up the electric heater which was running from the Honda generator. Its nice to have backup

Big Red Trailer

2007-12-27T22:37:00.001-05:00

Just going over some older videos and saw this red surprise. It was my first backhaul and was described as a "travel trailer" to be picked up at Terry Ford, which I thought would be a Ford Dealer, but turned out to be a guys house in PA.

Click on "Big Red Trailer" to see the video