Report From the Road

[PaulO]

Just back from a 10 day trip from Long Island to Punta Gorda FL. and back. Some observations I would like to share. We drove our old (1998) diesel pusher Dutch Star through the wicked blizzard, ice and wind all through NY, NJ, DE, and MD. Cleared up in the Carolinas for the rest of the trip. Wind in MD, tore off one of the roof A/C shrouds and ripped open our secured main awning while traversing a bridge. Crept through the worst of it for hours at less than 20 mph. Stopped more times than I can count to pull three inch thick ice off the wipers. Guess what? It was a great trip! I know there are those out there who are shaking their heads and telling all in earshot what a bunch of idiots we are but, we are glad we made the decision we did. We are not full timers and we have limited opportunities for trips. If we would have waited out the storm, the trip would have been cancelled. As it was, we left before the worst hit Long Island and the trip off the Island was rather smooth. We determined that we would rather wait out the storm further west than get stuck at home. As it was, we did not feel the need to wait it out. Although progress was slow I must report that the motorhome handled it far better than I would have anticipated. The roads were very slick and there were cars and small trucks sliding off the road for many miles. Those SUVs you saw drving by at 45 while you were doing 18 would frequently appear in the ditch a mile or two ahead. Even the semis without a load could not proceed without the traction the weight would have provided. We never slid once. We never spun the drive wheels once. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with this vehicle in these conditions.
Additionally, this was the first trip since changing to the Koni FSD shocks and I can echo the reports of others in that those shocks make a marked difference in ride quality and are worth every dime.
Well, back in NY now and I must re-winterize the old girl. I am loving this rig and am now considering have it repainted as I believe it may be worth the investment. Looked at many newer rigs while in Fl. and come to realize the only real difference is in the exterior finish. We have done many interior upgrades and freshenings and although I previously pined for a newer MH, am now rethinking that.
Paul

["007"]

Glad you made it safely down and back, welcome back.
Have done the same type trip from MA. to IN. than to FL. than back the same route found the coach couldn't have worked any better.
Things can happen with older coach at least when its fixed will feel good, its in for many more years of use.

[Dave1956]

Paul:

Glad to hear that you had a safe and enjoyable trip. Did you run your furnace to keep warm on the road? Do you have any tips from your experience? I drove north over the holidays from Houston to Ok city and fought a 30 mph head wind all the way. Combine that with my road speed of 60 and it was a lot of wind. I did not experience any damage, but the thought was on my mind most of the way. Air temps were about 34, so I turned the furnace on twice that day, to bring heat up to about 72 in coach and throw some air to the tanks. The dash would only keep the coach at about 67.

Dave

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Check out awninglock.com for a method of securing your main awning...I did after loosing mine.
You are much braver than I. I don't do under 40*F.LOL

[PaulO]

Had to use the furnace on the way down when temps dipped below 25 or so with strong winds. The dash heat could not quite keep up although it did really well and for most of the trip it was sufficient. Parked overnight in WalMart with the gen running, furnace going, block heater plugged in and wind whipping. It was fun. Only tips would be to be wary of the side wind gusts. There were reported gusts over 50 mph when we were hit but I don't really know how strong that particular gust was. It hit us hard broadside as we were completely exposed on a bridge over the water. I wish i would have locked the awning down beforehand. No real damage though. A small tear, a lot of wrestling with it in bitter cold wind. As I said above, the MH itself was very capable in the snow although to be fair, I was pretty conservative with the speed.
Paul