Quote:
Originally Posted by joe5150
Hey ya'll - I'm looking to buy a package rig (F350 + Grand Design 290BH - saving big $$$) on the east coast and drive it back to California. I'm a first timer - never have towed anything, but have always owned a truck. I'd be making the trip solo, and plan to take big-rig-friendly routes, sleeping in the rig at rest stops.
I just want to get from point A to point B as safe as possible. Is this crazy??? What precautions do I need to take before starting the trek? ie, GPS, routes, areas to avoid, etc?
Thanks for any insights!
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I did about the same 3 1/2 years ago. You didn’t say if it’s a used or new rig. I got about two hours out of Vegas and stopped for fuel. All four of my trailer tires were cracked or bubbled. They looked good on the lot and were within date code range, about three years old I recall. But sitting in the Vegas heat had damaged them. I got lucky and a place about a mile away made me a good deal on four new tires and I was back on the road. I got lucky though. Be very aware of your tires the first few days.
A TPMS is good insurance. The ones at Camping world are junk. My next one will be from TechoRV. He has a YouTube channel.
The only times I’ve got myself into trouble was when I let my tank get to about a quarter full then couldn’t find fuel. Now I start looking when it’s gets close to a half tank. You’ll be in areas you aren’t familiar with. Sometimes you’ll see a sign that says diesel (if that’s what you’ve got) only to take the exit and come to a turn at the end of the off ramp with no’s sign! Other times they are out, closed, or there is no room to maneuver with a fiver in tow. Once I pulled strait in to a pump then had to back straight out about fifty yards. Just fill up often! An aux tank is in my future, but I carry two 5 gal Jerry cans now.
Make sure you read up on your hitch and lube it per specs. The dealer I bought my B&W from said just spray it w WD40. The book says lube grease. I use lube grease.
Whether it’s used or new, it could have been sitting a while. I’d either have the bearings packed and inspected if it’s used, or at least put a few shots of grease in them if they have zerk fittings. Same goes for the spring shackles. A lot of spring and shackle failures are reported with GD. Inspect them before and often.
If it’s used you should inspect the brakes when doing the bearings.
Read up on how to set the gain on your brake controller.
I got to Seattle from Vegas over the holidays about 9 mos ago and had dishes smashed in my cabinets from rough roads. Until you’ve experienced it it is hard to believe how rough the ride is back there. Make sure your doors and everything is tied down well and can’t get to flying about.
I stay at rest stops and truck stops overnight all the time with no problems and I’m a 59yo woman traveling solo. However, if you’re traveling in the hot months that is unbearable. If so, you might want to swing north. Add a few hundred miles to your trip to make the nights more comfortable and you’ll be more rested and safer on the road.
If your truck is new, you’ll need to vary your speed for about 500 miles dubreak in. If it’s used I’d get an oil, transmission, coolant, and differential service before heading out. Even at under towing capacity you can get overheating issues in the mountains.
Don’t tail gate!
. Leave yourself WAY more room than you need in case the fool in front of you decides to slow down for the view.
Watch a few truck driver training videos on turns and backing. You may not need to back, but it’s best to be prepared.
Carry enough cash for a few days of fuel at least. If you get out somewhere there’s a power glitch you can’t use a card. I traded a few tubes of silver for those tires, for example.
Water is about 8 1/4 pounds per gallon. You’ll use five to seven gallons for a short shower. Plan accordingly. Think about breakfast and coffee to get you on the road and road snacks. Make sure you’ve got propane in both tanks so if one is bad you can switch and still make coffee. Coffee IS the most important meal of the day!
Duct tape. Have some. I had to duct tape my plate on when the screws fell out that first trip and was lucky I caught it before the second one slipped out.
Have the usual stuff like jumper cables and such, and a hot shot is great.
Have an air compressor.
Have an adventure!
Kate
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