2100 miles into cross country trip

[Jeff S]

So far so good with the double axle trailer, 2100 miles down 700 miles to go. The rear hubs seem to be getting hotter than the front. This may be due to the disc brakes dragging slightly on that axle. Stopping every 1.5-2 hours works well. The truck is loaded with my tools and various other items we wanted to keep inside the bed (with a cap). The boat has some boat stuff in it, as well as bikes in the cockpit. The whole rig gross weight came to 13k #. The truck is about 7k normally. Getting from 14-16 mpg depending on how fast we drive (55-70 mph- normally around 65 which gives us 14.5-15 mpg).

The first day we drove from Eastern NC to Asheville in Western NC. We stayed 2 nights at a river campground and went to see the Biltmore Estate. The boat did great as an RV, another nice use of the Mac.

No scary moment with the trailer. The truck (Dodge Ram 2500 4WD with Cummins Turbo Diesel) can accelerate up hills and does wonderfully with the boat. Have to slow down for wife driving a Toyota Sienna pulling a small 4x8' U-Haul. The Toyota gross came to 6.3k # and is doing as well as can be expected. Funny that the Toyota can normally out accelerate the Torquey diesel but not when loaded up- the truck doesn't really lose that much in terms of acceleration.

Here are a few pics of the camping in the Mountains near Asheville, NC:

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

...I agree, Mac camping is great fun. Even though we own an RV, I like having the Mac when camping at "waters edge" sites. Any chance of putting the Mac in the water is always nice...

Happy Sailing to all...

[Captain Steve]

We have camped in ours too. Have raised the mainsail and showed slides of previous trips. People from all around the campground came to watch! Power courtesey of the campground hosts, that also contributed slides too !!

[Catigale]

God Speed Jeff.

JUst got a post from my neighbors boy (chopper pilot) over in Iraq....was worried about the heat wave in Albany (near 90F) and his dog ( ...Mom reminded him she had AC put in last summer)

He reported it was 115 in the desert, and 140F on the black tar with all the jet engines going....still worried about his dog though..

[Jeff S]

We made it just fine. It is pretty hot in Yuma this time of year- 108-111 highs, but I saw 130+ in Iraq/Kuwait when I was there in '03. It is ridiculous there- we had no AC for a good while. I was taking downers (government sponsored of course!) to sleep during the day to fly at nigh. Lovely place. I hope your friend comes home safely.

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I got back from 'Nam in August of '65. About 70 degrees in California. Thought I was going to freeze to death.

[Jeff S]

Bill, Thank you for your service. I am glad you came home safely.

[zuma hans 1]

I want to see the pictures of your boat camping at Gila Bend.

[Jeff S]

I want to see the pictures of your boat camping at Gila Bend.

Ha. I don't have A/C on the boat; you would see pictures of us dying from heat stroke.



Here is a picture of the wonderful boating in Gila Bend:

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

Glad you made it safely Jeff, and I like that picture of your new residence with its grand front entrance...is that standard government issue for officers these days?

Maybe out in AZ, they will let you fly that Harrier with the hatch open so you can get a nice cool breeze!