Long Haulers
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 339
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Long Haulers
I have the truck in my signature and we have a 35' travel trailer (8K lbs), we are going to Alabama from Texas about a 10 hour drive. This is my first long haul with the trailer, I normally keep our camping trips under 2 hours from the house, so I don't have to find a gas station to fit 21 feet of truck and 35' of trailer. Still a bit nervous but I will just find all the Luv stations along the way.
Any tricks to taking the TT this far? Should I do anything extra to the truck before going? I already check oil, tires, fluids, etc...
Little nervous give me some hints to calm my nerves.
Any tricks to taking the TT this far? Should I do anything extra to the truck before going? I already check oil, tires, fluids, etc...
Little nervous give me some hints to calm my nerves.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 722
Likes: 7
From: Oregon
So, let me calm your nerves. I have gone cross country 5 times in my old truck, and plan a 7,300 mile trip this summer in the new truck towing our 36' 5th wheel. As for Gas stops, you may want to look for Flying J truck stops as they normally have RV lanes separate from the normal vehicle or big rig lanes, and should have both Gas and Diesel pumps on them. Also, don't assume, unless you are really trying to, that you will make that 10 hours of driving in 1 day. 10 hour of drive time (like based on google maps) will take you probably 12-14 hours between fuel stops, bathroom/meal breaks an so forth. I will attach a PDF of one of the legs of our summer trip, to show you that we break a day of driving into 8 hour or less chunks, and even though from my sister's place in Delaware to Charleston SC is about 10 hours, we have an overnight stop planned in Dunn, NC at a truck stop for a night.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 244
Likes: 15
From: Silicon Valley, CA
What I do when traveling this way is to plan out my stops ahead of time, using Google maps / satellite view to see what the ingress/egress and maneuverability looks like at stations around where I know I'll need to stop. When we stop for a meal, a rest, or even a fuel break, I will start researching my next fuel stop. Then there is usually no drama.
Flying J and TA have generally been good places for me to look. Some Pilots and Love's can be a little on the small side. It really just depends so the satellite view is golden. Don't forget to look for your typical Shell and Chevron type stations. Some of them can be very accommodating to RVs.
Flying J and TA have generally been good places for me to look. Some Pilots and Love's can be a little on the small side. It really just depends so the satellite view is golden. Don't forget to look for your typical Shell and Chevron type stations. Some of them can be very accommodating to RVs.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 872
Likes: 4
From: Greene, NY
Key thing - don't wait until you NEED gas to start looking for a station. Fill up at 1/2 a tank, and that way if you come up on a station that just is a pain to get into, you roll on by and find a different one without having to worry.. And most truck stop style stations will fit you just fine.. FLying J, Loves, etc.. Pick up a Good Sam campground guide.. believe they have gas station info..
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 177
From: Vancouver, BC
You should be able to show fuel stations on the navigation. Pick one of the major truckstop type vendors along the interstates and you should be good!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 8
From: Tomball, Tx
I have the truck in my signature and we have a 35' travel trailer (8K lbs), we are going to Alabama from Texas about a 10 hour drive. This is my first long haul with the trailer, I normally keep our camping trips under 2 hours from the house, so I don't have to find a gas station to fit 21 feet of truck and 35' of trailer. Still a bit nervous but I will just find all the Luv stations along the way.
Any tricks to taking the TT this far? Should I do anything extra to the truck before going? I already check oil, tires, fluids, etc...
Little nervous give me some hints to calm my nerves.
Any tricks to taking the TT this far? Should I do anything extra to the truck before going? I already check oil, tires, fluids, etc...
Little nervous give me some hints to calm my nerves.
I AVOID the truck re-fueling island, mostly cause they foam/flow too fast for our 150 gallon capacity. If you use Petro/Flying J RV islands (as we do) you'll get the cash price even when you pay w/ plastic.
if you use the truck island - the cash price MEANS you must go inside, deposit green/cash - fuel up and then go BACK inside to retrieve your overpayment.
We run/tow a 65' combined rig all over the place - Houston to Virginia is a regular run and I've never had a problem getting in and out of the RV islands.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 8
From: Tomball, Tx
thanks!
our long bed crew cab '04 (leaf spring / diminished turning radius) pulled our stuff well and I NEVER had a maneuverability issue (but then I'm NOT afraid to use reverse)....
as I always said....better to back up than TEAR (stuff) up...
our long bed crew cab '04 (leaf spring / diminished turning radius) pulled our stuff well and I NEVER had a maneuverability issue (but then I'm NOT afraid to use reverse)....
as I always said....better to back up than TEAR (stuff) up...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 5
From: Weatherford Texas.
I am SOOOO Jealous of your second pic, that is my all time favorite car. lol
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 8
From: Ohio
My boat, on the trailer has a height of 13'10". I'll be towing it from Lake Erie to the Gulf of Mexico. Has anyone used the apps giving bridge height?
I'll also have a 63' oal, and 10'4" wide. I plan on getting oversize permits. We could use any tips on these long hauls.
I'll also have a 63' oal, and 10'4" wide. I plan on getting oversize permits. We could use any tips on these long hauls.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 339
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Joe Wheeler Lake, my father in law has a boat out there so it should be a neat trip for the family.