Road trip

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Apr 29, 2004 | 10:22 PM

Smokem'

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Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 124

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From: Missouri

Road trip

Getting ready in a few weeks to tow a load of antiques and some valuables for my aunt to san diego.
I'm using my new 6x12 trailer for the trip.
What issues do I need to look out for on the trip?
Both truck and trailer.
Of course the truck'll have fresh fluids and a going through, an extra spare and all that good stuff, and the trailer will have a spare as well.
What else should I bring along "in case" something goes array?
The longest i have towed is about 3 hours to Kansas City, but this is a 1500 one way affair. Kinda has me worried I may have problems.
Both truck and trailer are new, but work well together, so it should ride and follow ok.

Apr 29, 2004 | 11:14 PM

Steina

CO River Rat

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 3,209

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

Road trip

Does your trailer have tandem axles? If it does, you might want to seriously consider carrying 2 spares - reason being, if you have a tire failure the other tire on that side is INSTANTLY overloaded. 3 summers ago, I had a blowout on my tandem axle boat trailer; I put the spare on and 5 minutes later the other tire on the same side blew out. I've carried 2 spares ever since. Good luck on your trip!

May 4, 2004 | 10:34 AM

boody101

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 71

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From: milton, ks.

I know that you said the trailer is new, but you might check the wheel bearings for proper lube and adjustment. You will be going thru some pretty hot country, so maintaining tire pressure (esp. on the trailer) is vital. More trailer tires blow out because of inflation problems than any other reason. You might consider some late night driving if you run into overheating problems.

May 4, 2004 | 01:24 PM

Super Steve

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 904

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From: PHOENIX

Bring your shorts and tank tops because its been 100 degrees here in AZ. And it will be until September.

May 4, 2004 | 05:19 PM

mrc59

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 465

Likes: 1

From: Metro DC

You might search Google or ask.com for travel tips. Use the right terms to include trailer pulls. You want RV types, not stuff about getting towed.

Try this on ask.com "Where can I find tips for auto travel while towing a trailer?" You'd be surprised what you'll find.

May 4, 2004 | 08:14 PM

SoCalDesertRider

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 3,959

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From: USA

Go out with a fresh change of oil, make sure you have no leaks in your cooling system, and that all fluids, tires and brakes are ready for the trip. Carry plenty of extra water for both you and the truck and don't be shy to pulling over and resting if the truck gets hot or you get sleepy. Night time is the best time to travel in the desert southwest, and remember to drink plenty of water. Make sure your spares are good and that you have all the things you need to change them with. If you come through Phoenix on the I-10, an easy way to get to SanDiego is to go south on the 85 @ Buckeye & I-10 (a few miles after passing through Phoenix) to Gila Bend and catch the I-8 straight into SanDiego. It's alot more relaxing than taking the I-10 into the L.A. area, and you can see the Imperial sand dunes right off the freeway just west of Yuma, if that interests you.

May 4, 2004 | 10:36 PM

RickyBR

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 316

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From: Roaring Branch, PA

Quote: (Kinda has me worried I may have problems.)

Don't stress about it, just take it 1 mile at a time. Don't spend all your time watching your trailer in your mirrors, a random check will be fine. To many drivers drive off roads and cause other problems for themselves and others by watching what's behind them rather than whats ahead of them. Most often you will feel a problem before you see a problem. Good Luck and enjoy your trip.