first RV report, I made it MAW

[jponder]

TOP OF THA WORLD!
Hi Yall,

Well I just took a little ride in the camper 1200 miles and went to a campground and just wanted to report the particulars.

1) Weight. Weighed at a scale in Tallapoosa Ga. Dry but something in holding tanks. Front Axle was 4780 and rear was 5840 for a GW of 10620. I was mainly concerned with staying in my axle ratings and I did. Busted my GVWR by 1800 lbs. Weighed at a truck stop in Madison Ga a week later with the water tank full and the propane full and Front axle was 4980 and rear was 6080 for a GW of 11060 or 2260 over GVWR. Also bust my front axle rating but here is where I messed up. I actuall stood on the front scale while the truck was being weighed. if I had got in the truck my weight would have been divided some between the axles.

2) Mileage. I was right at 16 mpg taking it easy around atlanta and with the trip to La running fairly fast- I usually dont do this- I might have hit 70 a couple of times and certainly in the 60's. never did the long division. When I got ready to leave La I dieseled up and reinstalled my turn buckle throttle cable. This is what i use for cruise but it really aint cruise because you will speed up going down hills and slow climbing hills. It holds your throttle in one place so your speed will vary and this gives you excellent mileage in that you use gravity descending and you let the rig slow ascending. I set it at 55 or so on level ground and I would slow to 45 climbing hills and hit 65 going down them. I made it to Ga from La. and I averaged got 18.5 MPG doing this. Traffic was light and I didnt have to hit my brakes but twice. Dont try this with an automatic as it takes a sec or two to come off the throttle. with a manual you just hit the brakes and the clutch and its not a prob.

3) Hookups. well I really liked hooking the sewer up and water and electricity and I turned every light on in the whole camper and fired up the furnace and the AC at the same time and fired up the hot water heater. I just felt then that I really had a camper, finally.

Reall excited to be leaving behind tents and becoming an RVer, yall take care
John

Almost forgot if yall would like to see some pics go here http://www.setdr.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1251