I had everything done, except for hitching on Friday night. We got on the road by 8 am. We decided not to stop for breakfast and wait until lunch. We got as far as Kettleman City, where we filled up with #2 diesel, then stopped for a sandwich at Carl Jr. after our break we continued south on I 5 to CA 223 and the east to CA 58 to avoid all the traffic in Bakersfield. We did quite well MPG still over 18 even on hills through the Tehachapi Mountains. The engine was running a bit warm so we pulled off to let it cool down, after all it was getting a bit warm outside. We ran with the heater on to disperse the heat and that seemed to work fine, It got us over the mountains in fine shape, making good time, but not rushing. Ted was fine, driving and wanted to drive all the way, but I thought that we should only go as far as Desert Hot Springs.
Everything went well until we got to Apple Valley where we stopped for fuel. We pulled in right after the truck delivering fuel and because he was blocking the diesel pump, we had to wait, nearly an hour. By this time it was getting close to dusk and we still had to get down to I 10. I think that Murphy has found me. Everything started going downhill from there (literally). There was some jerking on the hitch and Ted pulled over to check it out. A big bolt on the slide sheared off, it is the one that controls the slide. We thought that we could go slow and be careful of the turns and get to the freeway and find somewhere to spend the night. He drove, I researched for Wal-Mart's, Truck Stops nearby, NOTHING. Then for some reason the trailer brakes weren’t catching properly and someone in another car said that tire was on fire. We pulled over as quick as we could and Ted ran back to the coach and got the fire extinguisher (that he had just gotten for me today). It wasn’t the tire,but the brakes that were glowing. Ted took care of it and we waited a while and took the first road that we could to get off the highway. So now we are out in the middle of the desert cooling off for the night. Ted found some where in Banning that is open on Sunday, Hopefully we can get this hic-cup taken care of relatively quick as Ted has to catch a flight back to Sacramento from Phoenix on Monday. What an experience for the first day.
Thanks for listening, Hope that this is it and I can get on with this adventure on a better note.
Susan and Angel
Susan, I am so sorry your trip has not been going well. If there's anything at all we can do let me know. Prayers that all will be better tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSorry you are having problems, sending good thoughts your way for a better trip.
ReplyDeleteYikes, not good news your first trip! Hopefully today fares better.
ReplyDeleteSure hope things go better on Sunday. Glad you weren't alone, although I'm sure you could have handled it. Take Care
ReplyDeleteSounds like your emergency brake cable between the truck and the trailer may have pulled out, which would apply the trailer brakes.
ReplyDeleteHope you get everything repaired quickly.
Stay safe,
Jim
Oh my. Wishing you better luck down the road.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! I'm so so sorry you had such problems but very glad everyone is okay. Mountains can be stressful. That's why I just take our time when going through them. . . getting behind the big trucks in the climbing lane and putzing my way up and then putting the truck in a lower gear on the way down, letting the truck do the work and staying off the brakes. We make sure our wheel bearings are lubed before leaving and I do a walk-around of the rig every time we stop, even checking the tires/wheels for excessive heat.
ReplyDeleteHope you get things taken care of pronto and have a relaxed, safe and uneventful rest of your trip!
Oh my gosh, what a thing to happen! It's a good thing you weren't alone. Good luck the rest of the way.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit unnerving to have problems on your first pull but it could have been a whole lot worse--doesn't sound like permanent damage. You got safely off the road and you also got to experience your first boondock. Hang in there.
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After handeling this other problems will seem less stressful. To bad it all happened on the first day out.
ReplyDeleteWow, after talking to you, it sounds even worse when I read this post. Scary! I'm really glad Ted was there with you - great idea having him with you on the initial drive.
ReplyDeleteBUT, you're on your way! First day out is done, and it'll all be better from now on. I hope the rest of your trip goes very smoothly. Hugs to Angel. :)
Oh my Susan. Ditto everyone else and so glad you're safe and not alone. Wow. Better trails are ahead. Keep us posted!
ReplyDelete