[a/s] My First Tow: A Lesson in Fear

[nf1j@xxxxxxxx]

Today, we took the Airstream on the road for really the first time. 

We had had it towed to our property east of Pioneer, CA (4000'); but
decided this weekend to make a maiden trial run to a local RV park in
Plymouth (about 15 miles from the house). So we had to drive it down to
our house (elevation 132') today to get it ready. It's about a 35 mile
downhill run, with maybe three 6-7% grades.

This is the first time I ever hooked up the hitch by myself singlehanded.
I'd seen it done before, however.

This is the first time I'd ever towed anything, much less a 32 foot long
7000 pound silver behemoth. The truck is a '85 chevy K-10. The hitch was
just a Camping World
"this-is-what-we've-got-it'll-work-for-what-you-need" device.

It was a nightmare. It was a religious experience. Both Mary Ellen and I
felt much closer to God.

I've never even seen a Hensley, but the next truck is going to have to
have one. It was not just the swaying that got us going, it was that
these turned into parasitic oscillations which increased in force. The
brake controller had no effect; I'd have to slow the truck down to 25 mph
to reduce the force and stop the oscillations.

And the force of the trailer oscillations was enough to move the entire
back end of the truck side to side. Very frightening. it's a miracle I
didn't hit anyone, or flip the entire package on it's side. 

If you've never driven in this part of the Sierra, the roads are
extremely twisty in sections, and I had some substantial crosswinds to
deal with.

So it was exciting to say the least. I managed to make the uphill
sections, if only marginally (didn't need to go to first, but ran about
25 MPH); but doubt the truck would make the tow back up to Pioneer. I
think we're going to have to store it around here for a while...I thought
I had enough truck for the trailer, but think now I have way too much
trailer for the truck. 

Friday's drive is short, and relatively level flight; we'll let you know
how it goes when we get back.

On a side note, there is absolutely no gas valve for the hot water
heater, but now that we have more room to take a look at it, maybe we can
get the thing to light off...


stay tuned for the next chapter!

Warren & Mary Ellen
'77 Sovreign 32