34' or ???

[kb0zke]

We generally prefer truck stops, especially now that we have the toad. Unfortunately, we're in Guernsey, WY and there are only two places to buy fuel here. Neither one will accommodate our 57' length, and it isn't all that far to Riverton tomorrow, so I'll just fill there.

When we get the Airstream I'll park it at the campsite and go back into town to get fuel for the truck. If we would have a really long travel day I'll just have to find a truck stop on the highway.

[slowmover]

FWIW, I use the four hour or midday safety break of one hour off the road to fill the fuel tank. How much I've used is irrelevant. So, too, how much I buy. I run through a routine while the tank is filling of glass, tires, leaks, hitch, lights, etc.

I'd sure rather not once at the campground. At departure, yes, I have to check pressures, check lug nut torque, etc. but that's at departure, not arrival.

There is no such thing as too much fuel is the thinking. I've been in highway shutdowns where there is no retreat or alternative and had to idle the engine the next eleven hours due to temperatures.

So daily fill or top off keeps that at bay.

Even if I don't want lunch at a truck stop (I'm not immune), I've usually as a result of trip planning either chosen some roadfood legend down the road, or a park or rest area for a meal aboard. I've used my fuel card points more than once to get a long hot shower, even though I had an RV with me. Save my water, and indulge in an excess of water, relatively.

The rhythm of a fifteen minute break at two hours and then a one hour break at the four hour mark works well for feeling rested. A safety rule, as mentioned. Buying fuel and then setting about lunch with maybe a local newspaper makes a great way to break the highway miles apart.

I can't recall what truck you'd choose for towing, but with a Cummins of the appropriate year (and a towing fuel cost of 15-16 cpm at the present $2.50/gl price) and a 56-gl tank, a good range is possible. With a 20% reserve -- on the flats and on the Interstate -- the range is up to 700-miles when towing.

That reserve represents 11-gls. At a 1.15/hr consumption rate (high, it's probably .8/gl-hr) it's an easy 6+ hrs of idle time with some left over if necessary.

Not hard to trip plan when that is the case.

[airjeff]

Savannah was bought off an ad here.

Just me and the lil dog wandering about for the last three years. 34 feet is not to big. OK, maybe a bit. I just love the space, especially when wèather is poor, windy, or achy on my ol joints.

And the dog can run back and forth. Although she still seems to be underfoot at all times.

The learning curve for towing is easy, and she follows along with no complaints.
After purchase, I did install 3 wheel axel sets, 2 fantastic fans, removed the dinette, installed some aluminum chairs around the original table, some press on tiles to lighten the kitchen floor. Brushed aluminum blinds, again to lighten up the interior. She rides a good three inches higher.
And in violation all that is holy, cut up the two drawers under the original dinette to make light boxes for new light fixtures, 9 in total. Those double spots in nickle from vintage trailer supply. Left bulb/soft white led, right bulb/regular.

No regrets, many of the posters have mentioned some good issues, nothing that cannot be overcome with a little planning.

Good luck.

Jeffery
Lil dawg of danger, Bella

[dbj216]

Hi airjeff, you have a handsome Excella! It's nice you're able to full time and have Bella to pester you. We enjoy traveling in our 86 Limited. We're off to Colorado in early July. And our beagle is even a bigger nuisance than your Bella.

David

[cwf]

Great info!

Originally Posted by slowmover

FWIW, I use the four hour or midday safety break of one hour off the road to fill the fuel tank. How much I've used is irrelevant. So, too, how much I buy. I run through a routine while the tank is filling of glass, tires, leaks, hitch, lights, etc.

I'd sure rather not once at the campground. At departure, yes, I have to check pressures, check lug nut torque, etc. but that's at departure, not arrival.

There is no such thing as too much fuel is the thinking. I've been in highway shutdowns where there is no retreat or alternative and had to idle the engine the next eleven hours due to temperatures.

So daily fill or top off keeps that at bay.

Even if I don't want lunch at a truck stop (I'm not immune), I've usually as a result of trip planning either chosen some roadfood legend down the road, or a park or rest area for a meal aboard. I've used my fuel card points more than once to get a long hot shower, even though I had an RV with me. Save my water, and indulge in an excess of water, relatively.

The rhythm of a fifteen minute break at two hours and then a one hour break at the four hour mark works well for feeling rested. A safety rule, as mentioned. Buying fuel and then setting about lunch with maybe a local newspaper makes a great way to break the highway miles apart.

I can't recall what truck you'd choose for towing, but with a Cummins of the appropriate year (and a towing fuel cost of 15-16 cpm at the present $2.50/gl price) and a 56-gl tank, a good range is possible. With a 20% reserve -- on the flats and on the Interstate -- the range is up to 700-miles when towing.

That reserve represents 11-gls. At a 1.15/hr consumption rate (high, it's probably .8/gl-hr) it's an easy 6+ hrs of idle time with some left over if necessary.

Not hard to trip plan when that is the case.