PM for a 500 Mile Round Trip

[Iplayfarmer]

Will you take the trip already? Or you're gonna spend more time prepping for the trip than actually on the trip!

We're leaving on the 24th. One of the reasons we were taking the truck down originally was to deliver a butchered pig to a cousin. The hams and bacon won't be cured before the 24th. We're also doing the produce trade thing... a few boxes of #1 Idaho Potatoes for a few boxes of Utah Peaches.

Taking the tractor was an afterthought... "If we're taking the truck anyway, how much extra would it cost to pull the tractor too?" The added cost due to reduced gas mileage comes out to something like $35 at current gas prices.

So far the only prepping I've done is posting questions and answers on this thread. I really need to get around to putting those tires on. I'm also thinking about painting the rims just out of sheer vanity. I hate the look of overspray on tires, but if I paint the rims before I change the tires there will be no overspray on the new tires.

What do you think? Black or White?

 

[LBrown59]

We're leaving on the 24th. One of the reasons we were taking the truck down originally was to deliver a butchered pig to a cousin. The hams and bacon won't be cured before the 24th. We're also doing the produce trade thing... a few boxes of #1 Idaho Potatoes for a few boxes of Utah Peaches.

Taking the tractor was an afterthought... "If we're taking the truck anyway, how much extra would it cost to pull the tractor too?" The added cost due to reduced gas mileage comes out to something like $35 at current gas prices.

So far the only prepping I've done is posting questions and answers on this thread. I really need to get around to putting those tires on. I'm also thinking about painting the rims just out of sheer vanity. I hate the look of overspray on tires, but if I paint the rims before I change the tires there will be no overspray on the new tires.

What do you think? Black or White?

Black

 

[SnowRidge]

............ We're also doing the produce trade thing... a few boxes of #1 Idaho Potatoes for a few boxes of Utah Peaches.

Idaho? Idaho has a 1500 lb weight limit for trailers without brakes and requires breakaway protection for brake equipped trailers. I imagine that any LEO would be able to tell at a glance that you are waaaay over 1500 lbs and don't have brakes (no breakaway box or surge brake mechanism evident).

Black rims.

 

[RobJ]

We're anything over 2500lbs I believe, has to have brakes.

I had to panic stop a few years ago. I had borrowed a trailer, and was hualing my tractor. Trialer brakes did not work properly. The 1500lb dual axle trailer and my 2000lb Kubota really pushed my 3/4 ton Dodge Ram around. I was really surprised. I'm glad I was on a straight portion of highway; if it would have been a curve I'm sure it would have pushed the rear of the truck around.

Last time borrowed a trialer(wiring issue).

If the trailer is big enough for dual axles, it is big enough for brakes...

I think on a trailer and the weight we are talking about, no brakes are fine. I've never towed a trailer with brakes. In town I go slow, no rush, on the highway, I put it on 60-65 and stay in the right lane, let everyone pass me. Some roads are 2 lane with a large shoulder, I'll ease onto the shoulder and let folks pass if I have a straight shot. this seems to work for me.

For 1 you need to have a decent tow vehicle, and 2 you have to adjust your driving habits. If you drive 80, tailgate, live in the mountains, maybe you shouldn't be pulling a trailer.

 

[RobJ]

Sure go ahead and laugh, but it's the neatest little gizmo. I zap the hubs and tires and can tell a lot quicker if the air is low and can tell how hot the hubs are getting. I go by how much over the outside temp it is.

Not to say that I still don't remember how to grab each hub at every stop when doing a walk around before going to the can!

jb

JB, not laughing, really!! Smiling...a little, tiny bit, But the hand grab is plenty. Actually if they are not smoking or cherry red, they are probably ok. With the hand grab they may even seem really warm, but 30 miles later, if they are the same, probably no problem. Things will warm up and tenr to stay at an operating temp just like other things. Grab your rear pumpkin (uhhh, the differential on your truck!! ), that thing gets hotter than most people realize.

 

[excelagator]

Sure go ahead and laugh, but it's the neatest little gizmo. I zap the hubs and tires and can tell a lot quicker if the air is low and can tell how hot the hubs are getting. I go by how much over the outside temp it is.

Not to say that I still don't remember how to grab each hub at every stop when doing a walk around before going to the can!

jb

I have hauled trailers on 2000 mile trips. I use this method alot.

If the tires are bad/bald. The brakes don't work. Don't do it. I use to drive tow trucks and tow equipment for work. I have refused to haul equipment due to things like this because I am liable if I get in an accident.

If you rent a trailer check it over too!

Dan

 

[RobJ]

Idaho? Idaho has a 1500 lb weight limit for trailers without brakes and requires breakaway protection for brake equipped trailers. I imagine that any LEO would be able to tell at a glance that you are waaaay over 1500 lbs and don't have brakes (no breakaway box or surge brake mechanism evident).

Black rims.

I'd be willing to bet that the local LEO will let the out of state tag pass. Provided it's not overloaded, and he is driving in a safe manor.

If you drive a non CARB car into California they won't give you a ticket because it isn't registered there. I think IPfarmer lives in Washington State.

Just did a little googling. I think your brakes are off by a factor of 10...15,000#. Seems you don't need much for Idaho. Not even safety chains. Idaho paper with state police quotes.

Accidents put trailer safety in spotlight | News Updates | Idaho Statesman

I'm sure the folks that sell brake parts would like it to be 1500#.

 

[SnowRidge]

That's a typo and/or bad reporting. Probably both.

Look here instead.

If you drive a non CARB car into California they won't give you a ticket because it isn't registered there.

That's an emission issue, not a safety issue, and no law is being broken.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Idaho? Idaho has a 1500 lb weight limit for trailers without brakes and requires breakaway protection for brake equipped trailers. I imagine that any LEO would be able to tell at a glance that you are waaaay over 1500 lbs and don't have brakes (no breakaway box or surge brake mechanism evident).

Black rims.

I am from Idaho, and the 1,500 lb. rule is new to me. I'm glad you posted the link or I'd have called you a liar. As I interpret that rule it's 1,500 lbs. empty wt., though.

 

[SnowRidge]

I am from Idaho, and the 1,500 lb. rule is new to me. I'm glad you posted the link or I'd have called you a liar. As I interpret that rule it's 1,500 lbs. empty wt., though.

Yep, unladen. They don't seem to specify laden weight, although that may be in a different section or the regs.