Chapter Two

Well chapter two, the second half whatever you want to call it, Deb and I have finished the 24 states east of the Mississippi and are now about to start the remaining 24; those being west of the Mississippi (I know you knew that).  Yes, only 48 states instead of 50. Our goal when we started was to visit the lower 48 states. We do not plan to drive this rig to Alaska; that is just too far for us.

The thing is the states west of the Mississippi have a lot more real estate, which means more driving. Our 2017 Ford F350 Lariat Superduty has performed well, but as I get older, and a little grumpier, the rough ride on my lower back has been getting top billing on my list of complaints.  In an effort to silence me, I believe, Deb allowed me to look at a replacement vehicle. 

I have been researching HDTs (Heavy Duty Trucks) for awhile now and became very interested especially for the air seats, air cab and air suspension. That should be a much better ride for my lower back but I didn’t want a truck as big as those we have seen that can haul a SmartCar or Jeep in addition to the Fifth Wheel. Those are just too long for me, so I thought perhaps a Medium Duty Truck.

While in Florida, I was browsing for a truck online and remembered that there were some available last year in the Ocala area. So we went to Dixie Pickers in Ocala, FL, which specialize in medium duty trucks, used primarily for hauling. Well, what caught my attention was a heavy duty truck, a 2016 Volvo 630 with only a little over 28,000 miles on it.  It was a one owner vehicle that was appreciated and well cared for from its beginning.

There is my Sweetie, Deb and our old truck! (yeah, I’ll hear about that one!)

I am getting used to our new vehicle, there is a lot to learn as they are quite different.  The ride is much smoother than the Ford.  After only putting about three hundred miles on, I am pleased to be averaging about ten miles a gallon.  It may not sound like much, but our Ford when pulling the trailer only averaged that much.  Most of our driving so far has not been on major highways where our fuel milage should increase. 

The new vehicle appears much easier to hook up, as Deb now does not have to look above or around the sides of the truck bed (must be hell, being short?).  We only hooked up the 5th wheel once so far, and haven’t taken it out for a spin yet.  We had several hydraulic hoses replaced and needed to bring in our slides and put our jacks up so we needed to hook it up to remove pressure from the hydraulic lines.

Truck and trailer all hooked up. a well matched set!

Don’t have much to say, but my wife wanted me to write a blog…so here you go! More pics…OK…I’ll finish with more pics!