Summary:
My truck has met it's match. Need to add power.
Jacks and Spare Tire Hang too for comfort in the back
Need a backup camera and a co-pilot
Once I am on the freeway towing is comfortable
The Refrigerator vent cover came off during transport
Finding parking is a problem, but I feel experience will help reduce stress
I am used to a Lance Truck Camper. It was the biggest one they made at the time and I could go anywhere with it. The ass end of the Cyclone sits too low for comfort so I know I can't go into just any parking lot. Starving, I look for a truck stop on my way home. I finally find one ahead and I pull over and attempt to find parking. I drive around and find an entrance where all the truckers pull in. I take a right down an alley that appears to be a potential parking spot and ooops. There is no way I am going to make it back on the road due to the deep dip where the side walk meets the pavement. So I have to back out without a backup camera or a co-pilot to guide me. Not fun.
I am back on the road for a bit and thinking about whether or not to stop off for some diesel or not. I need practice to get over the fear of towing the beast so I decide to pull over to top off the Diesel and fill up the tanks on the Cyclone. The distance behind the wheels on the Cyclone Toy Hauler and the ass end is seemingly endless. I worry I will take someone or something out as I make a turn. This is going to take some getting used to. You can't drive around and look for cheap gas. You pick the first station that can accommodate you and the beast. Found one, filled up the tanks(Over $200 Bucks) and successfully navigated back to the highway without any damage. Woot!
I decide I need supplies and figure it is now or make a special trip later, so I keep an eye out for a Wal-Mart. Some folks boon-dock including us on occasion at Wal-Mart so I thought it would be a good option for finding parking and the supplies I needed. NOT this one! All the lanes were bordered with huge trees that hung low and narrow entrances that I can't fit through. It is almost as if it was done on purpose to keep the RV's out of the parking lot. I manage to find a spot but my rear end is sticking out. I wait for a Bus to pull out and I reverse into a spot with help from a fellow driver who sensed my need for assistance. With supplies purchased I am on the road again.
I finally make it home without a scratch. I had to place wooden blocks near the curb so I could make it up onto the drive way. I back into a spot that was earmarked for a potential beast long before the thought came to mind to buy one. Unhitching the beast was a breeze compared to removing the Lance camper. Just lower the front jacks, unplug, open the jaws of the hitch and pull away. Push a button and the 6 point leveling system did it's job and I am done....for now. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.
During the trip home at my 1st stop I parked and did a walk-around and find that the Refrigerator cover is missing. Damn. During the PDI the guy opened it but I guess he didn't close it properly. I immediately call ed the Salesperson and he tells me he would send me a replacement. He did it, sent the wrong size, then sent me a second one and it fit but it doesn't have the decals. I am a little bummed about that.
I feel like I need a place to vent, share, warn and remember this adventure. For now all I have done is put the fear of god in anyone thinking about moving up to a 5th wheel. I hope to reach a point of comfort as I gain experience and as we customize the beast so that it feels like home. I like to boon-dock and the beast is not ready yet. There is much to do and all I really want to do is hit the road. I am stuck behind this computer for now sitting in my comfortable arm chair but that will change soon I am sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment