Friday, June 20, 2014

Washing and Weighing the Rig

We've only been on the road for a few years with one major item yet to be checked off the "to do" list ~ weighing our Rig.  

My brother is a trucker so he is constantly on weigh scales and when he purchased his motorhome the first thing he did was weigh it,,,, in fact he probably did it on the drive home!   So it has been a standing rib between him and Billy every time they talk the question comes up "so did you weigh your bus yet?"     On our trip home this winter we actually were fueling up and saw an open CAT Scale sitting in front of us and said it must be an omen, let's weigh this thing.   Billy pulled on and I went in to pick up the weigh receipt.   It was close to what we thought it would be - front axle was 10,500 lbs, rear axle 20,800 lbs, trailer axle 2,240 lbs.   33,560 lbs.     We are planning on a trip west this summer and will be putting new tires on before we go and with that in mind the articles tell you before you start talking tires and tire pressures you should know your weights.   So we sent a picture to my brother and said "guess what you can't bug us anymore!"

It seems like when we do come back to the area we have so many errands and appointments for ourselves and assisting my Mom on the farm that the days fly by without taking care of simple day to day on our motorhome.   When traveling we are usually washing the RV from top to bottom at a minimum 1 x per month.   Depending on where we are and the weather and pollen and salt it could be 2 x a month.    I always am the roof girl.   In a park one time I had a lady yelling at me to "get down,,,,, before my husband sees you!"   Ha, Ha.  First time couple times I was tentative but now I am used to it, still I stay away from the edges and always wear my boat shoes for extra grip on water.   Highly recommended.   With the two of us it takes about 3 hours and that includes drying all the sides and windows.   Oh yes,,,, just like when you chamois the car.   We use a chamois but also found this very handy tool that attaches to any broom handle called a California Water Blade.   It is super pliable and does not harm or scratch the paint.   Wipes the water beads right off. 

Now with some of the jobs out of the way back to researching and planning the trip.   Found some great guides - State Parks, National Parks and Army Corp of Engineering.