Ron's trip to San Diego

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Ron's trip to San Diego

January 20, 2009, 07:56:32 am

From AR1

Our Endura 6340 should get us all the way to San Diego. With several stops in TX and AZ. Then return to MI early May.

How about giving us your route and then over the next few months reporting interesting highlights of your trip. We still have to make that trip and every time I look at various routes I go in circles since there is so much to see.

Don

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #1 – January 20, 2009, 08:57:13 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2156

Quote

How about giving us your route and then over the next few months
reporting interesting highlights of your trip.

I'll second that request Don! For 12 years, except for the past 2
years, we too have headed West (Quartzsite, AZ) for much of the
winter. We'd sure look forward to enjoying the Ron & Family westward
migration.

Bill

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #2 – January 20, 2009, 06:11:46 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2159

Glad to give updates. Best place for latest updates is our travel blog.
http://ronjhall.livejournal.com/
We made it to Shreveport, LA. today. Weather is finally getting
warmer. All my mods from last year are working well. Last one was
installing a CAT delete and pass through muffler. Sound does not make
any difference in sound while traveling. But has a whistle sound while
setting. I am told this is the Turbo doing its thing. Power and engine
response is better than before. Especially when climbing hills that
used to down shift to make it to the top. MPG has increased. Averaging
just over 10 with winter fuel and bad weather we have encountered so far.
Tomorrow we will be heading to Lexington, TX to visit friends that
live there. Hope to do some sightseeing over the next few days.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #3 – January 20, 2009, 06:52:17 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2160

Thanks Ron.

We've been told that the Blue Ridge Pkwy is not really suited to MH's. Obviously that is not the case with the Natchez Trace Pkwy. I take it the NT is suited to motorhomes. We much prefer to drive along at 50 MPH and now you got me interested in this route. We've looked at the map and since we went to do some of Tx, MM, AZ, Ut, and CO, it would be a nice way to get to Tx. Surprisingly, we were so close to the start just south of Nashville when we took 65 and 24.

I look forward to following along on your blog.

Don

ps. Photos are nice.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #4 – January 20, 2009, 08:27:07 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2161

Quote

Thanks Ron.

We've been told that the Blue Ridge Pkwy is not really suited to
MH's. Obviously that is not the case with the Natchez Trace Pkwy.

Don,

Years ago we did the Natchez Trace (MS only) comfortably in a 35 ft
class A. Before that we did parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway VERY
SLOWLY and it was especially slow on the Skyline Drive section in VA
during bear sightings.

Bill

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #5 – January 20, 2009, 08:39:43 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2162

We took the Natchez Pkwy entire way from Natchez to Nashville, it is a
great trip to go, not alot of traffic 50 mph tops
pretty scenery just watch where you pull off into some aren't circle
drives.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #6 – January 20, 2009, 08:50:43 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2163

Thanks Gary and Bill, I think this has to go on our list now.

Don

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #7 – January 21, 2009, 05:53:43 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2165

When you start at the north end. Driving is slow. Speed limit 35 & 40.
After about 20 miles things level out and speed is up to 50 mph. As you
get further south road levels out. I do not think there is a section of
road that is straight for more than 1/2 mile. But at 50 mph our MH
handles them very well. The whole trip is like driving in a park.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #8 – February 11, 2009, 01:19:21 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2250

We are in Kerrville, TX this week. For a RV.Net rally. Should be over
40 RV's. Have updated my blog. Will post pictures of the rally later.
Weather is still nice, but windy.
Buckhorn Lake RV Resort is a very nice upscale park. Good Sam did a
feature in their magazine last year.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #9 – February 11, 2009, 06:57:20 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2251

Ron, You are not 20 miles from our favorite stop this year. Fredericksburg TX .

We were in Fredericksburg mid January. If you get a chance swing by for free wine tasting. No public alcohol laws so a bit odd to see wine and beer "to go". I was also blown away by the Museum of the Pacific. We spent two days in the museum alone. Hard to believe in the middle of Texas , but it was where Nimitz was born. Fantastic! Also check out the Hanger Hotel and Airport Diner, you'll be glad you did, even if you just stick your head in.

Kevin

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #10 – February 11, 2009, 08:35:15 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2252

Fredeicksburg winery is wonderful too, and they have a great little microbrewery and worst maker there. Went up there when I was stationed at Lackland for a short while. OF course we had to go there, I was a Squid in a AF town, I needed a Navy fix.
Morrigan

Islam delenda est.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #11 – February 12, 2009, 01:52:27 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2253

This is our second year in this area. Spent a month here last year.
Did the places you suggested and plan to revisit some of them
tomorrow. Just laying back and enjoying Buckhorn today. Weather is
great. Mid 70's.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #12 – February 20, 2009, 10:28:47 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2257

Our visit to Kerrville was relaxing and fun.
We left Monday and drove to Carlsbad, NM. At the Pecos, TX Flying J
met a member of our group with Seneca (Walter). He does not post but
watches the forum regularly. He show me how his front wheels were off
center and the repair.
On our way to Carlsbad had to make a detour. Not good. We were taking
advantage of the southwest winds to get us to Carlsbad. The detour
took us in all directions to get to campground. While we did use more
than the usual amount of fuel I did not experience any handling
problems. The weather reports in Carlsbad said winds were 40 mph and
gust over 50 mph.
Did experience a problem with coach entrance door. Glass fell out of
frame. Probably from the bad roads we traveled on the detour. They
were very rough. DW and I repaired it by turning frame 180 degrees and
using the studs that hold glass in place. Need to spend some time
doing a better repair when we get to Mesa, AZ.
I have undated my blog. http://ronjhall.livejournal.com/

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #13 – February 20, 2009, 03:14:03 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2258

Ron,

You can check www.nmroads.com for New Mexico road conditions. It lists an 11,000 lb. axle limit for a couple of culverts that should be done in Sept. 2009.

We live in Northern New Mexico and usually go down on 285 to get to Austin. But this Thanksgiving, with the RV, I decided to take a more direct route through Lubbock, since we can't take advantage of 80 mph speed limits. Which was fortunate or I would have had to take the detour also.

David

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #14 – March 21, 2009, 10:45:29 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2360

It's been a month since I lasted posted on our trip. Been in Mesa, AZ. since February 25. Weather has been a little cooler than other years we have been here. But not enough to start wearing long pants. I have a couple of items to add. Will get to that soon. We leave for San Diego on April 1. http://ronjhall.livejournal.com/

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #15 – April 05, 2009, 12:54:05 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2445

We made it to San Diego Wednesday. Our Endura handled the short mountain pass with no complaints. Need to plan more time in this area next trip to the west coast. We are headed back to Apache Junction, AZ tomorrow.
http://ronjhall.livejournal.com/

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #16 – April 05, 2009, 04:13:56 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2446

For a longer stay, there is a great RV park in Escondido...

Denny

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #17 – April 05, 2009, 05:30:55 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2447

Ron how`s the weather down there? We are heading down to pheonix next week, got lucky and got an rv spot and tickets to the nascar race there in two weeks. On that note does anyone have anything they can tell me about 17 north of phoenix to flagstaff and 89 to the 15 north of Cedar City, as to what to expect?
thank`s later brad

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #18 – April 05, 2009, 07:38:25 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2448

I have done that trip many times. The pull to Flag is a good one but you won't have a problem with it. From Flag to Page is easy. 17 ends in flag and you will pick up 89 north. Watch the signs as it can be confusing thru Flag. This will take you through Page AZ on your way to Kanab Ut. Great views of lake Powell. You can stay on 89 to 20 to 15. There is another way by using Alt 89 to ut 25 and Colorado City into Hurricane Ut. Watch for that sign in Kanab. From there to 15. Go south to St. George or North to Cedar City Ut. The highway is good all the way. Alot of two lane. In fact from just north of Flag all the way to 15 it will be two lane with exception of passing lanes. From Hurricane to 15 will 4 lane for about 9 miles. Great scenery. I will be doing that trip later this month with a stop in Black Canyon City for some 4 wheeling. Get out the Wal-Mart map and check it out.
Inspector

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #19 – April 05, 2009, 08:09:45 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2449

Thank`s Inspector, just out of curiousity any idea of how long it should take from Pheonix to I-15.
later brad

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #20 – April 05, 2009, 09:27:02 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2450

Thank`s Inspector, just out of curiousity any idea of how long it should take from Pheonix to I-15.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #21 – April 05, 2009, 10:16:02 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2451

Weather in Phoenix has been cooler than previous years. No 90 degree days. Looks like it is going to continue until after race. We have attended the race. Great place to watch a race. It has to be the loudest track I have ever been at. Do not forget some ear protection.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #22 – April 05, 2009, 11:19:50 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2452

Inspector you going 4 wheel'n in jeep or ATV ? We are heading for Utah
in 2 weeks to
ATV but looks like alot of snow still around !!!
Gary

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #23 – April 05, 2009, 11:24:42 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2453

Thanks Ron good advice we had snow here yesterday so anything above 50f will work for me. any thoughts as to where the best seats are?
later brad

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #24 – April 06, 2009, 09:25:39 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2454

ATVing. Some of best there is. Here in St. George the Greenies have been hard at work getting land closed to all recreation. In Washington county alone some 141,0000 acres. They want it saved for some unknown gereration. Don't get me started. We who are respondsible are being relagated to the easy chair or long distance travel to enjoy this beutiful country. There is so much to see and there is access on roads that exsist, but we are being shut out. Again don't get me started.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #25 – April 06, 2009, 09:13:42 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2455

Made it back to Apache Junction today. It's 92. Must be because I mentioned no day above 90. Tomorrow back into the 70's.
I have been to 2 races at Phoenix. First race we sat in turn one. Got to seem some action in the pits. Not bad seats. Next race we sat close to turn 2. Like it better. Gave a good view of both turns. The plus with sitting in either turn 1 or 2 you get shade much sooner than those on the main straight. I think we got seast up about row 20. Anything lower is too close to the track to see anything else on track. Beyond that there are no bad seats.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #26 – April 06, 2009, 10:59:19 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2456

Quote

Made it back to Apache Junction today. It's 92. Must be because I mentioned no day above 90. Tomorrow back into the 70's.

Ron, hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you lost a day.
We will still be in the high 80's 90's tomorrow. Not going to be in
the 70's until Wed. Below is from www.accuweather.com. These numbers
are for Apache Junction.

Tuesday, Apr 7
High: 88 °F RealFeel®: 90 °F
Very warm with plenty of sunshine

Wednesday, Apr 8
High: 75 °F RealFeel®: 72 °F
Breezy and cooler with sun

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #27 – April 06, 2009, 11:24:55 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2457

Thank`s Ron we got tickets in row 27 in the foyt section in turn one. We also got an rv site on the row closest to the track in the Arizona 3 section. We have read that Phoenix is pretty tame and not a whole lot of drunks running around till all hours, I hope thats true. Did you camp near the track?
later brad

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #28 – April 07, 2009, 11:03:11 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2458

After the nice weather we had in San Diego, Mid 70's. I must have been thinking about the wrong weather forecast. It's already 71 degrees at 8:00 am.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #29 – April 07, 2009, 11:08:38 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2459

We stayed in Mesa. Less than a hour drive to track. My BIL has a Handicap permit because of bad legs. This gave us a parking place as close as you are going to get to track. When leaving the race we got home before 10 pm. He also lives in Mesa and knows the roads very well around Phoenix. Enjoy the race.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #30 – April 16, 2009, 09:49:05 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2488

We made it to Albuquerque, NM Tuesday. Weather and hills have not been cooperating with fuel mileage. 8.9 mpg best for last 2 tanks. Now that we are headed home. Mileage has been better. The upgraded Scangauge II software works very well and seems to be more accurate.
We are staying at the KOA. Met 2 fellow owners of Kodiak based MH's. Both Diesel. One is a member here and other is a fellow that I going to send a link to this forum. He has done many upgrades to his Kodiak. Including many LED upgrades. Have not updated my site lately. Will get it done soon.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #31 – April 16, 2009, 10:10:36 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2489

We spent last weekend in Albuquerque. We live 1.5 hours away in Los
Alamos. It is downhill on the way there and we usually get 9.3 mpg.
Last weekend in the wind we got 7.5 mpg and only 6.8 mpg going home.
Also got lots of rain and hail while there and a few inches of snow at
our house when we got back.

So far, I haven't rewinterized the RV yet, but I might have to since it
is supposed to get down to 20 tonight. Or I might just leave the heater
on.

David

,

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #32 – May 01, 2009, 06:15:10 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2582

We made it back Wednesday evening. Stayed in motorhome one last night.
We drove 6092 miles.
Spent $1,300 on fuel.
Fuel cost ranged from $1.94 to $2.30 per gallon.
MPG averaged 9.9. Lots of wind this year.
Things ran great with only one problem. Cruise Control failed to work when we left Joplin, MO. Monday. Stopped at next rest area. Shut everything off. When we got back on freeway. Cruise was working OK. Don;t know what caused failure. Will have to check into it.
Overall we had a great time. Looking forward to a possible trip to Seattle this fall plus a couple of local Rally's.
I have updated our blog.
http://ronjhall.livejournal.com/

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #33 – May 01, 2009, 06:50:55 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2583

I know this sounds weird. But I think it relates to the air compressor. When the tank falls below a certain pressure it disables the cruise control. When you restart and have adequate pressure the cruise control is reenabled. Call me crazy.

K

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #34 – May 01, 2009, 07:18:53 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2584

I have had the brake pedal stick just a bit and prevent the cruise from engaging. I reach down and jiggle the pedal.
Bob

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #35 – May 01, 2009, 08:57:21 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 2585

I didn't realize there was an air compressor on the kodiak... could it be tapped to a brake controller on a properly equipped car?

Denny

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #36 – May 02, 2009, 08:07:14 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2586

Our Kodiak has a air compressor. But it is only used for the ehaust brake. Will check out the pressure when I get a chance.

Re: Ron's trip to San Diego

Reply #37 – May 02, 2009, 08:10:44 am

Yahoo Message Number: 2587

I tried playing with brake pedal while driving. Did not help. I am thinking it has something to do with key switch on steering column.

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