| Trip and a half report [message #326655] |
Sat, 02 December 2017 18:59  |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma:
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I guess you could really call this a trip and a half report. The week of Thanksgiving our daughter and family flew in from Ramona, CA to take possesion of their new to them from us 1975 ELII that I've been working on since May. We caravanned from here (Rio Rancho, NM) to Elephant Butte Park about 160 miles south of here where we met with our son and his tribe of 5 girls in their trailer. It was a new experience for her family but they really took to it with a passion. Thanksgiving was really something special for the entire family. Two GMC's and a pull behind together makes for a fun time for sure.
Both GMC's headed out for So Ca Friday as son in law was scheduled to fly to Japan Sunday AM for the Navy. Both rigs ran great to my relief and son in law was especially happy with the brakes. He was also surprised at how easy it was to drive and at how well handled. With them living in CA and that horrendous traffic, there was no way I would put something together that wasn't the best I knew how to do. One ton front, disc reaction arm in back, sensitized booster with new master cylinder, prop valve and hoses. It really does stop. With now installed 3.55 differential, headers and old school Air Sensors EFI it seemed to pull the hills quite easily. It stayed with our 6.5 diesel until the steepest longest grades. Not so much with the economy though. Seems 8mpg is about where it lands at our 62-64 mph pace. Our 14.93 MPG average during the trip may require a diesel upgrade in their rig in the future, we'll see.
With the mechanics pretty much complete they are really looking forward to making the inside their own. I hope they will take advantage of the great folks here on the board for insight and advice.
Our return trip had a small hiccup though. A lost $.10 clip caused way to much angst when it left the house. After climbing the grade out of San Diego on I8 we suddenly lost all boost. After a cursory look failed to find the culprit we drove on to Quartzsite under MUCH reduced power. After a couple of false starts I located the problem and was pretty upset with myself for not locating it immediately. I'd looked for it but the littler bugger is so far hidden under a heat shield that I'd missed it. Things have a way of making you humble don't they.
Anyway, 732 miles on 48.997 gallons of fuel. Not too bad.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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