YEP, We finally picked up our new '06 3400RL. Did the final dealer thing, they showed me how to hook it up and then drove me around town for about an hour. I then took it 40 miles away to a Truck Driving School. Instructor had me do turns, both ways, then backing and more backing. Lasted about two hours. Glad I did it.
Oh, on the way to the class I got a chance to do emergency braking. A car in front of me was picking up speed from a stop and then decided to turn left. I got the rig stopped about 6 inches (literally) from her bumper.
Thank God everything stayed straight.
After class we took the Monty to an Army post with a Fam Camp. Got it settled for the night then noticed one landing gear was pinned at # 10 hole and the other at # 11
. Will have to fix this tomorrow. Didn't have correct adapter for 30 amp plug so had to use the 20 amp tonight
. Will get right adapter tomorrow.
Did I mention that it started raining before I got to the CG? Yep, what a day. We will start the moving in tomorrow and will stay there for about a week, until we get everything where we want it. Then our plan is to do a little travelling in Alaska, about 1000 miles, then if everything is ok with the rig, we head out down the Alcan around the 1st.
WE ARE TRULY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PHASE OF OUR LIFE AND HOPE IT IS NOT JUST A PASSING PHASE, BUT A PERMANENT ONE.
I want to send a great thanks to everyone that has offered advice during this adventure. I will continue to trust in the MOC before all others. Hey, that could be a great motto. TRUST IN MOC BEFORE ALL OTHERS. Sorry for the levity, It has been a very long day and Cathy and I are bushed.
I know others are going through the same thing right now and I congratulate them and wish them the best of luck. I feel I have a lot to learn and am anxious to get the mechanics down so we can start enjoying our new toy.
TV does a fine job, did a few hills and downgrades and she pulled great. My instructor suggested I leave in in TH mode whenever I am pulling. He also strongly advised me to get air bags. According to his explanation it makes perfect sense. I guess that will be next.
He commended me on my choice of truck and explained a little about the Allison tranny. Remember, this is what this guy does for a living and albeit a little abrupt, (you know how truckers can be), I hung on his every word. For those of you just buying a 5er, I would strongly advise signing up for a course. Try and do it with a truck driving school that awards all the different types of CDL's. I know you are interested in what this costs and here in Alaska, this was the only school and it cost me $250 for a two session. Maybe the best $200, I have spent on this rig so far.
I do have one request: Does anyone have a unhooking and setup checklist you could let me use. Or is there one posted somewhere?
Thanks in advance for all your help!!!!!!
Phil
& Cathy
