My First Year of Towing
We completed our first maiden voyage in our Monty. Our trip started in May of 2009 by having the 2005 Montana 2955RL which I had bought in February delivered to the Sea Breeze RV Park at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. Our first order of business was to transfer all our stuff from the 990 Artic Fox slide in camper which we used yearly since 2001 in Mexico and during our trips North to the border. What a difference, my wife Annie now had so much more room that I just knew her next plan was to shop for more stuff so she could fill up all the cabinets, closet and storage areas. After off loading and selling the camper I was off to the RV dealers to have my hitch installed, Annie was off to the mall.
My break in to towing a fifth wheel was the trip North to the gold country of Northern California to meet friends. Heading down the hill on Hwy 49, I lost trailer brakes. After a few scary moments we pulled in to the campsite and I was able to find and fix the problem before we ventured further. On the way out of the campsite I managed to knock off the lower front awning support and put a gashing hole in the side of the Monty where the support was bolted. I guess that’s what happens when you tell your wife to “shut up I see the pole” but I didn’t see or clear the pole on her side. Back to the camp ground for some damage control repairs and then we were off again to Washington State. The rest of my trip through Oregon, Washington , Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico was pretty uneventful and I managed to repair the gash so you don’t even notice the repair.
10K miles later we are back to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, our winter home. The tow through Mexico from Nogales Arizona was a little slower but the roads are good. The Monty with the Morryde suspension upgrade I had the dealer install performed great over the numerous speed bumps (topes) we encountered.
My Monty is now comfortably sitting at my work shop and storage area. I will be busy installing my wet bolt system, the wife’s washer dryer and a few other creature comforts. I just can’t wait for May 2010 so we head north again, maybe full timing starting in December 2010 when that social security check starts.
I want to thank MOC web page and all the members which have provided information on repairs, maintenance and other topics which have help me greatly during this summer. I have lived here since 1987 and have numerous trips north and south in a 33 foot Motorhome and my camper. If any of the members need information on towing in Mexico please feel free to contact me. Mexico is getting very fifth wheel friendly and we are seeing more and more fifth wheel trailers arriving in Puerto Vallarta.
Thanks to All,
Tony
PS: Can anyone tell me how to post a picture on this site?
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