25.7 mpg

Leaving a dealer with a new trailer is always a high for me; mainly because I'm not responsible for the thing anymore and I'm not going to have any unexpected costs.

But a good tail wind is a real thrill because I know I am getting the best economy I can. Here is proof of a Hell of a wind perfectly blowing against my rear bumper all day long from Saskatoon through Minot.

I felt like that turtle riding the current in the movie Nemo.

I am in awe at how my Duramax engine and Allison transmission can push this 8000 pound Silverado along the highway this efficiently.

Find Later

I was going to check out this town, but my subconscious just told me to go on for now.

The Slipped Axle

While overnighting at the Saskatoon, SK Flying J, my next lane neighbor pulled in with a unique problem. Pulling a huge 3 axle 5th wheel he had a flat tire on the right rear and the left rear was badly worn where the steel belts were exposed.

Turned out his axle slipped on the springs, so it was tracking diagonally and thus the wear. He had another 5 hours to go and he was told to put the spare on and try to make it. He said he couldn't understand why he couldn't build up much speed as his engine was heating up.

As a few of us watched the poor guy remove the spare from the bottom of the trailer, I suggested he just remove both tires and drive on the two remaining good axles, thinking the twisted hubs would not drag. I told him I was no expert but I did stay at a Flying J last night. Everyone thought it was a great idea, but he did continue to change the flat and I drove a few blocks to my dealer and unhooked without incident.

After all, it was Friday the 13th and I wasn't superstitious, just thankful.