Made it to the valley

[joebedford]

We took just over two weeks to make it from Ontario to the RGV. ABout 2100 miles. Visited family, had some fun in Memphis, New Orleans and Galveston.

Our rig performed pretty well except for the short day we didn't have trailer brakes - somehow THREE of the wires on the 5er axles were cut. I must have hit something that jumped up and cut them, but I don't remember doing so.

The strangest thing that happened was on our first day where some guy in a SUV pulled up beside me and honk honk honk and pointing back at the lower side of the 5er. I was on a 6 lane highway but I pulled over to the shoulder and did a quick check - nothing. I wasn't safe there so went slowly to the next exit where both DW and I did a thorough check - nothing. We went another 50 miles to a service center where I got DW behind the wheel and had her back up and go forward while I was watching the wheels rotate - nothing. We never did find a problem (it wasn't the brakes). I can't imagine why the guy did it - just to mess with our heads? Very strange.

[John_Joey]

3oaks wrote:
...We usually use the center lane or one lane over from the extreme right lane on a four or more lane roadway. That way we are not dodging merging traffic...

X2, I also think it's much safer for everyone on the road.

To the OP, did you take the ferry over to Galveston? Just made the same trip a few weeks back, but with my much smaller 5'ver. On the south end of the island at the toll booth I actually thought of you and thought about how narrow that spot was and hoped you weren't cursing too much.

[Cloud_9]

Well, we can attest to the fact that other drivers can go crazy when you are in the middle lane, (horn blowing, gesturing, cutting you off, etc. ). but....when going thru a big city, you can easily get trapped into the exit only lane, no fun ! So, while we do try to stay right, except to pass,you do what you gotta do.

[TomG2]

May not be the law but other drivers appreciate it when slower vehicles keep to the right. If there are three lanes running 75, 70, and 65, where do the vehicles driving 65 belong? I am not being hypocritical, I also drive in the center lane and get passed on both the right and left side at times.

[3oaks]

TomG2 wrote:

joebedford wrote:
..snip....

Yes, I was in the middle of three lanes. It's possible he thought I held him up for a few seconds. Maybe he was gesturing to get over into the slow lane? I was only 5 over.

Bingo! I will have to remember that one. I am guilty of holding up the center lane when towing as well as getting upset when others do it when I am not.

I don't believe there is a right or a wrong to this.

We usually use the center lane or one lane over from the extreme right lane on a four or more lane roadway. That way we are not dodging merging traffic. Works well for us in heavy traffic areas like between Gary Indiana and the lower Chicago Illinois area. Never had anyone honking or giving obscene gestures.

[bbaker2001]

did you go by and see Bass Pro. I understand it is one of the largest, and has alligators

[TomG2]

joebedford wrote:
..snip....

Yes, I was in the middle of three lanes. It's possible he thought I held him up for a few seconds. Maybe he was gesturing to get over into the slow lane? I was only 5 over.

Bingo! I will have to remember that one. I am guilty of holding up the center lane when towing as well as getting upset when others do it when I am not.

[joebedford]

Good to be back in the valley.

Like I said, we never found a problem - no lights problems.

Yes, I was in the middle of three lanes. It's possible he thought I held him up for a few seconds. Maybe he was gesturing to get over into the slow lane? I was only 5 over.

[navegator]

He might have been indicating the problem with the turn signal and/or brake lights.

navegator

[pawatt]

Welcome home. ( for the winter )

[TucsonJim]

Be very careful of pulling over when someone does this. Especially if you're in an isolated area. It's a good way to get carjacked or robbed. This guy was probably just irritated that you were in his way and decided to mess with you. You can mess back by smiling and waving at them when they honk.

[bcsdguy]

We have a lot of stupid people in our country. They were probably just messing with you.