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soonernation's avatar
soonernation
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013

Trip to Big Bend NP

Yesterday we completed our longest trip since owning our Voltage. Dallas to Big Bend (Lajitas). What an adventure this was.

First the weather did not cooperate at all. Major winter storm moves through as we depart Dallas. Ice started forming on the roads as we got west of Ft. Worth. We came extremely close on one occasion to major disaster. I did all the right things as crossing the icy bridge but I think the high winds (we were heading west and the winds were north at about 30mph) pushed the rear of my truck out. I did the same thing I would do if not pulling a trailer and ended up ok. I looked back as I gained traction and the trailer was all out of whack. I thought for sure it was going to flip. My wife said I was inches from the back of the trailer hitting the jersey barrier.

I took out the lower portion of my ladder at some point. Probably squeezing my way out of one of the many gas stops. I was only getting about 9 mpg so I was only getting just over 200 miles on a tank of gas.

Putting slides in with ice on top makes for a wet interior when you get to the next stop. I wasn't about to get on the roof to try and remove it.

What I learned from the trip so far is that I want a dually. The windy conditions made for some white knuckle driving. I also want a larger capacity gas tank.

Now we look forward to enjoying our first trip to what I hear is an awesome part of our great state.
Toy Haulers
  • Leroy2u's avatar
    Leroy2u
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2013
    Glad your still on course and all is well with your rig. I experienced something similiar last New Years with A LOT of snow. I wish you well as I may venture out to Big Bend this New Years.

    You won't be disappointed with the Dually and the stability it brings, I know I wasn't. ;)
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2013
    In SA you're 400 miles from the park headquarters. From the HQ campgrounds are from 15 to 25 miles on paved roads depending on where you go. You'll be able to do lots of paved road cruising if that appeals to you too. I'm not a cycle guy yet (may get there eventually) but I've roamed the back roads in everything from a Dodge van to a Suzuki Sidekick. Most have loose rocks so they're challenging for a cycle. Can't help you with the adventure ride (sounds like the river road that I've done in 3.5 hrs with the Sidekick).
  • dougford's avatar
    dougford
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2013
    Thanks DougE. I recently got a WR250R so I can ride on public roads if need be (I'd rather not ride public roads, but it's almost becoming a necessity). I saw something a couple weeks ago online about some kind of adventure ride out there. Not sure I'm up for that, as they said you get 12 hours to finish the course...

    Headed to Hidden Falls Adventure Park (Marble Falls) Friday. I'm guessing it's NOT going to be dusty...
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    There are a bunch of dirt and gravel back roads to ride in Big Bend NP. There are short runs into mountain canyon trail heads and long cross-country roads that will take a number of hours. Don't go over a rise at speed or you might find a sandy patch on the other side that will dump you. There are full hookups at the Rio Grande Village store but that's kind of like a parking lot. The no hookup campground is much nicer, has flush toilets and water points so it's not so bad.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    For what it's worth these are my methods for dealing with icy bridges:
    It goes without saying that you should slow down as much as possible before you reach the bridge. If I am not towing, i.e. truck camper, I try to maintain a steady speed, neither slowing down nor speeding up, while on the bridge. If I am towing, I slow down slightly as I cross the bridge. When towing you are putting a little more power to the driving wheels to drag the trailer so the tires are more likely to break loose if you are trying to maintain a constant speed. I also recommend you keep aggressive M&S tires on the rear of your tow vehicle year round.
  • dougford's avatar
    dougford
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2013
    Wow...I would have pulled over as soon as it started icing up. I hate ice. Which is why I live in Texas, but we have to put up with it occaisonally down here even. I take it you are staying at Big Bend over the holidays? Are there places to ride the YZ? Where are you staying? Full hook ups? boondocking? Sorry for all the questions, but I've been thinking about going out there..

    Anyway, have fun, and be careful getting home!!
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2013
    It's a very interesting area.

    Sounds like you used up one of your nine lives, seriously. I think that is too much fiver for your TV, as you are realizing. It probably doesn't show up in everyday usage, it shows up at the margins, which is what you encountered. Glad you are okay and have something to talk about.

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