My first loaded trip

[Pete Masterson]

You just might want to be sure you're legal for the road you're on, first.

The weighing rules (normally) do not apply to RVs, (sign outside scales says "commercial" vehicles must stop, but an RV is not a commercial vehicle). But while the rules requiring you to go over the scale may not apply, the rules about your maximum axle weights do apply. Some of the newer 'Birds may be close to the maximum allowed weight, and less than ideal loading might put an axle over weight.

Note, I've never seen a "must pull in" sign (for me) ... however, when I see a request that "trucks must use right lane" (scale ahead) that usually suggests a weigh-in-motion scale. Weigh in motion scales are not particularly accurate, so the "pull in" light will come on for any vehicles that are close to the maximum allowed weights.

I usually decide it's a good time to pass some trucks when I see one of those signs....

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 16, 2009, at 1:05 PM, patticake592000 wrote:

If a DOT scale is open, but not busy(no trucks), pull in and ask.
Most are willing to do it. Most of the time, you're going to light
up the "Must Pull In" sign anyway. Use your CB radio, and stop after, and they will print it out for you.
Also, the agent there will be very surprised at your weight.

This is from personal experience.

[Ross]

Hi,
I think that you will find that the use of the right lane for trucks is for
digital photo identification and transponders, not for in motion scales . They
have in motion scales at the OHIO turnpike toll booths and some on the PA
turnpike. You must be travelling slowly, and they will turn you back only for
being over 20,000lbs on a single axle, as they have no idea as to your GAWR.
Ross

> You just might want to be sure you're legal for the road you're on,
> first.
>
> The weighing rules (normally) do not apply to RVs, (sign outside
> scales says "commercial" vehicles must stop, but an RV is not a
> commercial vehicle). But while the rules requiring you to go over the
> scale may not apply, the rules about your maximum axle weights do
> apply. Some of the newer 'Birds may be close to the maximum allowed
> weight, and less than ideal loading might put an axle over weight.
>
> Note, I've never seen a "must pull in" sign (for me) ... however, when
> I see a request that "trucks must use right lane" (scale ahead) that
> usually suggests a weigh-in-motion scale. Weigh in motion scales are
> not particularly accurate, so the "pull in" light will come on for any
> vehicles that are close to the maximum allowed weights.
>
> I usually decide it's a good time to pass some trucks when I see one
> of those signs....
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
> Photos:
> http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#
>
>
>
>
>
> On May 16, 2009, at 1:05 PM, patticake592000 wrote:
>
> > If a DOT scale is open, but not busy(no trucks), pull in and ask.
> > Most are willing to do it. Most of the time, you're going to light
> > up the "Must Pull In" sign anyway. Use your CB radio, and stop
> > after, and they will print it out for you.
> > Also, the agent there will be very surprised at your weight.
> >
> > This is from personal experience.
>

[Pete Masterson]

I've seen weigh-in-motion scales in Oregon, Washington, and a couple of other western states. They're a couple of metal "plates" in the right lane, about 1' wide and as long as the width of the lane. Sometimes there is a sign "Weigh In Motion Scale" nearby. Some states that appear to have them, don't have the sign.

Many states have a digital system (with a funny looking antenna above the road way) that communicates with a transponder in most trucks. In CA, that is used to allow certain trucks to bypass the scale by sending a signal to the driver. I presume that similar signals are made in other states that use the system.

I was aware of the Ohio turnpike and PA turnpike rules. I avoided both routes by passing through Ohio on I-70 and then moving to I-80 to cross PA.

===============================================

Pete Masterson, Author of

Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers

"Aeonix1@Mac.com"

Aeonix Publishing Group http://www.aeonix.com

===============================================

On May 16, 2009, at 2:27 PM, Ross wrote:

Hi,
I think that you will find that the use of the right lane for trucks is for digital photo identification and transponders, not for in motion scales . They have in motion scales at the OHIO turnpike toll booths and some on the PA turnpike. You must be travelling slowly, and they will turn you back only for being over 20,000lbs on a single axle, as they have no idea as to your GAWR.
Ross

<snip>

[Ernie Ekberg]

Jerry, my coach does barely that going up mountains pulling my carhauler and 1 ton van. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 at home-- I'm in Meridian, Ms Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair --- On Sat, 5/16/09, jburgessx2 wrote: From: jburgessx2 Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] My first loaded trip To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009, 9:57 AM We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it was a good trip for the most part. While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of nowhere! I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle). I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215 so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208 Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow car (a Miata - 2450 lbs). On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph? Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal in about 2 weeks. Jerry 85 PT40

[Juergen]

--- On Sat, 5/16/09, jburgessx2 wrote: Jerry I read one time that a Diesel powered coach would be normally powered by: Each 100 lbs of coachweight by one horsepower. If your coach weighs 48000 lbs, you should have minimum 480 hp engine. In other words, ideally speaking, you should have a 500 hp Diesel. That will make the BB go. BUT, only recently in the last couple years have they powered busses and trucks with that 100 lbs ratio to 1 hp. I am no expert, but thats what I read. Does make sense though. Juergen in PA 1991 WLSP36 300 hp cat on a 37000 lbs coach. (Underpowered, should be 370 to 400 hp)

[Ernie Ekberg]

39000 pound coach, pulling 10000 pounds of stuff- 330 worn out horses-- arriving in style- maybe a day late- priceless the old addage that has gone around in BB circles- if you need to get there fast- you should have left yesterday~ Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair --- On Sat, 5/16/09, Juergen wrote: From: Juergen Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] My first loaded trip To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009, 7:47 PM --- On Sat, 5/16/09, jburgessx2 wrote: Jerry I read one time that a Diesel powered coach would be normally powered by: Each 100 lbs of coachweight by one horsepower. If your coach weighs 48000 lbs, you should have minimum 480 hp engine. In other words, ideally speaking, you should have a 500 hp Diesel. That will make the BB go. BUT, only recently in the last couple years have they powered busses and trucks with that 100 lbs ratio to 1 hp. I am no expert, but thats what I read. Does make sense though. Juergen in PA 1991 WLSP36 300 hp cat on a 37000 lbs coach. (Underpowered, should be 370 to 400 hp)

[Steve Pfiffner]

On Sat, May 16, 2009 at 7:47 PM, Juergen <"duesenmaschine@yahoo.com"> wrote:

They also cannot perform even at the level of trucks with similar power to weight ratios because they are so limited in their gearing.

    Steve
    Wannabee

--- On Sat, 5/16/09, jburgessx2 <"jburgessx2@yahoo.com"> wrote: Jerry I read one time that a Diesel powered coach would be normally powered by: Each 100 lbs of coachweight by one horsepower. If your coach weighs 48000 lbs, you should have minimum 480 hp engine. In other words, ideally speaking, you should have a 500 hp Diesel. That will make the BB go. BUT, only recently in the last couple years have they powered busses and trucks with that 100 lbs ratio to 1 hp. I am no expert, but thats what I read. Does make sense though. Juergen in PA 1991 WLSP36 300 hp cat on a 37000 lbs coach. (Underpowered, should be 370 to 400 hp)

 [/url][url=http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/]"WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe"

[jburgessx2]

Thanks to all that responded. I guess I don't feel too bad about it now. I was
beginning to think something might be wrong.

I will be taking I-5 back to SoCal vice 101. I truly enjoy 101 but it's a lot
of work in the motorhome with a tow car. I've done it twice now and I think
I'll skip it. Of course, now I'll have to climb Shasta and a few others on the
way home. Worse yet, I'll have the down hill to contend with and there's a few
long down hills on that drive.

Jerry
85 PT40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner" wrote:
>
> Yes, you are going to find that your weight to horsepower ratio is less than
it was with the Beaver. When you get a chance you will want to weigh your coach,
both for information and to make sure you run proper tire inflation by axle.
>
> You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate
weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when they
are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to use. When
you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which means completely
out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle and get the weight.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" 49,000 lbs combined weight in normal full
configuration, with 475HP - still slow up the steep ones!
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>
> On 5/16/2009 at 2:57 PM jburgessx2 wrote:
>
> >We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and
> >have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just
> >recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and
> >took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the
> >Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it
> >was a good trip for the most part.
> >
> >While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion
> >from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and
> >gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and
> >use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your
> >skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did
> >my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the
> >time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of
> >nowhere!
> >
> >I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do
> >full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the
> >basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle).
> >I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if
> >this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way
> >to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215
> >so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of
> >the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208
> >Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of
> >the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow
> >car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
> >
> >On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I
> >had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted
> >to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the
> >Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?
> >
> >Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal
> >in about 2 weeks.
> >
> >Jerry
> >85 PT40
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

[Wayne Kotila]

Watch your turbo boost, if things are operating properly with that engine you should be able to get as high as 22 or 23 pounds of turbo boost, and if so it's probably just the heavy load and the steep grade holding you down to that speed.

Wayne

1985 PT40

---

From: jburgessx2
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2009 9:57:36 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] My first loaded trip

We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it was a good trip for the most part.

While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of nowhere!

I guess I must have more weight in the coach than
I thought. Since we do full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle). I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215 so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208 Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).

On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the Bird to go up hills at 20-25
mph?

Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal in about 2 weeks.

Jerry
85 PT40

[John]

>
> > Hi,
> > I think that you will find that the use of the right lane for trucks
> > is for digital photo identification and transponders, not for in
> > motion scales . They have in motion scales at the OHIO turnpike toll
> > booths and some on the PA turnpike. You must be travelling slowly,
> > and they will turn you back only for being over 20,000lbs on a
> > single axle, as they have no idea as to your GAWR.
> > Ross
> <snip>
>


Just FYI I run across a set of weight-in-motion scales when the old bridge
across Pensacola Bay was damaged and the Florida DOT was limiting the weight.
They threw the red light on me but as soon as they saw that I was a motorhome
they switched back to green and let me bypass the "big scales."

Moral of the story: An 80's Wanderlodge is heavy enough that you have to be
careful, but most states, for whatever reason, don't want to mess with RVs.

--PirateJohn--