After pulling our new RV out of the dealership lot, I was as tense as a stretched rubber band.
Highway congestion ahead? Fantastic! For once in my life, I was happy to see a traffic jam. Vehicles approaching the
I could see construction on the bridge, concrete walls ahead on both sides. This could be trouble.
From the driver's seat, I thought the lane was too narrow. I entered slowly with at least an inch on both sides. I can only imagine what the people in cars behind this beast were thinking and saying, cursing me out for going so slow.
My fingers were tightly wrapped around the steering wheel, and the muscles across my neck were strained. My wife, Diane, guided me on the right. I could only imagine the damage I'd cause if I scraped one side or the other.
Carefully, we made our way through the gantlet without incident and exited to the off ramp and our first traffic light. A new challenge, dealing with city traffic.
As we sat at the light, a friendly driver pulled along side and shouted, "Do you know your Jeep is not towing behind you properly? It is pulling to the left." No, I didn't, thank you for telling me. The light changed, and he was gone in a flash.
How nice. Our first problem, and we have only traveled five miles. This RVing is getting to be real fun!
After finding a parking lot, we both saw the results of our problem but didn't understand its cause. We search through the hitch manual, checked the connection, all looked proper. What could be causing it?
I felt annoyance and anger setting in. We couldn't continue this way. Diane suggested we disconnect the Jeep — easier said than done. The stress on the pins was too great, and I couldn't pull them out. Perhaps if we rolled the Jeep forward a little, the stress might ease.
With a Jeep there is a specific procedure to follow. Diane read off the steps one by one until we were back to normal driving conditions. I only needed to place the transmission in drive, let up on the brake to move just enough to release pressure on the connecting pins.
This was a helluva way to learn — on-the-road training. I was uptight, and my shirt and face were soaking wet in the hot sun. Finally, after 6 p.m., most of the state employees had left the area, and traffic was lighter. Diane would drive the Jeep, and I would take on the beast.
Back on the road, we left the city behind and reached the comfort of the open road. I pushed the coach up to 50 mph. The steering felt different, but she handled well. I needed to loosen up and relax. This ride could be comforting!
I felt I was building confidence, yet this machine was still scary. After all, I was moving 11 tons down the road.
Once we reached 322, I began to relax more — only a few more miles to our destination. The day had been one terrific experience for both of us.
The signs to the RV park were just ahead. A left here, now a right. The entrance to Indian Branch requires a hard right between two metal posts just off the road, with trees and bushes everywhere. This was good, another first-day challenge getting this monster through the head of a needle.
The owners of the park were watching — great, an audience. We decided Diane would direct my movements through the gate. I was amazed at the control the driver has in moving forward and backward in slow motion. I was also amazed at the turning capabilities of the coach.
With Diane's directions, we made it into the lane without as much as a scratch. Piece of cake! The owners smiled as we approach the office and told us we have a beautiful coach.
"Is it new?" they inquired.
Yes, brand new. "If you only knew," I thought.
Whew, we made it to our first RV park for the night. All we needed to do was follow manual procedures for leveling and connections to shore utilities. Then, a well earned rest.
