If you all read the post where I spoke of being proud of Jo's first time of pulling the Mobile Suites fifth wheel last Saturday, this is a follow up.
We were driving to work this morning (Monday) and was following a semi-truck when Jo asked, "How wide is a semi's trailer?"
I answered that it was 8 feet.
A moment of thought on her part then brought this question:
"So then, the Mobile Suites is 4 inches WIDER than a semi?"
"Yep."
(Silence.)
Enjoy.
Terry
Ckerr said
08:28 AM Aug 9, 2010
An alternative response might've been, "Gee Honey, I'm not quite sure..."
Seriously, whenever I get concerned about how wide the 5th wheel is, I just check the mirrors and note that it is stll safely between the lines on the highway and instantly feel better.
Another thing I learned on our last trip. I feel much more comfortable driving on US Highways than the interstate. It's just much more relaxing. Not the constant push of traffic. I'm still cruising along at 65 or 70, but I don't have someone up my butt all the time if you know what I mean... Jo might find the same.
Thanks for the morning laugh!
phyllen said
08:49 AM Aug 9, 2010
Main problem is getting through those dreaded toll booths here in the northeast. Can not get out of NJ (for the most part) without crossing a bridge and paying a toll.
wmalefyt said
03:02 PM Aug 9, 2010
Actually, semi-trailers up to 102" wide are allowed on all interstate highways and many other highways as well. Most over-the-road 18 wheelers you see are hauling 102" wide trailers.
At one time, we owned a 1992 Gulfstream Class C motorhome that was 102" wide and had no problems driving it anywhere we wanted to go.
-- Edited by wmalefyt on Monday 9th of August 2010 03:04:55 PM
Terry and Jo said
07:02 PM Aug 9, 2010
wmalefyt wrote:
Actually, semi-trailers up to 102" wide are allowed on all interstate highways and many other highways as well. Most over-the-road 18 wheelers you see are hauling 102" wide trailers.
At one time, we owned a 1992 Gulfstream Class C motorhome that was 102" wide and had no problems driving it anywhere we wanted to go.
-- Edited by wmalefyt on Monday 9th of August 2010 03:04:55 PM
Bill,
I haven't driven 18-wheelers since back in the '80's. For all I knew, the trailers were still 8 feet wide. But, perhaps it will give Jo some comfort knowing that there are some out there wider than us.
Incidentally, Jo is a VERY tolerant lady to put up with all the kidding that I have given her over the years. Enough so that she has stayed with me for nearly 42 years. It's a good thing, too, because I can't cook.
Terry
Roz said
02:57 AM Aug 10, 2010
Terry,
Federal law permits trailers to be 102.36 inches wide, and that does not include lighting, ladders or other safety devices. The same goes for today's largest motorhomes and fifthwheels.
Dennis Hill of the RV Driving School explained it to Ethel the best. Simply concentrate on staying in your lane. It is only a rare exception that professional truck drivers will encroach on your lane. It may seem close, but Interstate lanes are sufficiently wide.
As all professional drivers note, it is automobiles cutting in front of you too soon after passing that cause the most problems.
Charles
Terry and Jo said
06:18 AM Aug 10, 2010
Charles,
Jo did just fine with her driving and she said that she never got any negative sensations while behind the wheel last Saturday. It was just the afterthought on Monday that seemed funny to me.
But your last comment needs to be emphasized for the benefit of all the others. I distinctly remember an older couple in Kansas that survived the day simply because there was no oncoming traffic at the time. I was able to put my 18 wheeler in the other lane of that two lane road when they pulled out right in front of me from a side road. I'll bet that the big black and white rig flying by the driver's side so soon after he pulled on got him to thinking.
Everyone driving any kind of RV rig needs to ALWAYS practice defensive driving, keeping alert to all the traffic around and ahead of them, and anticipating every driving scenario that could occur. As an 18-wheeler driver and a former motorcycle owner, I can attest that defensive driving is a life saver. Both ours and the other guys lives.
Terry
jagco said
05:55 AM Aug 11, 2010
Very good point to make about defensive driving, Terry!
We all need to be reminded of that from time to time.
Jeff
We were driving to work this morning (Monday) and was following a semi-truck when Jo asked, "How wide is a semi's trailer?"
I answered that it was 8 feet.
A moment of thought on her part then brought this question:
"So then, the Mobile Suites is 4 inches WIDER than a semi?"
"Yep."
(Silence.)
Enjoy.
Terry
Seriously, whenever I get concerned about how wide the 5th wheel is, I just check the mirrors and note that it is stll safely between the lines on the highway and instantly feel better.
Another thing I learned on our last trip. I feel much more comfortable driving on US Highways than the interstate. It's just much more relaxing. Not the constant push of traffic. I'm still cruising along at 65 or 70, but I don't have someone up my butt all the time if you know what I mean... Jo might find the same.
Thanks for the morning laugh!
At one time, we owned a 1992 Gulfstream Class C motorhome that was 102" wide and had no problems driving it anywhere we wanted to go.
-- Edited by wmalefyt on Monday 9th of August 2010 03:04:55 PM
Bill,
I haven't driven 18-wheelers since back in the '80's. For all I knew, the trailers were still 8 feet wide. But, perhaps it will give Jo some comfort knowing that there are some out there wider than us.
Incidentally, Jo is a VERY tolerant lady to put up with all the kidding that I have given her over the years. Enough so that she has stayed with me for nearly 42 years. It's a good thing, too, because I can't cook.
Terry
Federal law permits trailers to be 102.36 inches wide, and that does not include lighting, ladders or other safety devices. The same goes for today's largest motorhomes and fifthwheels.
Dennis Hill of the RV Driving School explained it to Ethel the best. Simply concentrate on staying in your lane. It is only a rare exception that professional truck drivers will encroach on your lane. It may seem close, but Interstate lanes are sufficiently wide.
As all professional drivers note, it is automobiles cutting in front of you too soon after passing that cause the most problems.
Charles
Jo did just fine with her driving and she said that she never got any negative sensations while behind the wheel last Saturday. It was just the afterthought on Monday that seemed funny to me.
But your last comment needs to be emphasized for the benefit of all the others. I distinctly remember an older couple in Kansas that survived the day simply because there was no oncoming traffic at the time. I was able to put my 18 wheeler in the other lane of that two lane road when they pulled out right in front of me from a side road. I'll bet that the big black and white rig flying by the driver's side so soon after he pulled on got him to thinking.
Everyone driving any kind of RV rig needs to ALWAYS practice defensive driving, keeping alert to all the traffic around and ahead of them, and anticipating every driving scenario that could occur. As an 18-wheeler driver and a former motorcycle owner, I can attest that defensive driving is a life saver. Both ours and the other guys lives.
Terry