Novice driver advice needed

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by PattiWhack, Oct 6, 2007.

  1. PattiWhack

    PattiWhack Bobtail Member

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    Oct 6, 2007
    Seattle, WA
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    I need to drive solo (with my dog) from Seattle to North Carolina in a 16' Penske hauling a Honda Element on a trailer (not a dolly). This trip will hopefully start (assuming the weather holds out) sometime around Oct 11th. I have never driven further east (at least not from the northwest) than Snoqualmie Pass so I have no idea what the road is like, whether the mountains get worse or better after Snoqualmie, etc. I would appreciate any insight.

    Also, I know past weather is no indication of future weather events, but in general is it relatively safe to assume I can get through I-90 okay in mid-October? If not, is there another route I should consider? (I did read the post in the weather thread and know there's a storm coming here early next week, but I'd be leaving a few days after that). My Element is high profile and doesn't do well in high winds, so I worry about the combination with the Penske.

    My plan is to take I-90 to Sioux Falls and then start working my way Southeast. I'd like to avoid traffic as much as possible, given the size of the truck and towing the Element too. Would I be better off traffic-wise if I got on I-40 further west?

    Any suggestions on truck stops, gas stations and motels along the way that are easy to pull straight through would be very much appreciated. I'm pretty nervous about the trip, so really, any advice you pros can offer would help me feel more prepared.

    I really hate to clutter up your forum with something that probably seems so trivial to all of you, but this is a big deal for me so I'd like to get a professional perspective.

    THANK YOU!!!
     
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  3. Pur48Ted

    Pur48Ted Road Train Member

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    Jun 14, 2006
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    PattiWhack, you couldn't have come to a better Forum for answers. Welcome!

    I have driven I-90 many times, and as you suspect, the weather can change from one day to the next.
    I have even driven that route during the winter on snowy roads and the thing to keep in mind is to take it easy; never driver faster than YOU feel is safe.

    Personally, I would follow I-82 to I-84 from Washington, thru Oregon, Idaho and into Utah and pick up I-80 near Salt Lake City. There are fewer mountain ranges to go over and they are less steep. But you DO have to watch the wind in Wyoming. You could then drop down from Cheyenne to Denver (I-25) to I-70 and continue east to St Louis to pick-up I-64 and continue till Lexington, KY. After that it is only a short trip down I-75 to Knoxville and I-40.

    That way you miss the cluster-&^%$ they left at the south end of Lake Michigan named Chicago.

    The BEST times to travel thru Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis and other larger cities is usually after 7pm or before 7am (local times).

    Most truckstops have fairly easy access for the motoring 4-wheel populations (including those like yourself who are moving). I can't really suggest any motels, because I seldom use them, I carry mine with me. But you CAN visit the web sites of the MAJOR truck stop chains and they usually tell you if they have a motel on premises (some actually do), or near-by.

    Also, if you have access to a computer while on the road; any good PC based mapping program; such as Microsoft Streets and Trips allows you to find near-by accomodations along your route. Naturally, it is always better to make reservations ahead of time.

    Good Luck and take time to see the sights...
     
  4. didntitellu

    didntitellu Light Load Member

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    Jul 31, 2007
    Ohio
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    Great post Roadkill, as always good info!! The only thing I can add to that is to second his welcome.

    Glad you stopped by to seek any answers you want/need Patti. Welcome to the forums! No one here will will think your questions are trivial at all. Proper trip planning is a big part of our daily lives. If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to ask.

    Moving is never easy or fun, but try and relax and enjoy your trip as much as you can. Be safe and good luck!
     
  5. Attitude:)

    Attitude:) "Love each Day as if it was your last"

    510
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    Jul 13, 2007
    TX NM & CO
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    Roadkill gave you excellent advice! The only thing I would add is, dont give in to pressure to go faster than you feel is safe. Even if that means making some people upset with you. There are trucks "governed" to go 65 MPH and sometimes a little less. The one I drive for another company goes 65 only on a good day and there will be people upset with you. Stay safe above all else. They'll get over their little fits:biggrin_2559:
     
  6. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    Nick-Nack,................
    PattiWhack.

    Welcome to the forums!

    The main purpose of my post is to commend you for your concern for safety.
    It's very refreshing to read your questions about the best route to take on your upcoming trip. I can't help but wonder how many of the general motoring public bothers to trip-plan with the detail you're seeking.

    I remove my well worn NASCAR cap, stand at attention, and offer up my most snappy and sincere SALUTE!

    My hopes are that your trip will go smoothly.

    And I think it'd be cool if you'd keep us posted as your trip progresses. Or at least let us all know how it went, once you arrive.
    I think you're in for a treat. You'll be seeing a lot of beautiful country. Check out the Gateway To The West Arch in St. Louis, Illinois & Missouri, Twin Cities. What a sight!

    Also, are you aware of the "BLINK-BLINK --- FLASH-FLASH" system?
    Lemmie 'splain....................

    You MIGHT notice Big truck drivers flashing their headlights when another Big truck is passing them --- and has cleared.
    And you might notice the passing Big truck driver flashing his marker lights and/or tail lights once the pass has been completed.
    This is considered a courtesy in the Big truck trucking industry. And indicates those Big truck drivers are awake and alert.

    You might find Big truck drivers who will flash you over as well, especially when you'll be pulling a car trailer, which you probably won't be able to see in your rear view mirrors. Flashing headlights is NOT a signal TO return to the lane in front of them, rather it's a signal that you're clear to do so IF you choose. When that happens, you can "thank" them by hitting your 4-ways for a few flashes.

    If a Big truck driver DOESN'T flash their headlights as you pass, it's still a nice gesture to flash them "thanks" anyway. That tends to put us at ease, figuring you have highway smarts.
    If I were you, I'd pick a group of Big trucks running at a comfortable pace for YOU, and ride in the rocking chair. A CB radio would be nice to have in the vehicle you'll be driving. Let Big truck drivers know ,WITHOUT TOO MUCH DETAIL, what you're doing and ask for advice along the way. There ARE still those of us who will gladly provide you with the assistance you require.

    Above all else, be careful.
    And I believe you will.

    Thanx again for posting your questions here. I think I can speak for the MAJORITY of posters here when I say YOUR safety is our greatest concern.
    And I hope you'll continue posting here in the future.
    Keep the SHINY side up^.

    :biggrin_25519:
     
  7. PattiWhack

    PattiWhack Bobtail Member

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    Oct 6, 2007
    Seattle, WA
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    Wow! Thank you all so much for the suggestions, the encouragement and the very warm welcome!

    Roadkill, your advice is incredibly helpful! I had no idea crossing the mountains further south would be less of a problem than on I-90. I had wrongly assumed the opposite would be true. I am so glad I posted here. I mapped your suggested route and it is much better than what I had planned! I will definitely keep a close eye on the weather and, also per your advice, watch for the winds in Wyoming. I know to try and park with my cab facing into gusty/high winds so if any hit, I'll try to ride them out in the nearest rest area. Ya'll can wave as you go by. :)

    Didntitellu, thanks for the encouragement!

    Attitude, I appreciate your suggestion to not feel pressured to drive faster! I hope everyone I encounter on the road has an "Attitude" as nice as you!!!!

    AfterShock, the chance to see the gateway arch in St. Louis is like a carrot on a stick for me - I'm really looking forward to seeing it! And I'll be 2/3 of the way home when I see it, which will make the view all the more pleasant! Re: the CB radio, do you have any suggestions for a portable model that would work well? And thank you sooo much for your kind words. I would love to post back to the thread with a few progress reports. It will make me feel much less alone out there. I'll also make use of the blink-blink flash-flash system you suggested.

    I'll keep an eye on this thread between now and when I leave too so if there's anything else I should know/do, I'm all ears.

    My comfort level with this trip has gone up several notches thanks to all of your great suggestions and encouraging words. You truckers are angels. Again, thank you all very very much!!
     
  8. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

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    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    Ahhhhhhh, the Arch!
    What a sight!

    Have y'all ever seen it where all that can be seen is the river, the base, and the the very tip of the Arch --- the middle is covered by a cloud? And the sun is reflecting off the tip's surface?
    I've seen the Arch probably a hundred times, but NEVER like THAT morning!

    CB radio suggestions?
    Hmmmmmmmm

    YEAH!
    Check out the CB Section here.
    I think that'd be the best source of information.
    Don't expect peak performance though.
    But the ability to communicate with Big truck drivers could help you be informed, aware, and amused.
    It AIN'T all "friendly" chatter either.
    IF you'll have youngsters with you, better keep the volume turned down at times. Especially around Big truck truck stops.
    Please except my apologies in advance for some of the stuff you'll likely hear.

    When SOME Big truck drivers hear a female voice, they don't usually hesitate to "come back" (radio term).
    Be careful whatcha say and whom you say it to.

    Another Big truck driver and I assisted two young females headed to the north east.
    I was headed to New Jersey.
    Found them in Wyoming.
    No map.
    And sleeping in their car.

    I like Flying J Travel Plazas.
    I suggested the girls stay in the Flying J parking lots AFTER we all went in and made the managers aware of the situation.
    They were all concerned and allowed them to sleep there, with their security notified, and keeping a close watch on them overnight.

    Many truck stops also have computer hook-up. Wi-Fi, I think.

    YOU have every right to fuel at such locations.
    Or just stop there.
    SOME Big truck drivers may complain about that, but it makes more sense to service and/or park a larger vehicle pulling a trailer at a facility where there's ample room to maneuver, and not too far from the main routes.

    Be aware!
    Once you've completed fueling, pull forward to clear the island so the next driver can fuel when you share the same pumps as the Big trucks. You'll earn points.

    Also, you MIGHT want to consider obtaining a Rand McNally MOTOR CARRIERS ATLAS to take along with you. You can also check with the major Big truck truck stops for their locations along the route you plan to take. That way, you might be better able to plan each day's trip. There are also Truck Stop Locater publications that can be purchased at most Big truck truck stops. Those list ALL the stops by state, and usually a map indicating their locations.

    Notice emergency and road assistance phone numbers for each state and area listed in the Motor Carrier's Atlas.
    I don't know if the maps for the general motoring public contain that information. But it's always good to have.

    Will you be taking a cell phone?
    Reception might be a problem.
    Check out one of this forum's sponsors. They make cell phone amplifiers.
    I'm sure if you have questions about the product, you'll find the answers here.
    Give 'em a shout.

    Your trip sounds exciting.
    I wish I were goin' too.
    And you say you're goin' "home"?
     
  9. PattiWhack

    PattiWhack Bobtail Member

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    Oct 6, 2007
    Seattle, WA
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    AfterShock, per your advice, I'm looking at truck stop websites now so I can map out all the gas stops in advance. I'm mapping out the rest areas as well. I do have a cellphone, but even if I did happen to get good coverage (which I don't think I will), the cell won't report on the road ahead or give me weather updates. I overlooked the CB thread on the forum (thanks for mentioning it!), so I'll go check that out next.

    And, yes, NC is home for me. Seattle was just one of life's many detours. :)
     
  10. Sid

    Sid Bobtail Member

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    Jul 20, 2007
    Mobile, Alabama
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    Well I can't really add any more advice seems they have covered everything. Just wanted to say hi and I am glad that you took time to plan your trip. I am a woman driver and I agree about the C.B. it can be a great help but some guys just can't seem to handle a womans voice. So just be careful and turn the thing off when you have too. Oh yeah when you go through Wyoming they usually have those LCD signs running when the wind is bad. The route we usually take from the northwest is 84(catch 80 in Ogden) to 80 to Ne2(you catch this road in Lincoln) down to I29 (takes you down to Kansas city, there take 435 around to I70) to I70. I 70 will take you into St Louis. There you can catch I64. Not sure where in NC your going. Just another route to consider. Remember when your tired nothing works better than a nap. Good Luck and keep us posted.
     
  11. AfterShock

    AfterShock Road Train Member

    6,645
    10,108
    Sep 19, 2007
    Inland Empire, California
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    Cell -- Phones.

    I don't presently have a cell phone, but I had one on a recent trip from SoCal to South of Oklahoma City -- in a 4-wheeler.
    Long story short, we, (a friend and a youngster. We're all males.) had an engine expire going east about 8 miles west of Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
    Bummers.

    But I had that cell phone, ---- that couldn't find a cell.
    I'm told there's NO cell service in that area. I don't know if that's true.
    Might be a good question for the Maximumsignal answer man. IF you don't ask him, I will.

    Be sure the truck you'll be driving has reflective triangles, --- three of them. If they're not, ask why not?
    Read how to set them up. Ain't rocket science.
    You MAY need to use them. Better to HAVE them, and NOT need them, than to NEED them and NOT have them.
    Know where they are.
    And a list of emergency phone numbers.
    Make regular calls, and try as best as you can to know where you started your day, and when and where you plan to call it a day.

    Flashlight, spare batteries and simple tools.
    Nice to have along.

    Peanut butter and crackers and a Jolt Cola for breakfast.


    flapflapflapflapflapflapflapflapflapflap
    *that sound would be my eyelids opening*
    :biggrin_25525::biggrin_25523:
     
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