Day 82 - (10/08) NW Trip Reflections/Notes

This was our longest trip to-date.  We saw family, friends, states, provinces and many wonderful sights.



Summary
11,527 miles driven (13.8 mpg)
8,573 miles towing the trailer
16 states
2 provinces
Dick had never been in North Dakota, Montana, or Alberta.
Carol had been in all 48 states, Alberta and British Columbia


Preparations - pretty simple
Trailblazer - new tires
Trailblazer - oil change and filter
Trailer - wash and wax
Trailer - check and lube wheel bearings
Trailer - check tires and brakes


Things Fixed - stuff happened, but not much
07/30 - replaced Trailblazer ignition switch in Livingston, MT
08/30 - Trailblazer oil change and filter in Portland, OR
09/22 - replaced LED light over sink in Monterey, CA
10/01 - replaced trailer tires in Tucson, AZ
10/03 - replaced trailer hitch lift fuse in Amarillo, TX


Notes
(1) Atwood propane gas detector stopped working in OR, it isn't fixed.
(2) 4 internal rivets need to be replaced
(3) Each 7 gallon propane tank lasted about 4 weeks.
(4) Trailblazer brake issues seem to be caused by trailer weight and terrain.
(5) Canadian travel is expensive (gas $5/gal).
(6) It's hard to update the blog every day, but even worse when we get behind.
(7) Verizon's Mobile Broadband service was a great trip accessory.
(8) The original Goodyear Marathon trailer tires lasted 20,932 miles. (tread wear, not damage)