Road Trip preps, and who's between Alabama and Colorado??

[Mopar Man1]

Figured I'd hop on and say that the boys are on their way back! They got here today. . well actually yesterday now considering its 12:29 here. . so Friday they got here,I had to work today,I got to see and talk to Sam and TJ for about 10 minutes. . which sucks but from what I got to meet of them,some really great fellers!!! My pappy said they left out here about 4pm Friday evening. Guessing they are up in TN area by now. . wish them a good trip and hope my. . was mine... big ole 1st gen. serves them really well :-laf



Jimbo

 

["Mad Max"]

- Mission Accomplished -

WOW - what a trip!! Oo. Everything and everybody home safe and sound! Like every trip there were a few mechanical and electrical glitches, but no show-stoppers. Rig rode good and we maintained between 65-70 mph all day long.

Was really great to meet both James, Jimmy, and Marlene Masters down in Alabama - Hospitality and decency like these folks have is a rare and unfortunately diminishing quality, but as we discussed over lunch and throughout the day there are some who still do what they say, say what they mean, and mean what they say, and where their word is their bond. Nice to meet folks who know what that means and live their lives that way. Thanks again James, Jimmy, and Marlene - was a great experience.



We took care of a few mechanical items before we left, adjusted the linkage a bit, did the paperwork, and headed hammer down on our way to Nashville. Dropped off the rental car, made a stop at Wal Mart for some fluids, and we were off and running - all systems go. Now, after the red-eye that morning and all day of driving, by the time we got to Nashville we were very very spent... found a Cracker Barrel and a hotel, got food, and some serious ZZZzzzzzzz.

Got up later than we wanted but it sure felt good - batteries recharged (both in our bodies and the GPS receiver and cell phone... ) we were off for the loooong leg of the trip - our goal for Saturday was to reach Topeka Kansas and miss all fo the football traffic. 15 hours and 6 states later, we arrived at about 1130 pm in Topeka, found a hotel, and some more ZZZzzzzz.

Sunday morning it was up at 0730, a big ole' breakfast, and hammer down through the straight (I-70 thru Kansas) portion of the trip, hang a left at Limon onto US-24, and right on through Colorado Springs. At that point, the Diesel had Landed! Oo.



Truck never missed a beat, oil pressure and water temps were better than my own rig , rode comfortable, and we generally had a great time.



Thanks again to all the fellas that offered their help - we tried to call each and every one of y'all, to say 'thanks', as we kept the diesel hot and the hammer down on the interstates. Was good to talk with all of you and we appreciate the spirit and encouragement for our long haul.



TJ and I rolled into town last night at about 6pm, went out for some victory ribs and beer, and then it was off to get ready for that thing called... Monday :{



We had a blast and enjoyed every moment. TJ and I will be tinkering on both our rigs - his for some bombing upgrades and mine for the big rig project. We're really stoked to have one-each Cummins rigs in our stables, and are looking to continued fun and excitement in the future.



Thanks again to all - We highly recommend road trips to anyone thinking of taking one. A good rig, thorough planning, lots of flexibility, and most importantly... high spirit and enthusiasm (like the bubbas and help here in the TDR!!) ... are definitely requirements. When things are planned out and planned for, both good and bad, you can do darned near anything you can think of. TJ wanted a big ole' rig, and it's sitting in his driveway right now.

- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED -



- Sam

 

[Mopar Man1]

Well Sam and TJ it was a pleasure to meet yall,even though I didn't get to talk to yall long. . work can suck sometimes :-laf I think very highly of yall and my folks said yall were two great guys and your welcome at our house anytime. I'm glad the ole truck done good going back,I knew it would,it's a good ole truck... I kinda miss it :{ When it was gone I said,I'm not gonna buy another CTD,I ain't got no use for it... WRONG Ever since yall left I've been looking for another 3/4 ton 5spd CTD 1st or 2nd gen. truck. Ain't had much luck though. . I guess in due time I'll find one. I look forward to see what yall do to the ole truck.



To anybody else that have talked to Sam and/or TJ. . if you ever get the chance. . MEET THEM! Class A #1 guys. Gotta love TDR Oo.



Jimbo

 

["Mad Max"]

pig in slop!

Thanks Jimmy - Much appreciated amigo - same goes for you and your Mom and Pop! I wanted to let you know that I haven't seen TJ this happy in a long time! He's s close enough friend that he's really my brother. He really likes his rig - it's just what he needed and wanted. The road trip made having it just that much worth the effort, and I think the upgrades he'll make to it will only make it that much bigger and badder. He already wants my HX-35/16 setup and TCI converter so when I upgrade my rig I think he'll be a'callin' :-laf



- Sam

 

[JasonHamilton]

I'm down here on the MS Gulf Coast although I don't think that you'll be heading down this far south but if you decide to my number is 228-596-2108 so if you guys need anything feel free to call.