Found a Truck

So I found a truck. The last time I shopped for a truck was 2007.  Back then I went to a local dealer and the sales guy found what I wanted then transferred it. When I talked to him this time all he could say was good luck. Anyone having inventory was not transferring anything.  Demand being higher than supply.

Not wanting anything with a black interior, black or white exterior, and a diesel engine also restricts the availability.  I finally found something acceptable about 45 minutes away. Iconic silver with a gray interior F250SD. Was hoping for blue or red, but no luck in this part of the country.  Took it for a test drive yesterday, and to my surprise the Boss found the seat to be good despite her back issues. I haven't driven a full size pickup since before I bought the Nissan Frontier in 2007.  It sure seemed large, and powerful. It's rated at 450Hp and 900+ ft-lbs of torque. Amazingly it should have fuel efficiency similar to the V6 I've been driving, at least when not loaded.

We'll be getting it late next week after undercoating.  Then it'll be time to get a 5th wheel hitch installed and a tonneau cover for when I'm not towing.

Two guys were here today burying the coax underground so when the tech guy arrives he can hook it up and eliminate the low hanging wire.  That wire would definitely get ripped off the house by the 5th wheel trailer. 

Still need to move the fence back about 15 feet.  I wish the fence guy would at least call me back.

Back Home

Yeah we're back home.  The time we spent in a cabin with no cell service, no internet or TV was actually refreshing. Our larger dog, a husky-shepherd mix didn't find our stay as relaxing. He grows fur between the pads of his paws, making smooth floors an exercise in slipping. He's also very nervous in new environments and won't eat for a couple of days. The area where we stayed was quite unconcerned about wearing a mask. I'd say about 50% of folks didn't don the face covering regardless of the situation.

The Boss wants to do more traveling, with our 2 dogs along.  Finding accommodations that are pet friendly has become problematic.  There is a nice boarding kennel nearby but both dogs need daily medication and the big guy won't eat. Besides they've gotten pricy there. So it appears we're going to get a 'camping' trailer.  But the Boss doesn't camp, and considers Holiday Inn as roughing it. 

So we'll probably buy a 5th wheel travel trailer and a truck to pull it.  The trailer being considered is 34 feet with 3 slide outs, equipped with a kitchen, entertainment center, washer/dryer, and king sized bed. It's also airconditioned, heated and rated down to 0F. It's basically a small house.

At 11,000 pounds empty, my little Nissan Frontier won't come close.  Checking tow ratings on several trucks, and a couple of personal recommendations, I settled on the F250 diesel.  The superior torque will be handy in the mountains. Unfortunately they are a bit hard to find, whether new or used.  That's especially so since I will not have a white or black truck, nor black interior.  We also need seats that fit the Boss and her bad back. Historically Ford products have fit her best, though she's good in my Nissan Frontier. 

We settled on a trailer but right now have no place to park it. I need to re-rout some overhead wiring, move a fence and exchange grass for gravel.  By the time we're ready, I suspect the trailer will be sold, with a very long lead time for another.

This is going to take some time, and a significant amount of money. The money is being transferred from my portfolio, so I suspect we'll find the truck before being ready for the trailer.