Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Single Post

cranetruck · 03-03-2005, 08:10

If you plan ahead, you will do just fine on the road.
I have put over 4,000 miles on my deuce during the last 3 months. Since I was making deliveries for a customer (log cabin kit) across state lines, I had to get a DOT# for my truck. It's all very simple really, just a lot of formalities and it is all for the sake of safety.
I stop at all weigh stations, another safety check. I keep a log for the trips, have insurance, medical card, spare parts for the truck (Light bulbs, including spare head lights), chains, emergency supplies etc.
Driving with a maximum speed of 60 mph in traffic, which averages about 70 requires thinking ahead at all times, especially in merging traffic.
The deuce keeps you awake. The DOT lets you drive 11 hours in a 24 hr period of time and the max I have done is 535 miles coming back from a visit to Kenny in Florida.
I have a VIC-1 intercom system in the deuce and a CB so I can listen in on the conversations. Too much background noise to talk.
Got a noise cancelling mike now, but havn't tested it. Perhaps for the Greenville trip next week.
I have slept in the cab without too much trouble.
Durning these trips I only spotted one (1) other HMV on the road, a CUCV in North Carolina.
Driving the deuce, you are above most vehicles and it's easy to plan your moves ahead in traffic. Good all round visibility (Bikini Top) and good mirrors are a must.
Check lights, brakes, tire pressures, tire temps, wheel bearing temps at all stops.
Make sure that the hand brake works.
With the 1100 tires, my fuel milage is about 9.5 mpg, a little less with the trailer. With a GVW of about 24.000 lb the fuel milage drops to about 8.5.

Below are some images from the trips.