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- Edmond, Oklahoma
Just recovered a M989A1 HEMAT
408 miles towing a heavy trailer was an experience.
Could not find much in pictures on exactly how it looked hooked up. A few side shots, but nothing in detail.
I knew how to hook it, but didn't know how much slack would be in the power cord and air lines.
Turns out there was plenty of room and slack for everything.
Picked up trailer at Jeffeson City, MO.
Of course the GovPlanet rep was not on site, even though an appointment was made.
Thanks to a E-9 with the MO National Guard found the right building and correct CWO for help.
Everyone wanted my M925A2.
The troops were great and very helpful.
MUCH more than the GP rep who I called. He sounded like it was my fault he wasn't there, regardless of the appointment I had proof of.
The CWO verified paperwork and I followed him and another solider to the holding yard about a mile from the warehouse.
Backed up to trailer and the guys hooked it up for me.
Chatted for a bit then off we go.
First slight hill from base we (wife and I) encountered I knew something wasn't right. Pulled over and could smell that hot brake smell.
Had maybe driven 3/4 of a mile
Checked emergency release valve on trailer and it didn't feel right.
Checked first trailer air tank....all good
Checked second air tank....nothing. No air.
All Gladhands secure.....but wait!
The valve for the emergency air on truck was still
closed.
I failed to double check everything closely after the troops hooked it up.
I Just did the overview that all the big stuff was hooked up.
Everything was hooked up correct, just that one valve was still closed.
Opened valve and the whoosh of air was a sigh of relief.
Once system charged all was great the rest of the trip.
Trailer is heavy.
Flat areas you didn't know the trailer was there. Thing tows great.
The hills? Well you knew it was there then.
A lot of hills in that part of the country.
On one hill it slowed me to the mid 30's on speed.
A lot of 40's and mostly 50-55. Went 60 once on a downhill and I didn't like that
Averaged 10 mpg headed there and 5.5 with trailer on way back.
Only causality, besides our backsides, is the Power Control Box is acting up.
Easy fix. Truck did wonderful.
The trip took about 19 hours. I was feeling good (except my a&$) so we kept on going.
The plus is that all the goodies were still with the trailer.
Operators manual, TM, jack, straps, etc.
This trailer is the first thing I have ever towed with the 5 ton.
It was a learning experience to say the least.
It will be a long time before I do it again.
408 miles towing a heavy trailer was an experience.
Could not find much in pictures on exactly how it looked hooked up. A few side shots, but nothing in detail.
I knew how to hook it, but didn't know how much slack would be in the power cord and air lines.
Turns out there was plenty of room and slack for everything.
Picked up trailer at Jeffeson City, MO.
Of course the GovPlanet rep was not on site, even though an appointment was made.
Thanks to a E-9 with the MO National Guard found the right building and correct CWO for help.
Everyone wanted my M925A2.
The troops were great and very helpful.
MUCH more than the GP rep who I called. He sounded like it was my fault he wasn't there, regardless of the appointment I had proof of.
The CWO verified paperwork and I followed him and another solider to the holding yard about a mile from the warehouse.
Backed up to trailer and the guys hooked it up for me.
Chatted for a bit then off we go.
First slight hill from base we (wife and I) encountered I knew something wasn't right. Pulled over and could smell that hot brake smell.
Had maybe driven 3/4 of a mile
Checked emergency release valve on trailer and it didn't feel right.
Checked first trailer air tank....all good
Checked second air tank....nothing. No air.
All Gladhands secure.....but wait!
The valve for the emergency air on truck was still
closed.
I failed to double check everything closely after the troops hooked it up.
I Just did the overview that all the big stuff was hooked up.
Everything was hooked up correct, just that one valve was still closed.
Opened valve and the whoosh of air was a sigh of relief.
Once system charged all was great the rest of the trip.
Trailer is heavy.
Flat areas you didn't know the trailer was there. Thing tows great.
The hills? Well you knew it was there then.
A lot of hills in that part of the country.
On one hill it slowed me to the mid 30's on speed.
A lot of 40's and mostly 50-55. Went 60 once on a downhill and I didn't like that
Averaged 10 mpg headed there and 5.5 with trailer on way back.
Only causality, besides our backsides, is the Power Control Box is acting up.
Easy fix. Truck did wonderful.
The trip took about 19 hours. I was feeling good (except my a&$) so we kept on going.
The plus is that all the goodies were still with the trailer.
Operators manual, TM, jack, straps, etc.
This trailer is the first thing I have ever towed with the 5 ton.
It was a learning experience to say the least.
It will be a long time before I do it again.
