A journey to fill my soul

You may have thought I was talking about myself, which I guess I need too, but this is a different subject. Every vehicle has a weight limit which must be adhered too cautiously. Vehicle manufacturers have this magic slide rule that calculates how well the vehicle braking system functions at specific weights as well as how the vehicle will handle with a specific weight. After that they factor if the engine has the power, the transmission can transfer engine power to the axles, and, if the axles can withstand the abuse from the vehicle overall weight plus what road conditions may play into the equation. The geek that I am, or should I say my lifetime commitment to the auto industry, has taught me many lessons on all these subjects. I know I have the vehicle for the job but I do need to observe caution.

How many square feet is your living condition? Well mine is going to be about 70 square feet. That’s total living including sleep, kitchen, bath and rest and relax area. Now back to the vehicle, factor in the home placed on top of the truck, along with all my gear, and I have a problem. I need to plan on 4-seasons, I’ll see the heat of summer, and in elevation and late season travel I’ll most likely see snow. So I need to load clothing to be comfortable in all climate conditions.

Now, the kitchen, I need cooking and eating utensils plus food. On my planned travel route I will probably see 10-14 days in what I call the bush, or areas absent of people and cities of size to purchase food. The weight from this adds up quick.

And don’t forget water and fuel. An easy calculation is 8 lbs per gallon. The truck fuel tank is 35 gallons plus a 5 gallon spare tank. And then water, my water tank holds 35 gallons. Quick but rough calculation comes to 600 lbs.

And finally, the why I’m going, camera and editing equipment. When I put this all together in some organized fashion I was surprised how much weight this adds.

So, back to my opening, I need to go on a diet… My gross vehicle weight is 12,000 lbs, and I’m not all that far away. So, a little more paring down will be in order. I’m less than 10 days from travel, that may sound like plenty of time but it really isn’t, it’s 4-5 months on the road in mostly very rural areas so plan right or do without. All good, if I might say, my planning skills are better than most, I think through most the details to the final turn….

Once again, I hope I’ve piqued your interest in my trip and you follow along. There will be down days, or slow days, but between those will be stories and images of beauty. Till next week…PEACE!