First trip report from new LD owner

December 15, 2016, 11:08:17 am

Hi everyone. I recently purchased a 2005 26.5 Rear Kitchen model from a seller who listed on the classifieds in this forum. Although I was taking a chance buying sight unseen, the process was easy and uneventful, and the unit was just as described and as it appeared in the pictures. Perhaps a sign that LD owners are particularly trustworthy? Maybe, but at least my experience was good. I then embarked on a marathon trip from California to Annapolis MD with the help of my brother-in-law. Took the southern route through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. 3000 miles in five days.
A couple of observations from a newbie:
1) The coach was easy to drive and handled surprisingly well. Great turning radius. Probably better than my Nissan Titan King Cab.
2) I found the V10 more than adequate, even up hills. This unit had been upgraded with a Banks Power Pack with headers, exhaust and re-tuning. The LD could cruise all day at 65 MPH and felt fine at 75 MPH when needed. No problem passing up hill. Mind you, we had a light load with full propane but empty tanks and only two people and luggage.
2) We kept close track of MPG. Driving between 65 and 68 MPG much of the time, but sometimes faster, we averaged 9.2 MPG when calculated over the entire 3000 mile trip.
3) Cold weather camping. Arizona and New Mexico were COLD!. Lows of 25 when we stayed over night in New Mexico. While the propane furnace did yeoman work, we bought a 1500 watt ceramic heater and that helped. The walls were chilly, though. This was an impromptu trip. Next time I use the LD in cold weather I will use some of the winter tricks mentioned in the owner's manual -- styrofoam in the escape hatch, block the other roof vents, etc.
Looking forward to many years of enjoyment in my new (to me) LD, but this shakedown trip was fantastic and made me a happy LD owner.
Les Campbell