My experience Rving taught me that night drive is the best. Instead of wasting my day on the road in traffic with the sun in my eyes, I can take advantage of stuff I can visit and see, and when the night come, after supper, I get behind the wheel, for a couple of hours... There is no sun to blind me, zero traffic, less wind, less heat and I can stop in rest area and just go to sleep. It look less suspicious then arriving in a rest area or walmart in the beginning of the afternoon and spending the day and the night there. Just my way... Keep enjoying you're adventure.
Love JAX! I think it is great that he accepts a harness and will walk with it on. Ours just lays down and refuses to move. Also impressed he does not try and get out of the the RV when you exit or enter! Quite a boy!
Not silly at all. The dash heat uses the heated cooling fluid (water/antifreeze). and runs it through a mini radiator (the heater core) inside your dash air system. So a mini extra radiator provides helping support. Which is why that works as a small short term measure, unless your cooling system is very compromised. Sure someone could explain it better then me. But its funny the subject comes up when I need to put a new heater core in my own RV Dash. So i can keep my windshield defrosted. lol While its unbearable in warm climates, its a must to try to save your engine from overheating, for a little bit of a short time. but if that dont help. time to pull over because your cooling system is compromised.
Been there, done that. My father used to use a Ford Falcon Station Wagon to pull a small trailer and we always overheated going up mountains. Cooking us helped reduce the heat in the engine. The long term fix was getting a bigger tow vehicle. LOL
Janice Adams Works but in Eric's case it be a more powerful engine or larger radiator or dual ones. So far mine should have the power to handle hills. its got a Chrysler 440-1 (440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8 in it. but none the less would like my heater core working. just incase. lol
Janice Adams Yes, heat in winter be nice. lol When i got the RV i forgot the guy bypassed the heater core i guess it must of been leaking or something. So no dash heat, no defrost. So like to fix that before leaving, but i was meaning its be nice to have in event something is wrong and i start to overheat the engine. could drop the windows and turn the heat up.
Yep! That is "The Grapevine" and it is brutal. I was pulling my 5th wheel over the Grapevine on this last Sunday back from Yosemite. There is another mountain pass on the 15 heading north east called "The Cajon Pass" on the way to Barstow that is pretty large. You can avoid that one by using the 10 east instead. Good luck. I’ve been following your videos for a long time now… and if you need to plug in for the night, refill water and dump (we have a sewer drain in our driveway) and even a few gallons of gas too in orange county message me.
All caught up on your current videos and skipping around viewing your older ones. I catch myself smiling when you're on the road with the music on. Being on the road is great! Great videos!
Eric, your child-like love of all the new things your running into is invigorating :). Just got an RV myself and hope to have a similar attitude as I bump into new things like palm trees :).
In summer you just migrate up to the Sierras and camp at Lake Tahoe or similar and it's a beautiful 75 degrees in the summer, or camp at the oceans where it never gets hot. California is great, you can go South for the winter and be in nice temps and avoid the winter blues, you've got endless ocean areas to explore, vast deserts, breathtaking mountains etc...RV Paradise!
I commend you on having the courage to do something different, and yes, dare I say more adventurous than 90% of the rest of us. I don't know whether you're journey is one born of necessity, or a sheer act of will, but it is a pleasure to watch!
The Grapevine, wonderful Mountain, looks like you stopped for the night in Frazier park, usually there is snow there in November and December, been watching your travels having a good time watching you and Jax.
Thanks for taking the time and effort to share your journey. It has been really interesting to watch and learn things. It has also been a long dream of mine to stop being a slave to my landlords and hit the road. I love your cat! I have a cat to. His name is Niko. It is cold here in Ontario, hope your finding it warm in LA.
I have been enjoying your videos! On your overheating problem, vans can be a bit of a challenge to cool, especialy under a heavy load, slow traffic or just a real hot day. I was not clear if you are leaving the christmas wreath mounted on your grill when traveling down the road, if so, remove it and put it on when you are parked for the night to show your festive spirit, even a small wreath can block enough air flow to cause some overheating. Keep up the great videos!
yeah Eric that wreath will some block air into your radiator, i'd hang it on top of the front of the camper above the roof, & looks like that was the grapevine last night, btw keep up the great videos !
You have to gear your van down to either 2nd gear or maybe 1st gear depending on your transmission. If your van ever runs hot pull over and stop. You must manually shift your transmission when in the mountains, even if it is an automatic and you will over heat everything, including your transmission and engine if you are not in a low enough gear. You will be climbing up some huge mountains called the grapevine on I-5 before dropping into L.A,. It will not be uncommon if you drop down to 1st gear pulling that hill at about 25 mph.. Just do not other work your van. Find the gear that will pull the hill, without lugging your engine or having to put the gas to the floor. Remember that van is heavy with all you water and supplies. Water weights 8 pounds per gal. You do the math.. take care and hope this helps..
I've stayed at that Flying J numerous times, as well as eaten in that Denny's...I think I've been served by the same waitress too..lol. The Grapevine, which was the enormous hills you went through and climbed, are indeed hard on engines. At least you didn't have to pull over on the side and overheat. Keep up the vids!
Happy Holidays, Eric! You're not alone! you have your community with you... You may consider removing the engine's thermostat (it's on the coolant line). that's what i did when having my old 62 WV back in the 90's. you'll eliminate the risk of busting the engine however, it'd consume lil bit more gas... the front grill free of anything that blocks the air flow would also help a bit... Cheers! and stay safe
I really love and miss cali! Those road brought back memories. Thanks for taping the roads. I love watching Jax! he is tufts cuties and smart cat! I was wondering if you ever go to Sacramento area, can you tape the roads, too! Also, when are you coming to NC?
All my vans I've had I make sure I have a properly operating rad w/new thermostat and a xl tranny cooler. Never had a problem ever again and I travel the mountains of B.C Canada. So if it happens that you have trouble again change your thermostat. What do your subscribers think of that advice.
Probably not but that wreath maybe blocking air flow to your radiator and in this instants make your RV over heat. Since it's the first time it's doing it. Probably just the hill but it's a process of elimination.
Nomadic Fanatic The grapevine is a serious beeyotch for pretty much ANY vehicle. You took them at night, so you didn't see what you were actually up against... ua-cam.com/video/pvUj2M-wRHQ/v-deo.html You climbed a little over 2000 feet in 6 miles. Compare this with the pass you went over outside of Ashland, that climbs 2100 feet in 11 miles. It's a meatgrinder for everything that I've ever thrown at it from a Class C motorhome to the '79 Fiat X-1/9 I had in my youth.
Eric, I would also suggest you take your wreath off the front grill if you're having overheating problems. Put it back up at night with the lights on and you're looking festive. You'll have less bugs on it too!
On long trips in SoCal we like to play, How Many Illegals can you Smuggle in that truck? A lot of it depends on the K2A, that is, Kid to Adult ratio. Up here in the north it's about 1 to 1, 1.5 to 1. Over there you have to use a 5 to 1 K2A to play the game properly.
I know a lot of people that want to work on holidays, especially Thanksgiving because that's where their Christmas money comes from. Great video, thank you.
Nomadic Fanatic does the Grapvine and survives! What an adventure, keep trucking and stay safe! Thanks for sharing your travels, you should caravan in Europe later in life when able, that would be fun to watch as well.
Sometimes taking on the mountains (or desert) at night makes sense. The cooler air is a lot easier on the engine. More power, better cooling and less traffic.
Hi...old trick I learned driving older cars / vans is : Swich of air cond. and switch ON your heater....your normal car heater will take some heat out of your cooling water so your engine will run cooler...ok you will have a "Hot" time inside, but your engine will love it
Sounds like the infamous Grapevine nearly did your Tioga in. Killer hill! Did you notice Lake Piru on your right as you descended? Pretty area. Glad you made it. (I realize this comment is way after the fact, but I’m binge-watching your earlier vids. Only subbed a few months ago. Happy travels. )
OH man, yep, welcome to the grape vine. Did you notice the non-potable water spigots on the side of the interstate? They are there for over heating vehicles.
In California it is legal for motorcycles to lane split. If you are not use to driving there it can be a little unnerving when you first see it. You learn to carefully check your mirrors before changing lanes as the biker you may cut off could be a CHP. Good video.
you really should have detoured into Morro Bay from Paso Robles and traveled down the central coast through Santa Barbara into LA....Also highway 1 through Big Sur and you could have taken in the Monterey/Carmel area....Big Sur would have been a little sketchy in the RV though....central coast might be the most scenic part of Cali....Good luck with the rest of your trip!
i'm sure others will post also. If you didnt at the time, remember to downshift when going up hills. just because its an automatic, you can still downshift. it will give you a little more power while letting the engine work a little less.
Somebody may have already mentioned this, but one way to help cool off an overheating engine is to run the heater full blast, even if it is hot outside. That pulls more heat out of the engine. But I gotta agree with some others: Blocking your radiator with a wreath and then complaining that your engine is overheating is not the wisest of moves. You could hang the wreath somewhere else. At least when your engine is overheating.
Yep, mammoth enormous, never-ending hill....lmao Old Red, (my ole truck) used to slow down before he even got to the hill, he would see a hill 30 miles away, and start doggin-out.
Yep! Motorcycle riding the white line. At least the main traffic was slow .. Domes they do that when the main traffic is cruising the speed limit or above!
Hey Eric , here you are taking this long beautiful trip to southern california and you are traveling on the interstates. The 101 is such a beautiful highway, so much too see. I took this trip back in 1967 and i found it quite beautiful, never forget it. I see you drinking bottled orange juice. Very bad stuff , its pasturized and when they heat it becomes like a poison and very fattening. All pasturized food is no good for you. Like honey, its made from pollen. When companies do their thing to honey it no longer has pollen in it , therefore its not honey. Think about it. Enjoy your trip, like your videos. Wayne
Im a mechanic for overheating thermostat or bad radiator cap fan and last thing to make overheat gaskets .Get yourself a free pressure check 15Ibs of pressure holds u can find the leak on your own as long as u keep it maintained with a mix of 70/30 distilled and prestone it should not be an issue.And I recommend a cold climate battery with 700 plus cold cranking amps.
Yeah you RV should be fine now since those uphill like you where on put a ton of pressure on the motor, Which is why Truck move so slow because it working so hard to move that weight. My dad was a truck driver and his boss was based out in San Fran, so he was out in CA a lot. The wreath I don't think effected that much compared to just the over all stress. I saw some made some suggestions on how to keep it cool and it make sense and something to notice if you ever have too again make a hill like that. But the good note from all of this is that it DIDN'T over heat which means that just how good and maintained your RV really is, Which is a good thing to know.
i drive a smart, i know i'm going up huge hills when i use 2+ gallons an hour to maintain speed, the temp is ok, i was driving through wisconsin and minnesota, in the hilly areas and say my consumption go to like i was drag racing, my smart rarely gets over 1 gallon per hour. i think i started following you today on facebook, jim h, i rarely use that thing LOL
Our little Jamboree charges the coach batteries when we are driving so don't need to use shore power or solar. Could yours be retrofitted to do that? We left sunny SoCal and are now leaving frigid New Mexico on our way to southern AZ. Audrey doesn't like her litter box either. It cost us over $200 at the vet to get her cleaned out!
Oh, and BTW, most Flying J's have a Dennys now, and Rv's are always parking in the parking area. They actually want you there, so you'll shop in the store. Get a Gas fuel card from them and you can earn a .01cent per gallon, and use it for food or even showers, it also works with Pilot travel centers. Just make sure the cashier registers it for you.
Welcome to LA/Anaheim Eric & Jax. Did your gps send you around the valley or something? I noticed you were on the 5 going thru Newhall/Valencia and then it looked like you were on the Glendale freeway south and back on the 5 to the 710 south?? I drive for a living all over LA/Orange Cnty and noticed your route. Also you brought the rain with you! Thanks for that Eric we need it! Safe travels!
it sure is cool to see those shots from your dashboard. 'brings back memories. Cali is beautiful! it doesn't matter that yer vids are a few days delayed. Go Eric Go!!!
I would say keep a close eye on your coolant level, and you may want to consider changing your thermostat on the engine. It should be relatively easy to do and most like is a how video or info on youtube or the web specific for your vehicle. Should be a radiator hose on top of the engine from the radiator. The thermostat is usually under the hose on top of the engine. They run probably 20.00 and you loose minimal coolant. An engine running hot can be a few things the thermostat being one, old coolant another, and some other more complicated things.
Watching your old vids....and I noticed you hit what we call The Grapevine goin into L.A. There are also weigh stations and me and Mom didn't know what they were for and she said when you're on vacation on the way back they will weigh you to see how much you gained. Yeah....there's a big incline goin to L.A. there. Some of the fwys were built a long time ago, less people and yes left exits.
We do lots of driving in mountainous terrain here and I realize this is already a done deal for you. Nevertheless, for future reference, when going over a mountain pass it is always a good idea to drop a gear and pedal to the metal over the top (and going down the other side as well to prevent overheating your brakes). I just always figure you are doing well if you can hold 45mph on the hills. You want to keep your RPMs between 2500min and 3500 if possible to keep your motor healthy. If you don't gear down you lug your engine and expose it to it's worst enemy "heat". I was thinking it would be especially important for you since you had your "kick-down" cable disabled before you left and would have had to drop your tranny down manually. Peace, Russ
The guy on the motorcycle is doing what's called lanesplitting, and it's actually safer and more efficient than waiting in traffic like a car, as long as you aren't dumb about it. The USA is just about the only place that outlaws it, with Cali being the exception.
Road Dog 50 knows what he is talking about. Drop down gears for sure in the hills. If you need to pull over because engine is hot it is best not to turn off. Let cool down while idling.
Was the transmission in a reduced gear up that hill? That's part of the job of the kick down cable that's now hanging unattached. We could have looked at that in Target's parking lot. Maybe next time. You can manually downshift to 2 or even 1 to reduce the engine load, but increase the torque for hill climbing. It's important to not lug the engine down. Sounds like the Grape Vine on I-5. Does your temperature gauge needle point straight up (12 o'clock position) when the temperature is normal? A lot of Ford truck/cans are like that. So having it hit 3/4 is not a big deal. If the gauge runs down in the first 1/4 during normal operation, then 3/4 is just running a bit hot. No big deal. Please get a cheapie hydrometer at any auto parts store and check your coolant concentration.
Wanderin' Moose Since I drive nothing but old vehicles, I'd clarify that it's not the age of the vehicle but more of the maintenance. Most folks don't think of having a radiator roded out, re-cored, or replaced for heavy vehicles. My radiator in my tow vehicle is new. Still runs about 3/4 of the temp gauge when pulling over the sierras on 80 with a 30 foot trailer. Breaking down on the road just sucks. It's dangerous too. Just trying to look out for our hero.
Yup turn the heater full on and watch the gage if you happen to have a smart phone and your vehicle has OBD II port under the dash, for about 20 bucks or less you can get a car diagnostic scanner you use with your phone. Not only for accurate coolant temperatures but also tranny fluid temperatures and a host of other info..very important in warm climates. The thermostat as mentioned is critical but also keep in mind that the boiling point of water increases when under pressure so make sure the rad cap is up to spec. Antifreeze up to the max of 50/50 also increases the boiling point of water..
Eric's vehicle is too old for ODB 1 or 2. So he just doesn't have it. Those blue tooth dongles and a smart phone really make monitoring the vehicle a piece of cake if they are 1994 or newer. Eric's is an '83. I bet it's the radiator tubes are clogging up and the kick down not adjusted.
Hey Eric, I'm not sure if someone has asked you this before or if you have mentioned it before in one of your videos, but have you ever considered getting your CDLs and being a trucker. Get paid while touring the country.....I might consider that option soon! If you have talked about this subject before, then please forgive me for asking a redundant question!! Great videos and love being able to "ride along with you" on your trip. It's really awesome! I'm a addicted to your channel!
To Avoid another hill like the grapevine don't go through San Diego. There is a hill on I 8 that is between Dan Diego and El Centro. From Anahiem take the 57 north to I 10 east all the way to Indio. Take hwy 86 to hwy 111 at Mecca to Niland. That's the best way to go and you turn off the I 10 before the hill climb to Chiriaco. Good Luck Bud..
I think the people forced to work Holidays would rather you be there so they at least see a reason to be working versus no one showing up even though their bosses mad them work... just be the happiest best customer alive and make their day at work as special to them as your visit to their place is to you.
Hey, NF, you ever been to Golden Coral for breakfast? Im not sure if they have those out west or not, but if you ever get a chance, they have a gnarly ass breakfast buffet for about 8 bucks.
I remember someone advising you against driving the Grape Vine.. But glad you made it. I see you are several days delayed uploading.. Its raining here now in Anaheim.. But if you are still in the immediate area you know it already.
When was the last time you had a radiator flush? That RV should be a easy flush add new fluids and check for air in the radiator. Also the wreath on the front grill BAD idea for the old model RV you have..I enjoy your videos stay safe ..MIKE PA
My experience Rving taught me that night drive is the best. Instead of wasting my day on the road in traffic with the sun in my eyes, I can take advantage of stuff I can visit and see, and when the night come, after supper, I get behind the wheel, for a couple of hours... There is no sun to blind me, zero traffic, less wind, less heat and I can stop in rest area and just go to sleep. It look less suspicious then arriving in a rest area or walmart in the beginning of the afternoon and spending the day and the night there.
Just my way...
Keep enjoying you're adventure.
Love JAX! I think it is great that he accepts a harness and will walk with it on. Ours just lays down and refuses to move. Also impressed he does not try and get out of the the RV when you exit or enter! Quite a boy!
This may sound silly, open your windows and turn the heat on. That does help get some of the heat out of the engine.
Not silly at all. The dash heat uses the heated cooling fluid (water/antifreeze). and runs it through a mini radiator (the heater core) inside your dash air system. So a mini extra radiator provides helping support. Which is why that works as a small short term measure, unless your cooling system is very compromised.
Sure someone could explain it better then me. But its funny the subject comes up when I need to put a new heater core in my own RV Dash. So i can keep my windshield defrosted. lol
While its unbearable in warm climates, its a must to try to save your engine from overheating, for a little bit of a short time. but if that dont help. time to pull over because your cooling system is compromised.
Been there, done that. My father used to use a Ford Falcon Station Wagon to pull a small trailer and we always overheated going up mountains. Cooking us helped reduce the heat in the engine.
The long term fix was getting a bigger tow vehicle. LOL
Janice Adams Works but in Eric's case it be a more powerful engine or larger radiator or dual ones.
So far mine should have the power to handle hills. its got a Chrysler 440-1 (440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8 in it.
but none the less would like my heater core working. just incase. lol
You mean you want heat in the winter??? LOL Having had an air cooled VW, I undertstand that completely.
Janice Adams Yes, heat in winter be nice. lol When i got the RV i forgot the guy bypassed the heater core i guess it must of been leaking or something. So no dash heat, no defrost.
So like to fix that before leaving, but i was meaning its be nice to have in event something is wrong and i start to overheat the engine. could drop the windows and turn the heat up.
Yep! That is "The Grapevine" and it is brutal. I was pulling my 5th wheel over the Grapevine on this last Sunday back from Yosemite. There is another mountain pass on the 15 heading north east called "The Cajon Pass" on the way to Barstow that is pretty large. You can avoid that one by using the 10 east instead. Good luck. I’ve been following your videos for a long time now… and if you need to plug in for the night, refill water and dump (we have a sewer drain in our driveway) and even a few gallons of gas too in orange county message me.
That hill you speak of, It sounds like you were climbing "Grape Vine Hill." Notorious for truckers.
Action packed, a lot going on, excellent video! Very interesting to monitor the journey going south and ultimately to Slab City. Randy in MN
All caught up on your current videos and skipping around viewing your older ones. I catch myself smiling when you're on the road with the music on. Being on the road is great! Great videos!
Eric, your child-like love of all the new things your running into is invigorating :). Just got an RV myself and hope to have a similar attitude as I bump into new things like palm trees :).
I particularly like the videos driving in real time. It almost feels like being on the road, something I rarely do. Thanks for that.
In summer you just migrate up to the Sierras and camp at Lake Tahoe or similar and it's a beautiful 75 degrees in the summer, or camp at the oceans where it never gets hot. California is great, you can go South for the winter and be in nice temps and avoid the winter blues, you've got endless ocean areas to explore, vast deserts, breathtaking mountains etc...RV Paradise!
Thank you so much for your video. Beautiful cat and r.v. Will be checking out more of your videos x
I commend you on having the courage to do something different, and yes, dare I say more adventurous than 90% of the rest of us. I don't know whether you're journey is one born of necessity, or a sheer act of will, but it is a pleasure to watch!
I am very much enjoying your trip Eric, and I just have to say that I love how much you love Jax. It really shows :)
I enjoy the freeway driving and music...Memories...
The Grapevine, wonderful Mountain, looks like you stopped for the night in Frazier park, usually there is snow there in November and December, been watching your travels having a good time watching you and Jax.
Thanks for taking the time and effort to share your journey. It has been really interesting to watch and learn things. It has also been a long dream of mine to stop being a slave to my landlords and hit the road. I love your cat! I have a cat to. His name is Niko. It is cold here in Ontario, hope your finding it warm in LA.
I have been enjoying your videos! On your overheating problem, vans can be a bit of a challenge to cool, especialy under a heavy load, slow traffic or just a real hot day. I was not clear if you are leaving the christmas wreath mounted on your grill when traveling down the road, if so, remove it and put it on when you are parked for the night to show your festive spirit, even a small wreath can block enough air flow to cause some overheating. Keep up the great videos!
yeah Eric that wreath will some block air into your radiator, i'd hang it on top of the front of the camper above the roof, & looks like that was the grapevine last night, btw keep up the great videos !
Wow how far you have been. What an amazing journey you & Jax are on. Be safe
You have to gear your van down to either 2nd gear or maybe 1st gear depending on your transmission. If your van ever runs hot pull over and stop. You must manually shift your transmission when in the mountains, even if it is an automatic and you will over heat everything, including your transmission and engine if you are not in a low enough gear. You will be climbing up some huge mountains called the grapevine on I-5 before dropping into L.A,. It will not be uncommon if you drop down to 1st gear pulling that hill at about 25 mph.. Just do not other work your van. Find the gear that will pull the hill, without lugging your engine or having to put the gas to the floor. Remember that van is heavy with all you water and supplies. Water weights 8 pounds per gal. You do the math.. take care and hope this helps..
I've stayed at that Flying J numerous times, as well as eaten in that Denny's...I think I've been served by the same waitress too..lol. The Grapevine, which was the enormous hills you went through and climbed, are indeed hard on engines. At least you didn't have to pull over on the side and overheat. Keep up the vids!
it's so cute how Jax jumps up and sits in the passenger seat whenever you start driving lol oh & have fun at disney land!
Eric, I am about 30 miles from the slabs. Its too dark to head in tonight. I want there to be light when I arrive. I will be in there in the morning.
Happy Holidays, Eric!
You're not alone! you have your community with you...
You may consider removing the engine's thermostat (it's on the coolant line). that's what i did when having my old 62 WV back in the 90's. you'll eliminate the risk of busting the engine however, it'd consume lil bit more gas...
the front grill free of anything that blocks the air flow would also help a bit...
Cheers! and stay safe
I really love and miss cali! Those road brought back memories. Thanks for taping the roads. I love watching Jax! he is tufts cuties and smart cat! I was wondering if you ever go to Sacramento area, can you tape the roads, too! Also, when are you coming to NC?
I never mind RV'n through LA because I'm always the slowest guy on the road, no one ever gets in my way or slows me down.
+john g True, but it just takes forever to get through if your passing through.
yea driving is no joke its tricky at times old trucker trick is to put ur heater on helps get rid of some of the heat in the engine
All my vans I've had I make sure I have a properly operating rad w/new thermostat and a xl tranny cooler. Never had a problem ever again and I travel the mountains of B.C Canada. So if it happens that you have trouble again change your thermostat. What do your subscribers think of that advice.
Probably not but that wreath maybe blocking air flow to your radiator and in this instants make your RV over heat. Since it's the first time it's doing it. Probably just the hill but it's a process of elimination.
You could be right...
Nomadic Fanatic The grapevine is a serious beeyotch for pretty much ANY vehicle.
You took them at night, so you didn't see what you were actually up against...
ua-cam.com/video/pvUj2M-wRHQ/v-deo.html
You climbed a little over 2000 feet in 6 miles. Compare this with the pass you went over outside of Ashland, that climbs 2100 feet in 11 miles.
It's a meatgrinder for everything that I've ever thrown at it from a Class C motorhome to the '79 Fiat X-1/9 I had in my youth.
Eric our cats don't like the door, but when we took the door off they were ok with the new style kitty litter box.
There we go Eric, this is the kinda videos I know and love from ya brother, good one. keep up the great work and safe travels man
Great video of CA roads. Love Jax and the Bass Pro hat. Be careful on those roads!!
Eric, I would also suggest you take your wreath off the front grill if you're having overheating problems. Put it back up at night with the lights on and you're looking festive. You'll have less bugs on it too!
If you want to stay cooler in California during the summer, go east to the Sierras or to the coast. Temps in these areas are often 20 degrees cooler.
On long trips in SoCal we like to play, How Many Illegals can you Smuggle in that truck? A lot of it depends on the K2A, that is, Kid to Adult ratio. Up here in the north it's about 1 to 1, 1.5 to 1. Over there you have to use a 5 to 1 K2A to play the game properly.
I know a lot of people that want to work on holidays, especially Thanksgiving because that's where their Christmas money comes from. Great video, thank you.
I believe the grade you drive is called the grape vine. And thanks for bringing the rain to SoCal
Nomadic Fanatic does the Grapvine and survives! What an adventure, keep trucking and stay safe! Thanks for sharing your travels, you should caravan in Europe later in life when able, that would be fun to watch as well.
Sometimes taking on the mountains (or desert) at night makes sense. The cooler air is a lot easier on the engine. More power, better cooling and less traffic.
Hi...old trick I learned driving older cars / vans is : Swich of air cond. and switch ON your heater....your normal car heater will take some heat out of your cooling water so your engine will run cooler...ok you will have a "Hot" time inside, but your engine will love it
Another great video. Looking forward to the Disneyland video ! Be safe buddy.
Los Angeles is my home city...haven't lived there since the 70s though. Been in Florida now for...a long long time.
You survived the Grapevine!! Welcome to So. California!! You are now officially a snow bird!! :-)
Sounds like the infamous Grapevine nearly did your Tioga in. Killer hill! Did you notice Lake Piru on your right as you descended? Pretty area. Glad you made it. (I realize this comment is way after the fact, but I’m binge-watching your earlier vids. Only subbed a few months ago. Happy travels. )
OH man, yep, welcome to the grape vine. Did you notice the non-potable water spigots on the side of the interstate? They are there for over heating vehicles.
In California it is legal for motorcycles to lane split. If you are not use to driving there it can be a little unnerving when you first see it. You learn to carefully check your mirrors before changing lanes as the biker you may cut off could be a CHP. Good video.
you really should have detoured into Morro Bay from Paso Robles and traveled down the central coast through Santa Barbara into LA....Also highway 1 through Big Sur and you could have taken in the Monterey/Carmel area....Big Sur would have been a little sketchy in the RV though....central coast might be the most scenic part of Cali....Good luck with the rest of your trip!
i'm sure others will post also. If you didnt at the time, remember to downshift when going up hills. just because its an automatic, you can still downshift. it will give you a little more power while letting the engine work a little less.
Somebody may have already mentioned this, but one way to help cool off an overheating engine is to run the heater full blast, even if it is hot outside. That pulls more heat out of the engine.
But I gotta agree with some others: Blocking your radiator with a wreath and then complaining that your engine is overheating is not the wisest of moves. You could hang the wreath somewhere else. At least when your engine is overheating.
Dude! you should of stayed on the 101. And checked out San Luis Obispo,pismo beach,and all the cool places into Santa Barbara its a great drive.
Yep, mammoth enormous, never-ending hill....lmao Old Red, (my ole truck) used to slow down before he even got to the hill, he would see a hill 30 miles away, and start doggin-out.
Yep! Motorcycle riding the white line. At least the main traffic was slow .. Domes they do that when the main traffic is cruising the speed limit or above!
Great video Eric and have got a new or different bike, it looks brighter than before...LOL
Hey Eric , here you are taking this long beautiful trip to southern california and you are traveling on the interstates. The 101 is such a beautiful highway, so much too see. I took this trip back in 1967 and i found it quite beautiful, never forget it.
I see you drinking bottled orange juice. Very bad stuff , its pasturized and when they heat
it becomes like a poison and very fattening. All pasturized food is no good for you. Like
honey, its made from pollen. When companies do their thing to honey it no longer has
pollen in it , therefore its not honey. Think about it.
Enjoy your trip, like your videos.
Wayne
Im a mechanic for overheating thermostat or bad radiator cap fan and last thing to make overheat gaskets .Get yourself a free pressure check 15Ibs of pressure holds u can find the leak on your own as long as u keep it maintained with a mix of 70/30 distilled and prestone it should not be an issue.And I recommend a cold climate battery with 700 plus cold cranking amps.
I am surmising that u are already at Slab City and your experiences are good so far. Good on ya for being a brave lone traveler.
Dang you must already be out in the desert. I'm heading out to palm springs. Then back to Irvine
Yeah you RV should be fine now since those uphill like you where on put a ton of pressure on the motor, Which is why Truck move so slow because it working so hard to move that weight. My dad was a truck driver and his boss was based out in San Fran, so he was out in CA a lot. The wreath I don't think effected that much compared to just the over all stress. I saw some made some suggestions on how to keep it cool and it make sense and something to notice if you ever have too again make a hill like that. But the good note from all of this is that it DIDN'T over heat which means that just how good and maintained your RV really is, Which is a good thing to know.
i drive a smart, i know i'm going up huge hills when i use 2+ gallons an hour to maintain speed, the temp is ok, i was driving through wisconsin and minnesota, in the hilly areas and say my consumption go to like i was drag racing, my smart rarely gets over 1 gallon per hour. i think i started following you today on facebook, jim h, i rarely use that thing LOL
Our little Jamboree charges the coach batteries when we are driving so don't need to use shore power or solar. Could yours be retrofitted to do that? We left sunny SoCal and are now leaving frigid New Mexico on our way to southern AZ.
Audrey doesn't like her litter box either. It cost us over $200 at the vet to get her cleaned out!
he's talking about the grapevine...7500 feet altitude or so!! snow in the winter and 90 degrees in the summer!
Awe dude u missed out...101 & 1 south from santa Maria to Oxnard is amazing! Then head east & enjoy the beautiful sunset 1000 palm desert.
noah arce I'll be back. :) I saw lots of coast in oregon.
O ya! Oops sorry. Lol! Jax's is cool!
Oh, and BTW, most Flying J's have a Dennys now, and Rv's are always parking in the parking area. They actually want you there, so you'll shop in the store. Get a Gas fuel card from them and you can earn a .01cent per gallon, and use it for food or even showers, it also works with Pilot travel centers. Just make sure the cashier registers it for you.
Anytime your temperature gage goes up like that turn your heat on high
Welcome to LA/Anaheim Eric & Jax. Did your gps send you around the valley or something? I noticed you were on the 5 going thru Newhall/Valencia and then it looked like you were on the Glendale freeway south and back on the 5 to the 710 south?? I drive for a living all over LA/Orange Cnty and noticed your route. Also you brought the rain with you! Thanks for that Eric we need it! Safe travels!
it sure is cool to see those shots from your dashboard. 'brings back memories. Cali is beautiful! it doesn't matter that yer vids are a few days delayed. Go Eric Go!!!
I would say keep a close eye on your coolant level, and you may want to consider changing your thermostat on the engine. It should be relatively easy to do and most like is a how video or info on youtube or the web specific for your vehicle. Should be a radiator hose on top of the engine from the radiator. The thermostat is usually under the hose on top of the engine. They run probably 20.00 and you loose minimal coolant. An engine running hot can be a few things the thermostat being one, old coolant another, and some other more complicated things.
Everything runs hot on the Grapevine that Eric was climbing. It's very steep and very long.
Both ways it is steep.
Watching your old vids....and I noticed you hit what we call The Grapevine goin into L.A.
There are also weigh stations and me and Mom didn't know what they were for and she said when you're on vacation on the way back they will weigh you to see how much you gained. Yeah....there's a big incline goin to L.A. there.
Some of the fwys were built a long time ago, less people and yes left exits.
We do lots of driving in mountainous terrain here and I realize this is already a done deal for you. Nevertheless, for future reference, when going over a mountain pass it is always a good idea to drop a gear and pedal to the metal over the top (and going down the other side as well to prevent overheating your brakes). I just always figure you are doing well if you can hold 45mph on the hills. You want to keep your RPMs between 2500min and 3500 if possible to keep your motor healthy. If you don't gear down you lug your engine and expose it to it's worst enemy "heat". I was thinking it would be especially important for you since you had your "kick-down" cable disabled before you left and would have had to drop your tranny down manually. Peace, Russ
Great channel buddy
The guy on the motorcycle is doing what's called lanesplitting, and it's actually safer and more efficient than waiting in traffic like a car, as long as you aren't dumb about it. The USA is just about the only place that outlaws it, with Cali being the exception.
If I could travel..I'd love traveling with you!!! But I'm too old! lol Keep on RV'ing!!
Road Dog 50 knows what he is talking about. Drop down gears for sure in the hills. If you need to pull over because engine is hot it is best not to turn off. Let cool down while idling.
Was the transmission in a reduced gear up that hill? That's part of the job of the kick down cable that's now hanging unattached. We could have looked at that in Target's parking lot. Maybe next time. You can manually downshift to 2 or even 1 to reduce the engine load, but increase the torque for hill climbing. It's important to not lug the engine down. Sounds like the Grape Vine on I-5. Does your temperature gauge needle point straight up (12 o'clock position) when the temperature is normal? A lot of Ford truck/cans are like that. So having it hit 3/4 is not a big deal. If the gauge runs down in the first 1/4 during normal operation, then 3/4 is just running a bit hot. No big deal. Please get a cheapie hydrometer at any auto parts store and check your coolant concentration.
Good call about the kick down cable; definitely part of the problem, age of the vehicle is also a factor .....
Wanderin' Moose
Since I drive nothing but old vehicles, I'd clarify that it's not the age of the vehicle but more of the maintenance. Most folks don't think of having a radiator roded out, re-cored, or replaced for heavy vehicles. My radiator in my tow vehicle is new. Still runs about 3/4 of the temp gauge when pulling over the sierras on 80 with a 30 foot trailer. Breaking down on the road just sucks. It's dangerous too. Just trying to look out for our hero.
You are correct, but I was speaking specifically about Eric's rig ! I too love the older one's, they sure don't make them like they used to do !!
Yup turn the heater full on and watch the gage if you happen to have a smart phone and your vehicle has OBD II port under the dash, for about 20 bucks or less you can get a car diagnostic scanner you use with your phone. Not only for accurate coolant temperatures but also tranny fluid temperatures and a host of other info..very important in warm climates. The thermostat as mentioned is critical but also keep in mind that the boiling point of water increases when under pressure so make sure the rad cap is up to spec. Antifreeze up to the max of 50/50 also increases the boiling point of water..
Eric's vehicle is too old for ODB 1 or 2. So he just doesn't have it. Those blue tooth dongles and a smart phone really make monitoring the vehicle a piece of cake if they are 1994 or newer. Eric's is an '83. I bet it's the radiator tubes are clogging up and the kick down not adjusted.
Merry Christmas land owner!❤😂🎉
You passed by my place...I live near Magic Mtn. What software do you use for editing videos?
Nice! Abobe Premiere and Encoder.
Long hills are extremely hard on automatic transmissions. First chance you get you should have the transmission flushed and filter change!
The reason they drive like that is because the engines are air cooled, so going fast between cars helps keep them from overheating.
Hey Eric, I'm not sure if someone has asked you this before or if you have mentioned it before in one of your videos, but have you ever considered getting your CDLs and being a trucker. Get paid while touring the country.....I might consider that option soon! If you have talked about this subject before, then please forgive me for asking a redundant question!! Great videos and love being able to "ride along with you" on your trip. It's really awesome! I'm a addicted to your channel!
The Grapevine is a steep climb. It gets better once you get closer to Castaic and Santa Clarita. I know the Dennys you are talking about.
Damn, that's a pretty cat. There's something about Tabbys that kills me.
Use lower gear while on the hill if needed. Too much force on drive gear at slow speed can cause burnt out. I'd check cooling system and transmission.
To Avoid another hill like the grapevine don't go through San Diego. There is a hill on I 8 that is between Dan Diego and El Centro. From Anahiem take the 57 north to I 10 east all the way to Indio. Take hwy 86 to hwy 111 at Mecca to Niland. That's the best way to go and you turn off the I 10 before the hill climb to Chiriaco. Good Luck Bud..
hahaha guy on motorcycle has a death wish lol thats LA for ya you just made my day..
I think the people forced to work Holidays would rather you be there so they at least see a reason to be working versus no one showing up even though their bosses mad them work... just be the happiest best customer alive and make their day at work as special to them as your visit to their place is to you.
Where do you find your music? I love the music in your videos
Did you bring Seattle rain to San Diego today?? It's raining here and we never get rain lol.
Hey, NF, you ever been to Golden Coral for breakfast? Im not sure if they have those out west or not, but if you ever get a chance, they have a gnarly ass breakfast buffet for about 8 bucks.
motel 6 at Lebec...good place! was just there...
I used to stop at that Denneys when I was a trucker.
raymond noya Going up the Grape Vine is fun. lol
How many hats do you have Eric? You could probably do a video on all your hats.
Will you have wifi and up load documentaries in slab city
I remember someone advising you against driving the Grape Vine.. But glad you made it. I see you are several days delayed uploading.. Its raining here now in Anaheim.. But if you are still in the immediate area you know it already.
nice vid & music !
When was the last time you had a radiator flush? That RV should be a easy flush add new fluids and check for air in the radiator. Also the wreath on the front grill BAD idea for the old model RV you have..I enjoy your videos stay safe ..MIKE PA
YOU AND JAX ARE GREAT TOGEATHER.YOU LOVE JAX ALOT.THAT IS SO COOL.KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND TAKE CARE OF THAT SUPER STAR CALLED JAX.
Grapevine it is. Tough on carburetors . good you did it at night.
California is the best state for me!
Check all electric fans, engine fan and clean radiators. Many long hills raise engine temps but not overheat. If it didn't overheat, then its OK!