Re: [VACList] Another hand item to carry

[Joel Wilcox <jowilcox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We just returned from our first long trip with the Overlander -- a 760 mile 
jaunt from Iowa City to the Black Hills.  I'd done a little work on the 
trailer (new brake controller) and lots of work on the tow vehicle, but the 
tires on both, while still good, are not new.  As it turns out, everything 
was fine tire-wise.  I ran the trailer tires at max inflation and actually 
over-inflated the van tires beyond that stated maximum at the suggestion of 
a long-time tire dealer, who said that you can inflate your tires 5 pounds 
above the stated maximum without worries.  Even running hard over I-90 with 
temps around 100 degrees the tires were just a bit warm.

Nevertheless, I couldn't decide what to do in advance to prepare for tire 
trouble, so I just did nothing other than what I described.  I have a 
decent electric pump, but it runs on 110v.  I think your suggestion of a 
12v pump is a good one.  I think before the next long trip I'll also pack 
one of those fix-a-flat aerosols and purchase a new trailer tire and tube 
to carry in the van.

Joel W.
Iowa City, Iowa
1966 Overlander
1987 GMC Vandura 2500