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Old 07-03-2014, 09:10 AM   #1
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Weekend 2 Watkins Glen

Our second weekend away of 2014 was to the world famous Watkins Glen International race track for the Tudor United Sports Car Series. We left Friday morning and after a quick stop at Sams club for fuel and food we hit the road.

The drive was about 325KM of mostly highway driving. It was a hot day 87 when we pulled out so I kept an eye on my fluid temps. The drive was going pretty well until we found ourselves at the bottom of a steep long grade going though a work zone. I didn't realize the grade was so steep until we were on it and the trucks around me were already putting their hazards on. The trans temp was the only one that moved 200, 210, 215,225,235, 239 and held. I ended up having to put the truck in 2nd and keeping my foot to the floor to make it up. I was concerned and not happy, the truck was stinking hot my wife was a bit upset because she was watching my reaction.

We arrived at the track found our spot and with the help of two other campers managed to get the trailer into the spot closed up on 3 sides. Everyone was great, offering lots of help getting setup our neighbor even came over and gave the kids a cookie and drink box while I was getting things sorted. Camping people really are some of the nicest people I've ever met.

It was hot during the day so we used our new Champion Generator for the first time to run the AC while the cars were on track. They were so loud you couldn't even tell it was on.

I got to meet Bob NORSKENY here on the forum as he was camping with his grandson for the race. I had a great time chatting with you Bob, I hope we can meet up again at the Glen or Mosport next year.

The race weekend was full with on track action from 8am to 7pm they had a hotdog eating contest and concert on Friday and fireworks on Saturday night which were right behind us. There was a kids area with had two bouncy castles, a huge midway and always something to do.

All washed and ready to hit the road.


Happy to be going camping again.


The first race on track after we arrived. Lamborghini Race cars!


Leah & I getting at the autograph hour on Saturday.


Not bad for only an hour.


My wife was thrilled she got to meet Patrick Dempsey from Grays Anatomy.


Fresh from LeMans the pole winning car.


Saturday Morning from the stands.


Sunday Afternoon from the other side of the track.


Saturday Night Fireworks.


US Army skydive display team before the start of the race.



Our site, you can see the track right behind us.



Gavin and me.


Our first time using the Anderson leveling system. Worked very well, super easy took maybe 20 seconds to level the trailer.


Part 2 below.
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Old 07-03-2014, 09:11 AM   #2
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Raceday looking out over the beautiful scenery.


My little monsters enjoying the race afternoon.


Gavin helping with teardown on Sunday afternoon.


Very tired kids on the way home, always the sign of a good weekend.


Crossing back into Canada and driving into a wopper of a thunderstorm.


The weekend was again better than I could have expected. The issue of the truck will be dealt with I pretty sure by buying a bigger one this month. I really don't want to ever go though that again so I'll bite the bullet buy a big diesel and know my family will be safe.

Our next outing is to Lake Chapman in Pa at the end of the month. I'm trying to sneak a quick trip mid week back to Jellystone this month if I can get the time off work.

Happy Trails and thanks for reading!
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Old 07-03-2014, 09:42 AM   #3
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Great post, looks like great times...
my fantasy as a triumph tr-6 driving teenager was to race there !!!!

Love the way the site numbers are marked !!!

fyi, never hurt your tv trying to keep up with the joneses

as others will attest -
set your flashers, downshift to FIRST if need be, and let them go around!
I found waving at them as they go by helps

but you are correct on the new truck - get the right tool for the job (and suggest you get enough for the NEXT rv, not just this one !)
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Old 07-03-2014, 09:50 AM   #4
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Is your Avalanche ltz a 1500 with the 5.3 liter?

Nice pics too. Looks like you had a fun time.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:32 AM   #5
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Is your Avalanche ltz a 1500 with the 5.3 liter?

Nice pics too. Looks like you had a fun time.
Yes it is. It pulls fine everywhere else except for the steep bits.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:34 AM   #6
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Great post, looks like great times...
my fantasy as a triumph tr-6 driving teenager was to race there !!!!

Love the way the site numbers are marked !!!

fyi, never hurt your tv trying to keep up with the joneses

as others will attest -
set your flashers, downshift to FIRST if need be, and let them go around!
I found waving at them as they go by helps

but you are correct on the new truck - get the right tool for the job (and suggest you get enough for the NEXT rv, not just this one !)
When I realized we were in trouble I just put the lights on and took my time climbing the grade. There wasn't too much traffic around other than the trucks which were going quite a bit slower than me.

The next truck will be a 2012ish F350 SRW, overkill for this trailer but just right for the next one.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:38 AM   #7
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Glad you had a good time.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:39 AM   #8
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I pulled a small camper threw Colorado headed to Utah last year with my 3.7L Hummer H3. That was rough, it was over 5000 rpm's when it down shifted to second. The tach continued to drop as I was going up.
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Old 07-03-2014, 10:42 AM   #9
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When I realized we were in trouble I just put the lights on and took my time climbing the grade. There wasn't too much traffic around other than the trucks which were going quite a bit slower than me.

The next truck will be a 2012ish F350 SRW, overkill for this trailer but just right for the next one.
IMHO great choice - the 6.7 is IT, but get the max gvwr you can - mines @ 11.5k....
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Old 07-03-2014, 11:15 AM   #10
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If you think your site was a tight fit (from the picture) I would hate to see your face when you visit some more campgrounds. Most commercial rv parks would consider your site enough room for 2.

Beautiful pictures and definitely a weekend to remember.
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Old 07-03-2014, 11:29 AM   #11
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If you think your site was a tight fit (from the picture) I would hate to see your face when you visit some more campgrounds. Most commercial rv parks would consider your site enough room for 2.

Beautiful pictures and definitely a weekend to remember.
It was tight because the road was wide enough for only a single truck. Across from me both sites were occupied up to the edge of the road. Backing in was a bit of a challenge because there was little room to swing the truck around. But with help we got it done.
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Old 07-03-2014, 04:52 PM   #12
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Great write up and photos. Maybe next year I'll head up there to watch the Tudor series. Your pictures make me anxious for the races at VIR.
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Old 07-04-2014, 11:17 AM   #13
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It was tight because the road was wide enough for only a single truck. Across from me both sites were occupied up to the edge of the road. Backing in was a bit of a challenge because there was little room to swing the truck around. But with help we got it done.
Yep, a narrow road can be fun. At any rate you made it and enjoyed the weekend.
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