The Official XV-JP Fetching Thread

[mhiscox]

I have some pics myself, but nothing too remarkable so I'm going to keep moving, Mike, the Earthroamer has been performing like a million bucks. Very pleasant to drive.

Good news Chris. Hope the trip continues to be a good one and stays problem-free. Sounds like I could be looking at a little issue with my shyness problem.

 

[Gear]

Very Cool Journey. I would like to throw out a couple of requests. First, can you tell me what your MPG is and second can you stop at a truck stop and weight that Jeep.

Thanks

 

[spencyg]

Sounds like I could be looking at a little issue with my shyness problem.

I'd say you're definitely going to need to work on that while driving a vehicle like this....its like a geek magnet! Envy doesn't quite describe how I feel....:sombrero:

Spence

 

[cshontz]

Very Cool Journey. I would like to throw out a couple of requests. First, can you tell me what your MPG is and second can you stop at a truck stop and weight that Jeep.

I'm spending $60 ($3.00/gallon) to fill up from when the gas light comes on. I get 240 miles pretty consistently from full until the gas light comes on. Slightly fewer miles after city driving. All things considered, it doesn't seem too bad.

The gauge doesn't start moving until around 30 miles, so I estimate a 20 mile top-off cushion, and then each quarter is about 60 miles. Then the light comes on after about 40 miles into the 4th quarter. That's my cue to fill up, but I suspect it could go another 40 miles at least.

 

[cshontz]

After I left Columbus last night, I drove for another 30 minutes or so and called it a night at a rest stop along I-70 on the way to Indianapolis. It was uneventful, and I got a good night sleep despite being between two diesel tractors that ran through the night. It was white noise to me, so it wasn't too bad.

Right now, I'm sitting in the back of the Earthroamer in a hotel parking lot in St Louis - Drury Inn as a matter of fact. You can seemingly really count on them for wifi access, as I used them last night too.

My plan is to basically focus on getting to Colorado, and then once I get there, start dragging my feet a little and check out towns and scenery. In fact, I could really use some suggestions for scenic mountain roads in the area between Colorado Springs and Denver.

Here are some more pics!

 

[Haggis]

Looks like you're having a good ride. The arch shot is cool. A few questions....
* How is it for visibility, you know like changing lanes and passing, such as over left shoulder and rear window visiblity?
* Does it get effected much by windshear, either crosswind or truck turbulance. I know I can feel the push even on my LJ, I imagine with the taller slab sides and the cab overhang it would be more pronounced.
* Anybody about run you over trying to get a figure out what it is?

 

[mhiscox]

My plan is to basically focus on getting to Colorado, and then once I get there, start dragging my feet a little and check out towns and scenery. In fact, I could really use some suggestions for scenic mountain roads in the area between Colorado Springs and Denver.

Boy, ol' Chris is flying. Managing a nice collection of bugs on the windshield, too.

Somebody tell him something to do when he hits Colorado, though at the rate he's going, he may hit Utah before he notices.

Chris, if you can find a copy at a bookstore or some such as you near civilization, use some of the money pool to buy the truck a copy of Backcountry Adventures Colorado by Peter Massey, Jeanne Wilson, and Angela Titus. It's 500-pages long and it'll help you find some good trails of appropriate difficulty. I own about five of the books in that series, but not Colorado. If you can't find that one, there are alternative books worth buying for the truck that would show you good places to go.

If all else fails, you could give the people at EarthRoamer a call. You gotta figure they oughta know someplace useful to take their product.

Glad to read/see that all is well. Travel safe.

Best, Mike

 

[cshontz]

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore... or wait... yes I am.

Looks like you're having a good ride. The arch shot is cool. A few questions....
* How is it for visibility, you know like changing lanes and passing, such as over left shoulder and rear window visiblity?
* Does it get effected much by windshear, either crosswind or truck turbulance. I know I can feel the push even on my LJ, I imagine with the taller slab sides and the cab overhang it would be more pronounced.
* Anybody about run you over trying to get a figure out what it is?

Visibility is pretty good. I can see through the rear window very clearly, and the sideview mirrors also seem to cover a good bit of area. I'm still cautious, but for the most part its a non-issue.

I haven't been blasted by wind yet. I've found it to be very stable, but its still a tall off-roader. I suspect that I'd feel it if the wind picked up. I don't think it'd be rendered undrivable though. (since I'm in Kansas, I'll keep an eye out for twisters.

It does cause people to rubber-neck. Sometimes, I think people even match speed with me in the next lane causing some backup.

McDonald's, of all places, seems to be a good source of wifi. I guess since they have their new "cafe" there, or whatever. Very good to know.

No new pics, but I'm sitting here in McD's eating a salad. I'm on the Kansas Turnpike. I didn't know they had a turnpike. /grumble

 

[chrismc]

Right now, I'm sitting in the back of the Earthroamer in a hotel parking lot in St Louis - Drury Inn as a matter of fact. You can seemingly really count on them for wifi access, as I used them last night too.

Aw, man. I wish I knew you were in town. I would have bought you a meal (and beverage(s) of choice) in exchange for seeing the Earthroamer up close.

 

[kcowyo]

Chris, I'm really happy for you that you're getting to make this trip and in an XV-JP to boot.

You enjoy every minute of it and keep the updates coming.

I'm not sure what trail conditions you're going to find with the weather lately in Colorado, but check into Argentine Pass. It's the highest pass (13,200ft) in CO that's accessible by vehicle and mostly a smooth gravel road. It begins near Georgetown, off I-70.

A little further west beginning near Montezuma, is the Saints John Road. I understand it is quite breathtaking. Webster Pass near Montezuma also would make for a nice scenic drive. Just a few things for you to research while you're on the road.

:beer:

.

 

[cshontz]

Another quick update. I'm at Starbucks in Colorado Springs, CO. I'm so very tired. I'm going to change gears here - catch up on some rest, take more pictures, and establish a game-plan.

Didn't sleep well last night. I don't want to talk about it.

 

[mhiscox]

Mike, I admire you. You have grace, class and a new XV-JP Jeep.:sombrero:

Thanks, David, for the nice compliment. I certainly appreciate the opportunity to be part of this forum and to interact with such fine ladies and gentlemen. Given that there are many forums where you can almost feel your IQ dropping as you read, I feel privileged to participate.

 

[mhiscox]

Another quick update. I'm at Starbucks in Colorado Springs, CO. I'm so very tired. I'm going to change gears here - catch up on some rest, take more pictures, and establish a game-plan.

Well, he's in Colorado four days early--PA to CO in two days--so I'd guess he deserves some rest.

Didn't sleep well last night. I don't want to talk about it.

All righty.

Thanks for getting her to her home state, Chris. Enjoy the week. Here's hoping it turns out to be a good vacation.

 

[JRhetts]

Chris

Cinnamon Pass over between Silverton and Lake City would be a piece of cake for you - we did it in the big ER two weeks ago.

Also Mosquito Pass near Leadville.

Have fun

 

[articulate]

Chris,
Meet me at the mission at midnight, we'll divvy up there.