The other disks that are supposed to last for 7 years are available from an
MLM distributor whose # is 1-800-300-9705. I haven't tried these yet, so all
disclaimers apply. <grin>
To make this endurance related - the reason I posted this in the first place
is that the disks wash without any soap. So, no dyes, no fragrances, no
leftover soap, nothing left in the pad to cause your horse an irritation.
On another note:
Terry Wolley Howe posted a note about getting a custom mousepad with your
horse
on it. It immediately occured to me that a Photo of "Endurance Riders" with
the ride name over the top would be great completion gifts at a ride. I'd
want one! Anybody else think this is a good idea?
Finally, on towing........
To whomever suggested 411 gears; they sure help getting you started, but its
hell on the engine to go down the freeway at 3500 rpm at 65 miles an hour.
If you add an overdrive unit when you are changing the gears, that will
resolve the problem. (Not cheaply, however!) We (with great trepidation)
took one step up to 391's from 411's. 2800 rpm at 65mph on the freeway and
the engine is a lot happier. It still pulls the empty trailer out of our
dirt driveway up a 28 degree slope.
I have, like Teddy, become a believer in buying the most engine you can get,
with all the assorted bells and whistles that come on the "super heavy duty"
package. We are currently pulling a 2 horse slant and 2500lb camper with a
3/4 ton 360 Dodge V8 dually. Not enough power for the load. When I am in
first gear doing 22 mph up a steep hill because my foot is on the floor, I am
not a happy camper :(. This is 7500lbs, well under the rating for this
truck, but the first chance I get, we move up to a Cummins Turbo Diesel or
the big Ford Motor. In addition, because you are continually stressing the
engine, stuff breaks a lot faster. Like heads, and radiator hoses and water
pumps and transmissions and other assorted expensive stuff. Just my $.02.
Alison Farrin
(and the Princes who are about to experience their first ride tied to the
trailer all night. Am I gonna survive this?)