Cross-Country Road Trip In My Big Rig!

This is episode 155 of Finnegan's Garage and Mike Finnegan is driving from Georgia to California in his 2004 Showhauler, which is a motorhome built on a Freightliner FL-112 semi truck chassis. The rig is powered by a 450hp Mercedes Benz turbo diesel and backed by an Eaton 10-speed autoshift trans. Of course, lots of work had to be done before hitting the road and this video gives you the highlights of getting the truck, the trailer and the toys ready for an epic cross-country journey to the Colorado River.
Want more info on some of the parts and tools in the video? Go here to check out the 525 Industries tubing sander: www.525ind.com/product-page/3...
Go Here to see more content about the Stinger Heigh10 touchscreen in-dash infotainment center: stingerelectronics.com/produc...
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thanks for watching!
-Finnegan

[@dlcinmesaaz]

Hey bro, check your cabin filter! Those freightliner cabin filters clog pretty quickly, that could be your ac issue!

[@jimlstheworldyewww7516]

Also check the condenser, it’ll be caked in mud from people blowing out the cab after the core has been wet all day. Always blow em out first thing before starting for the day.

[@shorthood2518]

Had a similar era fl70 motorhome. Added a set of heater hose shut-off valves. The factory heater valve never fully closed. Everything should have heater hose shut-offs if you want the coldest AC possible

[@BoG233]

Fire up your generator well you driving down the road. With the onboard Genny running turn on the RV ac that will cool you down to a comfortable lvl.

[@philsales342]

Put the center clearance light on top of the camera box, to stay legal. Not trying to be a pain, just helpful before the new State Cop Graduate sees it on his first day on the road.

[@chasepowell3801]

Was going to suggest that too

[@K3Plez]

That’s not going to cut it. three red lights on the rear of the vehicle, which must be in a horizontal line and visible for 500 feet. Copied directly from the regs….

[@danielkendall6321]

Hey Mike, that yellow thing on the wall that your seatbelt runs through is there so you can pull the seatbelt off of your shoulder about two inches and then flip that up and lock it. It make long drives a lot more comfortable. Trust me I drive semis for a living.

[@dingus153]

I was about to make a comment asking what that thing was lol

[@CIARUNSITE]

You got any greenies for sale?

[@mikehjelseth4651]

When we were driving our diesel pusher and it got too hot inside for the dash AC to keep up, we just fired up the generator and turned on the two rooftop units. That kept us nice and comfortable.

[@clinth179]

My thoughts exactly

[@dmbworks8094]

memorial weekend, parker AZ, at the bend in front of the keys where we stayed... this guy, on a 750 stand up was not smiling. i was flying off every 3ft swell coming at me while fighting the current just trying to get back. i still have that note to self; built ski, holiday, parker.. no stand up lol.

[@mrdanomac7937]

Mike, you are right that higher frequencies are directional and aiming the speakers properly helps. Many don't know why low frequencies seem to sound like they're coming from everywhere. It's pretty neat actually, the lower the frequency the longer the soundwave is. In order for us to be able to locate a sound, the length of the frequency sound wave needs to be less than the distance between our ears. While I don't know the exact frequency where this happens, that's the jist of it. For higher frequencies, our brain can tell that the sound reaches our ears at different times, and thus we can figure out the location of the noise. For low frequencies, the length of the sound wave is longer than the distance between our ears, and so the sound reaches our ears at the same time so we can't figure out where it comes from.

[@richardbowles7690]

In motorsports, there is nothing like a deadline to inspire great ingenuity. Precision machining with cordless drill is great example.

[@TheZmt325]

18:30 watching the look on his face evolve from anticipation to bewilderment in the reflection is priceless.

[@OfficialStumpMan]

“It will not catch on fire” famous last words. LoL

[@mechanicalTurk0]

I saw “David’s iPhone” on there, I know who got that screen working.

[@BustedKnuckleVideo]

Heat Shield/Sound deadening under the floor in the cab helps a ton with the heat in toterhomes.

[@buckstarchaser2376]

I imagine that blacktop must be hot enough to fry an iguana. It must not have been so hot that he needed to dig into his bag of RoadKill tricks and hook up that new water tank he was carrying to a windshield sprayer pump, to mist his A/C condenser, and then fill the video with dramatic water source hunting.

[@rickyhildebrand114]

I did that haul back in 1977 solo running a "Hot Shot" out of RDU. 5 stops from mississippi to Albquerque New Mex . 20 years old hauling a truck load of IBM mainframes.

[@ericmci]

That's a really good point about the speakers being packed with a perfect cardboard template.

[@vandersgarage4682]

The tweeters on those Hybrids should be able to swivel.

[@craigbielsky115]

LOL.....I WASNT GONE SAY NUTHIN ....DARDEEEEE DAR

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Yeagh, aimable tweeters

[@bepbep7418]

They work better off axis imo

[@FatMatt63]

Came here for this

[@Snotric]

Yes

[@regno78]

I like 80' synth beats in this episode. It gives some Miami Vice vibes.

[@UKDan]

Digging the retrowave/synthwave music your using!

[@bengelman2600]

Agree. Not enough people use it except maybe PFI Brent.

[@tsp159]

I'mma need a track name to add to my sweet jamz.

[@utforskaren3031]

Power Punch by 2050 - Powerful

[@dennishough3709]

Music selection is excellent.👍

[@rolandrockstarmega1299]

Awesome. Love the toter. Mine has a 5 person hot tub and hauls 4 motorcycles, 3 jet skis,2 Polaris rs1's and a smart car. Never a dull moment.

[@craigbielsky115]

YOU WERE THE COOLEST DUDE IN THE COMMENTS UNTIL YOU TYPED "SMART CAR"..........LOL

[@rolandrockstarmega1299]

@@craigbielsky115 lol. Brabus edition and is used to put jet skis in the water. And it fits.

[@tsp159]

@@craigbielsky115 Smart car sideways is juuuuuust under 102" Not uncommon on for RV duty!

[@robertowens1898]

Neighbors love you, when you're gone 😂

[@davidblanck4131]

Cut a slot at the end of some 3/8 rod fold some Emery cloth in half, and wedge it in the rod. Chuck it into a die grinder. Instant polishing tool. That is how we polish Chambers at work. A rear caster wheel would make that kart more user friendly. Great work guys!

[@theprodigytm63]

that synthwave is the shit! Love the style. Great vid as always

[@cudak888]

5:00 - Finnegan, the new Dremel EZ-Drums do that constantly. The easiest fix is to cut a bit of the cardboard packaging to fit as a sleeve between the mandrel and the band itself. Solved the problem, thickness is perfect.

[@brucesahroian1482]

I used to play in a band that played in a bar at the Colorado river!! What a insane bunch!!! Really Fast Boats!! Really CRAZIES!!!!!

[@TheZmt325]

I like game over All the ramp trucks are cool And I love blasphemi But.. that cadillac hits different.

[@jakedelaymustdie6665]

That cadillac is really something else! Just looks so good!

[@ssaunders]

Haiku!

[@JeremySiedzik]

Huge fan long time watcher I love that retro wave is being played during this episode great sound choice. Very PCH

[@MrRcw79]

I love the fact that Finnegan still has x-mas lights on his house in July

[@Dwendele]

Dammit! Inwas JUST coming here to make that comment.

[@mitchellholroyd2837]

From 3 yrs ago.

[@Flyeso]

No point taking them down now he'd just have to put them up again in 5 months

[@datasailor8132]

The man has his priorities in order.

[@highclasswhitetrash9027]

Lol.

[@HillbillySailor]

"So, I see you still have the house junction box on the trailer!"

[@RobotRiedingerEd]

At his current rate what are the chances he will still have that trailer in 5 years. LOL

[@adrianspeeder]

Five months later he'll have a stacker.

[@BlueCollarBachelor]

@@adrianspeeder he should have bought Stacey the Stacker from Cleet.

[@wtbman]

Whatever works. I've got dome security camera arms on the back of mine. PTZ backup/rear view camera FTW!

[@freeagent8225]

In Australia there are some big rigs. It seems there is a competition, who can carry the most when travelling. You Sir, would take home the gold medal.

[@guy_autordie]

That intro music ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@johnfulcher1673]

Pretty sure those tweeters are swivel mounted you can point them where you want them.

[@mobiusone3923]

Yooooo Finn! Big shout out to you and 12v Dave! The music at 8:10 is AWESOME! Also, at 12:34... solid memories of vids of you in jet boat! "Dun Dun DUNNN! MIKE WRONG WAY FINNEGAN!!!!"

[@tylermcintyre5177]

Guess whos back, back again. Finn, is back, tell a friend!

[@pauldulworth2768]

Guess whose back Guess whose back Guess whose back

[@parentsbasement7734]

Da dah da dah dah

[@boostnug]

Fin created a monster

[@esqueue]

I've created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Roadkill no more, they want Finni, I'm chopped liver.

[@nunyabinis]

@@parentsbasement7734 Finnegan in a Freightliner, around the outside, around the outside, around the outside....

[@evolgenius471]

I wish I could hit the like button more than once! You're in my backyard, Mr. Finnegan!!!

[@scooterinvegas1]

As soon as I seen the straps on the axle I said 'noooooo, you cant do that'. Is the axles welded in the middle? Weld hooks on the back of the trailing arms and get the pressure off the axles.

[@mlwakat]

Bring your rig to Houston , I’ll hook that AC up! 40 Degree air is Great!!!!!!!

[@starkindustries26]

I’m love watching your stuff sir, I clicked the notification so fast

[@bryanstevens4609]

From day one of Roadkill and Day one of this channel I’ve been along for the ride my friend. Beer, Bacon, and Blowers are the finer things in life lol

[@1one3_Racing]

Replace the dividing curtain between the truck cab and living quarters. You can get insulated cyrtain material and make it fit tight up against the roof and sides. We have the issue in Australian trucks where the air conditioning gets sucked into the sleeper and that's the solution. Otherwise get one of those stand alone blowers from like classic air and t it into your factory compressor. When it gets really got you can turn on a second blower. Works really well.

[@RearEngineShop]

The toter is so badass! I’ve never been out west, it looks so beautiful.

[@kipmcmillan7800]

When Mike had the jet ski on the cart... How many of you thought, amphibious vehicle build for Roadkill... Lol

[@marcnews75]

No cause half the world wouldn't be able to see it if he did a build on roadkill

[@amstrad00]

When I read this I thought you were making a MODOK reference, then I re-read it and disappointed myself.

[@D3adCy11nd3r]

Check the cabin air filter and the fresh air filter. Pull the glove box and lower fairing off for the cabin, and roll the hood back and passenger side rain tray will have the fresh air filter. Replace both of those. (Yes replace or you will end up burning through your blower motor.)

[@philsales342]

on that trailer axle, find a pipe that just sides over it. Cut it at 1/2 axle length, slide it over one side,then back to center weld in place. If you want to make it extra strong, drill a few rosette weld holes along the length, then fill up

[@wayneparris3439]

LOL, we passed each other on I 40 but going opposite directions. You going to AZ and me going from Cali to Georgia! Nice trip!

[@tonytrumble]

Omg, I love that rest area you drove by, that was a stop I always stopped at otr. Beautiful scenery and such nice people at the shops!!

[@danebarry]

im in love with amount of bromance in this episode. You guys are great

[@klosnoski]

To hone them there holes. Take an old mechanics trick. A 5/16 x4 bolt. Cut head of and cut a slot the width of an emery paper roll, or approx 1inch deep. Then either chuck it into a die grinder or a drill. Tear off a piece of emery paper or whatever abrasive paper and fold in half. Thread folded abrasive into slot making sure the paper is even and then insert and fire away. Think 2 flute flap hone

[@ericstone8812]

Wheres Dave? Ain’t no trip like a west bearing trip if that West bearing trip with the Bern. You startin to slip so I guess you gotta flip and go back to get our boy Newbern!

[@Rebar77_real]

Thanks for bringing us along!

[@kevindoyle4391]

At least you got an Eaton 80 Gal compressor with a 10 HP motor. Never going to need to upgrade for air. The Saylor-Beall pump knockoff's are the best for the price and work great. I've been rocking one for 5 years, just make sure to keep the oil changes up to date.

[@garretthauenstein7408]

Mr. Fixitagain Finnegan is the 🐐!

[@claytonplummer9509]

You have to run the flood coolers (as well as your generator) while you drive when it's really hot in addition to the main AC. That way the Toter will be cool. If you only run the main AC from the engine, it doesn't have the BTU's to cool the entire open space inside the Toter

[@escotrking007]

I see the FST Haro in the back! That was an AMAZING Albes bmx show!!

[@KK51500]

So many sweet boats out there! If your camping on the peninsulas the beaches are really sandy on both sides. I always bring both my jet skis down and put them on PVC stands I also have a beach cart that helps out I pull them out with my side-by-side. Bringing them down not so bad. But going back up is a pain! Have fun!!

[@markhouston6501]

As my wife says "you always have great ideas after I thought of it".

[@GrussimoGarage]

This is great info (Heigh10) for RVers. If they aren't marketing to them they should. I plan to replace my CRT monitor with this unit. It has all the features I've been looking for. Thanks for sharing!

[@13699111]

Thank you for posting always something interesting and fun for everyone !!!

[@ArionEquus]

I like the mixup of music you picked for this video. Good variety.

[@blze0018]

Finnegan and his stuff breaking in exciting new ways, name a more iconic duo.

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Edibles, coffee and Finnegan. Best Sunday morning ever.

[@ionbusman2086]

Not a bad start. Gotta try that sometime

[@allenlord3679]

Let's get Finn to a MILLION+ the man deserves it.💯👍💪🇺🇸

[@ipdjbt]

Nah

[@ItsMeJon14]

Awesome vid! Thanks for taking the time to film and edit these!

[@melloyello89]

Can't wait to see you guys use the jet ski hand truck on a steep slimy ramp

[@mightymikethebear]

I predict scrapes and bruises. Cold beer makes scrapes and bruises feel better.

[@fryreartechnology7611]

Love that rig you have but your trailer looks like it skilled leg day with that awesome truck.

[@hulett4x4]

A camera inside the trailer would be sweet on road trips.

[@handymansteve]

checking condition of load, make sure it doesn't move... yup

[@danield9824]

I happened to look at the other side of the highway and briefly saw you go by...then this video came out. I knew it!

[@finnsailing69]

Install few solarpanels on the trailers roof, and some batteries so you can use lights etc while unhooked to the truck?

[@finnsailing69]

*unhooked from the truck

[@051570orion]

We just baught an older pull behind camper , and I was thinking the same thing

[@HappyHarryHardon]

I have 600 watts of panels and 200 a/h if lithium. I’ve not plugged into shore power since. Not once. It’s the best decision I’ve made.

[@gullreefclub]

@@051570orion take a look at the Bus Grease Monkey channel. While the way he mounted the solar panels on the roof of his bus look pretty ugly the rest of his solar setup is pretty much on point. From my watching videos on KZbin the conversion bus community has embraced solar to power their buses when not connected to “shore power” and if you have the wallet and roof space from what I have seen you really don’t even need a generator or a shore power connection

[@fawkyooo7377]

Could you imagine driving that in Lincoln Hawk?

[@chrismartin6544]

I grew up in Bullhead city in the 80’s flat bottom jet boats were everywhere My uncle had one with a Blown 454 ci motor

[@calebh2642]

Just got my fsm sticker for my welding bucket. Cheers from Canada and thanks for continuing to share this content with us!

[@austinmudding]

I have seen your rig going down highway 95 in GA 2 times wish I could have said hi!!!

[@fmxrider429]

Been riding stand-up skis for years Finn and you're right, nothing but smiles. Wouldn't give up my 650sx for anything.

[@billybike57]

Great to see you back out on the road!

[@TheVenom8343]

That made my day that you stopped at our MS Welcome Center! I work for MDOT and we take care of the grounds to that place. I passed your ass on 78, I live just 7 exits from the Welcome Center at Veterans Blvd.

[@mytmousemalibu]

Cut the axle at the crack, slide over a piece of heavy wall tubing, vee grind & weld the axle, slide tube centered, fillet weld the ends and a couple rosettes through the tube should do. Later, replace it and keep the repaired one for a spare.

[@davidowen888]

probably sleeve that axle, been there done that 💪🏻👍🏻

[@olemansailor6519]

The place you were talking about at time 25:30 is familiar. I used to run 40 quite a bit running back and forth from Birmingham to San Francisco. Back then there was an Indian jewelry store where I still have a couple of necklaces I bought there made of polished stone and silver. Beautiful stuff.

[@oldsmanmike2803]

Not sure if you have done anything to make the sound better, but it just stood out in this video. It's awesome. I hear all the small sounds and the bog sounds aren't too loud, just makes me feel so much closer to what is going on in the video. I could even hear the plastic cracking when you pulled it out of the wheel hub.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Mike s a slick piece of work when it comes to designing new applications.

[@lolzlarkin3059]

This is my favourite trucking channel

[@jonsanger8302]

Great show!!! Mike and the mechanics....staring 12 volt Dave!!! Keep making great shots Boyz. We love it 😀

[@G_Money72]

I have to get my beach cart built. Had the wheels for a year now! Thanks for the motivation to get mine built.

[@dakotak8437]

Should make the cart you made for the skees like a pallet fork but a swivel wheel in the back and longer handles. No hurting back

[@Junkboy888]

Brink a few beers, cut the can open and wrap them around that axle with a few radiator clamps and you'll be fine. Don't forget to hook up that Middle light again to the electrical box. The highway patrol will get you.

[@Mike-xt2ot]

Arizona is to me the most beautiful places to see. I was blessed to be able to live there in 2020. Felt like a year long vacation.

[@calebtodd3980]

These are the best videos

[@lucasfassina56]

nice to see that im not the only one that still has the christmas lights on the house ready to go.lol!

[@TheRiggerTales]

How could I not subscribe??? It’s Finnigan!

[@surfingnerd621]

2:52 when you do something really cool, but no one is around to see, lol

[@madduck692002]

Newbern used a weather proof box perfectly. It would pass inspection! YAY NEWBURN

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Good work guys 👍👍

[@JohnRoberts71]

Great content thanks for sharing

[@richardthomas1743]

Goooooood morning ! Hell yes ROAD TRIP shenanigans !

[@jonsanger8302]

That rig would be perfect for me and the kids to haul our side by sides ....I want to be a big mother trucker like magic Mike mannnnn

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Was just checking the channel yesterday for a new rv rig video perfect timing

[@philliporne2287]

So excited to see game over in action!!

[@FirstMetalHamster]

Very fitting style of music there. Sounds like 80's pow(d)ered speedboating.

[@flipflopgarage]

Yeewww. our favorite local swimming hole! 🤙🏼

[@frielocity6286]

Fix that axle with the leftover titanium.."I'm not an engineer", but I hear that stuff is lighter and way stronger!

[@CarLoverPhotography]

Titanium is 2 expensive

[@TheKilladub]

😆 LOL

[@rcaddict7638]

@@CarLoverPhotography leftovers that Would be thrown away are too expensive?

[@CarLoverPhotography]

Yes

[@rcaddict7638]

@@CarLoverPhotography I don’t know what logic you are using there

[@addoblaknovski3709]

Best setup for CarTube excellence, 😁

[@brandonmcconnell6836]

We saw you at the cove, was super cool to see you and game over in person in my little town!