Red Shale Campground

Another early start to the day, and 500 miles. No more watercraft inspections today. The one I was thinking about near Billings, just does it west bound. A while back, because of all my trailering, several guys told me I should have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). I didn’t see any need as I’ve been pulling various trailers for a long time. I’m pretty religious about doing walk arounds to check tires and hubs anytime I stop, and before I take off in the beginning. However, last year I finally decided to buy a TPMS. A few times I’ve been disappointed when the thing gave me a false overheat warning. (They also monitor temperature.) However, today it earned it’s satisfaction from me. Late this afternoon, I got a warning that my right rear trailer tire was losing pressure. When it reached 30psi, (they hold 80), I decided to stop and change it so I wouldn’t ruin the tire. Checking the pressure with a tire gauge, it was indeed only 30psi. Like props on the boat, I carry two spare tires for the trailer. I put one of them on and threw the one going flat back in the truck. I’ll see if I can find the leak later. Continued on to my planned stop this evening at Red Shale campground. This is a national forest campground, free, and very nice. Picnic table and a fire ring at each of the 14 campsites. And several pit toilets. This is probably my favorite stop when going along this route. When I pulled in around 5p, there was no one else here. I see one other camper pulled in a couple hundred yards from me. This place has never been busy when I’ve stayed here. I think the most I’ve ever seen was 3 other campers. It’s near Ashland, MT, on Hwy 212. This highway shortcuts I90 cutting out Sheridan and Gillette.Read more