I've been in the Army for a few years and know how to PMCS (PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CHECKS AND SERVICES) a vehicle. My question is is there anything I should do before I make the trip or anything I should definitely not do? I'm replacing the front brakes this week with Hawk LTS pads and brand new rotors, and might have them R&R the brake fluid as well. I'm on the fence about a tranny flush, I have around 120k on it looks alright, but not great. Should I drop the pan, swap out the filter since I'm in there and look for deposits/metal chips on the magnet first? What about the fuel filter, any reason to change that or is it not really an issue? Belt looks kinda "meh", but I can't find anyone who sells a gatorback belt locally and Summit carries about 50 of them and I have no idea which one I need (http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...odel/excursion). Tires are alright, and oil has been changed within the last 4-5 months and has plenty of miles left on it. Thoughts?


Also, if the u-haul trailer I get has brakes will my truck pull it with no extras?

 

When is the last time the fuel filter/ tranny fluid was changed was changed?

 

Honestly probably never. I was planning on doing the fuel filter just because though.

 

You should have no issues with a U-Haul trailer, they aren't big enough to cause issues with stock hardware IMHO.

By the way, where are you PCS-ing to?

 

Brakes
Oil
Filters (Air and Oil)
Tire Inspection

Those are my normal checks. If you have anything that has been bothering you about the rig, fix it now. It will drive you F'ing nuts on a long trip.

If you are using a U-haul trailer, they use hydraulic compression brakes. Not electrical. Simply connect to the ball and plug in the 4 pin. Tow away happy

 

Not PCS-ing, I'm National Guard and a disabled veteran too lol. I don't get paid for going and don't have to go often, but I'm still stuck in my contract for the time being.

 

Since I think no one answered your question, most larger U-haul trailers use hydraulic brakes that are actuated by the push-pull on the trailer hitch. Step on the brakes of your Excursion, the hitch actuates the trailer brakes. You don't need to have an electric brake controller inside the X. Backing up can be challenging, if on a hill you need to lock out the hitch actuator so the brakes do not come on while trying to back up!

I see someone else chimed in with an answer while I was writing this......

 

I need to drop the tank and tighten up the lock ring on the top. The PO said he R&R the fuel pump and when I fill up the tank more than halfway or hit bumps too rough there is a bad gas smell inside. I can only assume the large lock ring never got secured right. At least I hope that's all it is

 

check all the fluids, change oil..ect and hit the road. like said though if there are issues you know of now is the time to take care of it.

 

Air up the tires to save some gas.

 

I'd do the trans fluid sooner than later if it's never done.
Follow the procedure described by mark-K to get all fluids out. Not cheap, you need at least 20 quarts. trans filter is optional. Most people say it's not needed to change it. I did it and cleaned the magnet in the pan. There was no gunk in the pan. I think you can get away w no filter change.