Gentleman,

I am planning my first long distance road trip with my EX (no trailer). For spring break this year I have decided to take my wife and son on a road trip to South West Colorado for some spring skiing and to visit my family whom they have never met.

1500 miles, Indiana to Telluride Colorado, march 30th to April 8th.
2003 Ex V10. 122k.
Tires 12k new in 2010.
Brakes serviced June 2011
All front end parts done 2009, only 18 k since then.
This thing is in great shape and no issues. I'm just a little skiddish due to the distance and the fact that over the road mechanics will kill me on parts and labor if I have a problem.

Just curious if any of you guys have any helpful tips for the Ex as well as traveling this far with my wife of 16 years and a 6' 215 lb 13 year old.

Thanks..

 

I do 2 trips per year in my Ex, about 3000 miles per trip.

I carry an extra COP, belt, 1 replacement lightbulb for every light and replacement radiator hoses.

I also have onboard air compressor and jumper cables.

These V10's are very reliable I'm at 195k miles.

I'm planning a trip for 4 weeks starting December. Will be over 6000 miles. Taking me as far as Park City Utah.

 

South Carolina to San franscisco to Orlando fl back to sc in a v10 was awesome trip and ex preformed divine. Taking another trip in 3 weeks to Vegas in it.. At 122k now left sc with 113 on it. Point it in the right direction and keep it between the lines it's a v10 as well

 

Hi i have a 2005 f-550 wondering the horn locatiin please. Glen

 

Before I go on long trips, I always update my GPS. Also I would recommend on having tools to put in those parts that Living Large recommended.

 

That's a good list. Add a few gallons of water, some oil, ATF and brake fluid plus the tools to install all the stuff in the list and you should be fine. Throw in a DVD player or a laptop for the teenager and show him where the black covered magazines are located at the truck stops and he'll be your buddy for life.

 

In addition, make sure you check the air pressure in your spare tire. Periodically check it cause you never know when you'll need it.

Also check torque on your lug nuts.

 

Gas card, relax and enjoy the truck. Just don't drive too many miles a day.

 

Turn off the cell phone, take along American Express Card, Visa, Master, and discover Card. That's should cover the expense along the way.

 

Thank you sirs... All very good information. Should be a great trip!

 

You said your not towing anything, you could hook up a car trailer with another X on it for any parts you'll need along the way.

 

I'll be out to get yours asap.. What a great idea..

 

A few more - spare fuses, in addition to checking the air in the spare take it out and make sure that there are no cracks developing in the sidewall and test the battery.

 

Avoid last minute maintenance items before the trip,
give things a good week or more to find any problems.

Nothing like changing the oil/filter (or rotating tires) the day before and
finding a problem on the 2nd day of your trip because of these last
minute jobs.

 

Take a look at your brake lines and trans lines. I have already had to replace some of them. The rear brake line broke on vacation.