We're traveling from NC to TX this Thanksgiving (2400 miles round trip), towing my 8000# travel trailer. I'd appreciate some feedback on some pre-trip preventative maintenance that I may have overlooked. You can see most of the mods I've done in my sig. I just changed the oil (Mobil 1 5w40 syn; OEM filter). Transmission flushed 5000 miles ago and external transmission filter changed. New OEM fuel filters 5000 miles ago. I have a SGII and just ordered a GlowShift pyrometer to monitor EGTs. I've flushed the coolant and now run CAT ELC (red) with a coolant filter.

I'd like to tighten my steering box a bit and plan on changing differential fluids (never been done to my knowledge), but what else? X just turned 120,000 miles. Thanks in advance.

(I originally posted this thread in another FTE forum, but feel it's better suited here in the 6.0L forum. Sorry moderators if this is a no-no. Don't know how or even if I could move or delete a thread.)

 

I would bring a set of extra fuel filters(never know) make sure you have extra oil/coolent/water just incase. I always keep extra fluid in the back of my 6.0.
I dont know how many miles you'll drive before your trip but it would be a good idea to change the oil before you go.
Towing 8000# I would make sure your brake rotors/pads/tires are up to spec. Also that your trailer is good to go in the same respects

Just a side note since youre going over tday make sure you have extra food/water in your truck incase you get stuck in traffic. I learned that the hard way driving over Donner Summit one winter...

 

tire condition?

Ever flush your brake fluid?

 

Top off the blinker fluid and grease the muffler bearings.

 

X2 on the brake fluid. My last trip from hell cost me a FICM, HPOP and the brake line broke. I was surprised at the brake line! It sounds like you're on-top of the truck, don't forget the camper. Tire pressures are critical, as are the brakes for both truck and camper. Check the camper hub bearings too. Be sure that the hitch is properly setup and every thing is tight (from the picture the camper looks nose high, most recommendations are level to slightly nose low).

It sounds like you're on top of it, so you should have a good trip! I'm envious, camping season is over for me for the year, so looking forward to April / May!

 

Funny ****. When i worked at a resturant we used to play the same kinda games. Tell the new people i need a bucket of oyster legs n a bucket of cold air. Theyd come back after like15 and be like i cant find it. Wed just keep sending them back till they caught on or gave up. For those dont dont no what a oyster is its like a muscle or a clam.

 

X2 on the extra fluids/filters. You never know when you might bust a hose or something in the middle of nowhere. Never know if you'll get some bad fuel either. On a trip a couple years ago,I picked up some bad fuel,that sucks!!

 

Thanks for all the tips (except for Roasted7 ). I'll add brake line flush to the list. I'm sure there is a "how-to" in the tech folder or via search.

 

I would avoid doing anything the last few days BEFORE the trip,
except maybe tire pressure.
This will give you a few days of around-town driving to find any
side-effects of your last changes.

re-tighten the lugs nuts (w/torque wrench) - check your spare!

In addition to the fuel-filters - be sure to have the wrench/socket too.

Clean the inside of your windshield!

 

Oh yeah, that spare! Don't know about the Excursion, but I got a flat on the freeway last year. Went to lower the spare tire just to find out that it has a lock and I didn't have the key! Was able to finally get it lowered, then removed the lock so there's no more issue. Something to check.

 

Sounds like your truck is good to go except maybe for the brake fluid flush. As stated don't wait till the last minute just in case you open a bucket of worms. Extra jug of oil and maybe a set of fuel filters. As for the rest of the fluids, if you blow a water hose all the coolant in the world won't get you far. You also have the fresh water tank in your trailer to get water from. Point is you can't take the service station with you. If your maintenance is in good order, enjoy the truck and the trip. You can't forsee every event .

 

Kick the tires and light the fires! Welcome to Texas.