I guess we are used to it. Just don't try to drive the speed limit if road conditions don't allow for it.
Christmas Trip!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
Christmas Trip!
Well, just found out that we will be taking our first long range trip from WA to GA come Christmas time to visit the family. I have made this trip 3 times in my wife's car, but obviously never in my truck. I won't be towing, but I will have my truck loaded in the bed. I have also never made the trip during the month of December. Anybody here drive their rig during these months through Idaho and Montana? My route will take me through the mountains of Idaho and then through the Southern part of Montana, going from West to East of the state. More just worried about snow in the mountains or on the roads of Montana. Any tips and advice will be helpful.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I don't think you have anything to worry about. You have 4WD?
While I have not driven your specific route I have driven a whole bunch of winter roads. Watch the traffic in front of you and what they are doing, watch your outside temp gauge and you will be fine.
Once you get down past Ohio then it will warm up more. Don't take I95 unless you real need to. After Savannah it is ok but north of that it is heavy traffic most of the time.
While I have not driven your specific route I have driven a whole bunch of winter roads. Watch the traffic in front of you and what they are doing, watch your outside temp gauge and you will be fine.
Once you get down past Ohio then it will warm up more. Don't take I95 unless you real need to. After Savannah it is ok but north of that it is heavy traffic most of the time.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Plan on snow and then if it doesn't come you will be happy. If you have the electronic shift on the fly four wheel drive you will love it.
If you have the option of taking other routes, I like the southern route any time of year better than the northern route. I like route 40 the old Route 66.
Just got back from a 4500 mile trip from NorCal to Chicago and back. I hate that stretch of road in WY and UT. Always fighting a big headwind no matter which direction I am going.
Good luck and drive defensively!
Mike
If you have the option of taking other routes, I like the southern route any time of year better than the northern route. I like route 40 the old Route 66.
Just got back from a 4500 mile trip from NorCal to Chicago and back. I hate that stretch of road in WY and UT. Always fighting a big headwind no matter which direction I am going.
Good luck and drive defensively!
Mike
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
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From: Louisiana
I do have 4WD, and alright! Appreciate the advice fellas, the wife will be happy to hear that. Trip should be about 2800 miles and I am looking forward to it. Also, should I invest in snow chains? I told my wife I think we will be plenty good without them, but she won't get off my butt about it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ontario
I do have 4WD, and alright! Appreciate the advice fellas, the wife will be happy to hear that. Trip should be about 2800 miles and I am looking forward to it. Also, should I invest in snow chains? I told my wife I think we will be plenty good without them, but she won't get off my butt about it.
I was trapped in Vermont in the hight of a snow storm one winter. I had two other guys with me and we all had to be back for work the next day (Canada). The hiways where all closed off. We managed to get on at an on ramp. My truck was scrapping the snow on the under side of the truck most of the trip. But it kept going without an issue. Just make sure the wheel hubs are in the locked position so when you need the 4X4 it will lock in place even at 50 mph, just let off on the pedal when you do. Lots of windshield fluid.
Have a safe trip.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Ouray, CO
I do have 4WD, and alright! Appreciate the advice fellas, the wife will be happy to hear that. Trip should be about 2800 miles and I am looking forward to it. Also, should I invest in snow chains? I told my wife I think we will be plenty good without them, but she won't get off my butt about it.
I drove a uhaul from NC to NV two years ago, snow storm from st louis to lincoln, nb. Drove along with semis doing 55-60 had no issues. Made for a long 725 mile day though.
You have a covered bed?
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Louisiana
I do not have a covered bed yet, I have been looking at them, just haven't pulled the trigger. Majk, haha, I feel much better now, I used to have a caravan and know how they drove! Alright, I can't wait to get this show on the road, I love going on long distance roadtrips and can't wait to see how the truck performs.
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Well, just found out that we will be taking our first long range trip from WA to GA come Christmas time to visit the family. I have made this trip 3 times in my wife's car, but obviously never in my truck. I won't be towing, but I will have my truck loaded in the bed. I have also never made the trip during the month of December. Anybody here drive their rig during these months through Idaho and Montana? My route will take me through the mountains of Idaho and then through the Southern part of Montana, going from West to East of the state. More just worried about snow in the mountains or on the roads of Montana. Any tips and advice will be helpful.
Be sure to post some pictures once you return from your trip. I'm sure we'd all love to see your rig up in the mountains.
Crystal
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
If you drive in moderate to heavy snowfall I would suggest a winter front to keep your air fliter from packing with snow. Or at a minimum a spare filter. I went through 3 filters the first winter. They packed right full of snow. No issues since I started running the winter front.
Thanks
Thanks
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Louisiana
Older thread I started awhile ago, and I have done a ton of research. I do have another question though, I heard that at the Flying Js and similiar truck stops, the big rig nozzles won't fit super duties without some sort of adapter. Anybody know anything about this and if its true, where can i get the nozzle?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 118
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From: Spokane, WA
Older thread I started awhile ago, and I have done a ton of research. I do have another question though, I heard that at the Flying Js and similiar truck stops, the big rig nozzles won't fit super duties without some sort of adapter. Anybody know anything about this and if its true, where can i get the nozzle?
You'll need to borrow their magnetic sleeve in order to use their DEF nozzle though, if you don't already have one.
Edit to add: ...unless they changed something from 2011-2013 models.
I use a commercial card and therefore go through the Semi lanes a few times a week, as I only have a capacity of 80 usable gallons.