Winter Travel Checklist

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Dec 3, 2019 | 10:29 AM

unleashd

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,838

Likes: 187

From: NoVA

Winter Travel Checklist

Earlier in July, I just took off on a family vacation to SC without really doing any preparations. The trip was uneventful, but I had IDM troubles within a week after I returned. We will be making a 10 day trip to the Atlanta area from the DC suburbs around Christmas. 7 Passengers and a little dog. I'm not pulling anything in tow. I am getting the EX ready for the long haul and wanted to write down a checklist and validate with y'all that are more experienced than me in these. Please review and add.

Essentials:

Oil & Filter Change - Planned 12/14
Coolant - Complete flush and fill performed earlier this year when T444E water pump was installed.
Transmission oil - Flushed and replaced earlier this summer.
Brakes - Replaced less than 6K miles ago.
Batteries - Replaced in July. I have a voltmeter in the cigarette lighter plug that shows 12.9 cold, and 14.1 when running.
Tires have about 8K miles on them with over 90% tread remaining. Will be checking pressure and inflating as necessary.
EX need a thorough interior cleaning as it has been used to haul a bunch of home improvement project supplies lately

Nice to have:

Headlight bulbs - replace with LED
New Audio HU - Planned for a 12/14 install

Tools, Spares to pack:

Impact driver with 19/21 mm sockets for tire changes
Powerbuilt Jack + 1 Jack stand
1/2" ratchet with 13 - 21 mm sockets
1/4" ratchet with 4 - 12 mm sockets
8 - 21 mm box wrench set
Screw drivers, pliers, tape, etc
Zip Ties
Engine Oil
Transmission ATF
Air pump, tire pressure gauge

Dec 3, 2019 | 12:39 PM

Brian Hanks

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 1,736

Likes: 660

From: South AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by unleashd

Oil & Filter Change - Planned 12/14
Coolant - Complete flush and fill performed earlier this year when T444E water pump was installed.
Transmission oil - Flushed and replaced earlier this summer.
Brakes - Replaced less than 6K miles ago.
Batteries - Replaced in July. I have a voltmeter in the cigarette lighter plug that shows 12.9 cold, and 14.1 when running.
Tires have about 8K miles on them with over 90% tread remaining. Will be checking pressure and inflating as necessary.
EX need a thorough interior cleaning as it has been used to haul a bunch of home improvement project supplies lately

Nice to have:

Headlight bulbs - replace with LED
New Audio HU - Planned for a 12/14 install

Tools, Spares to pack:

Impact driver with 19/21 mm sockets for tire changes
Powerbuilt Jack + 1 Jack stand
1/2" ratchet with 13 - 21 mm sockets
1/4" ratchet with 4 - 12 mm sockets
8 - 21 mm box wrench set
Screw drivers, pliers, tape, etc
Zip Ties
Engine Oil
Transmission ATF
Air pump, tire pressure gauge

i also carry spare power steering lines, belt, breaker bar, and when I’m towing.. spare bearings for the trailer.
always have an extra cps in the glovebox too.
Since i bought one i keep my Bluetooth OBDLink adapter in the truck (or any of my vehicles) on long trips in case diagnostics or extra gauges are needed.
of course that is JUST for the truck. If you’re going to a cold climate obviously emergency preparedness bags for the humans would be indicated.

is yours 2wd? I assumed because you didn’t mention transfer case with ATF on tranny.

Dec 3, 2019 | 02:36 PM

unleashd

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,838

Likes: 187

From: NoVA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Hanks

Good pointers. I have a spare Motorcraft CPS in the glove box. The current unit is only a few months old and was replaced along with the ICP sensor and thermostat a couple of months ago. Truck is 4WD. I will add the transfer case oil change to the list. And yes, there will be go-bags and emergency preparedness stuff for the humans and 4 legged passenger as well. Hopefully ATL is warmer than VA

Dec 3, 2019 | 02:48 PM

beef tits

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 833

Likes: 4

AAA Premium membership is pretty handy. 200 miles of free towing.

Dec 3, 2019 | 02:49 PM

unleashd

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 1,838

Likes: 187

From: NoVA

Quote:

Originally Posted by beef ****

AAA Premium membership is pretty handy. 200 miles of free towing.

Done .Check

Dec 4, 2019 | 07:06 PM

Colorado350

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 4,807

Likes: 125

From: Colorado Springs

As you get closer to your leave date, check the forecast and plan accordingly for additional emergency items. Direct Weather on YouTube is extremely accurate:

Dec 4, 2019 | 08:12 PM

beef tits

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 833

Likes: 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado350

As you get closer to your leave date, check the forecast and plan accordingly for additional emergency items. Direct Weather on YouTube is extremely accurate:
https://youtu.be/e2xfH2nLGEk

Nah man, Frankie MacDonald is the only reliable weather source out there;