Winter Travel Checklist - Excursion prep
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
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From: NoVA
Winter Travel Checklist - Excursion prep
I started this thread in the 7.3 sub forum to seek inputs from the engine specific SMEs. Opening up the same topic here as well for the Excursion SMEs to help contribute.
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 12/21-30. 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 maintenance planned before the trip:
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 12/21-30. 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 maintenance planned before the trip:
- Oil & Filter Change
- Check & top Coolant
- Check & Transmission & Transfer case oil.
- Check / Brakes
- Check Batteries
- Check & inflate tire pressure. Spare tire @45-50psi
- Truck needs a thorough interior cleaning as it has been used to haul a bunch of home improvement project supplies lately
- Headlight bulbs - replace with LED, Beamtech LED bulbs arrived yesterday
- New Audio HU - Waiting for the brown truck.
- Cadillac A,C,D,F horns (legal alternative to train horns)
- Impact driver with 19/21 mm sockets for tire changes
- Portable 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
- Spare MC CPS
- AAA membership
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
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From: In the field...
Ratchet Straps
https://www.bubbarope.com/
At minimum a serpentine belt (optional tensioner pulley)
Diesel Kleen Anti-gel formula
And something for you...
When are you going to "the city that gives championships away?"
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
Jump N Carry or Cables
Ratchet Straps
https://www.bubbarope.com/
At minimum a serpentine belt (optional tensioner pulley)
Diesel Kleen Anti-gel formula
Ratchet Straps
https://www.bubbarope.com/
At minimum a serpentine belt (optional tensioner pulley)
Diesel Kleen Anti-gel formula
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,263
Likes: 149
From: In the field...
Good list of items for winter travel. Thanks Sean.
Mark, Do you own & use this model of the JNC? Opinions/feedback? Will add the other items to the list of things to pack. FWIW, do you really think I will need anti-gel in your neck of the woods? I have not used it up here in VA in the past few years of the7.2 ownership.
Mark, Do you own & use this model of the JNC? Opinions/feedback? Will add the other items to the list of things to pack. FWIW, do you really think I will need anti-gel in your neck of the woods? I have not used it up here in VA in the past few years of the
The Anti-Gel was a recommendation based on my experience traveling to SoDak. It can get to below 20° F in these parts of GA.
Possibly your 7.2 is less susceptible to gelling than a 7.3.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
Fuel filter was replaced in the summer this year when I changed the water pump.
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Laughing Gas
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I know it isn't part of a winter checklist but I always carry a digital meter in my console. Has helped when any electrical issues come up and allowing a quick check on battery voltage/starter issues.
Rob
Rob
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: NoVA
I've got one of those always plugged into the power outlet on the dash.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 263
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From: Near Chicago
Just me, but I keep a first aid kit with a few candles in every vehicle.
First aid kit because you never know, and a few candles because during the winter if you break down, even 2 small birthday cake style, candles will warm a vehicle interior enough to keep you from freezing.
Never needed either yet, but it doesn't take up much room stuffed under the seat.
First aid kit because you never know, and a few candles because during the winter if you break down, even 2 small birthday cake style, candles will warm a vehicle interior enough to keep you from freezing.
Never needed either yet, but it doesn't take up much room stuffed under the seat.
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Well eating the cake could help too!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
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From: South Eastern Michigan
I have:
Most of it fits in a small plastic water tight bin. Smaller things reside in the console and others travel on my person.
- New Ford Starter
- alternator
- 2 belts
- 5 or so shop rags
- trans fluid
- oil
- dsl 911
- various tools
- flares
- first aid
- a few flashlights
- towels
- cig lighter voltage thingy
- jumper cables
- bubba rope
- various bulbs
- battery powered tire inflator
- gloves
- Interior duster <-- most used to date
- various PPD's
- crank sensor
- new Ford idler pulley
Most of it fits in a small plastic water tight bin. Smaller things reside in the console and others travel on my person.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
Just me, but I keep a first aid kit with a few candles in every vehicle.
First aid kit because you never know, and a few candles because during the winter if you break down, even 2 small birthday cake style, candles will warm a vehicle interior enough to keep you from freezing.
Never needed either yet, but it doesn't take up much room stuffed under the seat.
First aid kit because you never know, and a few candles because during the winter if you break down, even 2 small birthday cake style, candles will warm a vehicle interior enough to keep you from freezing.
Never needed either yet, but it doesn't take up much room stuffed under the seat.
Candle - Not so sure if that would be sufficient for the excursion. How about a portable propane heater instead
I've got one of these that we use in the golf carts for winter golf!! Has separate bases for cup holder & flat surface. 
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
I have:
Most of it fits in a small plastic water tight bin. Smaller things reside in the console and others travel on my person.
- New Ford Starter
- alternator
- 2 belts
- 5 or so shop rags
- trans fluid
- oil
- dsl 911
- various tools
- flares
- first aid
- a few flashlights
- towels
- cig lighter voltage thingy
- jumper cables
- bubba rope
- various bulbs
- battery powered tire inflator
- gloves
- Interior duster <-- most used to date
- various PPD's
- crank sensor
- new Ford idler pulley
Most of it fits in a small plastic water tight bin. Smaller things reside in the console and others travel on my person.
Good list!