1750 mile trip

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Jan 15, 2005 | 08:55 PM

michaelbrainardatwor

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From: manson

1750 mile trip

Hey all..still looking at trucks...I have found several I have been interested in...mostly 75-77 extended cab or 4 door models....anyway, the one I am most interested in is in Seattle WA...I am in Central Iowa. I was curious what you thought about the elevation/tuning and driving it that far. Not sure what the elevation is there, or here but I am sure it will get pretty darn high at many points in between. Any worries? Precautions? Thanks....hopefully I actually buy this one!

Jan 15, 2005 | 09:28 PM

jmoore1045

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From: oakville,wa

Lots of mountains and steep passes between seattle and you.
Winter driving can mean closed roads and lots of whiteouts.

Jan 15, 2005 | 09:45 PM

polarbear

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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore

Once you're past Helena, Mt, you're almost home free! You'd be driving sea-level to sea-level, but with the Cascades and the Rockies in between. Shouldn't have to worry about tuning anything (if it's a northwest truck, it's plenty used to mountains, trust me), but winter weather is the biggest concern. Fortunately, most of the drive is on I-90, and they keep it in pretty good shape.

Jan 15, 2005 | 09:56 PM

big hoss 29

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From: Billings Montana

I agree. If you go from Seattle to Iowa, you shouldn't have to touch a thing. I came from Reno Nv which is around 4500 ft to Billings Mt which is around 3000 ft and it was super easy to tune it for this altitude. Of course, I also took off all the smog crap and played with the timing a little, but it runs great.

Jan 15, 2005 | 10:46 PM

mtflat

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From: Kalispell, MT

I'd run I-90 also. You've got 2 passes in Montana, 2 in Idaho and a couple in Washington.

If the truck isn't 4x4 be sure to have some weight (200 lbs of sandbags) in the back and have a set of chains along for the tires that are on the truck. If you're not familiar with them, they are specific to a tire size range. Fairly easy to install. Some of the passes require their use in winter. Passes are basically long steep hills - typically 5-8 miles of 6% grades with curves. Snow levels increase with elevation - usually. Take it easy on the downhills - they can be tougher than uphill. Montana has some long stretches between fuel stops even on the interstate. Fill up when you can.

Jan 16, 2005 | 02:43 AM

Ford_Six

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: The Big, Oregon

I drove here from Connecticut in a carbureted truck, no problems. If anything happens, it will go rich in the mountains due to less air. To be honest, though, with the weather this year, you've got a really good chance of being stuck on a closed road. The weather is so unpredictable, it could be nice one day, get up the next morning and you're snowed in at the hotel. If this is a truck you have a limited time to get, I've got a parking space you're more than welcome to have until spring.

Jan 16, 2005 | 05:08 AM

tmyers

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Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Everett, Wa

I have ran between NE Missouri and Seattle almost every Christmas for the last 25 years. I have yet to get caught in a road closure. I run I-80 most of the time. Last year was close and I have just been ahead of the gate closing but for the most part it has always been smooth sailing other than sometimes its just too cold.

Tips, regardless of route. Get gas at truck stops and ask questions about road conditions. If weather is bad don't drop below half a tank. Plan your trip if at all possible based on the ten day forecast. If the jet stream is normal, meaning east to west and its fairly north then I-80 is the better choice. If it dips south though I-90 maybe better if moisture is coming out of the south. The normal safety items, chains, flares, blankets, etc. One thing also to take is a piece of cardboard. It can get cold, I have gone through Wyoming when it was 40 below. If you want heat in the cab you will need to cover the radiator. You can attach it with fine wire. Watch you temp gage and open it up abit if you start to run to hot though I never had that problem with my 73 van.