Hard to disagree with parents that are just trying to protect their kid, however I think it totally depends on the particular people involved. I agree that a trip like that is not a great idea for some 17 year olds. I've read a ton of your posts, and I've seen comments about you being younger and stuff, but until I saw this particular post I never looked at your profile to see that you're only 17 or 18. SOME people that age are train wrecks, I wouldn't trust them in town, let alone on a long road trip. You come across as very mature and put together, I'm sure you'd do fine on the trip. Think of it this way. Parents let their kids about your age drive 1000-plus miles to go on spring break, most with, um...not the best intents in mind lol. I was one of them. I bet most of you guys were too <chuckle>. This trip your talking about is just a road trip to get the best tranny money can buy, and see some friends. Sounds fine to me.

Now, I certainly see their point and it's valid. I am sure that if you plan it out, let them know the route, when you expect to be certain places, timeframes, etc, and stay in touch - you'll be fine. I have to assume your parents have their heads on straight because you're a product of their efforts and you seem to be a stand-up guy. Like others said, if a buddy can go for the ride, all the better too. If I was in your area, I'd give you some dough and tag along - love to go to BTS!

Be safe and have a great trip!

 

Best advice yet.

 

Kris try typing out an itinerary of where you will be when and contact numbers for each stop. Also agree to call them frequently on the road so that they know nothing has happened. Also maybe the purchase of a sprint EVDO card for your laptop so you can stay in touch with them and us. Also check out the roadside help network and fine people that may be close to your route.

Heck take your dad I'll bet he would have a blast even if he doesn't think so.

 

Awww Alan, I liked the old avatar better.

Bring back Yoda! Autoenginuity screen shot is booooooooooooorrrrriiiiinnnggggg....

 

Very Matrix.

Kris,

At your age I would have done whatever I wanted, I see now that I've mad many bad decsisions as a youth and could have saved my mother a lot of grief. Buddy system is definitly the way to go.

 

That's too funny. Same story here (I have a younger brother and I'm 28 though). But anytime I go 3 hrs. away (200 miles to MY own house from home), she wants me to call her and let her know I made it. Hell, she's been in a Ford household for more than 33 years....she knows I won't have any trouble on the road!!

Kris,

My parents were the exact same way. I was never in any sort of trouble for anything when I was younger and I was the most mature of any of my friends in school but my folks were always a little apprehensive about "loosening the leash" so to speak. I guess it didn't matter though because I would rather stay at home and work in the shop than go "cruise drag" and party.

All that changed when I graduated school. I took a slightly different path (Army) so my whole family got a wake up call when I was 6 days into my 18th b-day and heading off to basic training for 2 months and specialized training for another 2 months. I saw my family for 2 weeks and was headed off to S. Korea for 12 months.......that was tough. But I'm a better person for it.

Now that you know what you really didn't need to, and you're only going to be gone for a WEEK, I think you'll do OK. I have never been to the E. coast and I'm sure the traffic there is stupid-insane, but 1100 miles one way isn't really that big of deal....except that it probably takes 3 times as long as it does here. 1100 miles is a full-day trip here.

Think of it this way, mom and dad:
Kris knows the inside and outside of that truck better than anyone. He knows how it reacts to most situations that could ever be encountered on the road. He seems to have his act together better than most 25+ year olds. A little more responsibility is to be had when he's making his own decisions out there...and I have no doubt that he'll make the right one.

Peace out, girlscout!!

 

Kris:

I am the father of 6 children who range in age from 7 to 18 (boys 18, 14, 10, and 9 - girls 17, and 7). My oldest son is an Eagle Scout and, like you, is well above his age group in a lot of maturity areas.... but not all! My oldest duaghter has always come across to people outside the family as extremely mature for her age, which, again, she is in many ways. Here's the point with what I just said... both my oldest children (and you), regardless of how mature they (and you) are in many ways, in a lot of other ways they and you still have a lot of growing up to do... that's not a slam by any means - just a reality that you need to keep in mind. In fact, I can easily assume that you already have that in mind due to how you've approached this situation with the openness and forthrightness demonstrated in your initial quest for our thoughts.

Brandon, too, has made an excellent point. I won't get religious on you here, but there are so many life principles that are addressed in the Bible that this one pops right out in front of me... "Honor your parents in everything...". It is also an issue that I have struggled with personally for many years because I remain under that same obligation even as an adult, because there is no time limit specified in the command. For me, I have had to figure out ways to honor my folks in spite of the fact that they are not always "honorable" individuals. Believe me, Kris... that command is so packed with truth that most of us will never understand the true value of obeying its principle. Bottom line here is that if you choose to honor them, you will never regret it becuase your relationship with them far outweighs the potential value of any transmission or any other truck-related issue. If they continue to insist on "No", don't do it. Choose to trust their age and wisdom, even if you disagree.

One additional thought I have is that I, personally, believe that it is up to you to convince your Dad about the situation, if you can. At that point, I believe it is up to himi to convince your Mom... not you. Now, admittedly, your home may not operate under that type of arrangement, and if it doesn't, then my opinion won't help on this point.

My wife and I have also recently had to begin "letting go" more and more with my 18yo son, and it's not easy. There is always a balance of competing issues at hand. My son has been faithful to always accept our decision, and has never once come back to us later without thanking us. It is hard saying "no" to your children sometimes. Sometimes we can explain why... other times we can't because it is based on something that isn't tangible, like a "funny feeling", or "gut instict", etc., which I know that our children hate to hear.

I'll go back for a moment to what I started with.... chose to honor your folks and you cannot go wrong. Most importantly, let them know that you'll abide by their decision... that you're willing to let go of your heart's desire to please them. What they want from you, whether or not they can or do express it, is your respect for their age, wisdom, and authority. There is no better way to demonstrate it than by obedience. There is no better way to destroy it than by selfish rebellion. If you end up not going, you may never know the true reason why they were impressed to restrain you.

Keep this question in mind, Kris, whenever you are faced with any decision. It has helped me, and contains the potential to help you as well. Ask yourself this...

"Which choice am I most likely to regret 40 years from now?"

I hope this helps, Kris.

 

But the Parents also have to Honor and respect your choices and wants in life.
RESPECT is very big, I just hope your parents can see your view. heck you saved up the Money for the trip and the BTS, you are obviouly serious and if you get caught screwing around where it might affect your Pride and joy (your truck) I think they would be more apt to not let you go. but that don't seem the case. You are on a MISSION. and of course when you go, Have fun and enjoy the trip. Road trippin can be a blast. as much as you know aobut your truck, I am sure there will be no truck issues. Just Retards on the road.
Good luck and have a great trip. I would join you, but Montana is a little bit out of the way. but if you can take a buddy, that surely would help. Like said before I am also an Eagle scout and my mom trust me, but I earned it over time. Buddy system is sure a helpful comfort to all invlolved.

 

oh, and dont forget MTDew to keep you awake. lol.

 

What everyone has said so far is very good advice. I myself travel around for work. It is hard on my wife and of course my mom whenever I leave town. Its funny though my mom calls more than my wife does! She ends up calling so much I get upset with her and tell her " mom I am 30 you dont have to baby me any more." Just remember if you dont go then you could just get the trans shipped to you. But I understand sometimes you feel like you need to do things. Try to take someone with you, is the best advice. Why dont you show them a map of your route and then where some other FTE members live, just in case you do need help. Thy might think you put more thought into this trip than they think you did. But if that is still not good enough for your mom then just dont go. Sometimes you have to do things you dont like to. Just respect thier decision!

 

Kris, I say this with a degree of wanderlust still rambling about in the back of my head. My folks would have NEVER let me go do something like that. Which is why I never told them.
When I was a soph in college, I had a gal I liked real well who had gone to school all the way down in Dallas. I'd never been too far away solo. Always family vacation stuff. But I was going to go. I had no idea what I would do if I had problems, I had barely enough gas money for the round trip, I had an 82 Buick that I thought (hoped) would make it.
To this day, I look back on that little exercise in independence as one of the brightest little stunts I ever pulled.
I don't want to get cliche about cutting apron strings, but theres definately something to be said in my mind about just deciding I'm old enough to be capable of doing this, and doing it. No offense or anything to your folks. I have 3 kids now, and completely understand their apprehensions.
It would be a great trip, Everyone here can tell from your interactions that you're not some schmuck who's going to get into issues. Like you said, you'll get to do a little networking, pursue a little dream, get some wanderlust taken care of, make a couple of new friends, and a week later you'll have this little gift that won't be completely obvious until you've gotten ten years away from it and can look back at it from a distance.
Never never never be apprehensive about pursuing something you think is worthwhile, and never shy away from a calculated risk. You'll ALWAYS come out ahead on life's batting average.
Tell you ma sorry. I gotta go against her, but I do it with a virtual pat on the shoulder sayin "don't you worry a lick."

 

I am highly impressed by how you carry yourself and what you have done to your truck for being so young. Todays youth have lost that respect for there elders and you have not!! Kudos on that and stay with it. I totally understand you concerns, I am a father of 20yr boy, 17yr girl, 14 boy, 11yr boy and a 6yr girl. The oldest is out on his own and have run into this same problem. He wanted to do a road trip but I was against it, but he came up with a solid plan with all the details and he called me every night. He did run into problems and I flew down to help and ended up sending some good quality time with him on the road before I flew home. As parents we can only protect our kids so far, but they do need to grow and expierence life for themselves. All we can do is hope that we have raised them to the best of our abilities, that they will make the right choices. Yes they will make bad ones and we need to stand beside them and continue to help them to grow as my dad did with me. I have been in the Navy for 25yrs now and any time she sees troop deploying or that I have to deploy my mom still gets all out of shape about it. I am the oldest of 4 and 43 yrs old. So I do understand where you are coming from, and your parents. What ever you decide it must be your decision and nobodies elses. Right or wrong you will make the right choice for you. If that makes any sense. All I have left to say is have a good plan and back ups, such as routes, alternate ones too, cell phone, extra money, call home alot to ease your mom, and most of all "DO NOT GO ALONE" Have a buddy with you!! If you do go gives us the details of your trip and have fun. I am still amazed of the respect you have for your parents!!! I know they are proud of you as I am sure the rest of are!! Good luck in your decision!!

 

Kris,

Like many of the other guys in here, I have two kids, boy 13 and girl 16. Girl is a rebel, took mom's car for a little ride up the street this week. No licsence, no insurance. She is definately the adventureous type and will only learn through her own mistakes. I think you have heard enough stories about our adventures at your age. I hope you can sit down with your parents and get their ok. I really think that in your mom's heart she knows you are a good young man and hopefully after she does some thoughtful searching she will come to the conclusion that she cannot protect you forever. Unfortunately, as you are experiencing now, women tend to react more from emotion than from logic. As F250 says, it is really up to your dad to bring some logic to that emotion. It will be good for you to make the trip. You do need another driver though. As many times as I've done a 2,000 mile stretch on my own, I wouldn't let my kid do that.

If you learn anything from this Kris, learn from how your mom thinks and that will save you a lot of heartache in later life, if you know what I mean. Give her a big hug, tell her you love her, but that her boy is growing up and she can help him become a man by giving him the opportunity to rely on his own strength and his solid upbringing. If that doesn't work, then as hard as it is, you will have to look down the road and be patient. Again, another life lesson. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

If mama's not happy,nobody's happy.

 

Kris,
Come up with a plan. Sit down with your parents and plot out your course of travel, where you are going to stay and use only main roads. Make sure you are using the most up to date road map. Taking a friend is an excellent idea, 1100 miles is a long trip by yourself. Your parents want to make sure you are safe, and of course they are going to be worried. I'm 29 and my Mom still gets worried. It will never end, she is your Mother. I do recommend getting a road side service AAA or through your insurance company, also the 7point3 road side service show your parents the list of names and numbers. When you start your trip give your parents a call, when you stop for the night give them a call. Not to check in but as a courtesy that you are ok. This will help ease their minds. I hope everything works out for you. If, after you have explained your plan and your parents still do not want you to go please RESPECT their wishes. Good luck, this trip is something you will never forget.