tow it or drive it?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 285
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From: Glendora, CA
tow it or drive it?
Ok guys...going to be moving back to CA from CO in 3 weeks. A tow dolly from Penske is $325. I'm going 1250 miles, give or take a few. My Expy has 155K on it, don't know how it was kept. If you have to choose...which would you do...rent the trailer and lift all 4 off the ground for the trip? Or drive it? I'm thinking gas vs trailer is about the same...even at 13mpg. Is it worth risking blowing something up, since we just really bought it a couple months ago and have no idea on maintenance records?
And yeah...I know, physically the Expy will fit on the trailer...but yeah...a bit on the heavy end. 4x4 XLT '99. Their trailers are rated at 4,055lbs. I'm thinking fill it full of helium! LMAO!
And yeah...I know, physically the Expy will fit on the trailer...but yeah...a bit on the heavy end. 4x4 XLT '99. Their trailers are rated at 4,055lbs. I'm thinking fill it full of helium! LMAO!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 169
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
I say drive it... good time for a "shake down" cruise...give her a fresh oil change before hand, hit I-70 or up to I-80 and go....
this is just me(i've done this before when i bought a high mile car and took a long trip with it, when it was "new" to me); i'd give her another oil change at the end of the trip also just to see how the oil looked at the end of the trip....(at least in my experience, oil change places will let you look at a cup of oil that comes out)
in good weather both 70 & 80 are nice rides!
this is just me(i've done this before when i bought a high mile car and took a long trip with it, when it was "new" to me); i'd give her another oil change at the end of the trip also just to see how the oil looked at the end of the trip....(at least in my experience, oil change places will let you look at a cup of oil that comes out)
in good weather both 70 & 80 are nice rides!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 4
From: Media, PA
I agree on driving it. Change the oil & filter before leaving, make sure all the fluids are topped-off, tire pressures are good and head west! Doing this will allow you to get a feel for the Expy and, as makomarine mentioned, a good "shake down" run. Good luck on your trip. Let us know how you made out once you get to CA.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 667
Likes: 28
I just made the same trip but from New Mexico. I fully agree with the other guys to drive her. Get it fully serviced up and let it her go. Best way to get a feel for "ol' girl" and learn the nuances of the one you bought. Its also quite comfortable driving these beasts cross country and its way safer than putting it up on a dolly. I rented a Uhaul 6x12' trailer with 2280lbs of household items and was truckin 75-80MPH down I-40 without a care in the world. These trucks were made to haul people and cargo (well depending on your tow package, Dunno if you have the HD tow package like my 03' but still you should be able to tow something if you soo desire to or not). It's gonna be a great trip man so enjoy it and above all......DRIVE SAFE AND WATCH OUT FOR CRAZY DRIVERS LOL.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 285
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From: Glendora, CA
I just made the same trip but from New Mexico. I fully agree with the other guys to drive her. Get it fully serviced up and let it her go. Best way to get a feel for "ol' girl" and learn the nuances of the one you bought. Its also quite comfortable driving these beasts cross country and its way safer than putting it up on a dolly. I rented a Uhaul 6x12' trailer with 2280lbs of household items and was truckin 75-80MPH down I-40 without a care in the world. These trucks were made to haul people and cargo (well depending on your tow package, Dunno if you have the HD tow package like my 03' but still you should be able to tow something if you soo desire to or not). It's gonna be a great trip man so enjoy it and above all......DRIVE SAFE AND WATCH OUT FOR CRAZY DRIVERS LOL.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
Thanks guys! It is a consideration...we are wondering if we will have enough drivers as well! Good chance we might have to tow a small trailer and follow the Penske 26' anyway!
Anyhow, yeah, she is built to tow. 3.73s, HD everything, trans cooler, tow package, etc...so no worries there. I figure on $100 for a trans flush & Filter/ plus oil change if I do it myself. I also need to service the cooling system...has a small pinhole leak in the top of the radiator that a tube of Alumaseal fixed. Also, my remote filter lines are leaking pretty good too.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Glendora, CA
I just made the same trip but from New Mexico. I fully agree with the other guys to drive her. Get it fully serviced up and let it her go. Best way to get a feel for "ol' girl" and learn the nuances of the one you bought. Its also quite comfortable driving these beasts cross country and its way safer than putting it up on a dolly. I rented a Uhaul 6x12' trailer with 2280lbs of household items and was truckin 75-80MPH down I-40 without a care in the world. These trucks were made to haul people and cargo (well depending on your tow package, Dunno if you have the HD tow package like my 03' but still you should be able to tow something if you soo desire to or not). It's gonna be a great trip man so enjoy it and above all......DRIVE SAFE AND WATCH OUT FOR CRAZY DRIVERS LOL.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
If thats her in the Sig she looks very clean and sharp. Good buy dude.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Michigan Det ToThe Soo!
ya... i forgot.. like dk said, although i never used BG; however,
i've had great luck over the last few years with lucas engine treatment in the gas tank before a trip like that.... (might be mental but seem to get much better gas mileage also, cleaning all the Crapola out of the injectors that built up, heck for $5 it can't hurt)
keep us posted, good luck and let 'er roll!!....
edit: wow, just did a search on that bg44k that stuff is 3times the lucas price! you be the ginnypig for this thread during your trip and use that stuff, then report back to us!... LOL..
i've had great luck over the last few years with lucas engine treatment in the gas tank before a trip like that.... (might be mental but seem to get much better gas mileage also, cleaning all the Crapola out of the injectors that built up, heck for $5 it can't hurt)
keep us posted, good luck and let 'er roll!!....
edit: wow, just did a search on that bg44k that stuff is 3times the lucas price! you be the ginnypig for this thread during your trip and use that stuff, then report back to us!... LOL..
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Elder User
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I really don't think you should drive it. Its got way too many miles on it to take a trip like that.
Now Me on the other hand... I am going from Detroit to Chicago to Key West, Fl. & back to Detroit with my 97 (179,000+) and would take my wifes 99 (216,000+) if it was set up to do the work I have to do.
I do know I wouldn't have bought a vehicle that I didn't believe wouldn't go another 1200 miles without dieing.
Now Me on the other hand... I am going from Detroit to Chicago to Key West, Fl. & back to Detroit with my 97 (179,000+) and would take my wifes 99 (216,000+) if it was set up to do the work I have to do.
I do know I wouldn't have bought a vehicle that I didn't believe wouldn't go another 1200 miles without dieing.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Glendora, CA
I really don't think you should drive it. Its got way too many miles on it to take a trip like that.
Now Me on the other hand... I am going from Detroit to Chicago to Key West, Fl. & back to Detroit with my 97 (179,000+) and would take my wifes 99 (216,000+) if it was set up to do the work I have to do.
I do know I wouldn't have bought a vehicle that I didn't believe wouldn't go another 1200 miles without dieing.
Now Me on the other hand... I am going from Detroit to Chicago to Key West, Fl. & back to Detroit with my 97 (179,000+) and would take my wifes 99 (216,000+) if it was set up to do the work I have to do.
I do know I wouldn't have bought a vehicle that I didn't believe wouldn't go another 1200 miles without dieing.
Alright...so anyway....here we go.
It needs:
- Cooling system flush
- Trans flush & filter
- Oil change
- fuel filter (driver side frame rail someplace?)
- Diff #1 & #2 and Tcase oil changes
- some crap in the gas tank
- anything else that is serious?