Getting ready for a trip...
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Vincennes, IN
Getting ready for a trip...
Getting ready to pack up the clothes and cat and drive up to IN from South FL. What little things should I put on my to-do list? I've bled the clutch, I am going to flush the power steering. Considering changing out all fluids with synthetics, but not sure if it's worth the $$.
Other than the obvious 'change the oil' type stuff, if you guys were about to pack up your tools and know that DIY maintenance is off limits for a while, and you're facing a 1100-mile trip alone, what little maintenance things would you do?
Other than the obvious 'change the oil' type stuff, if you guys were about to pack up your tools and know that DIY maintenance is off limits for a while, and you're facing a 1100-mile trip alone, what little maintenance things would you do?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 0
From: Los Alamos
Belts and hoses. At the very least have spares and the means to change them. Check your spare tire, set your tire pressure all the way around. (ever got a flat, pulled out the spare and noticed the valve stem has cracked and deflated? I have...never again) Fill your window washer fluid. Spare fuses..
just my opinion, change out the diffs and t-case fluids with a good synthetic.. It sure won't hurt you. A little cost up front sometimes saves a lot over the long run.
just my opinion, change out the diffs and t-case fluids with a good synthetic.. It sure won't hurt you. A little cost up front sometimes saves a lot over the long run.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Hillsboro, OR
I have done this before myself. Even though you are packing up your tools, keep a small box or bag with the basics available (screwdrivers, wrenches (3/8 to 7/8), hammer, sockets, pliers, etc.). If you have new belts and hoses, and they have been tested for a month or so, you should not need any spares. Carry a gallon of washer fluid and antifreeze (mixed). At least two quarts of oil. Good tires and make sure your jack is lubed and works. The stock jacks can rust up sitting in the engine compartment. If you have air, rou may want to buzz your lug nuts off and on to make sure none of them are stuck. If no air, take the truck to a tire shop to have the tires rotated. My Les Schwab does it free. Jumper cables and fuses are a must. I even carry a 15 foot tow rope because you just never know.
As long as the truck is in good mechanical shape, you should be fine. Have a great trip.
As long as the truck is in good mechanical shape, you should be fine. Have a great trip.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Toasty FLORIDA
Well man lets face it your leaving from Florida make sure your heater works cause brother I just came back from the carolinas and its freezin. check the tires, belts houses, coolant level antifreez, make sure all the bearing are nice and lubed up, sure all the lights are working properly few cc for gas, load up your mp3 player. and the best of luck to you.
