Apprehensive about long trip
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 372
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Apprehensive about long trip
I'm a bit apprehensive about traveling almost 5000 miles round trip to pick up a travel trailer with my 2004 F250 (5.4L) that has about 135k miles on it. The truck runs fine with absolutely no indication of mechanical problems but the thought of breaking down somewhere concerns me. I suppose I'm asking here, would you do it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
If you're nervous, look into AAA or some similar roadside assistance, preferably one that can handle the trailer too. That can give you some piece of mind.
If you've been performing the recommended maintenance, this trip should be no problem. Check your brakes and shocks before you leave, then enjoy the trip. If you haven't been doing the maintenance, then fluids, filters, belt, plugs, should be done before the trip.
If you've been performing the recommended maintenance, this trip should be no problem. Check your brakes and shocks before you leave, then enjoy the trip. If you haven't been doing the maintenance, then fluids, filters, belt, plugs, should be done before the trip.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 1
+1 for what Chris said. If your truck mechanically sound and you've done all recommended maintenance, then you should be good to go. AAA or some other roadside assistance is always a good idea. I had to use mine last spring when the fuel pump gave out; you just never know.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks for the positive reinforcement. I forgot to mention that we do have AAA with RV coverage. It's their Premier version or whatever they call it. I'm not so much worried about breaking down as I am about having to face major repairs en route. I'm much more comfortable with the prospect closer to home. I just had the transmission and rear end fluids changed and there were no signs of excessive wear or problems. I haven't had the plugs changed so that would be a good idea. I'm the second owner of this truck and have no idea of its maintenance history. But every indication is that it was properly maintained.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
something to keep in mind..
5000miles driving around the city in stop n go traffic is alot harder on your truck then 5000miles on the interstates..
if ur truck is running fine round town, i wouldnt bat a eye about taking it on a road trip...
5000miles driving around the city in stop n go traffic is alot harder on your truck then 5000miles on the interstates..
if ur truck is running fine round town, i wouldnt bat a eye about taking it on a road trip...
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I would get the cooling system serviced, and get all the belts and hoses checked out. If they are all in good order, the chances of a serious breakdown are very slim.
Also since you are concerned, I would replace just about every fluid, I noticed you recently replaced some. Do an oil change first. Since you are towing, and going 5,000 miles, I recommend a full synthetic just to be safe. Now might be a good time to do power steering fluid, and has you brake fluid been replaced (you should do that at least every couple years). Overall, these trucks are extremely reliable, and at 135,000, you truck is still almost new.
Also since you are concerned, I would replace just about every fluid, I noticed you recently replaced some. Do an oil change first. Since you are towing, and going 5,000 miles, I recommend a full synthetic just to be safe. Now might be a good time to do power steering fluid, and has you brake fluid been replaced (you should do that at least every couple years). Overall, these trucks are extremely reliable, and at 135,000, you truck is still almost new.
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Posting Guru
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Besides what has already been said, I would let someone else know the route you are taking, just in case. Or just let us know here at FTE. If you are anywhere near Montgomery County PA and you have trouble, call me up. If you are coming this way, PM me and I will give you my cell phone number. I am sure others on this site would do the same.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
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From: Huntersville, NC
The only recommendation I have is IF you have any repairs performed on your truck, then don't have the repairs performed the day before the trip. I remember years ago having a my 280Z repaired the day before I left for Atlanta... got 50 miles down I85 and realized the dealership didn't do the repair properly. I had to turn around and cancel my trip. I think you need at least a week after all repairs are performed to know that you are good to go.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Southern California
Most Certainly!
First I would like to qualify myself by letting you know I just got finished driving from Forida to Cali (2700 Mi) in an F250 I just bought. Below are the steps I took just last week.
I agree with everyone's posting. I would make sure you have at least one number for someone in each state that you will be in if possible. If you will be middling out in California I would be more than willing to help.
At least a couple days before your trip (so things can work in):
Most of all you can relax in knowing that you have us all behind you.
I agree with everyone's posting. I would make sure you have at least one number for someone in each state that you will be in if possible. If you will be middling out in California I would be more than willing to help.
At least a couple days before your trip (so things can work in):
- Change your oil, check your fluids, grease your fittings.
- Have all hoses and belts checked
- Cooling system service
- Trans service if it hasn't en done in the past 25,000 mi (you are going to be very hard on this trans for 2500 mi.)
- Have your brakes checked (you are pulling a trailer!)
- If you have Costco have your tires filled with nitrogen and check the tires out (no nails etc) Nitrogen will help your tires run a little cooler and be less likely to leak even if you get a nail. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR SPARE!
- Test your trailer light hookups and make sure they are good. When you pick up the trailer you will know to start from there and won't be worried about your rig's connections
- Pick up a couple of 5 hour energy drinks for the glove box. This is invaluable if you start worrying that you might doze off.
- If you are not using synthetic, you may want to change oil again at the halfway point.
Most of all you can relax in knowing that you have us all behind you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Have a great trip. If you are going through SC let me know. I'm not real busy the next few weeks and would be glad to be on call for you.
Your truck will be fine.
Don't forget to keep an eye and check out your trailer tires. I have more issues with trailer tires than anything else! If they are bias-ply you can expect to get 5,000 miles out of them before the tread comes off. Rubber valve stems are notorious for dry rotting and leaking where they meet the metal of the steel rim. I always replace with the metal valve stems for this reason.
Your truck will be fine.
Don't forget to keep an eye and check out your trailer tires. I have more issues with trailer tires than anything else! If they are bias-ply you can expect to get 5,000 miles out of them before the tread comes off. Rubber valve stems are notorious for dry rotting and leaking where they meet the metal of the steel rim. I always replace with the metal valve stems for this reason.