Transcontinental Ride of the Old Dogs
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From: Eugene
Transcontinental Ride of the Old Dogs
I’m going to attempt a ride from Eugene, OR to New York City in my 1977, F250, 2wd, Supercab, Longbed, 460, C 6 with the Trailer Special package towing a 6’ x 6’ x 10’ cargo trailer. Between the tongue weight and the stuff in the bed, I'll have more thana 2000 pounds on the truck. That would be over 7100 pounds for the truck only, which is OK, it's well below its GVWR of 8100 lbs.
The trailer will loaded right up to its GVWR of 2950 lbs. So there will be a total of about 5 tons going down the road. I bought the F250 from the original owners. It was specifically ordered by them to tow a 5<SUP>th</SUP> wheel RV. It has 83K miles on it now. I’ve put about 2000 miles on it in the last 15 months. There is a question coming, please put up with a little more background information. The vehicle had good care up to the last 4 years of their ownership. Since I’ve had it, I’ve replaced the brake pads and shoes, plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, air filter, and, of course, oil and filter and chassis lubes. The truck has old 16.5 inch wheels and tires. The tires seem OK in that they aren't checked or cracked and don’t leak; they have just enough tread for the ride. I want to make them last the trip. The cooling system is pretty good – no leaks and the gage is in the middle during steady-state summer highway driving. The gage does move towards HOT on steep off road upgrades, but by using second gear and turning the heater on maximum it doesn’t overheat.
I’m going to carry tools, water, oil, duct tape, etc.
I would appreciate comments on what I may have missed in my preparation for this trip. And, I’m the other old dog.
The trailer will loaded right up to its GVWR of 2950 lbs. So there will be a total of about 5 tons going down the road. I bought the F250 from the original owners. It was specifically ordered by them to tow a 5<SUP>th</SUP> wheel RV. It has 83K miles on it now. I’ve put about 2000 miles on it in the last 15 months. There is a question coming, please put up with a little more background information. The vehicle had good care up to the last 4 years of their ownership. Since I’ve had it, I’ve replaced the brake pads and shoes, plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, air filter, and, of course, oil and filter and chassis lubes. The truck has old 16.5 inch wheels and tires. The tires seem OK in that they aren't checked or cracked and don’t leak; they have just enough tread for the ride. I want to make them last the trip. The cooling system is pretty good – no leaks and the gage is in the middle during steady-state summer highway driving. The gage does move towards HOT on steep off road upgrades, but by using second gear and turning the heater on maximum it doesn’t overheat.
I’m going to carry tools, water, oil, duct tape, etc.
I would appreciate comments on what I may have missed in my preparation for this trip. And, I’m the other old dog.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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might be concerned with the tires, depending on age and how hot it will be for the trip
if it was me, I would replace them before the trip, you are going to soon anyway if there is only enough tread for the trip
if you have a failure on the road, not much chance to tire shop for a good deal, and the risk of other damage is possible also
if it was me, I would replace them before the trip, you are going to soon anyway if there is only enough tread for the trip
if you have a failure on the road, not much chance to tire shop for a good deal, and the risk of other damage is possible also
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From: Alabama
Snacks! And agree with brownfoot, consider spare tires at least, on the rims ready to go, and definitely spare(s) for the trailer. Belts, extra vacuum lines, camera, Sun Glasses! Enjoy the trip, and have fun!
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From: Eugene
Thanks for the advice so far.
I'll get belts. I am going to try and make the tires last. I'll keep them inflated at the specified 75 psi (unladen I inflate to 50). The spare holds air. If I need a tire on the road I'll try for a used one. I don't want to buy new tires because I'm going to sell my truck as soon as I get to NYC. The trailer is new and came with a spare. I'd like to take my floor jack, but it's too big and heavy. I am going to get the "Plus" upgrade to my AAA for the extended towing and they can do the tire changes.
I didn't mention how limited my range will be. The rear gas tank has not been used for many years and I don't have the time or the inclination to pump out the nastiness that's in there, so I'll use just the front tank, stop often, and carry and extra 5 gal. Oregon has two stretches of more than 100 miles without gasoline stations, so the hardest part will be right in the begining. I have been getting about 8 mpg. Highway driving would make it better, but the heavy load and the extra wind resistance of the trailer make me think 8 mpg is a good estimate.
I'll get belts. I am going to try and make the tires last. I'll keep them inflated at the specified 75 psi (unladen I inflate to 50). The spare holds air. If I need a tire on the road I'll try for a used one. I don't want to buy new tires because I'm going to sell my truck as soon as I get to NYC. The trailer is new and came with a spare. I'd like to take my floor jack, but it's too big and heavy. I am going to get the "Plus" upgrade to my AAA for the extended towing and they can do the tire changes.
I didn't mention how limited my range will be. The rear gas tank has not been used for many years and I don't have the time or the inclination to pump out the nastiness that's in there, so I'll use just the front tank, stop often, and carry and extra 5 gal. Oregon has two stretches of more than 100 miles without gasoline stations, so the hardest part will be right in the begining. I have been getting about 8 mpg. Highway driving would make it better, but the heavy load and the extra wind resistance of the trailer make me think 8 mpg is a good estimate.
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From: Huntington WV
Get you a bottle jack an put back there an what bout a emergency road side bag & a extra cell phone battery & phone cards if needed. An some fluids like brake fluid oil an so on first aid kit sun screen an sunglasses spare tire an go over truck & trailer real good an check all lights. Why are you going to sell the truck you buying another one just like it or just don't need it anymore?
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From: Halifx Pa
I would get an extra ignition control module, the cheaper ones are $25-$30 and you mentioned heat being an issue. I think it had been mentioned, but some extra water/antifreeze, tools, tape, wire, bottle jack, lug wrench, fuel filter, or how about coveralls if you would have to crawl under it and fix something so you can be on your way without further delay. Hoses, hose clamps, just when you think you can use the same one again, it fails. Sometimes the AAA guys can be backed up and may be a while till they get to you.
Also, take plenty of pictures and document the trip, and post your exerience in this thread! You didn't mention when you were leaving, also if you don't mind what is taking you to NYC? Job, divorice, new love, running from the law?
Also, take plenty of pictures and document the trip, and post your exerience in this thread! You didn't mention when you were leaving, also if you don't mind what is taking you to NYC? Job, divorice, new love, running from the law?
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I would think about getting the radiator flushed and put some fresh antifreeze in there before you hit the road. think it only runs about 50 or 60 bucks at an oil change place. beats the hell out of being stuck on the side of the road for overheating.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Friendswood, TX
Sounds like a fun adventure - I'm jealous. Like some of the others above, I believe new tires would make the trip much more enjoyable and safe. Even if you just got a set of used wheels and cheap, tubeless tires, you'd be much better off. If you're selling the truck later, the right set of tires and wheels can make the truck much more appealling.
With as much weight as you're going to be pulling and hauling, old minimum tread-depth bias-ply tires and a panic stop in the rain would be a bad combination.
With as much weight as you're going to be pulling and hauling, old minimum tread-depth bias-ply tires and a panic stop in the rain would be a bad combination.
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