what prep (for a truck) is needed for a 2000 mile trip?

[SarcasticDwarf]

I will be driving my 97 Dodge Ram 1500 (V8) towing a Uhaul for 2000 miles this winter. Other than a complete fluid flush, what should be done before and after?

 

[pyonir]

I'd have the tranny looked at and brakes. Tires all good?

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: pyonir
I'd have the tranny looked at and brakes. Tires all good?

Yeah, although 3 of them have been repaired (scrap yards=bad), they still have a lot of life on them.

 

[pyonir]

Are you moving from AZ for good? where ya goin?

 

[d33pt]

i'd add a tranny cooler if it's an auto

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: d33pt
i'd add a tranny cooler if it's an auto

cost? links?

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: pyonir
Are you moving from AZ for good? where ya goin?

I will be moving to Wisconsin (from AZ). I hope it is not for good, but I don't seem to have too much control over my life at the moment.

 

[pyonir]

wow. I'm originally from Minnesota before i moved here to AZ. what part of WI? enjoy the cheese! and packers! hahahahahah

 

[amdskip]

examples of trans coolersYou can mount them on the radiator if you can't find a spot with good enough air flow for it. Definately helps cool the tranny and puts less wear and tear on it. I'd also personally change over to synthetic tranny fluid.

 

[IamElectro]

Change the oil, check the belts and besure to check your radiator fluid for the proper antifreeze mix for the colder weather..

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

gas

 

[thedarkwolf]

Take some extra water and oil just incase. Check all your radiator hoses.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: IamElectro
Change the oil, check the belts and besure to check your radiator fluid for the proper antifreeze mix for the colder weather..

Pretty much sums it up.

Check your tires too.

 

Here is a list of what I do to any one of my vehicles before a long trip ;

Change all fluids

Rotate tires and check pressure (Spare as well)

Check brakes

Check lights including emergenncy flashers


I carry the following incase of an emergency ;

Oil

Antifreeze

Toolkit

Road flares

WD40

Radiator stop leak

Fix-A-Flat

AAA Card and Cell Phone



Since you are towing a trailer I would also recommend that you carry a spare for the trailer as well

 

[teckmaster]

if you don't already have one, I'd put a toneau cover on the bed of the truck. It helps get rid of drag, thus, better gas mileage.