Forum Discussion

mountainsam's avatar
mountainsam
Explorer
Sep 12, 2013

long, long trip with old truck

We are planning a very long trip with our new 8000 lb 5er. Leaving northern CA and ending in Maine and return. We have an 05 Dodge with Cummings diesel and automatic transmission. I had a Banks engine brake installed. We have owned this truck since new and have had it serviced as manufacturer recommends by authorized diesel machanics. The truck is stock as it came from the factory. I have pulled trailers for thousands of miles but rarely long distance. My question is, is there anything besides normal pm maintainance I should consider doing? Transmission, cooling, etc. Should mention brakes are all brand new and the truck has never required any repairs except ball joints last year. It has 160,000 miles. Thanks for your feedback.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2013
    I am still wayne_tw wrote:
    Is there a difference between taking ten trips of 100 miles each or one trip of 1000 miles?

    Yes. The farther from home you get, the more 'strange' noises you hear. :E
    And it doesn't matter what you're driving.
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2013
    Is there a difference between taking ten trips of 100 miles each or one trip of 1000 miles?
  • mountainsam's avatar
    mountainsam
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2013
    Thanks Bill for the reply. I have every confidence in the Cummings engine but somewhat concerned in the transmission. As I read posts from more experienced RV' ers like yourself I see these special trannies and coolers and suspension. I am wondering if it is necessary for the weight of my 8281 Rockwood.
  • Ed9824v's avatar
    Ed9824v
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2013
    xPIXx wrote:
    I have always heard if you change the tranny fluid you need to do it regularly if you haven't done it then don't. This comes from guys who work their trucks daily. I guess the reason being once you open the system it is never the same. Sounds pretty strange to me, but that's what many have said. I change mine every fall no matter the miles, but my truck always has a work trailer on it or pushing snow in the winter.


    x2 having mine done but only since it has low miles on trans. if not leave alone.

    I always fill a bit more comfortable with tire temp/pressure monitors.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Sep 12, 2013
    About the same experience as our 06 - we wouldn't hesitate to head off across the continent tomorrow..

    Air in the tires, maps and GPS aboard, big fat travel mug for good coffee and away you go.

    Sounds like a great trip.

    Safe travels
  • deleted-2's avatar
    deleted-2
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2013
    Sounds like you have things covered there.

    Recently on our RAM I noticed the air filter gauge was in the red when I checked under the hood at a camping location.
    I think that's why our MPG was down a little.
  • xPIXx's avatar
    xPIXx
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2013
    I have always heard if you change the tranny fluid you need to do it regularly if you haven't done it then don't. This comes from guys who work their trucks daily. I guess the reason being once you open the system it is never the same. Sounds pretty strange to me, but that's what many have said. I change mine every fall no matter the miles, but my truck always has a work trailer on it or pushing snow in the winter.

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