Leaving early Thursday for Colorado to move my Brothers MIL and visit family. Driving my Truck in Sig and towing my 16' Tandem axle car hauler loaded with boxes and furniture (~5-6k lbs). Before the weight police show up I am well within my ratings for dead weight and am using a 10K rated B&W tow and stow hitch.Is there anything I should be doing to the truck before the trip? We are going to the western slope so no major Rocky mountain passes for us this trip. Snow should not be an issue but I have 4x4, new tires, and YEARS of snow towing experience. Truck just had new front shocks, alignment, Pitman and idler arms installed. I am changing the oil today and the tranny was serviced not long ago. It runs perfect.I tow with this truck all the time but never this far. Am I overlooking anything?Also trailer has new tires, wiring, and I just repacked the bearings and adjusted the brakes.Thanks!!

Check truck and trailer tire press, trailer lights

You left out a few VERY important things:1. A good wash and detailing, because no one likes traveling in a dirty truck2. A refill of windshield washer fluid, because that's usually the thing I say "dangit I meant to do that" about

Remember to take tire chains, just in case. Hate to see you stuck in Colorado "for the duration." Especially with no RV in which to enjoy the winter.

Weights vs ratings is your responsibility, not the 'weight police' Tire PSI gauge and an IR heat gun. Check *ALL* the tires at each stop and justbefore taking offThis includes the spare(s)As noted, and just a reminder since you say you've experience insnow....chains ChainsManual hand pump...I carry a 12VDC pump with a loooooooooong hose to reach everythingEngine oil...enough for one complete change (I carry 10 quarts)....do change that unless you've just done thatDitto diff & tranny...flush it if you haven't recentlyDitto power steering/brake pump fluidCoolant, pre-mixed. I carry 2 gallonsCheck/change the serpentine beltOh heck, check out this thread on what is in your toolbox...What's in your toolbox

naturist wrote:Remember to take tire chains, just in case. Hate to see you stuck in Colorado "for the duration." Especially with no RV in which to enjoy the winter.You must've never driven in CO or snow. In many years of traveling i70 daily from the W Slope to Summit Co or front range I have yet to see a set of chains on a 4x4 pickup or suv. Chains would just be ballast. To the OP, sounds like you got everything covered, vehicle and trailer maint up to snuff, enjoy the drive. Bring your skis, A Basin opened yesterday I think!

1800mile Trip with 175K mile truck and trailer. Advice?

22 Replies

Paul_Clancy
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2014
Visa/mc/Amex and a roadside assistance plan. Wheel chocks and several triangle reflectors. And a charged cell phone. Even brand new trucks break down.
ls1mike
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2014
I am going to have mine a long time...My 02 just rolled 38,000 miles.
tsetsaf
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2014
Bring something to beat back all the hippies trying to sell you pot...

Check the torque on your lug nuts.
Brisk
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2014
Thanks for all of the replies!! I maintain the truck very well and have replaced a lot of the small stuff in the last year or so (starter, alternator, battery, power steering pump, fuel pump etc.)
EcoBullet
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
I was going to say take plenty of rolling papers since weed is legal in CO now, but I'm sure you can get them as you go.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2014
You are set to go.

Enjoy the trip.
gbopp
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
Camera. Take lots of pics.

The truck will be fine.

Enjoy the trip.
K_Charles
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
If you do regular maintenance you should be good. Just go. 1000 miles is just 10 100 mile trips all stuck together.
usmohls2
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
Take a thermos of coffee & a good book available on CD's from your local library.
Tankcar
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
Hi. CHECK the trailer wheel(s)lug nuts for the first 150 miles at 50 mile spacings.