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04-22-2018, 10:03 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,114
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Would you drive a 13 year old Truck across the country?
I imagine opinions will be all over the place on this one, which is fine. In fact I encourage and respect all reasonable comments.
I have a cross country trip next year and I am struggling with what to do. I own an immaculate 2005 Ford Excursion with a bulletproofed 6.0. I pick the truck for it’s SUV body as we are a family of 6. It has been near flawless.
Would you replace it or continue with it? My trips are a month at a time and cross the US, next one is from Boston to California, up the coast and home to Boston. If all goes well, there will be two more big trips. One to Alaska, then a northern route with details TBD. These trips are 2 years apart, designed to end when my 3rd kid goes to college, she is 11 now. We also travel the east coast for spring break every 2 years. So you can see the truck will be around 20 years old on its final run if I keep it.
If I replace it I would lay out major money, for something I use just for camping a few times a year. But I would hate to have problems on the road. Struggling with this one, I have a year to figure it out. Part of me really wants to keep it as it has become a part of the family.
I herby approve you forcing your opinions on me.
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04-22-2018, 10:18 AM
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#2
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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We drive a 12 yr old Burb. 😳
Do a Complete once over & go. 🔧🔨⚙️⚙️
Bob
🇱🇷
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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04-22-2018, 10:21 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2020 25' Globetrotter
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,810
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I don't usually keep vehicles as long as you've kept yours. That said, you've tipped your hand slightly with your descriptions of the truck as "flawless" and "bulletproof"; it doesn't sound like you're ready to let her go yet.
Based on your experience so far, there's no reason to anticipate trouble. Make sure the truck get's a good checkup and give the California-Boston trip a whirl. If all goes well, great. If not, then you've got a definitive answer. Either way, from your description it seems you will have time to re-evaluate before your Alaskan adventure and by that time you may be able to set aside a little more for your baby's eventual replacement. She may not make 20 years, but 15 doesn't seem too unreasonable. Just my $.02.
__________________
Mike
2020 25' Globetrotter Twin | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ult. 4x4 Duramax
400Ah Battle Born lithium battery string | 580W solar (400W roof 180W portable)
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04-22-2018, 10:25 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted S.
I imagine opinions will be all over the place on this one, which is fine. In fact I encourage and respect all reasonable comments.
I have a cross country trip next year and I am struggling with what to do. I own an immaculate 2005 Ford Excursion with a bulletproofed 6.0. I pick the truck for it’s SUV body as we are a family of 6. It has been near flawless.
Would you replace it or continue with it? My trips are a month at a time and cross the US, next one is from Boston to California, up the coast and home to Boston. If all goes well, there will be two more big trips. One to Alaska, then a northern route with details TBD. These trips are 2 years apart, designed to end when my 3rd kid goes to college, she is 11 now. We also travel the east coast for spring break every 2 years. So you can see the truck will be around 20 years old on its final run if I keep it.
If I replace it I would lay out major money, for something I use just for camping a few times a year. But I would hate to have problems on the road. Struggling with this one, I have a year to figure it out. Part of me really wants to keep it as it has become a part of the family.
I herby approve you forcing your opinions on me.
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... a bullit proof 6 liter? If you believe this...run it
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04-22-2018, 10:26 AM
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#5
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I tow full-time with a 2001 Ford Excursion. 290xxx milesI keep on top of service and enjoy smooth sailing.
No need to fear an older vehicle if you keep it in shape.
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04-22-2018, 10:46 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,095
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My truck is a 2007 and we are headed to Alaska with it this summer. I am carrying the title just in case. We have done a lot of maintenance and upkeep over the years.
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04-22-2018, 10:53 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
Eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 446
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Absolutely agree with those that say keep it! Spend a couple hundred dollars and have a good mechanic go over it. Do whatever additional maintenance/service that will help you feel confident for your upcoming trips and keep on movin'.
Save the tens of thousands for your kids tuition or for you! Also, great modeling for your kids....you don't always have to replace fully functioning items just because they are older than what most others have.
Less debt is good!
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04-22-2018, 10:59 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Waco
, Texas
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Meeks
Absolutely agree with those that say keep it! Spend a couple hundred dollars and have a good mechanic go over it. Do whatever additional maintenance/service that will help you feel confident for your upcoming trips and keep on movin'.
Save the tens of thousands for your kids tuition or for you! Also, great modeling for your kids....you don't always have to replace fully functioning items just because they are older than what most others have.
Less debt is good!
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Keep the truck. Keep the truck. If it's reliable..... And functional... Keep the truck.
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04-22-2018, 11:00 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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My old Express van was 17 years old when I sold it. I would have driven it anywhere...but it only had 75k on it. It was primarily a trip and TV. Maintenance was always thorough and excessive, as it was somewhat heavily loaded with my old SOB and well overloaded with my AS. Only used it regionally with the AS a few times. Tow rating was only 6900# and is was a heavy conversion van.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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04-22-2018, 11:02 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
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Would I? Yes.
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04-22-2018, 11:13 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
Dungville next to Donkeytown
, Alabama
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 165
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You’re kidding right!? Keep that beautiful truck! I’ve got a 2006 Dodge Ram diesel manual with 120k on it. It’s still a baby in my eyes. I’m planning on running her until she hits the 400k mark and needs to be put down. She’s a dirty girl on the outside but kept mechanically maintained and loved from day one, and I trust her to take me to the moon and back.
__________________
~Joanna
You had me down as a damsel?
Darling, I'm the wolf.
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04-22-2018, 11:14 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2021 16' Bambi
2021 22' Bambi
Currently Looking...
North Port
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 331
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You know your vehicle, if its been fairly trouble free then yes. I also tow with an older vehicle, 2005 Sierra Denali with 223,000 miles and will take it anywhere. I've owned it since new and it has been maintained well.
Also something to think about is a new truck does not guarantee trouble free. My father in law just spent a week in Valdosta having his 2016 F450 (50k miles) repaired while traveling for work.
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04-22-2018, 01:31 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1995 25' Excella
xxxxx
, xxxxxx
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,349
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Absolutely. My traveling car is 30 years old. I drive it on multi-state trips several times a year....My Airstream TV is 40 years old. I would drive it anywhere.
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04-22-2018, 02:39 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Vancouver
, British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,566
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If the vehicle is well maintained, and you know the issues with it, not a problem.
We drove our 2007 sport utility across the country two years ago, and will do so again this year, Vancouver to St John. 175,000 km on it now. No worries.
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04-22-2018, 02:44 PM
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#15
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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The only reason I might hesitate is if there is a concern about parts availability if there was a problem. I sold a perfectly good 20 year old truck and got a 6 year old truck that gave me all manner of trouble and failures on the road.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-22-2018, 03:42 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1974 27' Overlander
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,042
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I am currently towing with a 2005, so yes, I would.
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04-22-2018, 04:26 PM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2016 28' Flying Cloud
Brandenburg
, Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 275
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I've owned my 1954 Chevy for over 33 years, and plan on keeping until I am unable to safely drive it. Runs like a dream.
Kept the truck that I towed my AS with almost 12 years. Wife pressured me into getting a new one, a 2017 F250 Super Duty.
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04-22-2018, 04:46 PM
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#18
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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I have a 23 year old PowerStroke in great condition.... I would take it ANYWHERE!
(Yes, there is such a thing as a bullet-proof 6.0L!)
__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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04-22-2018, 04:48 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1998 36' Land Yacht Widebody
Shepherdstown
, West Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 802
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My Airstream is a 1997, soon to be 21 yrs old. It tows a 2007 diesel Jeep. Would leave for Alaska tomorrow with both if I had the time. Maintenance is the key to keeping vehicles on the road.
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04-22-2018, 05:11 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2011 25' FB Flying Cloud
Peculiar
, Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 531
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If you've kept the maintenance up, then why worry. Keep the tv, and put some $ away for an emergency repair and/or a new tv.
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