Would you drive a 13 year old Truck across the country?

[Sdmezurek]

1990 F-250 here

[Cap-N-Red]

As noted in my signature we had an ‘05 GMC Duramax/Allison. During our escape from “Harvey” the Allison locked in tow mode in third gear limiting speed to 35 mph pulling the Airstream. This caused the wife to loose faith in the truck which had 250,00 miles on it. She refused to go on any multiple day trips in it anymore. I wouldn’t have been afraid to take it back to Alaska again. But to keep peace in the family and make more trips , I bit the bullet and bought a new truck. Which I can say cost more than the first two houses we bought together. I’m now pulling with an ‘18 GMC Denali Crew Cab DuraMax/ Allison , which I can say is a DREAM to drive.

[senioryakker]

12 year old Dodge Ram, 125k, just mad second consecutive cross country east t west, into Mexico, and back. Original owners, Cummins, runs better than new. That being said, had to replace rear main and crank seal out west this year but will stay with this truck as long as we keep hauling our AS.

[m.hony]

Drive a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder every day.
Tow with an 11 year old 2007 Tundra.
Yes, I would go anywhere in my Tundra. It is still nearly as new.
If it ain't broke...

[75Bob]

I bought my 3rd ford F-150 in 2001 for $28,000, it was one year old. I sold it for $2000 in 2013. It had 305,000 miles on it. It had a Triton 8 cyl motor and is still on the road today. I took real good care of it and in turn it gave me very little trouble in return. Ford is the toughest truck in America and Union made. I'm on my 4th Ford pick-up since 1981.You offered no mileage but did say that you thought it to be bullet proof. If your confident about your truck than trust yourself and your decision. Worst case scenario you buy a new truck on the road. Good luck either way.

[1973Argosy]

My 2000 expedition 5.4l dropped a cylinder on our last trip out. We were only about 150 miles from home and she managed to get us back home on 7 cylinders, sounded and felt like hell but she did it. Maintenance has always been kept in tip top shape. At 274k miles she is getting a crate engine. 4500.00 vs 50,000.00+ for a new truck was a pretty easy decision for me. I do live in the south and my truck has zero rust, if there were any rust I probably would have bought a new truck.

[slowmover]

"Condition" is always the word around which these revolve.

"Garaged" is the thing. And, a climate without extremes.

In the end it still comes down to electrical. 80% of shop work whether 1950s or today.

I'd base this thread title decision on electrical. Even with otherwise perfect maintenance.

Replacing all electrical grounds and a new primary electrical system (starter and charge cabling) would be on my mind.

[ITSNO60]

Here's what no one has mentioned so I'll mention it since I drive a 2002 Superduty with the 7.3. The 7.3 and the 6.0 are both HEUI (Hydraulic/Electronic Unit Injection) engines built by the Navistar division of International. They are the only HEUI engines ever put into pickups. Why is this important? Because not every diesel mechanic understands the HEUI engine, in fact the number of mechanics who understand them are getting fewer and fewer, even at the dealerships (the newest 6.0 is now 10 years old). If you break down with the HEUI engine you cannot just go to any old diesel shop and assume they know what they are doing. I belong to the best Ford diesel forum out there and we have heard horror stories about repairs made by mechanics who don't have a clue about these engines. Just as an example, throwing a scanner on a 7.3 or a buzz test will very often show failed contribution on number 3 & 8. This is normal and is caused by certain cam sensors, the injectors are fine yet many mechanics will still change them (or all 8) on your dime because they don't know any better. Then the truck still won't run right so they will keep swapping stuff. I know of one case where after over 4K in repairs the issue was still not fixed. The owner limped it away from the Las Vegas, NM shop (that had needlessly changed all his injectors) toward Texas and had to be towed into a Ford dealership where they found a clogged fuel pickup which is very common. Another guy had his PCM changed and numerous other parts before finding out the fuel heater was shorted and kept blowing the PCM fuse, another very common issue. I could go on but here is my point:

Drive the EX on your trips, but first join up on the 6.0 forum over at FTE. Come by often and get to know the guys, get to know the common quirks of your 6.0, and get to know where the good Powerstroke repair shops are. We even have a network of members across the country to help. Then, if anything happens, you will not be alone as long as you can get online.

That is my .02.

[Overstreet]

I've heard that the adventure begins when the problems happen.

If you intend to take preemptive action. How old are the batteries, alternator? If you want 4 to 6k miles without trouble what are the chances an accessory will fail?

Or rather do you want to take a chance and solve it on the road or replace early.

[Haulin8or]

I have a 2004 Excursion 6.0 4x4 with 240,000 miles on it. All but 13k are mine. I bought it used in 2005. We have been all over the place with it hauling our old Sierra 35' box style camper. To answer your question, if I had mine gone over thouroughly by my diesel guy, I would not hesitate to drive out west (we are in Atlanta area) with it pulling our new Flying Cloud FB25. In fact, that is exactly what we are planning to do next year! One thing I would not do with my Ex is sell it! It has truly become part of the family the last 12 years. Too bad they quit making them, they got a bad rap due to the v8 version's gas mileage. I have someone pull up to me at least monthly at a stoplight and ask me if I want to sell it.

So, my advice, have her looked over by your diesel guy... and head west young man!

[21Airstream]

Sounds like you were fortunate enough to buy a good TV to begin with and you followed up with proper maintenance. Go for it. I plan on doing the same thing with my ‘12 Ram (which only has about 46,000 miles so far and I bought it new).

[AFTER TAXES]

just took 1993 dodge cummins.....3,480 miles, no problems

safe travels
be happy

[DreamStreamr]

2006 2500HD 8.1L gas, Allison transmission, 218,000 miles, 70% of them towing our Airstream. Truck's never laid down on us. New tires, new battery, new hvac fan control module (love air conditioning in summer). We tow cross-country and back every year. Can't buy this package anymore, like it enough to try to keep it going. Easy to do so far.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by AFTER TAXES

just took 1993 dodge cummins.....3,480 miles, no problems

safe travels
be happy

I'll be paying close to $15,000.00 to convert my 454 Argosy to a 20+ year old 12 valve Cummins......I wonder why?

These old trucks just keep going.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS Very nice truck BTW!

[Tyvekcat]

Originally Posted by AFTER TAXES

just took 1993 dodge cummins.....3,480 miles, no problems

safe travels
be happy

Now, Is this truck for sale ?

1993 that was the last year of the older body style for Dodge trucks. Its a cool older design, and you could get the Cummins in it. 12 valve, it sounds like a diesel.
Yeah , if you are planning to sell, let me know.
I like that old style. With it, you don't have to drive fast, and no one will mess with you since you have the 'Ram' on the hood !
A rear wheel drive only dually gives you the best for towing, lower center of gravity, lower hitch height, no extra weight for transfer case and front drive train, and a smoother ride. I keep my eye out for an older model, Dodge. I've had three, and don't plan to give up my 05 model anytime soon.
I have no interest in a diesel where you add the other fluid , I can't even remember what that's called.

Have fun with your Dodge, did you buy it new ?
Have a good one!

[WhereStream]

I just got back from a 2,400-miler pulling with my 2004 Suburban. Didn't cross the Rockies, but we did ask it to pull us up some steep stuff.

I've taken good care of it, and I replaced the you-know-its-going-to-fail-sometime stuff (cooling hoses, for example) when it hit 100,000 miles.

Only 124,000 miles now, but it is 14 years old, so considering a new SUV. Nevertheless, it does a fine job and has been reliable without fault. And, its paid for, a quality I greatly appreciate. So I'm in no hurry to replace.

The Ford Excursion seems designed as a serious tow ... isn't it built on an F-250 chassis? I'd hang onto that one.

Though I've had both, I prefer SUVs to pickups.

[jimmini]

I will tow anywhere with my 2000 Ford excursion with V10. It has only 112,000 miles.

[LY007]

11 year old Tundra here. All I’ve ever done under the hood is change oil, plugs, and serpentine. I’d take it to Alaska without anymore prep than checking tire pressures.

Go for it

BTW we had a diesel Excursion, 2001 I think. Great truck but wife did not like the noise. Plus Tundra runs on cheap regular gas.

[rjack]

Ford trucks are everywhere, and repairs near at hand even in Alaska. Most likely major issues...i.e. transmission, etc. are not lengthy in time to fix. Have a Good Sam, triple A, or such in hand. As unreasonable as it sounds, you know your truck’s personally and quirks and it’s “fit” has a safety value.

[J. Morgan]

I pull my Airstream with my 230,000 mile 2005 Silverado everywhere...... I don’t worry about it much, but I keep it up pretty well.