4k mile trip in 93 Rodeo 5 speed 2.6L

[rja4u]

I am about to take a trip across Nothern America in my 93 Rodeo 'Rok Box' I have a total weight of 5321 lbs including me inside. Is this to much weight for the truck? What should be done to my truck to ease some of the stress?

[amigo-2k]

flush the antifreeze for sure. and change the oil.

Change a couple of filters and make sure your tires are inflated properly.

Bring a cell phone.

Are you towing anything?

[rja4u]

I am not towing anything, it's all in the truck.

Thanks

[Ramblin Fever]

Just don't be afraid to use your gears and shift down when needed.

I would slightly 2-4psi OVER-inflate your tires, and make sure all your coolant hoses are in tip-top shape, i.e. newer then 5yrs old.

[highlandlake]

Don't block the radiator with bicycles strapped to the front. Last year I saw a white-smoking SUV on the side of the highway with a very unhappy vacation family standing out on the side of the road. Three kid's bikes were neatly attached to the front. It blocks much needed airflow and overheats the engine. Check the air in your spare tire too. As mentioned above - replace the fuel filter. Keep the windows up if possible. The airflow is terrible and inefficient at highway speeds with windows rolled down. (Don't eat hotdogs and beans at the truckstop diner) Get a national plan for your cellphone.
A 14 year old Rodeo - 4K mile trip - you are an inspiration to us!
Have a great time.

[Gizmo42]

A 14 year old Rodeo - 4K mile trip - you are an inspiration to us!

I did a 3200 mile trip in a 15 yr old 4 cyl mitsubishi pickup a couple years ago..

in june..

with no a/c..

or power steering..

or cruise control..

with straight back bench seat..

Pulling a trailer with my m'cycle on it.

Thats when I started looking for an SUV that adressed all those issues.

As long as you keep yours in servicable condition there shouldnt be any problems. I agree with making sure the timing belt has been done recently. You dont want to need a new engine while on the road.

[Ramblin Fever]

Originally Posted by highlandlake

A 14 year old Rodeo - 4K mile trip - you are an inspiration to us!
Have a great time.

He'll be fine as long as maintenance hasn't been neglected.

We did this with some older vehicles before, i.e. '79 Chevy truck on a 6k mile drive at 20yrs of age and over 350k on the OD, that's with an 11' camper and towing a 4k# load. Have a 21yr old Toyota that we did a 3k mile jaunt in when it was 18yrs old.

I'd have no doubts taking a vehicle 12yrs of age and older as long as it's been taken care of, course you may have a fluke and a flaw, but who's to say you wouldn't have encountered that even if it was a new vehicle.

[rja4u]

The truck usely drives different when it goes to the dealer, like today. It went in for a 21 point safety inspection. Now there's smooth speed but no pushing force. I plan on changing the oil filter to a K&N with Mobil1 5-30 oil (unless there is something that is better), changing the gas filter, and re-cleaning the K & N air filter. Antifreeze is good down to -60F and a can of Sea Foam is being dropped into the empty tank at fill up.