Introduction and Distance Driving Question

[amcordo]

Hi All!

I'm going to be picking up my first Series III 109 shortly and will be driving it about 300 miles back home. I'm incredibly excited! The vehicle itself is in great condition.

Any suggestions from anyone as to anything I need to pay attention to on the trip back? I.e. fluid levels, etc.

Thanks!
Anthony

[scott]

check for a jack. 780 mile trip home after my purchase and found myself in the middle of oklahoma, 1100 at night, huge whole in sidewall and no jack

[gudjeon]

Just make sure your right ankle is up for the angle it will stay at for a long journey. The accelerator pedal is what gets me on a long trip.

[Andrew IIA]

Any suggestions from anyone as to anything I need to pay attention to on the trip back?

Bring you're up-to-date AAA card and a roll of paper towels. These are two most useful things you can have with you.

Enjoy the new ride

Best regards, Andrew
'63 SIIA 88" SW

[amcordo]

I understand the AAA in case it explodes, but paper towels? Do tell!

Bring you're up-to-date AAA card and a roll of paper towels. These are two most useful things you can have with you.

Enjoy the new ride

Best regards, Andrew
'63 SIIA 88" SW

[LaneRover]

Bring clothes for both warm - and cold.

More time to drive the 300 miles than you would in a modern vehicle.

[ScottT]

I bought my 109 in Florida, outside Miami and drove it back to Michigan, outside Detroit, in two days without any issues. I considered getting and carrying spare axles before the trip, having had an 88 and snapped many axles, but this wasn't needed due to the truck having a Salisbury rear end.

We (my girlfriend, now wife) made the trip w/o any issues.
I did find a baggie of weed on the sill panel behind the drivers head while stretching in line at a McDonalds in Georgia. Needless to say, we trashed the baggie/contents and continued on the way north. Thank god we didn't have to explain that one to a state trooper or local sheriff.

Long hails are always fun in series.
hope this helps
Scott

[TeriAnn]

Hi All!

I'm going to be picking up my first Series III 109 shortly and will be driving it about 300 miles back home. I'm incredibly excited! The vehicle itself is in great condition.

Any suggestions from anyone as to anything I need to pay attention to on the trip back? I.e. fluid levels, etc.

I would just check fluid levels before the first trip and examine the tyres. 300 miles is a short trip for a Series rig in good condition. Though it probably wouldn't hurt to lube the tuck and check U joints and tie rod ends for wear. I took mine on a trip from California to New York and back with only a fluid level check in New York. I frequently do 300 mile legs on a trip with no issues. Series rigs can be quite reliable if kept in good condition and properly maintained at factory recommended times.

[Tim Smith]

I understand the AAA in case it explodes, but paper towels? Do tell!

To wipe the tears away.

Having also done site unseen truck mileage, I can tell you the following:

• Check the fluids, note their levels and continue to check through the trip. Pay special attention to the oil and coolant at the first few gas stops.
• Check the fuel level and do not trust the gauge. Make your first fill up before it reads empty and note how many gallons was needed to give you an idea how much fuel you actually have.
• Do a thorough walk around the truck before setting off. Look for any loose bits inside and out.
• Check your lights and just be aware which ones are out so you can play well with traffic on the highway.
• Check the steering lash and make sure the ball joints are in good shape before setting off.
• Have a jack and tire iron handy and see if you can't bring a few wrenches and screwdrivers in case you do end up in trouble.
• Add yourself to the Birmabright Brotherhood and once added, you can print out a copy just in case you need some help along the way.
• Bring a pillow to sit on. The seats can get hard on the rump after a few hundred miles.
• Don't bring ear plugs. Being that you are new to the truck, you will want to acquaint yourself to the new noises. Besides wearing earplugs can give you a false sense of security and you might push it a little harder than you should.

300 miles is a baby trip though. You'll be fine.

[leafsprung]

Don't bring ear plugs. Being that you are new to the truck, you will want to acquaint yourself to the new noises. Besides wearing earplugs can give you a false sense of security and you might push it a little harder than you should

I would def bring earplugs. They will help with the droning and really reduce fatigue. You should be able to still hear anything out of the ordinary. I can actually hold a conversation better at 70mph with earplugs than without. 300 miles is cake though.

[Tim Smith]

If I had ear plugs on, I wouldn't have heard that outside toolbox door (lightweight) fall off somewhere in Georgia.

Of course, I was a good 500 or so miles into the trip and decided not to stop and pick it up. At least I was able to identify the sound and make a decision. Not the right decision but there you go...

[LaneRover]

I would also bring ear plugs. Better to have and not need than need and not have.

If you can bring a gas can (or buy one there) as a just in case because if the gas gauge is inaccurate you can pour a bit more in and get to a gas station.

[pvkd]

I have twice driven from LA to the National Rally (once in Moab Utah and the other time in Montrose CO). Both trips were over well over 700 miles one way and both were completed without a hitch (Montrose was over 800 miles).

I agree with many of the others that say the distance you describe is not a big deal, what does matter is the standard to which you maintain the vehicle. However even if it is not in tip top condition it will likely still make it based upon some of the Series vehicles I have seen that still seem to run on!

[Bostonian1976]

I understand the AAA in case it explodes, but paper towels? Do tell!

Been there! Safeair can attest.....

paper towels cleaned up all the oil inside my cabin

(yes I said inside)

[NickDawson]

Really helpful thread - thanks guys!
I'm headed to Baltimore to pick up my Series III next week and will have a 150 mile trip back home. I've already got a tool kit sorted, but decided to pull the trigger on a hi-lift jack even though this one has street tires currently.

I've decided on a compermise regarding ear plugs - shure in-ear earphones, in one ear only... otherewise I might go insane before I get home.

Regarding fluids and levels - whats the best stuff to carry along? Any issues using regular coolant? I know there are threads on oil, I'll check them accordingly.

Once again - thanks for letting me hijack a thread, this group knows how to ask the right questions!