First cross country trip in my 06 QC Cummins

[KMNixon]

Going on first long distance trip (+3,000 miles) as first time diesel owner so besides the typical stuff I would normally carry (oil, coolant, short non-AC serpentine belt, spare fuel filter, XPD additive, etc) what else should be considered as mandatory or what to be aware of on a trip of this nature?Truck is well maintained, bone stock except muffler delete and K&N filter, won't be towing or have a load and #4 injection line was already replaced at 59,096 in Oct 2008. Thanks



2006 2500 QC LB Auto 2wd stock 72,000 miles

 

[Matt400]

or what to be aware of on a trip of this nature?

Be sure and buy all your fuel at name brand locations you can trust, I have read stories of cheap stuff contamination. Have Fun!

 

[bheiting]

Genos has a boonie box for sale with spare parts. You might just check what you have with theirs. Read the Buyers Guide on this site for maintenance and other suggestions.
Get rid of the K&N. It offers no power increase over stock, but will introduce a lot of dirt into that jewel of an engine.

 

[jelag]

04 with 300K, 05 with 120K and we don't any of that stuff... . but we do have triangles, fire extinguisher, flashlight, shovel, tire chains... each driver has a sheet of the part numbers for oil filter, fuel filer, air filter an frame mounted fuel filters but we've not had to service any of this on the road... . we did loose a water pump bypass hose on a 10 L Cat and I walked to a auto parts store and bought a replacement for $7.

 

[Grizzly]

Get rid of that K&N filter before it destroys your engine. I agree with Jim plus the best thing to carry is a AAA card.



george

 

[Wingate]

you don't need anything beyond what any other traveller would carry. Flashlight, maybe some triangles, cell phone and charger, cold weather gear if youre travelling into an area that could have that weather, several bottles of water if youre travelling into hot weather territory. Check the spare, jack, lug wrench, and be informed on HOW to use it. IF the truck needs service, do it before you leave. I always try and find major fuel stations... . T/A, Pilot, etc. . Batteries can be load tested for free by most local parts stores...

If you feel better by taking parts, order the boonie box from Genos, make sure you put all the tools, coolant, and oil in the box to complete the possible repair or the parts really doesnt do alot of good.

 

[jjdiesel]

Spare lift pump? Unless it already has in-tank setup.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Ditto on dump the K&N!!!

Everything else listed are items everyone should carry regardless of what you are driving.

Wish you well on your trip and be safe

 

[AHofner]

there's nothing wrong with your K&N filter, although I recently added the pre-filter wrap on my and enjoy the fact that I don't have to pick bugs out of the filter pleats anymore.

Sounds like you are well equipped, although why did you get a non-A/C serpentine belt for your engine? If you're going to carry a spare, might as well have the correct one?

Have fun and enjoy your truck.

 

[KMNixon]

Had new serp. belt installed and kept old one as spare-have read good to have the non-ac belt in an emergency in case AC locks up.

 

[meanmatt]

Bring an old fasioned paper map . There is a story on the news every month or so about somebody getting lead up a fire road by their GPS. Most of the time just reading over the map to choose your route the night before will keep a person out of trouble too. You don't need to carry an entire Napa store with you either . You maintiance sounds up to date so just the basics like the stuff in the boonie box and good spare tire should be plenty. Have a good trip.

 

[Bigiron]

Have to agree with the Boonie Box for the truck you drive. Also the paper map. Other than that stick with good fuel and have a safe and fun trip. I've put 100,000 on mine and never had any issues on the road. Good Luck, Drive safe.

 

[KMNixon]

Excellent trip, 21 mpg, 2,900 miles through TX, AR, MO, IL, IN, OH, KY, TN and not one downshift while on cruise control, damn I love this diesel power, wish I had gotten one a long time ago. Only thing I need now is a comfortable drivers seat - any suggestions?

 

[cerberusiam]

Only thing I need now is a comfortable drivers seat - any suggestions?

Find an upfitter in your area that does the conversions for tow rigs and order a GOOD seat. My next mod WILL be a good seat before another cross country trip.

 

[Wingate]

No doubt... my Ford F-550 service truck has a MUCH more comfortable seat in it vs. my Dodge. Wish I could figure out a way to do a transplant...