so I'm sittin here along the interstate .......

[JHardwick]

I left at 6AM this morning to start a quick 3,800 mile trip and an hour out I loose the top radiator hose. So, I'm sittin here along the interstate waiting on my g/f to bring me a hose and some anitfreeze, reading TDR and listening to the CB, and what do I hear?



A big truck driver keys up and says ..... "was that a Dodge?"



Another driver came back and said ... . "boy, you don't see that too often!"



A third driver keyed and daid ... ... . "I could see it if it was a Ford"



Then on of the first two drivers came back and said ... ... "you'd see more Chevies broke down if they were more of 'em out here"



Naturally, I had to break in and let them know it was just a radiator hose :-laf



I replace a lot of parts that probably don't need it as preventative, but you just never know!

 

[HOBrian]

It's good to know that it's not just us TDR guys that think that wayOo.

 

[klenger]

at least you were prepared with some form of wireless internet to pass the time.

 

[JasonCzerak]

EVDO is freaking awesome

JHardwick, you should copy this on some of the other diesel sites that incorporate more then just dodge.

 

[CDonaldson]

Guess you need to carry some spare hoses, eh? I carry them, belts, couple gals anti-freeze diluted 60/40, stuff comes in handy.



I pass tons of older Chevys and older Fords broke down, but have not seen an older Dodge OR any of the newer models of the Ford, Dodge Chevy diesels. Lately I have seen quite a few Tundras broke down or on flatbeds, wonder if the Tundras have some issues?



Hope you got everything all fixed and are on your way. I made a couple trips to Minnesota this year, truckers in rest areas told me I had the best truck on the road, ALL that stopped to BS had the same to say - Dodge diesels get the job done, all the rest are wanna-be's. Puffed up my ego for a few miles and then some.



CD

 

[Buffalo]

I see that you have an '03, also? How many miles did that hose last?



Curious as to the life expectancy of the hoses & belts. I've got 58,000 miles, on mine, & haven't changed any of the rubber products, yet.



Thanks, & sorry to hear that you were inconvenienced.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Cattletrkr]

I've only been stranded once. I couldn't get my trashed front driveshaft off so I had to wait for dad to rescue me. Over 315K between the two trucks I've had so I guess that's not too bad.

I replaced my serpentine belt for fun. Hoses are still original though. I've always thoguht time was harder on hoses than miles.

 

[JHardwick]

Got a late start by about 6 hours, but I'm on Austin now. That hose was a pain to track down. NAPA told Becky they could have one by 2PM. The dealer said Paris, KY was closest one they had. AutoZone had no P/N and Advanced sold her one ... ... ... . that didn't fit when she got there!



Since I was just east of Columbus on I70, we drove back to Columbus and picked up the 1 (one) hose that they had at the NAPA warehouse.



I carry several used parts, that I've changed out before they failed as a precaution, for spares. But I just never gave the hoses a second thought for some reason.



I've put I think 3 belts on it, 2 thermostats, a water pump and a power steering pump ... ... ... . all before they failed, but not those hoses with 340,000 miles on them:{



This is however, only the second time this truck has left me stranded. The first time was my lift pump at 90 something thousand ... ... ... ... . along I70 east of Columbus, LOL. I had horses coming from OK to MD and Bec went and got my '99 from the friend I sold it to, and we used it to deliver the horses while AAA took my truck to the dealership.

 

[bmoeller]

I hope Columbus hasn't jinxed you. I don't need that to wear off onto me. Go through there too much. :-laf

 

[MEREDOG]

how expensive is the wireless internet service ? Unfortunatly Verizon or or Sprint service will not work in my home area but might be worth getting for on the road.

 

[E7mack96]

For me, Sprint EVDO High speed wireless is 59. 99 per month with unlimited use. It is faster than the pc at home sometimes. Sign a 2 year deal, and the card is usually free.



The fastest speeds I have ever gotten with it is in Key West, FL of all places.

 

[JasonCzerak]

I've been on cell based broadband for the past 4 years. I got hooked up with it when most hotels still charged $10/day. After a week, the $60/month pays for it self when you traveling 50% of the month.



I've seen a little over 2Mbit, or 200K/sec (big K), Faster then a T1, fastest then more DSL lines. About 5 times SLOWER then 12Meg cable that some areas are at.



Latency is between 60 and 100ms and that's sufficient for 95% of the tasks including remote administration of servers.



It's still a bit slow for gaming tho.



Sprint and Verizon have the best technology for data and have the best reputation with EVDO Rev A in all markets. It's unfortunate AT&T is on EDGE for the iphone...



When looking for a card, Seriously get EVDO (rev A). and you won't be disappointed



It's nice to have the internetz at 80mph (while not actually driving... . typically... . ;-) )

 

[3grumpy]

I bought a boonie box from Geno's. Have come in handy over the years. When I changed the rad hoses and coolant I marked the hoses with the date with a white paint marker.