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Planning a LONG RV Trip

Consider 10 gallons of diesel in 2 cans an insurance policy. CYA.

When I had my 5th wheel, I carried 100 gallons in the bed (steel in bed container with a fuel pump) and could go almost anywhere without worry.
 
RV is coming along, I added a new outlet in the front basement and a recessed toggle switch for the hitch lights. Also started organizing the basement adding hooks and stuff.

So far the RV has had a suspension upgrade, new main slide topper, ProPride hitch rebuilt, and compound and wax. We are working on decluttering it, to make sure we have the right stuff without having excess weight. Left to do is wheel bearings, dewinterize water system, get new TPMS batteries, clean A/C units and check operation of everything.

The Excursion has a new turbo, transmission service, alternator, belt, pulley and tensioner, upgraded battery cables, reprogrammed radio with new GPS program, spare keys cut and programmed, compound and wax, wiper blades. Oil change will be done right before we leave or at a shop in Des Moines, I haven't decided yet. I am running out of things I need to do on it.

We leave in less than 2 months.
 
I dewinterized today and went through the non kitchen and bathroom cabinets to clean unneeded junk out. I also tested every battery for flashlights and remotes.

Lisa is taking care of her father who just had surgery, when she is free I will have her go thru the kitchen and bathroom.

I am finalizing necessities that need to go, like a set of trailer wheel bearings, spare fuel filters, fluids, and tools for truck and camper.

Truck went to shop for a second set of eyes lookover. He saw a small oil leak from top of the engine but it may be residual from the turbo replacement, he cleaned it off and I am going to drive it a couple of days and take it back to him. He is also going to replace the A/C orifice tube. The compressor came apart a couple of years ago and we are still getting junk out of the system. He says everything else looks good.

Before we leave I am going to change the oil, oil is hard to find nowadays! I will run an extended change this time, 6000 miles should be fine since it is all highway, it will save me the hassle of getting it changed on the road. I may also take it to the tire store for a balance and rotate. Things are getting close to being ready.
 
I ran 10K miles on my 04 Duramax & Blackstone said the oil sample was fine. Since you have a couple quarts more I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Dewinterized the camper, no leaks in the system, hot water heater works on electric, I have not tested the gas system yet but it should be fine. Also lubricated slides and seals. Next thing is to sanitize the water tank and clean A/C fins.
 
Less than 2 weeks till we roll. Poop tank and second spare are mounted on the rear rack. Going to be chilly in the mountains, fired up the furnace today to check it out. Excursion had balance and rotate yesterday and vacuumed her out today. It will have an oil change next weekend, cleaned up and final visual. Going to fill a 5 gallon diesel can to take with us, not a lot but IF we have a need, it is there. Lisa is getting the menu together.
 
Less than 2 weeks till we roll. Poop tank and second spare are mounted on the rear rack. Going to be chilly in the mountains, fired up the furnace today to check it out. Excursion had balance and rotate yesterday and vacuumed her out today. It will have an oil change next weekend, cleaned up and final visual. Going to fill a 5 gallon diesel can to take with us, not a lot but IF we have a need, it is there. Lisa is getting the menu together.

5 gallons will get you at least 50 to 75 miles, and in a pinch that'll be enough.
 
5 gallons will get you at least 50 to 75 miles, and in a pinch that'll be enough.
I can't really carry much more, If I had a pickup I could. I am going to see if I can fasten the can behind the propane tanks on the tongue, I really don't want to get diesel in the storage area, that would stink.
 
We leave 1 week from tomorrow. I have 2 diesel cans ready to be filled and I have a place set up for them on the back rack between the tote tank and 2nd spare tire.

It is a crying shame I have to carry fuel, enough for about 100 miles, when not long ago diesel was plentiful and a lot cheaper.
 
We leave 1 week from tomorrow. I have 2 diesel cans ready to be filled and I have a place set up for them on the back rack between the tote tank and 2nd spare tire.

It is a crying shame I have to carry fuel, enough for about 100 miles, when not long ago diesel was plentiful and a lot cheaper.

Joe and the Ho got your back, give 'em a call, I'm sure they'll help you out... of more of your hard earned money.
 
You guys have a safe trip, went to Yuma Az in 75 and 80 ( mom lived in Yuma), in 80 we went to the GC and I'll never forget how Grand it was 👍👍🙂
 
The Excursion is not due for an oil change for another 2000 miles. We decided that I will take with me the oil and filter, pick up a sealable drain pan and knock the servicing out in a parking lot or campsite then take the oil to an auto parts store for recycling. That thing is easy to do, takes about 15 minutes. All tools are onboard now. I may have too many but best to be prepared.

Just went through the camper food cabinets and refrigerator and we are getting stuff together for menus. We figure 2 resupply stops along the way but we are taking the meat and eggs with us. We also took out everything that is not needed to free up space and weight.
 
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