3800 miles / 9 states in the 80

[sundaypunch]

Just got back from a two week road trip in the 80. We went from Michigan to Colorado and back. The main point of the trip was to get the kids to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Badlands.

My 80 is actually a '97 LX450 with 175k that I have re-badged with Land Cruiser emblems & grille. The only previous mod's were a set of OME mediums, BFG 255/85 MT's, dual batteries & an Engel fridge. I'm not a rock crawler and prefer a more "expedition" setup.

I also decided to get some work done at Slee while out there. Had them add the ARB front, Slee rear bumper, sliders and swap out the OME mediums for a heavy set. I just need a winch now for the hole in the front bumper. In particular, the Slee rear bumper is a serious piece of craftsmanship - great design & great fit & finish.

 

[sundaypunch]

I was thrilled to average 14.9 mpg on the trip. The truck has had a recent HG replacement, valve job & complete tune up. It's running as good as I could ever expect. I got off on some nice back roads around Gould-

 

[sundaypunch]

Did some mild wheeling at "Pole Hill" in Estes Park. Actually not so mild for this flatlander. The pic's make it look more mild than it actually was (just ask my wife...).

 

[azrider]

you must of had a healthy checking account to drive that far, pay for gas, and buy a bunch of Slee stuff. Sounds like a great trip, any other pictures? How was the trip on your rig, and problems?

 

[azrider]

ask and you shall receive.

 

[sundaypunch]

A few gratuitous tourist pic's-

 

[gotmud]

you must of had a healthy checking account to drive that far, pay for gas, and buy a bunch of Slee stuff.

"HAD" being the operative word!

Nice rig!

 

[sundaypunch]

you must of had a healthy checking account to drive that far, pay for gas, and buy a bunch of Slee stuff. Sounds like a great trip, any other pictures? How was the trip on your rig, and problems?

Just putting my stimulus check to use.

Actually the Slee mod's were mostly paid for by me selling my lower mileage, expensive 80 and buying a cheap one with 175k miles. I paid Christo for the parts back in May so the sting was mostly gone by now.

Gas (a little over $1k) and lodging wasn't cheap but there is no way to get around that other than stay home. We ate most of our meals out of the Engel fridge so food was really not a problem. Activities were cheap as we stuck to national parks and avoided most of the expenisve spots.

The 80 performed flawlessly. The only issue was a drivers window switch that started to work intermittently. It only did this a couple of times when I put the window all the way down. I did get it to eventually go back up.

I only added a half-quart of oil in the 3800 miles so that was another pleasant surprise. Having the valve job done during the HG replacement was a big help I think.

 

[Blue Phoenix]

I just finished up with a 2500 miler myself to Arkansas and back in mine. Think I averaged about 15. Thanks for the pics.

 

[sseaman]

sounds like a good trip, and good excuse to visit slee

 

[unwiredadventures]

We ate most of our meals out of the Engel fridge so food was really not a problem.

This is how I'm going to justify the cost of an Engel.

 

[sundaypunch]

This is how I'm going to justify the cost of an Engel.

Seems like everyone that has them says they were one of their best purchases. I have to agree. Between avoiding fast food places and $1.50 bottles of soda it was a definite savings. It's also nice to not have to try and track down bags of ice.

 

[pint]

That is a beautiful truck! Also some killer pics of the trip!

 

[4xoddic]

THANX for the Teaser

Nice pics!

I was a similar trip as was driving us up to Lincoln, NE, to buy our LX in April: Rise in Altitude & Attitude/SLEE/Scenery/Wildlife.

 

[nodaksn3]

Nice story, great pics. I'd love to do the same someday. Love those Colorado trails! The kids will remember that for a long timeNed

 

[Atoyot1031]

Looks like you all had a great trip! We did the opposite of this at the beginning of June. We drove from Aspen to St. Louis and back.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Great pix


How do the skinny MT's compare to standard sizes on the highway?

 

[tblume]

Great pix


How do the skinny MT's compare to standard sizes on the highway?

X2! I need new tires this winter and like the looks and price break of the 255's

great trip pics, that's the way to spend your vacation

 

[sundaypunch]

I really like the look of the 255's but was a little concerned about how the MT's would be on the highway. I have been pleasantly surprised with them. The truck handles fine. They do have some road noise but that's not a concern to me.

I do keep the speeds down and set the cruise at around 70 on the highway. Partly for mileage, mostly because I'm not in a hurry.

 

[tblume]

good to know, my 305/70 baldyears are returning a touch over 15 mpg, same driving style, almost the same D tires, 'cept they are nearly slicks at this pooint

that's a GREAT picture of Geo. Washington BTW, did you make it out to the Crazy Horse monument?