Need a little guidance.

[bluto]

Im hoping to do this http://www.gbr.4wdtrips.net/4x4/swansea.html with the Gold Coast Cruisers of Ventura.

And Im just looking for some comments on how to prepare or inspect my truck
for the road ahead.
Ive done fire, dirt, and rocky roads but not to extent of doing it so far out in the wild and running almost nonstop at a greater distance. How much is the drop in mileage do you see when driving Lo or Hi w/ CDL on some stretches. I learned my lesson at Pismo's SnT when I took the scenic way home, overestimated my mileage per gallon and did not fill up when I was at half tank .
Do I need extra fuel. Thanks

So post up.

 

[e9999]

there have been a few threads on fuel use in Low before that you may want to check.

What I found in practice is that usually you have enough fuel for a day's run. Yes, it guzzles fuel in low but you don't go very fast so you don't do very long distances either. Another way to look at it, is that in serious dirt, you'll likely run out of steam before the fuel does... Having said that, when I'm on my own and going some way out, I'll take a couple of Jerry cans - the peace of mind is very satisfying.

My truck does normally around 14mpg loaded on the freeway. I've done as bad as 5mpg playing non-stop in sand dunes. On dirt trails, though, including sand washes, and boulders, I usually do around 9-10mpg.

HTH...




prep for minor trips: I usually check the underhood fluids, go under and do a good visual, including checking the nuts on the lower knuckles and looking for grease on the balls. Wiggle the propeller shafts. Also check the lug nuts on the wheels and wiggle them for extra play.

For longer trips: well, the sky is the limit...

 

[bluto]

Thanks E for the reply.
Yeah, the extra fuel thing was kinda a rhetorical question but...nice to have input regardless. Nice to hear an affirmation on it.

I guess Im pretty much looking at the suspension/drive side of the truck - looking for the immediate stuff to look and adjust - just have a month to go over stuff. Being out from a Toyota dealer or cell phone coverage to get to Mo , places more importance on looking over some things in a different level.

 

[Slomo]

Being out from a Toyota dealer or cell phone coverage to get to Mo , places more importance on looking over some things in a different level.

Alan, all that E pointed out pretty much covers it. Basically give it a once over, make sure all fluids are topped off, wheels are torqued properly (76 ft/lbs with factory alloys) and lube both drive shafts but not too much in the slip yoke, just a couple squeezes. and check tire pressures including spare before you head out. Have a good time, if you are with the Gold Coast Cruisers you will be fine and I am sure they will be prepared for whatever you all run into.

 

[bluto]

 

[PabloVTA]

if you are with the Gold Coast Cruisers you will be fine and I am sure they will be prepared for whatever you all run into.

~spits beer at screen...

yo damn right!

~cough, cough...

Don't worry Bluto, Wally has a little tank and has to fill twice for our once. When we went out to Joshua tree, we did over 100 miles of dirt and rock roads, and I was fine the whole time.
They'll stop for a fill up right before.

Unless you think you could get a 4x4 labs rear setup by then? with the can basket?