Upcoming Trip Advice

[Gmas15]

Hello All,
So, I finally convinced my wife to let me tow the RV from MA to Orlando for a family trip - staying in Fort Wilderness campsites with kids and other family. I love the idea of a road trip and we’ll do a little sightseeing on the way. She’s not that keen on it, so just posting to get thoughts on any recommended service pre-trip? Hate for something to go wrong.

The background - our Expy is not new anymore - 2019 - with 84k miles. We tow the camper a few times year mostly in NE or NY. It’s about 5000lbs dry, probably closer to 6000lbs loaded up. We have the heavy-duty tow package. I’ve kept up with regular oil changes, of course, but the transmission seems to be clunking more lately. And when cold, I’ve noticed a stickiness to the gear changes until warmed up. The other problem is I think we have issues with the vacuum sealing on the front left hub. If i put it in 2H - definitely get this loud grinding/rattling sound. Doesn’t happen in 4A. Then the suspension is definitely getting softer. And the pads and rotors were replaced at around 55k.

I called the dealer to talk to a service “advisor”, who just said that the tune up and transmission fluid change recommendation is at 100k. Nothing new to do. I’m not really a serious car guy, so just looking for thoughts on any preventive maintenance, like asking what any of you would do, if anything, prepping for a trip like this?
Thanks!
George

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Hello All,
So, I finally convinced my wife to let me tow the RV from MA to Orlando for a family trip - staying in Fort Wilderness campsites with kids and other family. I love the idea of a road trip and we’ll do a little sightseeing on the way. She’s not that keen on it, so just posting to get thoughts on any recommended service pre-trip? Hate for something to go wrong.

The background - our Expy is not new anymore - has about 84k miles. We tow the camper a few times year mostly in NE or NY. It’s about 5000lbs dry, probably closer to 6000lbs loaded up. We have the heavy-duty tow package. I’ve kept up with regular oil changes, of course, but the transmission seems to be clunking more lately. And when cold, I’ve noticed a stickiness to the gear changes until warmed up. The other problem is I think we have issues with the vacuum sealing on the front left hub. If i put it in 2H - definitely get this loud grinding/rattling sound. Doesn’t happen in 4A. Then the suspension is definitely getting softer. And the pads and rotors were replaced at around 55k.

I called the dealer to talk to a service “advisor”, who just said that the tune up and transmission fluid change recommendation is at 100k. Nothing new to do. I’m not really a serious car guy, so just looking for thoughts on any preventive maintenance, like asking what any of you would do, if anything, prepping for a trip like this?
Thanks!
George

You did not mention the year of your vehicle.

If it were me - driving that distance pulling a trailer with my family, I would have the transmission fluid changed and the following.

Are the spark plugs original? If so, I would change them or have them changed. The Ecoboost engines are hard on spark plugs.

Check and replace the engine air filter if necessary. Check and replace the cabin air filter if necessary.

I would also have the vacuum issue with the 4WD evaluated and repaired. It is often as simple as a broken or leaking vacuum line or connector. While the system defaults to AWD if there is a serious leak, the vacuum leak could affect the engine operation.

Brakes - have the thickness of the brake pads checked and replaced if marginal. Use OEM pads.

Lower and inspect your spare tire. Ensure that it is inflated to the proper level or a few pounds higher. Ensure the jack and tools are present.

Check all the exterior lighting and replace any bulbs as necessary.

I would have your wife carry the second (or spare) fob for the vehicle. You don’t want to be stranded if you lose your fob.

 

[Samantha1]

Along with checking your spare tire, check to make sure your other tires are in good shape - plenty of tread and no dry-rot.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

Assuming by your sign up date that you likely have a '18 or '19 model. The thermostat in these has been updated and, depending on if you ever had your cooling system serviced, you might consider a new thermostat and system flush. There is also an improved iwe check valve which is a very inexpensive diy part that may cure your hub noises. Make sure you bring along a decent (bottle/floor) jack and maybe a battery operated impact gun.

 

[slow3v]

Thermostat + housing, coolant hoses for the heat, plugs and coil boots, differential fluids and transmission fluid, transfer case fluid.

Good places to start. CDF drum may be in your future but likely out of warranty it sounds like. Do the preventatives though and you'll have a good experience.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

on my 9900 mile Mexican loop last year, at about 70000 miles a heater 'Y' hose near the engine split and started dribbling coolant. After dumping a few gallons of coolant ready-mix into the engine over a few weeks, I stopped at a Ford dealer in Guayamas, it would have taken a week to get the hose from Ford, so they bypassed the heater til we hit the states and I got it fixed in Phoenix (Sandersen Ford, freekin biggest dealer I've ever seen).

 

[Gmas15]

Thanks all for the suggestions.

 

[Fastcar]

Do the shocks! Your towing and you don't want a quick lane change to up end you. Don't use I 95, I 81 is less stressful.

 

[SyndicateZ]

check coolant level and hoses

 

[Deadman]

Hellwig rear sway bar will make your drive 10X more comfortable at highway speeds.