Took my runner for a long drive for the first time!

[jeeper1]

So, I have only had my runner for about a week and a half and the wife and I took it on our first long trip. I'm am pleased to say that we arrived at our destination with ease and no problems. We headed up to norcal from socal about a 400 mile trip. I had anxiety attacks for the past week since I knew we were going through the grapevine and to my surprise, the runner took us up and over with ease. I didnt get the gas milage I was looking for but I will see on the way down. I will try (TRY) to keep her steady at a good pace to clock the best milage I can get out of her. I love this beast and look forward to more long haul trips. Just wanted to rave my excitement!

Thanks!

 

[twitchee2]

about 3-5 times a year i travel from chico to thousand oaks,~490miles one way, with no problems, usually with 5-700lbs in the back plus jetski on the trailer. never had a problem and usually average 19 give or take mpg. its a nice long and very boring strait away.

 

[jeeper1]

I know what you mean, long and boring. Do you take the 5 or 99 down? I am scared to run the tank all the way down as my guage is not accurate. I do carry a jerry can full just incase. I will see how far I can get with out filling up at the half point. I ran it from delano to elk grove and got 225 miles before filling up 14.5 gallons which avg's to 15.7, which is .1 mile better than what I saw on the streets. I ran between 70-80 mph, but the same little hills on the 99 didnt help while on cruise. Rpms went from 2200 to 3400 to keep up with the set speed.

Wish I could see 19 mpg. That would be the day!

 

[Nunyabiz]

Well that is definitely a good torture test for it.

If anything is wrong with your vehicle the "Grapevine" will find it.

 

[jrm]

In march i drove over the grapevine

in a snow storm coming home from the rents in so cal. It was cool though b/c i could maintain like 60 while my new hankook dynapros just cut right though the goop.

On the way down i took 101 and increased my travel by 2 hours due to traffic. Either way im still getting about 280 to 290 miles a tank. I can live with it i guess b/c i really only drive on the weekend anyway. During the week i ride my bike or take the bus to and from work so the truck sits in the driveway.

 

[IanB]

My 1st drive with my Surf was picking it up in Vancouver after it was unloaded from the boat, driving through the mountains and home to MB, approx. 2300kms (1400 miles) away! I was anxious flying out there to meet it, but we made it home with ease. These truly are amazing machines!

 

[twitchee2]

take 5, set cruise at 75ish to keep the cops away from you, i get 18when im going that fast. I can get to Santa Nella before the light turns on, usually about 280 miles. I run up the grapevine at about 70-75, take it out of over drive and let her run, i gotta get to 70 before it hits the sweet spot in the power band.

i usually make this drive alone, and ive found audio books are AMAZING for long drives. keeps your mind stimulated and you dont get to bored.

plus if you think about. its so much harder driving 500 miles in a week commuting it traffic or stop n go city driving then it is driving 500 miles strait for 8 hours at a relatively constant speed. especially on the nice and flat 5.

 

[jeeper1]

Nunya- Love the name! True to what you said! I was a little worried but it did it with no problems

IanB- 1400 miles is a good test for a new/used truck

Twitchee- off OD and 70-75 up the GV is what I did too.

Been doing some city driving around the sac town area and about to head up to the river tonight and do some fishing. You gents have a great 3 day weekend and be safe. I will post pics if I remember to take some.