My Big Fat Ranger Roadtrip

LittleDebbie

LittleDebbie

New Member
Hey guys, I just joined up to this site. I have a huge road trip planned for Xmas. I would like to invite everyone to toss their advice, tips and tricks my way regarding the 2011 Ranger on long hauls. Last January the PNW ice storms were so intolerable I ran my Ranger from WA State to Lafayette LA for a breather. I had no problems. It's at 150mi on the odo now. Just checking in to hear if you have a concern about it having reached the 150 mark before a trip.

I plan on leaving early Dec heading to Florida to see the older son. I bought new wheels n all weather tires, 2 sizes up, have the jack & wrench, looking for a canopy for our stuff, (younger son & I). Will take along a set of cables. Got oil changed. A canopy for a 2011, is tough to find, I'm learning. Got the sand bags in the back....

I'm semi retired, but then have been trucking the I-5 for the past 4 yrs. So I know what to expect making a run for SoCal in Dec. Ashland OR mm 06. hahaha. Everyones' favorite wipeout. Anyway I'm all ears! Thx much!
 
Hello Debbie and welcome to the forum! You've already covered the oil change and I suppose that included checking all the other fluids for proper level and cleanliness. Wouldn't hurt to get the brakes checked (including the lines) and maybe do a good flush and fill with fresh coolant. I wouldn't think finding a cap for your 2011 would be very hard to do. 2011 only came in the style side bed, which was more popular than the flareside bed like mine. One other thing that I can think of would be to pour a can of Seafoam into the tank before filling it (that will help clean the fuel system). That's about all I can think of. Just drive safe and have a wonderful time! :)
 
Beside to give it a good bath when you return, just in case you run it throught states that salt there roads. I'd also consider new wipers and in the wonder I use a deicing wiper fluid. I've got just shy of 200k in my ranger and it still runs great.

You might consider a new air filter and clean you MAF with some cleaner when you change it.

Not sure where I'm the PNW you are, but up here canopy world might be a good place to look for a canopy.

Don't forget to Pac a set of chains for the siskus in case you hit snow there. Aside from that as mhoward said, fresh fluids and you should be good if you dontthave pre-existing conditions.

Welcome to the forum!
 
Thanks so much mhoward and Timbootz!! mhoward that's a great idea about the Seafoam. I did get a brake job on one axle recently so I'm good there. Timbootz I never thought of the salt so thanks for that post trip wash idea/ Also I'll get a set of new wipers; great idea. Did not know there was deicer wiper fluid. Easy to find / thanks! Recently got a new air filter at last oil change / don't know what you mean by MAF. Someone told me a year or so ago I should have the differential fluid changed out. I have never had that done and I'm at 150K. What do you guys think? That's expensive to do in the lube shop. Yes I still have my unused Les Schwab cable 'chains' so I'm good there.

I am downriver from Longview WA so went to LKQ auto parts in Ptld today but the used canopies were junky. I found ONE brand new house-brand canopy that fit, at Canopy Corner on SE 82nd. It's not a matching color but who cares. They were extremely helpful, nice, and did a great job explaining what I needed to keep an eye on. Aluminum, with slider windows, locking rear window. $600 & free installation so I'm super happy with the deal.

Timbootz I'm really glad you mentioned you've got 200K on yours and it's still going strong. In the back of my mind I was wondering if I'd be pushing my luck to drive cross country at 150K but now I'm not so concerned. I really love my Ranger so I'm happy to hear they go far.

Thanks much guys. Can't wait to get on the road!
 
Thumbs up to Timbootz for his suggestions... some that I missed. Debbie, a MAF is the Mass Air Flow sensor.

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It is a good idea to clean it occasionally (every oil change maybe?). Anyway, be sure to buy a can of MAF cleaner. DO NOT use carburetor cleaner.

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Spray it down, let it soak for 30 seconds or so, hit it again and you should be good to go!

Differential fluid; if it is clean, slick and it doesn't feel gritty when you rub a couple of drops between your fingers, you are probably fine. As for your 150K on the odometer, some folks on these forums have over 300K on them and they still drive them every day. Take care of your Ranger, and it will take care of you!
 
What mHoward said about the MAF!!! The sensor is a little dangly thing inside (under the connector) that is made out of platinum.

Hope to see some pics of the trip too. Sound like a good one. I've driven I5 down and I10 across probably the best bet for a winter cross continent trip. Aside from the siskus no high passes to go through.

Your going to have a blast!
 
Yes running I-10 was my thought also. Might jump off 5 in Bakersfield and run to Needles then S on 95 to 10. So we can skip Cajon. Re posting pix; you bet we can! Thanks much!
 
mhoward said:
Thumbs up to Timbootz for his suggestions... some that I missed. Debbie, a MAF is the Mass Air Flow sensor.

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It is a good idea to clean it occasionally (every oil change maybe?). Anyway, be sure to buy a can of MAF cleaner. DO NOT use carburetor cleaner.

41fX171WA3L.jpg

Spray it down, let it soak for 30 seconds or so, hit it again and you should be good to go!

Differential fluid; if it is clean, slick and it doesn't feel gritty when you rub a couple of drops between your fingers, you are probably fine. As for your 150K on the odometer, some folks on these forums have over 300K on them and they still drive them every day. Take care of your Ranger, and it will take care of you!
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Hey guys! The MAF isn't where your photo is showing. See my photo with the little card with a question mark on it. I went over to my NAPA guy to buy the MAF cleaner and he said the sensor was on the other end; just take the top cover off and the clamp, pull the hose off and spray inside. I did that but it didn't seem at all like what you were talking about. any ideas? Thanks! ;D
 

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Debbie, the last picture... with the can of spray and your right hand... that is your throttle body. Cleaning that would require Throttle Body Cleaner (also from CRC). I think your NAPA guy needs to go back to Auto Tech school. Your first picture still shows the MAF sensor, but they have obviously relocated it the the back side of the housing. Still in the same place, just on the side rather than the top like mine.
 
Thank you for that!! You know that feeling when someone gives you directions down a wrong road that you know is wrong but you still aren't sure of the right way? That was today. ;) So, now that I know where my MAF sensor is, do I in any way take it apart before spraying with the cleaner?
 
Debbie, you should be able to spray the MAF sensor directly by opening the air filter cover and spraying through the hole. If not, carefully remove the sensor by unplugging the electrical connector, then removing two small torx head bolts. It should slide right out for you to spray it. Treat it delicately!

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Timbootz and mhoward, Just a note to say WE MADE IT! 6 days & 3600 mi from Longview WA to St. Pete, Florida! Not a single problem with My Little Pony. I was SO impressed!! We ran 84 to 80 and got as far as mid Wyoming when black ice shut 80 down. All traffic was detoured on a 2 laner through cattle ranch land to Casper and back down to 80 again in NE. Got to Kansas City, then south through the Ozarks to LA. Then east on 10 to 98 and hugged the water all the way around Florida to St. Pete. Whew! So WY was icy but everyplace else was clear and sunny. Pix are of us stretching our legs a bit in the Apalachicola National Forest (Forest?? hahaha) on 98 in FL.
 

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Debbie, glad you made it without and problems (other than the ice). Sorry for the slow response, been pretty busy and not on the forum like usual. Now, hit that beach and show some leg! LOL :)
 
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