Next summer , 2009 I am pulling a 14K 5th wheelto Alaska and return, spending time in Canada and Alaska. I have an 07 5.9l 48re Dodge which will have aqbout 40k on it by the time I start the trip. What are the weak points in the truck that should be replaced and any special parts or mods I should make. I know the ball joints, fuel pump, should I have a rebuilt TQ and Valve body before leaving?

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated
Thanks

 

I would change the fuel filter before you leave, and carry two spares. 40K on it already I would go all around with new brake pads while you can do it at your leisure and not get stuck payin more than you need to. not sure if the fuel delivery system has been determined to be rock solid by that model year, but installing a good pump will assure that does not ruin your trip. Gauges will also help keep you in tune with what is going on in the motor, egt, fuel pressure, tranny temp would be the three I would want to monitor. Not sure if you have the pac brake setup on your truck, but haulin that much, that far, it would be a nice thing to have, save a lot of wear and tear and giv e you peace of mind that towards the bottom of a 4 mile grade you will have stopping power if you need it. as for tranny upgrades, a valve body should help you a lot, others may chime in and comment on a trans commander - lockup controller as well. sounds like a helluva trip, bring a good camera as well and enjoy !

 

40k is nothing, I would just do normal maintenance and get on down the road. If you want to be way safe carry an extra belt and hoses. I put 83k on my 07 5.9 and never replaced a dang thing but tires. 14k will not be a problem at all, just check your tires and enjoy your trip.

 

Check brakes,more then likely won't need any.Unless something cuts a belt or hose won't need them eaither.Service the truck.EXTRA AIR FILTERS is a biggy.As stated 40k is nothing.Fuel system other then filters is good to go.No issues.Extra windshield might be needed.

 

I make the trip with my truck and trailer a few times a year. I have a spare walbro on board, but thats pretty much it. You should be just fine.

 

Thanks for your replys, I have a jake brake, I think that requires a special belt, will have the entire truck checked out brakes, filters, and new tires.

 

BTDT, with my '03 @ ~45k miles, 3 years ago. First thing I did was put good mud flaps on the back, or so I thought. I pull a Fox 5th wheel which has diamond plate on the surface directly opposite the tailgate of the truck. Rocks still kicked up, bounced off the diamond plate and pitted the tailgate and the tops of the rear fenders after smacking both the diamond plate then the underside of the trailer over the rear fenders. When I go again, I'll put one of those full width guards under the bumper.

Knowing I was going to drive on lots of dirt roads (went to Coldfoot, AK) I wanted to get there with good rubber, so I left CA with new tires. Big O first put on the wrong rated tires after making me believe I was getting "E" rated tires. I had to go back the next day to straighten things out. Don't downgrade your tires.

I went about 10k miles, two trailer flats (unrelated and no drama), no broken glass I think due to leaving CA in early May and back towards the end of July. Not many other vehicles up there going the opposit direction to kick up the rocks. I didn't have any issues with fuel either. It was plentyful. Oh, and when I got to Coldfoot, my dinette table had detached itself from the wall of the trailer and disassembled itself into a pile of pieces on the floor. When I got back to Fairbanks, I bought some longer deck screws, predrilled and repaired the table. Never been better.

Two special tools I purchased and they are important in this order;
The Mile Post. This book will tell you what is around every corner of every highway you will ever go on in BC, Yukon and AK. Get this book THIS year to help you plan your trip. Well worth the 4 or 5 gallons of diesel it will cost you.

MS Streets & Trips with GPS ($64). This software went on my laptop. I planned the whole trip on it with the help of the Milepost. You can get it with or without the little GPS.

Take your gun rack off the truck before you go crossing into Canada, don't bring meat, bring your PASSPORT.

I am planning to go back up in 2010. I probably won't be retired by then, but might be, it will be close. I'll go for at least 7 weeks. Best trip I ever been on. Good luck, good fishing, have fun.