OK, I have a 07 Acura MDX (AWD) and recently got back into a 99 F150 XLT 4x4 Off Road with the 5.4.

I'm planning a trip to OBX and we have to drive about 10 miles on sand to reach our house.

I'm debating on which vehicle to take.

MDX of course is newer and better on gas, but only AWD and not build to take off road. It also has only 40K miles so pretty new. I'd rather not expose it to the sea salt and chance of getting stuck.

The F150 has the 5.4, extended cab with the off road package, with 140K miles. When i got it there was no maintenance history. It rides nicely though and all the fluids looked good. Lower ball joints were done as they are greasable. Seems it was taken care off.


What vehicle would you take and why? I've seen many 5.4 go way over 200K miles so it should be reliable to make the trip(11-12 hours one way).

If I take the F150 I plan to do the following:
-Front and rear diff fluids.
-transfer case fluid.
-tranny fluid and filter change.
-Motorcraft plugs (hope they dont blow out on the way there).
-Water pump and thermostat with new fluid.
-undercoat the frame etc.
I might do the fuel pump as I dont want it going out on the way either. Not sure how long the pump usually last.

Obviously inspect the brake pads front and rear and the rest of the fluids.

Any other suggestion if I go with the truck what to look for or change out?

I think I would enjoy the truck drive better as it sits higher and will ride better in the sand. Less chance I'll get stuck.

Also, should I keep it in 4L when on the sand or is 4H fine? I was assuming 4H as we will still be driving a decent speed. Thoughts.

Again trying to get an idea on those of you with the 5.4's. I had a 4.6 and took it to KY with the same mileage and it did fine. With the 5.4 though they have that darn spark plug issue.

Thanks for any suggestion/comments.

 

Whats OBX ? Hell , I clicked on this thread because I thought you were refereeing to headers. Turns out, I don't know what the hell your talking about.

 

Outer Banks NC

 

Dang thats a long ride there, but yea I'd take the truck. You'll like the ride on the beach a lot better in it compared to the mdx. Also once you get up to speed you can probably just cruise in 2wd, I've done oregon inlet down there in 2wd cause thats all that I have haha but as long as you keep moving and stay up on the bank instead of down by the water you shouldn't really need 4x4

 

How many people are riding with you on this trip and are they all full size adults? I can't imagine having to ride in that scab for 11-12 hours.

Other than that, I'd take the truck.

 

Depends on where your going...guessing up near corolla since you have to drive that far on the beach...if that's the case I would take the truck, sometimes even a car can make it but depending the the tide and how many trucks are out there it can get soft and deep in a hurry...just air your tires down a bit if they are stock and run in high...I never aired down but I have 37s so never had too. Before the move to Hawaii spent every weekend down there so if you have questions let me know.

You most likely could make it with the mdx but there are always the what ifs and up in corolla its much less busy than Oregon inlet so not as many willing trucks around to yank you out...I yanked 5 awd vehicles out within a couple hours up there one day.

 

i go down to the obx a few times every month all year long, and if you are goin up to corolla which im assuming if the house is on the beach. in the summertime 10 miles is a long way because there will be alot of trucks parked and people walking around if its a nice day out, and the speed limit is only 15mph now. From my experience the mdx should do fine if you stay outa the deep stuff which is hard if its high tide, BUT i would prefer the f150 any day of the week, especially because you will have to cross the dunes to reach your house. and sand conditions can change very quickly out there, and i rarely use 4L unless im pulling someone out at the beach, i cruise in 4h most of the time.

 

That is crazy if you ask me. I would inspect the fluids, check the tire pressure and go. I wouldn't hesitate to jump in my truck right now and drive it 40 hours straight one way.

 

The 4.6 has the same heads and same problem as the 5.4!

Take the truck.

Phil

 

Just left there a few weeks ago. The sand is real soft and was sucking in trucks left and right. Air down to 15-20psi and keep it in 4hi and you're golden.

 

Will be staying in Carova.
As for adults, should only be two of us and our newborn. I had fron captain chairs so the child seat actaully fits perfectly in the middle in the back so you can still recline the captain chairs. Works out nicely. We might have another adult riding with us, if that's the case we will move the child seat to one side. All the bad etc will be put in the bed part under the cover.

Looks like I'll be taking the truck as most of you agree it be a good idea to take it vs the mdx.




Looking forward to the vaca.

Thanks for the replies.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkcym...e_gdata_player