My uncle invited my brother and I down to Atlanta in May for a Cubs vs Braves game. It'll also be nice to see family. He has 3 kids. We were looking into airfare and it was around $250 each. I thought of the idea of driving down. I think it'd be fun.
It's about 12 hours from here, 775 miles each way. So that'd be almost 2000 miles on the truck. She is turning 40,000 pretty soon, think she'll make it? The reason I ask is because of the recent car trouble I had with the Escort, it kind of got me worried a little bit. But the truck does have 160,000 LESS miles than the Escort and is 7 years newer. Do you think it'll make it to Atlanta from Chicago alright? Have you taken any road trips in your trucks?
Shane

 

The Lightning is a great road trip vehicle. I bought my 2001 last October in Grand Rapids, Mi and drove it back to Orlando through Atlanta. The only bad part was all the miles (it only had 4000 when I bought it) and the rainstorm north of Atlanta (it supposedly had never seen rain before).

David

 

Lord willin and the creek don't rise it should make it.

 

Boston MA to wichita kansas round trip.

WOrked great. even with a WOT blast on a deserted striahgt highway . had it maxed out for 10-15 seconds. she worked wonderfully.

expect to pay more money on gas then beer tho.

 

I did 2 trips this year. Mi--Fla--Mi And then in Nov I went Mi-Tenn-Mi. (pics on my web page)

The new speakers/amp and silvania silverstar bulbs sure did go a long way too!

Rich

 

just last summer I took a road trip in mine. Long Island NY to St. Claire MO, about 1100miles each way....I made it nonstop both ways (13hours there, 15back) I was doin a lil north of the speed limit I did the trip with a 351w in the bed and me and my friends gear. It was a great ride and by far the most comfortable road trip I've ever taken.

Josh

 

Shane it's like anything,
If the Motor Tranny + Rear are good, make sure all belts
and hoses are up to par, tip off all the fluids, kick the tires,
and roll up some big ones
BEST OF LUCK AND ENJOY THE FAMILY WHEN THE TIME COMES


I once paid $150.00 for a 4 door Nova, put bakes, hoses, belts,
tires, and off across America I went in a Drug Induced not a good time of my life episode. I landed on the other side of America in
California, stayed a week, realized the Hookers carried Guns,
and headed back to NY

SAD ENOUGH, THIS IS A TRUE STORY.............

REMEMBER
Hoses Belts and Fluid............

 

As long as you've done your normal maintenance, you shouldn't have any problems. My 2kL has 42K miles on it, and goes cross country about twice a year. It's a great vehicle for the highway, and effortlessly runs 80-100 mph for hours. Don't miss the chance to enjoy it on the open road.

 

ive got from south florida to phoenix and back without a problem. got about 16mpg with a bike in the back too

 

You guys back east must have better roads than we do out here in the North West. The roads out here have bad ruts. There are even signs on the side of the road in a few places that say "ruts ahead" Some parts of the freeway are so bad that when you change lanes it's sorta like going over a wake while your waterskiing. Any vehicle with big fat tires is a pain to drive long distance. I drove my Lightning from Portland to Seattle once - it wanderd, pulled, and darted all over the freeway, it was not a fun relaxing trip.

But if you have a nice road to drive on, I suppose a long road trip in the lightning would be fun, just have enough cash on hand for towing.

 

Rob_02Lightning,

Rich

 

Last year I took my L to Westcliff Co. (11 hrs.), it did great. Only had 1700 mi. on it then. One month later I took it to Fargo, Nd with a load of heating and a/c equipment for my brother. It did well, but a long boring trip, 13hrs. you should be fine

 

thanks for the info. I look forward to taking it down to Atlanta. I did take it up north to Wisconsin Dells (twice) and both trips were real nice. I was amazed how well it does on the highway. How often will I need to stop and fill up for gas? If I can get 300 miles to a full tank, then every 4 hours right? (300/75) That's not that bad. I'll end up spending $100 on gas each way. (Depending on the gas prices in the spring) I'll pry be due for an oil change and new tires before the trip in the spring. Then I should be set.
thanks, Shane

 

Shane last summer on my trip for the full 3000miles I was on the road (1100 there 1100 back and driving around for a week) I spent a total of $270 in gas, including a $45 fill up when I got back to my town on LI. About 2300miles of the trip was spent with a 351w engine in the bed and the tonneau off, so I wasnt even getting optimum aerodynamics. And most of my driving was spent well north of the posted speed limit. LoL


Josh

 

Mine doesn't go on road trips