Cross Canada trip in an 03 Liberty with an RV.

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Rednel

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I'm planning on driving my 03 Liberty 3.7 Limted (200,000kms or 124,00 miles) from Ontario to British Columbia (3,300 kms) towing a 1,500 lb RV plus gear in the next month or two. I'll have a mechanic check over the car in detail before we leave as I want to minimize the risk of any breaks and have the vehicle as fuel efficient as is possible.

I'd be interested to know what things people might put at the top of their list if they were making this trip - I know that's kind of tricky without inspection but though I'd throw it out here.

Some of the things I have recently done:
New water pump, air con pulley, serpentine belt and tensioner, all calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, one wheel hub, transmission fluid flush and pan replacement, radiator pressure test and flush, tires, air filter, spark plugs

Some things I thought about doing perhaps:
Change the fluid in differentials (no idea when that was last done), oil change

And I have no idea about the timing chain... if it has been looked at or changed ever in the past.

Anything else you would think of?

Thanks!
 

LibertyTC

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8.25 Rear diff gear oil should be changed out every 20k and when trailer pulling, heavier gear oil is required see owners manual.
I use Lucas dino 85W-140 and that will work very well. When was the last time you checked front diff and transfer case fluids?
Always refer to owners manual under fluid capacities.
If you only have the electrical fan, make sure it's working correctly. Otherwise the Viscous fan clutch would be a nice add on option to have= heavy duty cooling.
Did you use Hoat coolant when you replaced your waterpump?
Try to carry 2 gallon of windshield washer fluid, the bugs along the prairies, are plentiful/ enormous.
If you see a black cloud of what the heck is that/ locust getting to close, pull over let em pass.
 

Rednel

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8.25 Rear diff gear oil should be changed out every 20k and when trailer pulling, heavier gear oil is required see owners manual.
I use Lucas dino 85W-140 and that will work very well. When was the last time you checked front diff and transfer case fluids?
Always refer to owners manual under fluid capacities.
If you only have the electrical fan, make sure it's working correctly. Otherwise the Viscous fan clutch would be a nice add on option to have= heavy duty cooling.
Did you use Hoat coolant when you replaced your waterpump?
Try to carry 2 gallon of windshield washer fluid, the bugs along the prairies, are plentiful/ enormous.
If you see a black cloud of what the heck is that/ locust getting to close, pull over let em pass.
Thanks for the great suggestions.
Sounds like I should definitely do the differentials and transfer case fluid like you suggest. My fan is not the electrical one and Hoat was used when the flush pump/was done. I'll stock up on window washer fluid and bug spray! Thanks
 

Gyro

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Bring a gas can,there are some good stretches with no services.
I always take hiway 11(northern TC route from North Bay)it's straighter and flatter for the most part.

Gyro
 

duderz7

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Be sure the full plugs come out before you drain front diff and transfer case
 

lfhoward

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If your Jeep doesn’t have an auxiliary transmission cooler, I would recommend installing one for going over the mountains.
 

turblediesel

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Take the "bison on road" signs seriously. Some herds like the warmth of the pavement when the sun goes down. I met someone who hit five at once.
 

Rednel

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Just thought I'd update the post and mention my 03 Jeep Liberty towing Tab teardrop trailer made it to BC in 8 days covering around 4500km's with no issues. I estimated the fuel cost to be about $750 which did not seem too bad as the trailer pulled is 1500lbs plus it and the car were fairly loaded. Our second vehicle in convoy was a 2018 Ram Hemi 5.7 and was towing around 8000lbs in a cargo trailer and it was about $1000 in gas.
Now to get both vehicles an out of province safety before registering them for the new province...
 

LibertyTC

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Glad you made it to BC safely. Unfortunately the air quality is now poor due to the wildfires from Portland Oregon.
Hopefully it clears a bit soon as the winds may blow it east in next few days. We need rain!
 
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