|
The first major road trip for the CDI
We planned a trip to San Felipe this month, and decided to take the CDI. We normally take a '17 Ram 2500 Diesel, but only had a quad and a couple kayaks to take this time. With three of us in the car, and the trailer behind, we headed out last Friday on the CDI's first major road trip. Dave normally drives the car for work, so it mostly sees local roads and freeways. Knowing that the roads are not the greatest south of the border, Dave decided to get new tires for the car before heading out. About $700 later, the CDI has all new Goodyear tires on the 18" wheels. The entire trip down there (360 miles one way) was without incident until the last 30km. It was dark, and Dave did not see the large pothole in the road before it was too late. The left rear wheel got swallowed up by the pothole, and the wheel broke in half along it's circumference. A turnout was found just yards away, and we stopped and surveyed the damage. Thankfully, there was not much traffic on the road, as I needed to change the tire with my butt hanging out in the road. Having the trailer tongue jack helped to take most of the weight of the trailer and rear of the car so the stock jack could lift the car to change the tire. We were able to make it the last 30km to the house on the donut spare. The next day we drove into town, and talked to the guy at the lumber yard we deal with. He showed us a wrecking yard in town that happen to have a couple different 18" wheels to choose from. We purchased one for $25, and headed back to the house to check the fit, and clean it up. It had a dual bolt pattern, and one of them worked perfectly. The tire was undamaged, so after cleaning up the wheel, Dave drove the "Baja Beater" ('96 Ford Ranger) back into town to get the tire mounted. The trip home was without incident. I am now searching for a replacement set of 18" wheels, since the tires are new. I found a set of AMG wheels for an S class. Anyone know if they will fit? The seller is not sure, and I don't really want to drive the 100 mile round trip, only to find out they don't fit.....Rich
|