Ol' Turbo's cross country trek, to boldly go where...
 

so many Diesels have gone before.... Southern California.

Realizing that my whimsical college years are slowly reaching the end, I decided that I must make the pilgrimage before I become tied down with work or other serious obligations. The catalyst for this trek is a large get together being held January 10th, and a chance to meet many notable SoCal members and their impeccable vehicles.

I have grandparents who live in Costa Mesa, visiting the area regularly, but this will be my first visit on my own, and the longest road trip I have ever attempted.

The Route:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Wichita,+KS&daddr=I-70+W+to:I-70+W+to:I-15+S+to:CA-55+S+to:I-40+E+to:37.681647,-97.212524&hl=en&geocode=FQgLPwId7cYy-g%3BFdgWXwIdvJe8-Q%3BFYDnXAIdWPml-Q%3BFbbBKAIdhW4j-Q%3BFU-fAQIdn_z4-A%3BFXL6GAIdpEzt-Q%3B&mra=mi&mrcr=5&mrsp=6&sz=9&sll=37.300275,-96.965332&sspn=0.989706,2.471924&ie=UTF8&ll=36.5626,-104.458008&spn=15.962438,39.550781&z=5

This 2 week journey will cover over 3000 miles 9 states, with the first leg being the most challenging. My family is flying to Colorado while I drive the 10 hours from home. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can be quite dangerous, so I'm especially nervous about tomorrow. While I lived in Colorado for a brief time and am very familiar with driving in the snow, this will be a first for me with Ol' Turbo. I bought my 300D from a guy in Colorado who moved from Texas. He tried driving it one winter and claimed it scared him too much, selling it before enduring another winter.

I plan on staying in Colorado until January 4, then I will continue to Las Vegas and spend a few days with my Grandparents who happen to be utilizing their time share at the same time. Then, a long weekend SoCal, and finally the long, long, long trip home.

Ol' Turbos oil is newly changed, valves adjusted, coolant flushed, and all other maintenance items within specifications. I bought a AAA membership just in case anything should happen, but I hope for an uneventful trip. I will be posting many pictures along the way. Wish me, and Ol' Turbo especially, luck...:o

I'll see you on the other side :) stay safe!

Wow, he's travling through Oklahoma?? I am not too far form I-35 highway that he is travling through...

Not going to use the E320? :D My wife and I are plotting a cross country trip sometime in 2009, and we'll probably go in the 300E....

Good luck Tyler, next time make a run over to the east coast.

Happy New Year

I think the reason it scared the PO was because he was from Texas. I think our 123/116 are great in the snow. I run studded snows all the way around now but I used to run them with just all weather tires. Drove my TD from Denver to LA and back a couple of Xmas's ago. Came back thru Vegas and the mountains. No problems. Make sure you take along some Power Service to avoid gelled fuel if the temperatures drop.

Good luck man.



See you out here.

to be safe, if you do not have good snow tires, I would pick up a set (that's 4, not 2...) chains. having lived in CO, you probably already know this, but the best way to keep from getting stuck in snow is to stay out of it. drive safe!

Drive safe - it's a jungle out there.

We'll all be on here waiting all wormy tongued. (baited breath), on your travels. Being from Kansas, You know that Western Kansas is treacherous this time of year as is the run to Denver and points west.

I have no fancy to spend a day or 3 in a snowbank in Western Kansas....Been there and done that, no fun at all. I'll pray you have good weather to get thru Colorado. I know you have family there, but I would see them on the way back and come out the southern route. But that's the old man in me and one that has made both trips at one time or another.

We will be here if you need help(time you get close to me you're home(so.CA.) free almost. Line up some members numbers along the route just in case.

Most of all be safe and we'll see ya in So Cal! Glad you are coming out for the GTG.

JackG found lots of friendly forum members during his recent trek down to Texas. Bet you can find offers of help and maybe a free meal or two from forum members. God Speed.

Wow, that's a really long way to drive!! O_O The diesel should be able to handle it no problem, though. :) See you at the GTG!

I see you're driving near Zion National Park and Arches. You have to at least get out and snap some photos. Some of the most spectacular country out there.

I drove from LA to Pennsylvania last summer, and the 300D pulled through just great. Bring oil, coolant and jumper cables in case of an emergency, but my guess is you'll enjoy the ride immensely. If I were doing it again, I'd take a month or two instead of a few weeks.

Best 6 years of your life!! :P:P

What an awesome experience for a young man to undertake at this time in his life! Not to wax nostalgic, but what many of us wouldn't give to be able to go back and do this. With rigid jobs and families and the like, we can't even consider it. We will live vicariously through Tyler!!! :P:P:P
I can't wait for many pics along the way. How awesome it would be to see all those SoCal guys and their uber sharp MB's. {even the gassers!} ;)
Post many pics, and drive carefully.
Gimme a call if you run across anything interesting. Oh, and watch out for those waitresses....... :sneaky:
:wink3:

Only 6 years??? WOW!!! He beat me by.....well, nevermind.

Hey Jimmy, do you think we would be safe if I "benznapped" you? I could cruise thru one afternoon and hold you at "wrench point" and force you into Coda for a trip to So. Cal. I would always call and update your wife on your whereabouts and the "ransom" demands. Of course, I figure after about 5 days, I'll be paying her to take you back......

What was the name of that book? The Ransom of Little Red Chief or something like that....


Tyler --- Good Luck and regarding your trip:

"That should prove interesting."

you should know that quote.:D




AAA --- bah, hum bug!!! Us Forum Members ought to set up some type of non profit service. Charlie has me thinking.;)




:D