is it wise to take my 2001 ram 1500 on a road trip from texas to Vegas? im not worried about fuel mileage i am just worried about the engine and transmission. can they even make it that far with out something happening to it. i am weary about the transmission since its a second gen but the truck only has 64,000 miles on it. so should i take it on a trip there and back or will it breakdown in some way?

 

How well has it been treated over its life? Has the maintenance been kept up? Has it been giving you any problems?

 

It will be fine. Go for it.

 

If you don't have the external trans cooler i would get one. Heat is a real enemy of transmissions and especially living in a hot environment doesn't help.

 

If you've kept it in good shape, sure. 64K is just getting broken in. Tires good? Brakes kept in good shape? Water pump shaft good and tight with no wiggle? Like another poster said, add a transmission cooler if it doesn't have one. Make sure you have a decent radio to avoid drone sleepiness on long runs. Otherwise, make like a ground squirrel and gopher it.

 

I’m over 220k on a 318 that’s never been opened up, and wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a long trip.

 

That low of miles I wouldn't worry about it too much. If I was gonna take mine (193,000) over the road I would take tools and whatever spare parts I could that are still original to the truck. Already have spare cam and crank sensor laying around, starter is original so I would probably buy one and take it. Change the oil and trans fluid if its been a while, check all the battery cables, grounds ect...

 

I take two road trips every year between 3 and 5 thousand miles each. Currently at 259k and all original. I would take my truck coast to coast before any new car.

 

i dont know the previous owner only took it out tot the lake while towing his boat after that it pretty much just sat hence the faded paint it has a new PCM and a aircleaner on it

 

I wouldn't hesitate to do that, but no one can guarantee it won't break down, even brand new vehicles break down sometimes. Good news is if you have any problems, your truck is easy to work on and parts are easy to find.