Long Trip with Motorcycle on board.

[dodi]

Hi everyone, would like some advice on a long trip I have planned. Have driven from Vancouver , B.C. to Palm Springs the last two winters with a 2006 BMW 325 xi. The trip is around 2200 kms ( 3 days of driving for me ). Last trip the electronic water pump on the BMW failed and cost $1400 dollars to repair. My plan is to take my 2000 Mazda B3000 truck to Palm Springs and i want to take a Honda 750 cruiser type motorcycle loaded on the truck . The bike weighs around 525 pounds. My concerns are that the truck has 245000 kms on it and is showing its age. it is 2 wheel drive and a 6 cylinder and a base model. It is presently running new all terrain type tires. My wife's concerns are that the truck has no air conditioning, and is showing a lot of wear and tear. i will be leaving in Feb and returning at the end of March when it can get quite warm in the desert. . Also a few mountain passes along the way and only 2 wheel drive. The reward is i will have a motorcycle with me in Palm Springs for 2 months. ( also the fancy newer fully equipped BMW failed me. Other than convincing my wife can you offer any suggestions. I would have the truck tuned up, change oil and filter , check brakes and have a mechanic give it a full inspection as well.
Thanks for your input in advance.

 

[RangerX]

If it's an auto trans, I'd install a secondary trans cooler, and a trans temp gauge.
I wouldn't worry about no ac in March, it won't be THAT hot. I've done trips through the southwest deserts in the summer with no ac, and lived. 114 degrees!

 

[dodi]

Thanks ....it's a 5 speed

 

[2stroke]

What I would do before a long trip...

engine oil/filter
tranny oil
air filter
check brakes
flush cooling system
grease wheel bearings
windshield wipers if more than a few months old
maybe new serpentine belt (or at least a spare)
and check all other fluids
check front end components
check/clean battery
dont forget to bring a good hydraulic jack and a good spare tire

Other things I would bring are a headlight bulb, tail light bulbs (they might also double as blinker bulbs, but I cant remember for sure), 12v plug in air compressor (for tires), 50/50 pre-mixed coolant, windshield washer fluid, engine oil, a few fuses, and I assume you will have tools with the bike.

I have never had a vehicle with working AC, I don't see a need. It is nice down south, but it just makes getting out that much worse. Heat is another matter. Make sure it is working no matter where you go.