2,500 Mile Mountain Trip

Same here. We’re planning to go next summer. Haven’t decided if we’ll take the RV or not.

hilson said:

Wow, that sounds like an amazing trip! I'm impressed with your Yukon’s performance, 22 mpg is fantastic for such a loaded vehicle! The scenery in those areas must have been breathtaking. I hope we will have a long trip this summer. I've already started preparing. Btw, has anyone faced any issues with tolls along the way? I decided to have fastrak phone number handy, just in case. Or maybe I worry too much But we are going to take kids, so I want to be ready for various scenarios.

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There are no toll roads in MT or WY but you may encounter some leaving whatever state you live in. There are some toll passes that work in a few different states, but most new toll equipment just bills you by plate number. That way traffic keeps moving.

Since you’re bringing the kids, there are pull off areas throughout the Park and really, the whole drive where you can get out and burn off some energy while you’re getting an understand of the sheer magnitude of the mountains and valleys.

B-train said:

What kind of tuning do you have done to the engine and trans?

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I brought it to a city speed shop that specializes in tuning (and building) LS engines and transmissions. I asked for AFM to be tuned out.

Since I normally run E85 most of the time, I told them I wanted two (2) maps; E85 for maximum power and Gas for maximum mileage. I ran premium gas on the trip because not all stations had E85.

They changed the throttle tip-in too so it feels very lively. It’s easy to forget how heavy the truck is now.

I had them evaluate the health of the trans too and they could tell by the pressure readouts that the clutch was slipping only a tiny amount, within factory new specs. I asked them to turn off the lockup in the lower gears. They recommended 1-3 only, and it was the right call, since around town it’s usually in 4th. They firmed up the shift points too.

The tune was among the best money I spent on this vehicle.

I need to post the dash cam panoramic pictures.

Absolutely gorgeous! These big long wheel base rigs were made for road tripping! I love taking my old one on long trips. I go back and forth between Southern California and Utah a couple times a year now. Such beautiful country. I’d love to get out to Montana Wyoming and Idaho.

Awesome pics man!!

Chad

adventurenali92 said:

Absolutely gorgeous! These big long wheel base rigs were made for road tripping! I love taking my old one on long trips. I go back and forth between Southern California and Utah a couple times a year now. Such beautiful country. I’d love to get out to Montana Wyoming and Idaho.

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You’re right about the long wheelbase soaking up the miles in comfort.

Our first trip to Yellowstone was when the boys were young and we had a brand new Chevy conversion van. The long driveshaft made for good torque around town and up hills, but it really was born to smooth out long distance trips.

I had 6 captains chairs installed and the rear 4 swiveled so we could set up a game table in the back for lunch or family games. I do miss that van. Maybe I’ll get another one when we have grandkids.