M1009 Planning Oct. 10 Recovery from VA to IN

[Shrapnel]

I'm finally getting another MV (I've been without for the last year). I'm flying in to pick it up in northern VA and then driving it back to the Indianpolis area. Most of the trip will be along I-70, and the truck will be registered/insured before the trip. Here are some pictures and info on the M1009 CUCV I'm getting:



It has around 45,000 miles on it, and was daily driven for the last 5000+ miles until a few months ago when parked. Mods include 1-ton axles w/ 4.56 (detroit rear, limited slip front), 4" ORD lift with crossover and high steer, recentered Hummer wheels/beadlocks/37's, softop, and some basic repairs such as new radiator/hoses/belts/fuel pump/spin-on filter/etc. It's supposed to be a great running and driving truck.

At first I'd thought I'd fly in with just a carry on and buy some basic tools/essential after arrival, but I've decided to pack a basic tool kit instead in a checked luggage bag. I'm trying to put together the bare essentials lightweight tool pack. So far here is what I'm thinking:

Multimeter, fuses, wrenches (standard, metric, or both?), screwdrivers, pliers (various kinds), tire iron, duct tape, electrical tape, some wire, hose clamps, fuel line, and ??? I'm trying to keep it small, simple, and lightweight. My biggest concern will be not having a jack (it does have a full size spare tire). I don't think it would be easy to pack one.

Any thoughts? Any body live somewhat close to that part of I-70 in case I have issues along the way?

Thanks.

 

[jdknech]

Looks sharp! Can't wait to see it at the June haspin rally lol. You will need both SAE and metro tools unfortunately.. The CUCV's are a hodgepodge of both.
Don't take any sealants or aerosols in your baggage.. They are considered HAZMAT and if TSA finds it they will remove them (if your lucky) and could fine you many thousands of dollars (if your unlucky)
As for a jack just pick up a cheap bottle jack at Walmart after your there.. (Shouldn't be over $15-$20)
Good luck man! It was good seeing you yesterday. -josh

 

[dmetalmiki]

Good luck with your trip, (and) enjoy the trip home.

 

[Shrapnel]

Thanks, Josh! My DD Jeep did OK at the rally (almost made one of the Dave's roll his M1009 twice while following me) but it's just not the same as a CUCV!

 

[Recovry4x4]

If you have some basic but heavy tools, consider the flat rate USPS boxes and send some ahead. I did that with a towbar once while recovering 2 deuces in TN.

 

[Shrapnel]

Great idea with the flat rate mail. I just talked to the seller and there are several options to buy a jack on site (tractor supply, autozone, walmart). I forgot a few important items for my list: jumper cables, tire gauge, wire cutters/strippers, knife. I think with that list I should be able to keep under any crazy weight charges at the airport.

 

[Recovry4x4]

If you go with a basic bottle jack, grab some cribbing or a chunk of 6x6. It sure makes a difference if you need to change a flat with the limited stroke of the bottle jack. I drive the flat up on cribbing any time I have to change a flat.

 

[DJones]

Good deal keep us posted.

 

[BnaditCorps]

hope to see pictures afterwards

 

[Shrapnel]

Did a little shopping and picked up some inexpensive travel tools:


Then I opened up my Jeep gear bag (stuff I always carry with me) and supplemented a few things for the travel kit:


Then I tested out the bag to see if everything would fit. Well, almost everything...


It makes for a nice compact kit that I shouldn't have too much trouble fitting it in my small checked suitcase. Hopefully it isn't molested too much by the workers when loaded up. I thought about locking it, but I haven't heard great luck with the TSA locks. Just kind of gives them a reason to unlock and see why you felt the need to lock the bag. I've intentionally avoided packing any liquids, don't know if that matters or not for a checked bag. Don't have a bunch invested in the tools but I will be very inconvienienced if they are MIA upon arrival.

 

[jdknech]

If you are worried about checking it, you could ship it fedex "HFPU" (hold for pick up) to the local fedex terminal where you are picking up the CUCV

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Good luck with the recovery.
Why not just rent a cheap car and drive it to get the truck?
That way you can take whatever tools you want.
Just an idea

 

[Shrapnel]

CUCVLOVER - I already bought the ticket. I'm not taking any time off work so I'm flying out after work Friday night and driving it home Saturday, with Sunday being my buffer if needed.

JDKNECH - I might do the shipping thing. Then I could just go carry-on and the cost to ship would probably be the same as the bag checking.

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and encouragement.

 

[BnaditCorps]

CUCVLOVER - I already bought the ticket. I'm not taking any time off work so I'm flying out after work Friday night and driving it home Saturday, with Sunday being my buffer if needed.

JDKNECH - I might do the shipping thing. Then I could just go carry-on and the cost to ship would probably be the same as the bag checking.

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and encouragement.

plus if you ship you can send things that are not allowed on the plane

 

[CUCVLOVER]

plus if you ship you can send things that are not allowed on the plane

That's why I suggested rental car, but I understand if he has a ticket.

 

[jdknech]

plus if you ship you can send things that are not allowed on the plane

You can, but you still can't ship (undeclared) Hazmat.. So no chemicals or aerosols. But It might be a cheaper option for getting all your tooling there including a jack

 

[alpine44]

Nice looking truck.Do you know where the PO got the soft top from?

 

[Shrapnel]

The soft top is a Softopper brand. I think they run about $1200 (a lot more expensive than just using muscle and removing the fiberglass top on occasion).

Everything is set for me to fly out tomorrow night and pick up the truck Saturday. I will take some pictures along the way. I'm really looking forward to the little getaway and will enjoy all the fall foliage on the way back. Hoping for an uneventful trip otherwise.

 

[1bonehead]

I am in MD area in you need help.

 

[alpine44]

The soft top is a Softopper brand. I think they run about $1200 (a lot more expensive than just using muscle and removing the fiberglass top on occasion).

Everything is set for me to fly out tomorrow night and pick up the truck Saturday. I will take some pictures along the way. I'm really looking forward to the little getaway and will enjoy all the fall foliage on the way back. Hoping for an uneventful trip otherwise.

Thanks for the info.

I will pick up my first M1009 in SFO on Saturday as well. Depending on how it runs we will do some light trails in Utah on the way back to Montana. Should be spectacular this time of the year.

Have fun going in the opposite direction. If you start far enough South, take the Blue Ridge Parkway if you can. If you start further North, consider taking some backroads in WV. The remaining drive on I-70 is nothing to write home about. The Airforce Museum in Dayton, OH is nice though and may be a convenient break.