48Dodger Posted January 13 Posted January 13 (edited) APRIL 11th 2026  CLEMENTS TAILGATE BBQ in CLEMENTS, CALIFORNIA  HOME OF THE LARGEST MEET UP OF VINTAGE DODGE TRUCKS EVER!!  We get INVADED by other makes and models BUT WE DON'T CARE! Cuz we are COOL Truckers and don't mind all the WEIRDOS!  ....at least I don't!.....lol  😄  Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!!! Woohoo!!! Its on a private ranch, my ranch, no admission, no tickets to buy, plenty of room for a 14 foot rig to turn a doughnut!!!  Big Blocks, Small Blocks, L6, Straight Six, Old Hemi, New Hemi, Modern Hemi, DON'T CARE!! Just love your ride and share the story!!!  Timothy A Estrada aka 48Dodger   Edited February 19 by 48Dodger cuz 3 2
ggdad1951 Posted January 14 Posted January 14 So you are saying I have to get my Hotel Estrada rsvp set up? 1
Brent B3B Posted January 14 Posted January 14 4 minutes ago, ggdad1951 said: So you are saying I have to get my Hotel Estrada rsvp set up? Sorry man you’re too late but Julie reserved you a place 🤠3
48Dodger Posted January 15 Author Posted January 15 Man, I hope that two tone tan spring thingy makes it this time! It's been two years since I've seen it! Â 48D
Merle Coggins Posted January 15 Posted January 15 Woo Hoo... The time has come... I plan to be there again this year, and I am working out the final details of an epic road trip to drive the Ol' Dodge out there for the BBQ. It'll be a little over 2200 miles each way, 400-500 per day, avoiding the interstate for secondary highways. I'll keep you all posted on the progress, and anticipated routes, when we get closer to "go time".  Mark, will you have TODD done by then? We could caravan, and you can pull me up the steep grades. 😉 2
John-T-53 Posted January 16 Posted January 16 (edited) On 1/14/2026 at 8:56 PM, 48Dodger said: Man, I hope that two tone tan spring thingy makes it this time! It's been two years since I've seen it! Â 48D Â Me too. I have a head gasket leak, I just discovered. Lots of work to do to get the old gal in shape for the long ride up the 5 (el puto cinco)! Edited January 16 by John-T-53
48Dodger Posted January 16 Author Posted January 16 Hey Keven! Got a car shell for you if still interested. Â Its free, the Hemi is being worked on to resided in my Race ie Wedding truck! Â 48DÂ Â
Jim Shepard Posted January 17 Posted January 17 Merle, I can hardly wait for your daily posts (videos?). I’ve often wanted to do an extended road trip in my old truck (Route 66). The potential issue I see for you is late snow over the passes. If the Sierra’s get a good winter there will be snow in mid-April. I’m sure they make snow chains for a Pilothouse; after all, people did drive in snow back in the day. 1
Merle Coggins Posted January 19 Posted January 19 On 1/17/2026 at 5:41 PM, Jim Shepard said: Merle, I can hardly wait for your daily posts (videos?). I’ve often wanted to do an extended road trip in my old truck (Route 66). The potential issue I see for you is late snow over the passes. If the Sierra’s get a good winter there will be snow in mid-April. I’m sure they make snow chains for a Pilothouse; after all, people did drive in snow back in the day. Thanks Jim. Early April snow through the Rockies and Sierra's is my biggest concern as I plan this trip. I looked at tire chains and tire socks on Amazon. They are listed by tire size, and include my size. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet, but it's getting higher on my priority list.Â
John-T-53 Posted January 19 Posted January 19 4 hours ago, Merle Coggins said: Thanks Jim. Early April snow through the Rockies and Sierra's is my biggest concern as I plan this trip. I looked at tire chains and tire socks on Amazon. They are listed by tire size, and include my size. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet, but it's getting higher on my priority list.  Bring a bag of sand or kitty litter, and a shovel just in case you get stuck.... 1
48Dodger Posted January 19 Author Posted January 19 What's the plan "off the top of yo' head"? The Northern route or more South....  48D
Merle Coggins Posted January 20 Posted January 20 12 hours ago, 48Dodger said: What's the plan "off the top of yo' head"? The Northern route or more South....  48D  My plan, for the outbound route, is to drop down to Dubuque, IA and follow US 20 west. In Western Nebraska I'll drop down towards Scottsbluff and pick up US 26 to head up into Wyoming. I'll drop down through Laramie, and on to Steamboat Springs, CO. That stretch should be my first real mountain pass test. From Steamboat I'll follow US 40 across Colorado and Utah into the Salt Lake/Provo area. US 6 will then connect me to US 50 across Nevada into Carson City/Lake Tahoe. From there I can pick up CA 88 which will take me through the Sierras and on to Clements.  I'm still playing with the return route. I'm hoping to take a little more southern route (not by much though), just to see different country. I thought of going through the Yosemite area, then on through Tonopah, NV, but when I look at Google Maps this morning it's showing those routes to be closed until May. Is that normal for that area? Maybe that'll force me to head back on 88 and 50 again. Heading east across Utah and Colorado will likely be US 40 again either way. However, once I get past Steamboat Springs I hope to follow CO 14 into Fort Collins. This will be another mountain pass that concerns me for early April. East of Ft. Collins I'll pick up US 138, which parallels I-76, and that will connect to US 30, which parallels I-80. Eventually US 30 deviates away from the Interstate and crosses into Iowa just north of Omaha, NE. US 30 continues across Iowa, through Ames and into Cedar Rapids. From there I'm thinking of heading north on IA 13 until it connects with US 18. 18 will bring me back into Wisconsin at Prairie du Chien where I'll pick up WI 60, which is a nice scenic ride along the Wisconsin River. Once I get into the center of the state I'll meander my way home. I haven't mapped that out yet, but it's all roads I'm familiar with, so I may just wing it it at that point.   I'm open to suggestions, from those "in the know" regarding routes west of Iowa. I don't want to venture too far south as it would easily add another day, or two, to the trip, which will already be a good 5 days each way.  Another option may be to go back up through Laramie and continue in up into the Black Hills area, (been there, done that) then follow US 14 east back to Winona, MN. From there I can cross the river back to WI and follow WI 54 across the state towards home. But I think I'd prefer the central NE route. 1
Merle Coggins Posted January 20 Posted January 20 18 hours ago, John-T-53 said:  Bring a bag of sand or kitty litter, and a shovel just in case you get stuck....  Good idea. This time of the year it's easy to find the compact, collapsible handle, shovels. I may snag one and add a bag of some kind of 'grit' too. I've got plenty of charcoal ash. I've heard that ash makes a good traction compound on ice and snow. 1
John-T-53 Posted January 20 Posted January 20 (edited) 6 hours ago, Merle Coggins said:  My plan, for the outbound route, is to drop down to Dubuque, IA and follow US 20 west. In Western Nebraska I'll drop down towards Scottsbluff and pick up US 26 to head up into Wyoming. I'll drop down through Laramie, and on to Steamboat Springs, CO. That stretch should be my first real mountain pass test. From Steamboat I'll follow US 40 across Colorado and Utah into the Salt Lake/Provo area. US 6 will then connect me to US 50 across Nevada into Carson City/Lake Tahoe. From there I can pick up CA 88 which will take me through the Sierras and on to Clements.  I'm still playing with the return route. I'm hoping to take a little more southern route (not by much though), just to see different country. I thought of going through the Yosemite area, then on through Tonopah, NV, but when I look at Google Maps this morning it's showing those routes to be closed until May. Is that normal for that area? Maybe that'll force me to head back on 88 and 50 again. Heading east across Utah and Colorado will likely be US 40 again either way. However, once I get past Steamboat Springs I hope to follow CO 14 into Fort Collins. This will be another mountain pass that concerns me for early April. East of Ft. Collins I'll pick up US 138, which parallels I-76, and that will connect to US 30, which parallels I-80. Eventually US 30 deviates away from the Interstate and crosses into Iowa just north of Omaha, NE. US 30 continues across Iowa, through Ames and into Cedar Rapids. From there I'm thinking of heading north on IA 13 until it connects with US 18. 18 will bring me back into Wisconsin at Prairie du Chien where I'll pick up WI 60, which is a nice scenic ride along the Wisconsin River. Once I get into the center of the state I'll meander my way home. I haven't mapped that out yet, but it's all roads I'm familiar with, so I may just wing it it at that point.   I'm open to suggestions, from those "in the know" regarding routes west of Iowa. I don't want to venture too far south as it would easily add another day, or two, to the trip, which will already be a good 5 days each way.  Another option may be to go back up through Laramie and continue in up into the Black Hills area, (been there, done that) then follow US 14 east back to Winona, MN. From there I can cross the river back to WI and follow WI 54 across the state towards home. But I think I'd prefer the central NE route.  HWY 50 though Nevada, the loneliest road in America. At least there's a gas station in all the little towns along that route.  Yup, highways 120, 4, and 108 are all closed through the Sierras all winter. Sometimes 88 can be temporarily closed too, because it is not as traveled, but should be ok in early April. If there's a spring storm, however, it may be impacted. Highways 50 and 80 are the most travelled routes over the Sierras. The next available route to the south over the high Sierras would be CA-58 through Tehachapi, about 300 miles south. But driving all the way down to the south end of the San Joaquin Valley to access it would be soul sucking, haha. Edited January 20 by John-T-53
LazyK Posted January 20 Posted January 20 6 hours ago, Merle Coggins said:  My plan, for the outbound route, is to drop down to Dubuque, IA and follow US 20 west. In Western Nebraska I'll drop down towards Scottsbluff and pick up US 26 to head up into Wyoming. I'll drop down through Laramie, and on to Steamboat Springs, CO. That stretch should be my first real mountain pass test. From Steamboat I'll follow US 40 across Colorado and Utah into the Salt Lake/Provo area. US 6 will then connect me to US 50 across Nevada into Carson City/Lake Tahoe. From there I can pick up CA 88 which will take me through the Sierras and on to Clements.  I'm still playing with the return route. I'm hoping to take a little more southern route (not by much though), just to see different country. I thought of going through the Yosemite area, then on through Tonopah, NV, but when I look at Google Maps this morning it's showing those routes to be closed until May. Is that normal for that area? Maybe that'll force me to head back on 88 and 50 again. Heading east across Utah and Colorado will likely be US 40 again either way. However, once I get past Steamboat Springs I hope to follow CO 14 into Fort Collins. This will be another mountain pass that concerns me for early April. East of Ft. Collins I'll pick up US 138, which parallels I-76, and that will connect to US 30, which parallels I-80. Eventually US 30 deviates away from the Interstate and crosses into Iowa just north of Omaha, NE. US 30 continues across Iowa, through Ames and into Cedar Rapids. From there I'm thinking of heading north on IA 13 until it connects with US 18. 18 will bring me back into Wisconsin at Prairie du Chien where I'll pick up WI 60, which is a nice scenic ride along the Wisconsin River. Once I get into the center of the state I'll meander my way home. I haven't mapped that out yet, but it's all roads I'm familiar with, so I may just wing it it at that point.   I'm open to suggestions, from those "in the know" regarding routes west of Iowa. I don't want to venture too far south as it would easily add another day, or two, to the trip, which will already be a good 5 days each way.  Another option may be to go back up through Laramie and continue in up into the Black Hills area, (been there, done that) then follow US 14 east back to Winona, MN. From there I can cross the river back to WI and follow WI 54 across the state towards home. But I think I'd prefer the central NE route. I would recommend Scottsbluff to Fort Collins over Laramie. Than west on 34 or 14 to steamboat springs and Craig Colorado. A local car club used to do a two day run that left Laramie and went to ft collins before returning to Laramie that was called the 5 passes tour. Very scenic but very remote. If you heart is set on Laramie, 287 south will get you to Fort Collins Â
48Dodger Posted January 21 Author Posted January 21 Its all good Merle! Just a quick list of suggestions..... Â 1. Bring an extra set of batteries 2. Bring a dash mount for the camera/phone 3. Make sure you have utility plug 4. Consider a GoPro for the dash etc......your phone might ring with a "honey do" list 5. Document all the trouble have with truck so we can appreciate the problems you went through to be us gearheads! Â Â Â Â Â You know I appreciate you ! Â 48D Â
Merle Coggins Posted January 21 Posted January 21 (edited) On 1/20/2026 at 11:41 AM, John-T-53 said:  HWY 50 though Nevada, the loneliest road in America. At least there's a gas station in all the little towns along that route.  Yup, highways 120, 4, and 108 are all closed through the Sierras all winter. Sometimes 88 can be temporarily closed too, because it is not as traveled, but should be ok in early April. If there's a spring storm, however, it may be impacted. Highways 50 and 80 are the most travelled routes over the Sierras. The next available route to the south over the high Sierras would be CA-58 through Tehachapi, about 300 miles south. But driving all the way down to the south end of the San Joaquin Valley to access it would be soul sucking, haha.  Thanks John. I did see 50 as an alternate route through the Sierras. I'll certainly be watching the weather closely as I get out there. It's good to hear that there are several gas stations along that desolate route. I was talking with a cousin, who lives in Cheyenne, about this trip. He suggested bringing an extra can, or two, of gas. I figured that wouldn't hurt. If nothing else I can fill everything up in Nevada and avoid some of the high priced California gas.  On 1/20/2026 at 2:24 PM, LazyK said: I would recommend Scottsbluff to Fort Collins over Laramie. Than west on 34 or 14 to steamboat springs and Craig Colorado. A local car club used to do a two day run that left Laramie and went to ft collins before returning to Laramie that was called the 5 passes tour. Very scenic but very remote. If you heart is set on Laramie, 287 south will get you to Fort Collins   I'm planning a visit to Fort Laramie on the way. It looked like an interesting thing to check out along the way. Also, I went WYO Tech in Laramie (nearly 40 years ago), so I may also make a visit to my Alma Mater on my way through, hence the Laramie route.  On 1/20/2026 at 3:17 PM, ggdad1951 said: With your speedy rig, just take the interstate!  I could... I could also trailer it out there. But what's the fun in that. The Interstate Highways will be a last resort, if needed to avoid poor road conditions.  18 hours ago, 48Dodger said: Its all good Merle! Just a quick list of suggestions.....  1. Bring an extra set of batteries 2. Bring a dash mount for the camera/phone 3. Make sure you have utility plug 4. Consider a GoPro for the dash etc......your phone might ring with a "honey do" list 5. Document all the trouble have with truck so we can appreciate the problems you went through to be us gearheads!      You know I appreciate you !  48D   1. Extra batteries? I already have a spare starter, generator, fuel pump, distributor, ignition parts, etc. 2. I do have a phone mount on the dash. 3. Utility plug??? 4. I do have a DJI Action camera, with a mount on the dash, to capture parts of the journey. 5. I plan to start a new thread just, before departure, and use it to blog my trip. Edited January 21 by Merle Coggins 3
48Dodger Posted January 22 Author Posted January 22 1. Batteries for whatever camera ya bring along! 3. USB plug or whatever ! Â You've a got heck of an adventure ahead of you buddy! Wish I was going along! Â 48D
ggdad1951 Posted January 28 Posted January 28 @Merle Coggins you MIGHT, MAYBE, POTENTIALLY have a truck caravanning back on the ride home. Time will tell.
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