Made it to Missoula just fine. Hopefully the return trip Thursday will be just as easy.

Return trip was fine. I got my best mileage, 21.8, going from Missoula to Post Falls, ID. I would daresay the Jimmy rode quite a bit better with 800 lbs of gear in the back.

Good to hear!

Your story made me more than a little paranoid about every little squeak, rattle, and blip of the gauges. Every single time I thought something had happened I had visions of blowing the motor and trans and pulling them both out and rebuilding them. Then I came to my senses and realized that the Jimmy is basically a rolling squeak and rattle box and I shouldn't worry about it. :)

Yeah I have come to terms with the noises, but when the gauge steadily rises and then a ssssssssssssssssssss starts, something is up

I haven't had that problem on any of mine recently but I did watch the oil pressure like a hawk the whole time I was on the road. Since I bought the Jimmy not running because of bad intake manifold gaskets I'm constantly worried that there's bearing damage and the engine is going to die any moment.

hauled my camper 250 miles yesterday
that blew the already poor gas mileage out the window
I carry a tool kit with me on the long hauls , always hope to have what I need
The alternator gauge always has me concerned
It seems to start out cold above 14V and as the trip goes on under 14
I carry a volt meter as well

I usually carry a lot of tools with me but I was bringing a full PA system so that meant there was no room for a tool kit. I learned my lesson in 2010 when I drove my '92 Vandura up to Kimberley, BC and broke down three times en route. Breakdown #2 in Bonners Ferry, ID was the best. I borrowed tools from a guy across the street from where I broke down and replaced the coolant temperature sensor on the side of the road. Turns out his buddy owned the auto parts store in town so I was able to get the part right away and get back on the road. Ever since I've mostly traveled with plenty of tools.

I'm always paranoid when driving my Blazer. I bought it with the intentions of it being a project. So, I know it's not in the best condition. I keep a 5gal bucket in the back with complete set of tools. It did about kill me once though. Forgot to secure it when I got into my accident.