Christmas Ornaments Revisited

I have added a few more ornaments since my last Ornament post. I now have a total of 10 Dodge Caravan ornaments. Judging by the pictures, you can tell which one is easier to find on eBay.

November Update

I recently bought an oil filter wrench to make oil changes easier. It works swell! I also installed new front wiper blades for the upcoming winter. It's impossible to find a rear wiper blade that will fit with the windshield washers.

November 17:
253.3 miles / 12.375 gallons = 20.5 mpg.

Caravan odometer = 175,500 miles

Maintenance

One of the spark plugs was arching, so I brought it into my mechanic's shop. He replaced the distributor cap and rotor, as well as the spark plug wires. The spark plugs were still satisfactory, so we kept them.

Up next, oil change.

Caravan odometer = 175,398 miles.

Gas Mileage for September/October

September 26:
291.3 miles / 13.654 gallons = 21.3 mpg

October 21:
180.0 miles / 8.784 gallons = 20.5 mpg

Caravan odometer = 175,382 miles

Milestone

Beulah hit the 175K mark early this morning. The gifts and congratulations have been overwhelming. Thank you for your support.

Caravan odometer = 175,016 miles

Mopar Accessories - Dodge Caravan

Exclusively made for the Caravan:













© 1994 Chrysler Corporation, Catalog #OOPM2045

2 Bedrooms with Front-Wheel Drive

Plymouth Voyager, The Magic Wagon: it can turn itself into a camper.



I'm assuming this was from the late 1980's, since Plymouth used a first generation Voyager in the picture. Sorry about the tear, but also, you're welcome for uploading a part of Chrysler Corporation minivan history.

Thanks to Brian for finding this advertisement in an old Reader's Digest magazine.

Gas

I filled up the Caravan yesterday with the usual 89 octane (10% ethanol).

287.8 miles / 12.649 gallons = 22.75 mpg.

Caravan odometer = 174,783 miles

Key Fob

Here's a picture of my caravan's key fob. I use it for valet parking.



Caravan odometer = 174,593 miles

I have been getting a lot of requests to upload information about fuse and bulb numbers:


Bonus: Oil filter, thermostats, and spark plugs:

1993 Owner's Manuals - Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager

The manuals are pretty much identical, so I keep one in the caravan, and one at home for casual reading.



Caravan odometer = 174,480 miles

Gas Mileage

I have been driving the caravan more than usual of late. Two fill-ups:

Monday, May 31:
255.5 miles / 11.371 gallons = 22.5 mpg (22.469)

Thursday, June 3:
293.7 miles / 12.957 gallons = 22.7 mpg (22.667)

Caravan odometer = 174,332 miles

Oil change

On Tuesday, I changed the oil in the caravan. I use Valvoline Max Life synthetic blend 5w-30. I need to invest in an oil filter wrench. As of now, I have been using something called Wonderliner. It is a non-slip shelf and drawer liner, but I use it to grip the oil filter, much like an old woman trying to open a pickle jar.

Caravan odometer = 173,770 miles

In April:

Both of the front axle shafts and hub assemblies, as well as the left output shaft seal were removed and replaced. The parts cost more than the labor.

The caravan is due for an oil change, too. I can handle this job on my own.

Caravan odometer = 173,692 miles

Caravan update

The caravan is currently at the shop getting health care. It would make a disturbing noise during turns. I was starting to worry a front wheel was going to fall off.

Update

I haven't done too much work on the van lately, just replaced the lower radiator hose. It would slowly lose pressure during the pressure test.

I've been thinking about selling my 1999 Chrysler 300M and stick with one vehicle. The 300M does better on interstate road trips, but I don't do much driving anymore, and when I do drive, the caravan has handled the winter weather better. This would probably cut my insurance and maintenance bills in half.

Caravan odometer = 173,385 miles