Originally from Arizona, so the family is still there. Brother in law bought a new boat, I had a standing request to buy the old boat, it’s a great family boat - sun tracker party deck. Got the call a couple weeks back to come get it. A few months back, my truck was totaled by a teen driver/cell phone user! Been on the fence about a new truck, or at least a new to me truck. My parents’ neighbors have a 2002 F250, dealer serviced since new, It’s the old 7.3 diesel tank, but has been minimally driven the last 3-4 years.

Going to rent a car one way, drive out, put on some new tires and handle a couple other service items. Plan on having an extra serpentine belt but is there anything else I need to worry about as I prep to drove the truck/boat back? Wishing I could save the 15 hour or so drive out but with Covid ongoing think driving will be the better option.

Have a good trip. Post pictures. Sounds like a great trip .

7.3 I would get a camshaft position sensor and put it in the glove box. The biggest problem on the 7.3 is the transmission they put behind them. They will overheat. Actually it’s not the transmission but the trans cooler is way too small. I had the much larger 6.0 cooler put in mine when I had it rebuilt at 170-180k miles. Sitting around 323k now with no excess trans heat on the rebuilt unit and I do work it. Not trying to scare you away, it should be fine. Smell the fluid, if it smells burnt then make decisions from there.

I would take replacements for any idler pulleys on the engine. They are often overlooked, have a life, and will come apart with no warning one day if they have not already been replaced by now. If you lose a serpentine belt, it will probably be because of a bad idler pulley.

Very true. I’ve replaced both my idler and tensioner. They came from together apart.

Don't forget the 10mm wrench for the CPS bolt. doesn't do any good to carry a spare if your can't R&R it.

If it has been driven minimally for a few years;
I'd change the fuel filter with the OE motorcraft FD4596 / ford# f81z-9n184-aa.
Inspect and or replace air filter & inspect air box for cracks, insect/wasp/rodent debris.
Check brake fluid in master cylinder, if very low could be an indiction rear master cylinder seal leaking into hydroboost.
Open radiator cap & Degas bottle cap to see if there is oil or fuel contamination.

Have the AC checked, you DO NOT want it to die on you coming across Arizona, New Mexico or Texas, at this time of the year.

Sniper john is correct, also buy a good cam sensor and carry the old one in the glove box.

Batteries, make sure the terminals are clean and the shelf life on Batteries is ABOUT 3 years.

Be sure and carry a 1/2" break over bar to be able to change the serpentine belt. Give the coolant tank a good look over as they have a tendency to crack. Also be sure you can access the tensioner without having to remove the tank.
Now for the boat trailer, as your BIL when the last time the hubs have been serviced. It it's been a long time it might be a good investment to take care of them in town instead of on the road. You might also get a spare hub with bearings for the trip. Also check the age of the tires and spare. Check the air pressure, have a plug kit and a 12 volt air compressor with you. A laser temp gun to check the hubs will also come in handy.
Good luck and safe driving.

Thanks for all the feedback!

New batteries were put in this week in anticipation of the trip!
Looking at the idler pulleys online now. CPS sensor will be at the house by the time I get there - 10MM socket will be along for the ride. Will throw in the breaker bar as well.
Will plan on changing the fuel filter/air filter when we do the oil change - thanks for that.

The boat trailer had new bearings last year, old bearings for spares are in the boat. Tires and spare are all less than 2 years old - will grab my plug kit - good call on that one!

I knew there was a reason I needed to get a laser temp gun....

Thanks for the comments all, I appreciate it.

Have a safe trip!

Have you considered renting a truck?

May be cheaper to get someone to transport the boat to you. At a dollar a mile, it's not a bad proposition