prepping for a road trip. my 2006 TRD-off road.

we are driving to visit my mom in Tex. she is recovering from a couple of falls as an old lady. wasnt pretty.

Wife and i are traveling with our dog. should be fun.

my truck might have 210,000 miles on it by now. still runs smooth. yesterday, i topped off all the fluids, perfected the tire pressures, oil change, engine air filter change, and vacumed the things interior. i checked the oil level prior to the dump, and the level was perfect. perfect for 4900 miles. it appears to burn no oil, and doesnt leak any.

my wife said yesterday, "we should go and buy a new tacoma". you know what? i'm good. i still love my truck. it is looking tired, but seems mechanically sound. i really need to get the rear topper repainted. i'll know more after this 2200 mile trip. but i think i am going to stay with my old truck a bit longer. (it is by far the vehicle i have kept the longest and with the highest mileage)

spark plugs and fluids underneath changed less than 10k ago. OH..i should lube my driveshaft!!

i'll send up the bat-signal if i break down in Blythe. ahhahahha..

 

Check your spare tire and the drop mechanism. Otherwise enjoy a reliable truck!

 

oh..good ones. i did check PSI. but i should make sure it lowers.

 

Lube all ujoints and center bearing

 

Good luck, wife n I took our 2013 (100,000)out to WI a few times. Like a few members mentioned lube up drive shaft , check front end for looseness and bearings. . Tire PSI. And just drive easy, enjoy the scenery. I can't believe how fast some people drive , I had the taco going 70 and cars are passing me left and right doing 80 plus.

 

I know how you feel I drive a 05 Tacoma and my wife has a 17. We thought about getting her a new Tacoma or 4-runner and she said I should take hers and sell my 05. I really prefer mine.

 

Look at getting roadside assistance. I have it through progressive for around $70 bucks a year. Check rear diff breather

 

Make sure the blinker fluid is topped off, and the muffler bearings are not seized.

 

pack spare wiper blades and headlight bulbs…

simple fixes, but most people don’t think about it. Loss of visibility can stop you dead in your tracks if it’s raining’/snowing or dark and you’re miles from anywhere.

 

I've got a 2005 TRD access cab with a 6 speed manny and 227K on it. I use it as a daily driver, but would not hesitate to drive it to Colorado and back. I love that truck so much, I bought a 2015 just like it last spring to mod into an overlander. As others have said, lube it up and go. Take the southern route and you'll miss all the snow and high passes.

 

My 07 access cab had 300k on it before I discovered how much I loved her. Then I started changing out parts because at 300k she has been around longer then my wife! So take that trip, check the oil on the way back. Your taco is just fine.

 

Don’t know about your battery but I just replaced my 8 year old battery. Sun goes down, I look at my dash lights and their bright as f@@k! I had to turn the dimmer down half way. The truck runs smooth and hauls ass like Jack the Bear! Enjoy the trip!

 

all good. I have the chrome moly muffler bearings. I did add a can of compression to the motor, since it's old.

 

oh, dont tell my wife but I am bringing back AMMO! hahaha..

 

oh man. truck ran like a DREAM. going mostly 75mph, i got 21-22 mph (calculated).

first thing i did when i got home was vacumm the interior. my dog shed tons of hair. i wiped down the inside and did one of those odor absorbing gels..good to go.

2500 miles added.