Cross Country Drive

Tentatively will be driving from Rhode Island to Port Townsend, Washington towards the beginning of May. What would you bring? Besides the obvious.

Moving there, so I'll have all of my tools with me, (Rebuilt a 1986 FJ60)...

As well as
- Anti-Freeze
- Oil/Filter
- Hi-Lift Jack & Stands
- 12V Power Pack
- Brake Fluid/Gear Oil
- Washer Fluid

Anything else?

 

I drove across canada this winter. Honestly you don't need much. The usual fluids and basic tools some spare lightbulbs. Also 5gal of extra gas could come in handy. Keeping weight to a minimum is probably a benefit consider fuel prices. You don't need to bring your 600lb tool chest with you like i said just the basics.

 

how many miles is that?

i have done some long hauls. i typically change oil, air cleaner, check tire pressure, top off fluids, wash the truck and GO!

washing the truck lets me find little things i need to fix.
then i just bring a credit card, AAA card, and a good cell phone. and i toss in my very basic tool kit i use that the racetrack. i dont pack much. if i need it, i get it on the way.

 

http://www.mapquest.com/

 

48 hours 20 mins. 3098 miles.

 

Some of that fix a flat crap, I know people hate it but it's saved my ass a few times.

 

Yeah....I'd spend the time to go over all the fluids before the trip and make sure everything is good and ready to go. And the lsit you were talking about should cover you for 95% of cases.

 

Which route will you take? I've taken the southern route many times and loved it well except for that long drive across TX (no offense TX Tacomas). Lots of water and a great song mix. Good luck!

 

hahah..his trip. figure he knew his route and mileage already. 3k miles is longer than any of my trips, so far.

 

Northern Route. Thinking about installing the factory Cruise Control stalk...

 

I've driven my Taco across Canada twice now. First time towing my Firebird, second time towing a U-Haul. Only thing I brought was an extra 10L of gasoline... When towing, fuel economy goes to crap, and I thought I'd better play it safe, than sorry.

Oh, and a CB radio helps keep you entertained when on a long, flat stretch.

 

I've driven from the pacific to the atlantic once, from the US/Canada border nearly to the arctic circle once and many, many other shorter (up to around 18 hour drive time) road trips. I don't worry about my vehicle. If your vehicle is well maintained there's no reason to do anything special. Across the country is an oil change interval so I'd probably change it before I go, I always do a visual inspection of the vehicle and check fluid levels and tires when I do an oil change. I generally don't carry tools (except for the stock jack/wrench) or fluids (except washer fluid).

If I'm out in the winter I make sure I have some warm clothes along and any time of the year I worry more about what to take for snacks than about the vehicle.

Sirius/XM is your best friend on a road trip. Coffee is your other best friend.