2nd Gen Coast to Coast to Coast Tow Test **MISSION COMPLETE**

Day 10/21: Katy, TX to Lubbock, TX

Miles today: 521
Total miles: 2,754
Travel time: 12 hrs
Running average MPG: 10.2



Long slow day. We took the slightly longer route through Austin to hit up REI for some cold weather camping accessories then had to dodge toll roads that I wasn’t expecting. So a 505 mile day turned into 521. The few toll roads that NC has accept Florida’s Sun Pass, too bad all toll agencies can’t get on the same page. We also climbed from sea level to 3,100, and the fuel economy showed it. One tank got 8.8 MPG . I “ass”umed the climb would start West of Lubbock.

Also, it got cold...real cold, and wet, and snowy, and icy.



If it’s 25 in TX I don’t even want to know what you guys up North are dealing with.





But who doesn’t enjoy 25 degree oil changes in hotel parking lots? At least the Fumoto makes it quick and easy.





Also, I must be slow because I had no idea I could screw an Amsoil bottle into the filler tube. The threads match the filler cap. Makes for a perfect field expedient funnel.



Tomorrow we’ll be setting up camp in the El Malpais National Wilderness.

You were right about the construction but we got into Lubbock so late and left so early it wasn’t a problem. My wife has a bit of a taco addiction so we swung by Torchy’s Tacos on the way to the hotel for a quick bite

 

WOW! That ice on the truck is crazy.

 

Day 11/21: Lubbock, TX to Blue Lake State Park, NM

Miles today: 430
Total miles: 3,184
Travel time: 10 hrs 30 min
Running AVE MPG: 10.2



Woke up to 22 degrees in Lubbock. Got on the road early, 6AM. By the time we were crossing the NM boarder it was 10 degrees. The climb today was from 3,100 to 7,500 ft so it was a slow day. One tank came in at 8.8 MPG.



New Year’s Eve dinner was grilled lobster tail and shrimp with potatoes and corn.



After a bottle of champagne we crashed by 9pm

Blue Lake State Park is beautiful. We’re going to plan a Vaca to come back and spend some more time in NM.

 

Sub`d. Good stuff

 

Day 12/21: Bluewater State Park, NM to Page, AZ.

Miles today: 299
Total miles: 3,483
Travel time: 7 hrs 30 min
Running Ave MPG: 10.3



Woke up this morning to get the coffee started and it was 9 degrees and the water In the percolator was frozen Nedless to say it took a lot longer to make, but in the end we got our go juice.



The small space heater I got a few months back when truck camping in KY really paid off. Despite the frigid temps the tent stayed nice and warm.





There was a pretty good sized lake in the park that was stocked with fish and had a boat launch. Would be a nice place for water sports in the summer but I get the feeling this park is used more by RV’ers looking for a place to crash in between destinations as it’s kinda in the middle of no where and 30 amp RV sites are only $18 a night after tax. The campground sits right at 7,500, I was breathing like a fat kid just walking to the bathrooms and back.

Today’s leg was short but not quick. Had several 2nd gear climbs. At least Arizona has amazing scenery to look at. The depth of the terrain, and the way the light plays with it is amazing and no cell phone camera can do it justice. We will be spending a couple nights in Page, AZ exploring the canyons and Lake Powel before heading off to Vegas.



No issues with the truck at this point.

 

Also, I can't math. This trip is actually going to be 21 days. Not sure where I came up with 16?

 

Spent the day hiking the trails around Page, AZ.

Horseshoe Bend is super creepy. No railings, you can just walk right up to the edge of a 1,000 ft cliff above the Colorado River.







West Coast Best Coast. So glad to be back.

Tomorrow we tour Antelope Canyon then we’re off to Vegas for a few days. Last stop will be a lakeside campground on the Western edge of Sierra Nevada National Park.

 

Day 14/21: Page, AZ to Las Vegas, NV

Miles today: 272
Total miles: 3,755
Travel time: 5 hrs 30 min
Running Ave MPG: 10.4



A few shots from Antelope Canyon X this morning.





Cool stuff, if geology has ever intrigued you then these slot canyons will make you geek out.

Short run down to Vegas, made pretty good meilage due to the decsent from the continental divide which brought my average up by 2/10ths.

I’ve spent plenty of time in Vegas in the past, mostly for work, and I’ve never been a big fan of it. I’d rather be up in the hills burning fire wood drinking a beer. I find it fake. Going to say this in as few words as I can. Vegas thinks it’s great at a lot of things but once you travel the world you realize it just half asses everything. We wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t on our route. At least it’s good for people watching and the food (if you throw down some dime) is great.

The truck has handled this trip exceptionally well and we have had no issues related to it. It’s not a dually and it doesn’t have a V8 but it pulled 6k lbs across the country with a CVGW of over 14k lbs (estimated, will scale in CA) without skipping a beat.

 

Awesome torture test, thanks for posting!

 

Yeah, not a fan of Vegas either. We stopped in for a night on a trip down to Mohave and Grand Canyon and ended up cutting out the next day for Death Valley instead of spending another two nights as planned.

 

Ditto. As a moderate drinker and non-gambler, it's not my scene. Stayed one night on business. Walked around, saw the Bellagio fountains and the shops and pool at Cesar's Palace (surrounded by old men in speedos). Now that's been done I have zero interest in returning.

 

Day 16/21: Vegas to Porterville, CA

Miles today: 347
Total miles: 4,102
Travel time: 8 hrs
Running Ave MPG: 10.4



Bye Vegas, won’t be going back there by choice. Cruising the strip on the bike was fun though.



We’re nestled on the side of a place called Lake Success. It’s a reservoir that’s seen better days. The years of drought have left it quite low. Going to chill here two nights, burn some wood and meat then head on to Sacramento where I’ll sign into my new job, then head another 5 hours North to our final destination.



We really wanted to camp up in the Sierra Mtns but all the National Park/Forest campsites close during the winter. We’ll have plenty of time to do that later though.

 

Day 17/21: Porterville, CA to Sacramento, CA

Miles today: 260
Total miles: 4,362
Travel time: 5 hrs
Running Ave MPG: 10.4




Left camp for the last time on this trip this morning. Got in a few last roasted marshmallows though.




You can see on the far left of the picture where the waves used to lap the shore. Gives some perspective as to how low the lake is.


Will be hotels here on out until we find a place to live.
Started many a morning with the trusty old school Coleman stove brewing up some coffee.


Props to the wife who planned some pretty awesome meals on the fly over the last couple weeks.
Our last camp breakfast.



Averaged 11 mpg on the flat drive up North to Sacramento. Looks like 10.5 might be the final number. The sky’s been crazy hazy. Assuming it’s all the fires?

This dog (and me) are ready for all the driving to be over!

 

Awesome read and bad ass photos man! Glad it was a safe trip thus far. You definitely put the Tacoma to the test and this is just another testament to why these trucks are bad to the bone. Welcome back to the best coast!

 

What a nice trip you had, thank you for sharing?

 

Mission Complete!

Sorry it took so long to wrap this up, we were busy looking for a house. But we got that knocked out.
Finished the last 340 miles on Tuesday.



Here are the numbers.

Total miles (with trailer): 4,702
Total gas used: 466.5 gal
Fuel cost: $1,354.43
Average MPG: 10.4
Best tank: 12.5
Worst tank: 8.1

The Gross Combined Weight came in at 12,580 lbs. That’s with a quarter tank of gas, no passengers, and quite a bit of luggage offloaded so in reality it was rolling over 13,000 lbs.

*we did drive an additional 150 or so in-and-around miles without the trailer. Those miles do reflect on the fuel numbers.

I had to sell my ‘93 Civic prior to this move, so I picked up a 2002 Civic Sedan in Sacramento on the way through to replace it. Bought it off an old lady that owned it the last 14 years for $1,800. Interior is mint and the clear coat is still intact cause she parked under a tree. It has a couple quirks but there all easy fixes. (Rear cam seal, control arm bushings, tie-rod ends maybe, gotta get up under her to be sure)

It’s reallly refreshing to be back out west where so much of what’s on the grocery store shelf is local and they actually have toilet seat covers in public restrooms. Also, the craft beer selection...winning!


The truck was amazing. Zero issues. I ordered replacement Amsoil fluids for the engine, tranny, x-case, and 3rd. Will get it all changed out next week as well as clean the brakes and throttle body. Here’s to another 12 years of ownership



Anyone wanna buy a 20ft car hauler? Only 4,700 miles on it

 

Lake Success has an earthen dam which prompted water levels to be lowered. Dirt dams don't do well in earthquakes. Enjoyed your post.

 

Damn I should have PMed ya my number, I could have sent y’all some bomb ass taco places. Glad to see y’all got through it all

 

Very cool trip report. Thanks for sharing and welcome home.

 

What an awesome trip , great reporting and pictures. It was a real pleasure following along with your posts. Thanks for sharing.
Out of curiosity what brought you out here? Did you have a job waiting? Have you two lived in the area before?