Maryland to California in 5 days

The only suggestion I have is watch out for the wind. Its the windy season all over the mid west and in to cali. I just drove from Clovis CA to Vegas did 21.5 mpg on the way there and 15.3 on the way home fighting the wind. I wasn't towing anything empty bed and the wind was kicking our ass pretty good in some spots. Ive done that drive roughly 15 times and never hit wind that bad.

 

Are you coming back to wonderful Baltimore?

 

Last year I drove a 16' box truck towing a 6x12' enclosed trailer, and was followed by my girlfriend and our 2 dogs in her Focus.
We went from PA to Vegas and stayed at La Quinta hotels along the way because they are dog friendly, and had zero issues with them. They don't pay me to type that.
As far as driving goes, keep an eye on the wind. There were more than a few times the box truck & trailer were swaying, mostly in Oklahoma.
Safe travels!

 

Then do yourself a favor and go 30 minutes south of Cleveland to Hoppin' Frog Brewery in Akron.

 

I think you're overthinking this to be honest.

 

The drive from Des Moines to Fort Collins sucks. It feels like Nebraska never ends. Be prepared to get stuck behind slow semis trying to pass each other.

 

Don't tow in overdrive. That would be my most important pointer.Your transmission will shift less which avoids major wear on both the tranny and the diff.

 

Almost three years ago I moved from Phoenix to York PA. I was pulling a 12 foot enclosed U-Haul loaded completely and I had trailer weight plus what was in it totalling about 3,000 pounds with my double cab 2004 Tacoma. Had no problems and took me about 4 days. So you're close to 300 horsepower compared to my 190 I think you'll be fine just take it easy and have a safe trip.

 

I haven't done a cross country trip yet... (next summer CA-NY) but I have been doing research like yourself... I have a small list that was recommended by a long time friend/traveler/overlander...

1. extra fluids (windshield fluid, oil, coolant etc) not a ton but enough for topping off just incase of an unexpected leak etc.
2. gas can or two (5gal)
3. spare parts (CPS seems to be the most recent electrical failure item... $100 for peace of mind)
4. tools (a simple craftsman or harbor freight kit) a good jack and some wheel sockets for changing out spares faster and easier if needed
5. air compressor/easy jump/jumper cables
6. road triangle/flares
7. cash (never know when you're in the middle of no where and come upon a gas station that only takes cash... yes some still exist lol)

hope this mini list helps you out and good luck! keep us updated on how the trip goes

 

I use to live and work in Nevada in the Ely area. Went to CSU in Fort Collins. Visited my parents in the Sacramento lots of times.
Personally I would stick with I-80 from Fort Collins to Sacramento, then drop down to San Jose. You will save some time.

Highway 50 into and out of Ely, NV is two lane and somewhat hilly at times. While it may be a bit more scenic. You would save time sticking to the interstate. Also Nevada 50 can be someone desolate if you have a breakdown. There is more traffic on I-80 to help out if you need it. Better cell phone coverage also.

Make sure you keep your ice chest stocked with water and supplies just in case you get stranded.

Have a good and safe trip.

 

Thanks for the great information! Tomorrow is the big day loaded the 6x10, I'm guessing 2200 lbs total. I have maybe 75-100 in the bed, my wife, the dogs, and I are about 400ish. I towed about 15 miles to my parents house tonight and it was fine. Not super fast, about 11.9 mpg and the back end is low but not too low I believe. I'll take a pic in a few.

 

Try to time it so you're not driving from Sac to San Jose during rush hour which starts around 3pm and lasts till 6. Going south is usually better than north, but Bay Area traffic can make you lose your mind. I commuted from Fairfield to SFO for 26 years, explains why I'm crazy.
Have fun and drive safely!

 

I second this, keep an eye on your trailer bearings.

I am just west of Cleveland, right off I90 and near the Ohio turnpike. Message me if you have any issues or questions when rolling through town. Safe travels!

 

Here's where I sit now. Little low in the back haha. Currently in Pasadena, MD

 

What part of San Jose are you going to and what brings you here?

 

I'll be working in south San Jose for a while at an engineering lab testing antennas. The summer at most. Possibly only a few weeks. Depends on a job offer I have from the FAA. If I get that then I'll be heading to okc in a few weeks. If I don't get it I'll continue working in San Jose, and probably after the summer I'll try to find work in Phoenix and join my wife. Kinda crazy these days.

 

Great adventure... the last time that I drove cross country... 1987 Toyota 4x4 loaded to the gills with a cat... Oceanside, Ca.,... to Pittsburgh area... left at 9:00 AM Pacific time... on a Monday... arrived home town 6:00 PM Weds... I 15 to I 40 to I 44 to I 70... I was young... cat didn't stop meowing till Utah... your route sounds very doable... enjoy and post pictures.

 

Made it Day 1 to Cleveland. Taco did really well. 55 up hills and nothing over 65 kept me at 11-12 mpg combined (according to the computer). Not fantastic but drove really well. On some rougher roads the trailer bounced, but taco held strong. Looking forward to the 10 hours to Des Moines tomorrow, and hopefully flatter roads for a while. Thanks everyone for the feedback and well wishes!

 

Did I read that you are putting videos of your trip on YouTube?

 

End of Day 2. Cleveland to Des Moines. Going well, mpg still sitting around 11-12 not surprising. Total we spent about 11h45m including 4 stops for gas and dogs. Went to Exile Brewery and it was great! good food and beer. Looking forward to Ft. Collins tomorrow!