Old truck road trip nerves

So far everyone has given good advice. I do have one question though, for that far of a trip, why not fly? There are some pretty inexpensive options nowadays, like frontier or spirit. Would probably cost the same with how much you'll be spending in fuel.

 

It's the journey, not the destination.

Plus, if he's traveling with the GF, there's a LOT more opportunity for, um, talking.

 

Maybe I'm just getting old at my ripe age of 27 lol fuck driving that far, unless I have my dog with me and flying isn't an option.

 

I'm 40, and if it were me, (and I had the vacation time) I'd take a week to get out there, and a week back. Camp along the way, see some sights I wouldn't normally see, etc...

Besides, the mile-high club can get you put on no-fly lists now-a-days....

 

Yeah that's the kicker, vacation time is precious. I got 30 paid days a year in the navy and unlimited sick days if I went to medical. Now, 10 days paid leave and no sick days. I treat my paid hours like gold lol

 

It's just a matter of opinion.

I'm 40 and have driven from Wisconsin to Florida for vacation the last 4 years. As mentioned, the journey is part of the trip.

Besides, I would need something to drive once I'm down there. And I definitely couldn't fit my fishing stuff in the overhead compartment.

 

Hey boss, there's something wrong with my eyes. I just can't see coming in to work today.

 

Yeah, all dependent on the situation. Usually when I'm travelling that far I'm seeing family in which case they'll have stuff planned for us, a car to drive if we need it, etc. which it sounds like OP is doing. Merely curious as to his thought process.

 

Roll on, Man. Roll on

 

That makes sense. I suppose if I wasn't maniacally obsessed with fishing and just going down to relax, I might fly. I do enjoy the drive, though, for some weird reason.

Except for the time it snowed all through Indiana and most of Kentucky. That sucked!

 

Ha! I get what you're saying. For me I don't mind long drives usually, but I certainly don't prefer it. I do it out of necessity, like driving 10 hours down to TN do go wheeling for a long weekend, or something along those lines. Podcasts are my savior from boredom there.

 

Good tunes are a necessity!

I also plan on trying to find some trails near where I stay down there this year.

 

@jbrandt thanks for the perspective. Definitely a good point re: not doing anything too close to the trip. I've got about 6 weeks to sort things out, so still weighing my options. Ordered Lower Ball Joints today, should be in next week. About meeting her dad, I'm not worried about it really. I mean, showing up on schedule with a running vehicle is always a better look, but come what may.

As for why I'm driving @EatSleepTacos I've got a couple bucket list items I want to check out along the route, plus a job that gives me a bit of flexibility around the holidays. Probably be kicking myself after 15 hours in the truck, but for now I'm excited to find out what the road has in store. Also bringing my cattle dog for company, which means air travel is out for this trip.

I'm super grateful to everyone who's chimed in here. I've been taking inventory of the key suggestions and ended up making quite a list (added about 15 of my annoying 'figure it out later' issues on it as well). Literally every little thing I could think of is on there:

Broken antennae replacement

Lower ball joints (ordered, replace next week)

Upper ball joints (inspect)

Tire rotation and balance, inspect valves for leaks

Fiberglass seal on wiper fluid container neck (thanks for the tip, TW)

CV axle (inspect)

Fluid change

Cig lighter, charging station fuses

Clutch pedal grip tape

Refurbish headlights

Front bumper gap (not serious, just annoying)

find, fix power steering leak (minor, but still there)

Valve gaskets (maybe too big of an undertaking pre-trip)

Rear bumper plastic tailgate catch (adjust mount or trim plastic lip slightly)

Fix gas tank latch

Replace horn

Ragged hood insulation removal

Radio malfunction (fuse?)

Find plastic clip side of change holder

Rattling in drivers door (thanks Alabama Hills!)

Rattling in dashboard (Been 'plugged' with a sharpie for 8 years, think it's about time)

Replace chipped door trim (drivers window)

Bondo fill small dent (tail light)

Timing belt and water pump (makes me nervous, but probably try to do it a month out so I can monitor for issues)

Floor leveler behind seat (custom mod idea to level the extra cab floor for more sleeping room for my dog)

Belts (replace same time as TB)

Check spare tire

Front struts (now I'm getting carried away)

 

i hear that 8 hours through NE or KS to the rocky mountains is one heck of a trip!
plenty to see, plenty to do

 

Comprehensive list man, looks rock solid. Re-reading thru your comments I’d be sure to do those LBJs and timing belt/water pump, which it looks like you’ve got nailed down.

Depending on when you changed your rear diff fluid, might be good to do that as well before such a long trip. Also clean the MAF and get a fresh air filter for some cheap peace of mind

 

Pics of Cattle Dog please

 

That's Clyde, the copilot.

 

He's going to have a good time on the road trip, that's for sure.

 

DONT GIVE IN MAN! TRUST THE YODA!

 

I trust Toyota, It's the weather and other drivers I don't trust. I'd rather have a car I have no attachment to and throwaway insurance.