Prepping for long road trip!

Keep the big banger in the truck for varmits that walk on two legs. Bear spray way to go if hiking around back country. It will stop a bear and you will not have to inconvenience your next of kin filling out a bunch of paperwork to recover what's left of you from a really pissed off wounded bear.

 

I laughed when I saw a water pump and alternator on your list. Then I go to thinking about stories I've heard of folks getting stranded, not because of a busted car part but because they had to wait for the local parts store/garage to special order a car part. Good idea!

I assume you carry a trauma IFAK kit, or equivalent?

You mentioned buying an extra wheel/tire setup. I bought a used wheel on eBay and installed a used E load range AT tire that I strap down in the bed of the truck. If you don't buy a new wheel/tire, consider throwing the spare in the bed of the truck - time may be safety factor when replacing a flat at night or in inclement weather. Consider getting an aluminum 1.5 ton floor jack; they are very light and makes replacing a flat tire a breeze.

Even though I always carry an assortment of tools in storage under the rear seat, on long trips I fill a tool bag with extra set of sockets/wrenches/pliers/breaker bar/gloves/wipes, and both my cordless impact drivers.

A Lowrance was mentioned; I assume that means a portable GPS - I second that. I got used to always driving with one (I have a Garmin Nuvi 755). I stuck it over the RPM gauge, which I never read. Current GPS' are cheap, even with lifetime map updates. You will have a map of the entire US.

Have a fun and safe trip!

 

Nice info right there!

Yea the stories of waiting on parts are why I carry the parts

I carry a "homemade" ifak kit that is a really nice setup.

I am going to buy a used Steelie and throw an AT on there, and it will be strapped down in the bed. The idea of a aluminum jack needs to happen for sure. My current one is a nice jack but it is bulky and weighs a lot.

I am currently looking at some cordless drivers to add to my tool setup. I've found though, my 20v dewalt drill has enough pop to do a lot of the work with the socket setup, but I still feel the impact drivers would probably get the job done a little better.

Like you saw posted earlier, I am checking into the "nicer" gps setups. I am going to swing by some places local here to get my fingers on some to see which ones I like best here soon.

Keep the good info coming folks

 

Slight thread hijack here - I like the thoughts posted so far -

Couple of questions - what does everyone suggest for a traveling air compressor?


What about spare valve stems?

I didn't see tire pressure gauge?

What about tire repair kit?

Extra lug nuts?

I'd consider getting a streamlight flashlight which uses the 123 batteries. Very bright and portable.

I keep a Jetboil backpacking set up in my truck. Google it if you're not sure of what it is. Perfect for roadside coffee when you're stretching your legs or rehydrating an MRE.

If you're really paranoid (I put myself in this class) think about a spare truck battery.

Two emergency space blankets?

50' of para cord?

I had a handheld (floating, of course) VHF radio which I carry because I have a boat. VHF is mainly used by marine operators but a lot of USPS helicopters and others monitor channel 16. Spare battery to fit it plus power cord.

I also carry with me a ELT - emergency locator transmitter. (Personal locator transmitter). Got this got the boat but it goes with me on backwoods trips.

Handheld orange smoke flares? Again, boat stuff but good if need to get spotted from the air.

On the pistol issue - really a thread hijack but I pack two of same caliber in case I have to leave my traveling companion and go for help. The post about checking the guns law was good. I avoided Illinois driving home this weekend because of the problem with having a loaded firearm in my truck.

 

You avoid a whole state just so you can carry a loaded gun in the truck? Yup, your paranoid.

 

Thanks, Ruggybuggy.

I appreciate the compliment.

 

@Patch Barracks

What about spare valve stems?
Didnt think of that, will throw in some
I didn't see tire pressure gauge?
Part of roadside kit
What about tire repair kit?
Got it!
Extra lug nuts?
Nice thought, will throw some in
I'd consider getting a streamlight flashlight which uses the 123 batteries. Very bright and portable.
Ive got a smaller one that is similar, so I am good there
I keep a Jetboil backpacking set up in my truck. Google it if you're not sure of what it is. Perfect for roadside coffee when you're stretching your legs or rehydrating an MRE.
Those are nice, but a Biolite Sits in a pack right now
If you're really paranoid (I put myself in this class) think about a spare truck battery.
Already on list and chilling in the truck bed
Two emergency space blankets?
Got that in the pack already
50' of para cord?
Ive got 50' of Mule rope with some carabiners
I had a handheld (floating, of course) VHF radio which I carry because I have a boat. VHF is mainly used by marine operators but a lot of USPS helicopters and others monitor channel 16. Spare battery to fit it plus power cord.
I am about to install a CB Radio in the truck, and carry a sat phone with Texting capability so I think I am covered there
I also carry with me a ELT - emergency locator transmitter. (Personal locator transmitter). Got this got the boat but it goes with me on backwoods trips.
Sat phone has this already
Handheld orange smoke flares? Again, boat stuff but good if need to get spotted from the air.
Got some in the truck already
On the pistol issue - really a thread hijack but I pack two of same caliber in case I have to leave my traveling companion and go for help. The post about checking the guns law was good. I avoided Illinois driving home this weekend because of the problem with having a loaded firearm in my truck.
I carry a Texas CHL, and I am pretty well covered in the states ill be driving/hiking in. For the areas I am not, I will have plenty of other items for personal protection.

 

Do you have a Bumper Dumper? From your home state in Houston, Tx.

 

Update added to original post!

 

Wouldn't want to forget to take the "used" bumper dumper off. Might need a little step stool for some of the lifted trucks.

Ral;ph

 

I'd add a glow stick or two to your stash. Maybe a cheap box cutter - better than a knife sometimes.

 

Done and done!

 

Don't forget a list of where all the stuff is in your truck. When I pack a whole mess of stuff away, It's there till I get to my destination and it gets all pulled out. If you need something it would go so you can find it.

 

I keep a laminated list in glovebox and picture of it in my phone...glad someone else thinks like me

 

you mean that someone else thinks like me?

 

That's a whole lot of thinking like someone

 

Over the last ten years I've had the good fortune to be able to travel extensively across the country without time restrictions - US 50 from DC to Sacto CA, Old US 66, Chicago to LA, US 421 Carolinas to the Great Lakes, ALCAN highway, this past July, old US 60, Lexington Ky to Calif, etc etc etc. I have NEVER packed as much as you have on your list. Yes, it pays to be prepared, but it pays to be realistically prepared for your "actual road trip". When I started my "see the USA" crusade, I probably had as much stuff in my Tundra as you are currently planning for. After a few years, the Tundra found a new owner. As I unloaded the Tundra, I was able to take stock of all the stuff I was carrying for "just in case this or that". Much of it went into the replacement Jeep, and much, which I NEVER used and some I had forgotten was even there, found a spot on a shelf in my garage. I'll bet there was a hundred pounds of stuff. After a few years, the Jeep found a new owner and my 2015 Tacoma Sport fills the parking stall in my garage. When unloading the Jeep, much of what I didn't use over the last 4 years, went onto the shelf with the other stuff I never used, probably another 50 pounds of stuff. Are you limited on where you can venture without most of that stuff, perhaps, but knowing that you have to get back home in your "driver" just makes you a little more cautious and rightfully so, both on and off road. Over the years and literally tens of thousands of miles, on and off road, across this awesome country, planning for every contingency (Don't leave home without it - LOL) had become a distraction from the objective. Knock on wood, but absent a catastrophic mechanical failure, I am very comfortable with my GPS (and a paper map), a credit card, cell phone, a cooler, and a few basic had tools, etc. I used to prepare and pack for an expedition, now I plan the trip and pack accordingly, there is a difference. Have a great trip and be safe.

 

I agree with much of what Jbringan writes.

I've driven through Mexico down to Honduras a couple of times on mission trips. On these trips we packed the sat phones and every spare part you could think of. I know how to pack for trips like this.

I contributed some of my own comments to the OP because he asked.

I'm a daily city driver with a few long interstate trips thrown in.

I pack differently for where I'm going and what I'm doing.

But - there are some items I generally keep in the truck - usually to have the ability to help others.

Jumper cables, can of fix a flat, small 12v air compressor, tow strap, stuff like this.

I've owned jumper cables 44 years and have never needed them, for me. I've jumped God knows how many co-workers, strangers, friends, etc.

Same thing for the can of fix a flat, air compressor and the tow strap.

I think planning includes planning for the situations you could encounter.

 

Majority of the stuff I have in the truck comes from leaving it in there for camping, and I tend to be over prepared for a lot of things. It drives me insane to be unprepared. I guess the combination of OCD and thoughts of crazy shit that could go wrong land me with the preparation I have. Many years of being a Medic has essentially trained my thought process of always thinking of what could go wrong so I am a step ahead of it.