Getting ready for a long trip

[2000 GMC]

Uncle Sam says it's time for me to leave Alaska. We'll be driving from here to Virginia, about 5,000 miles. I'm getting my truck ready for the long trip. So far I've had a pretty good tool kit together, first aid kit, tow rope, and tire chains. I'm also taking 2 extra quarts of oil, a 5 gallon gas can and maybe a spare fan belt. I'm also taking the truck in for a checkup. Anything else someone out there might recommend?  ???

[Tucson_02Silverado]

Try to get all the work you want to do on the truck done at least a week prior to the road trip.  You want to make sure that the work holds and no loose parts are going to be a gotcha on the road.  Make sure you have an adequate jack in case you need to change a tire.  Just in case a can or two of the tire sealer/inflator (if you have to use it don't forget to keep the can so the one repairing the tire can use the right procedures).  5000 miles, oil change for sure.  In the check up make sure your cooling system can sustain 15/16lbs (based on specs for your truck) of pressure, flush and replace with no more than 50/50 coolant mix (you're coming down to a lot warmer climate).  Charging system check, alternator, starter, battery.

 

As far as equipment, fresh drinking water (maintain a gallon per person), CB radio and/or FRS, extra battries for the cell phone, FRS and flashlight.  A current 2002 US road atlas.  Study the atlas with your planned route and note when you'll run into toll roads, obtain change and extra dollar bills prior to hitting those toll roads (less likely to run into any west of Missisippi River)

 

Other than that, try to stay on the freeways avoid the two lane unknown shortcuts (unless they are planned siteseeing excursions, know the distances so you don't run out of fuel).  After the first nod it's almost too late, there are cheap motels all along the freeways, stop and sleep.  It's cheaper and safer than doing 75-80 and nodding off just that one second just to kiss the back of another car or go into oncoming traffic or crash into a bridge....etc.  One last thing, try to remember the exit number of the one you just past, it's fairly close to the mile marker.  So if you have to radio for help, they won't have to hunt for you.

[99silveradoz71]

Some excellent suggestions above.  It never ceases to surprise me when I pull up behind a disabled vehicle with the red & blues going and the driver is on the phone with AAA and has no idea where they really are...and this is along a main freeway near Cleveland.  Be rested and attentive.