Back Country Roadtrip Checklist

peteking · March 24, 2008

Hi Boys, In May I'll be taking the truck on a 2000+ mile road trip to Northern Ontario for a week of fishing. The trip will be 90% highway driving. But the last leg of the drive is 120 miles of barely maintained dirt logging roads. Pot holes, "wash board" sections, dry creek beds...you name it. Some trail driving will be done too (in order to reach the outfitter). Since this is more than mere long distance travel, I want to have my bases covered for my pre trip/post trip truck inspection. Don't want my baby to break. I want to do more than the elementary "change oil, check tire pressure" etc etc. I know I'm missing more than a few things, so tell me what else you would check out?

Pre trip

-Change oil/filter

-Check all fluids

-Change belts

-Inspect tires & the spare

-Inspect shocks

.....???

Post Trip

-WASH TRUCK

-Rotate & balance the tires

-Get the alignment checked

-Change Air filter

-Lube joints

.......???

99silverado1500 · March 24, 2008

Id just inspect the brakes, make sure all fluids are at the proper level (coolant, differential, transmission) maybe replace air filter, fuel filter, do a oil change, and maybe fuel system cleaner.. When was the last time you changed belts? Id also bring along a smaller jack that is a pump, not like a bottle incase you have to do a tire swap. And id also recommend that if you never dropped the spare tire that you practice before you leave, because the instructions are a little misleading on how to get the bar in there to crank it down. Other then that you should be fine.

d3athsong · March 24, 2008

Id just do whatever inspection you normally do before going on a road trip. You are driving a 4 year old truck, shouldnt be that much to do. Not sure why you would have to change belts.

tobias · March 24, 2008

I'd lift it 6 inches, throw on some nice bead lock wheels with 35 inch tires, a supercharger, true dual exhaust, custom bumpers, a winch, and then chuck a giant cooler full of beer in the back.

That should set you up nicely!

SKYrado03 · March 24, 2008

Hi Boys, In May I'll be taking the truck on a 2000+ mile road trip to Northern Ontario for a week of fishing. The trip will be 90% highway driving. But the last leg of the drive is 120 miles of barely maintained dirt logging roads. Pot holes, "wash board" sections, dry creek beds...you name it. Some trail driving will be done too (in order to reach the outfitter). Since this is more than mere long distance travel, I want to have my bases covered for my pre trip/post trip truck inspection. Don't want my baby to break. I want to do more than the elementary "change oil, check tire pressure" etc etc. I know I'm missing more than a few things, so tell me what else you would check out?

Pre trip

-Change oil/filter

-Check all fluids

-Change belts

-Inspect tires & the spare

-Inspect shocks

.....???

Post Trip

-WASH TRUCK

-Rotate & balance the tires

-Get the alignment checked

-Change Air filter

-Lube joints

.......???

Along with Jeff, saskfarmer, and daddy’s suggestions:

Digital/Video camera, with plenty of memory,

Pictures of the trip, for you, and for posting when you get back, or heaven forbid an insurance claim!

Cell Phone, with 12v/110 chargers. Is Northern Ontario 110?

Personally I would not want to be bothered on vacation, but you never know.

Have maps, AAA, GPS? Google Earth? With G-earth you can print out pictures to see what you’re getting into.

Cards for fuel, ATM.

When was your last State Inspection? If recent, and you know the mechanic, that should give you some peace of mind.

Not sure if this is covered under your, inspect tires/and spare.

At least check the lock to make sure it still works, if it does not, and you’re pressed for time, then bring along a pair of wire/bolt cutters.

You wouldn't bother with it unless needed, or until you returned home.

Quart of oil

Water, anti-freeze, washer fluid

Fuses

A good, 12v air pump.

A tire plugging kit, and a set of patches, you'd be able to fix anything, a flat.

Split valve stem, unwrap one of the plugs, lightly coat outer stem with glue. Wrap stem, coat plug patch, let dry/inflate.

Sidewall damage, use patch...

Your swimming pool.

A small satchel of basic tools:

Hammer

Screwdrivers/phillips/torx's/nut drivers

Wrenches, sae/metric

Pliers/vise grips/channel locks/cutters like above

Maybe 10' of re-bar wire, Plastic skid strapping, or 2 coat hangers,

Was in Shippensburg, Pa. (about 50 miles out) with my 78 jimmy, muffler pipe broke, coat hangers saved the day!

Saws, metal (hack)/wood, something like a Stanley shark saw.

Flashlights, batteries. 12v Spotter

Oh, and don't forget the handyman's secret weapon...Duct tape!

Sheet of plastic, 4x8? To lie on or cover/replace something broken. With the wire/strapping/duct tape you could make a belt.

A come-along, and as much chain as you can pack.

I just know I’m forgetting something . Well, I guess I’m ready. When? Are you picking me up?

Just kiddin’.

Use what you can, and throw the rest out.

It’s the trip of a lifetime. Remember, relax, enjoy, and Have FUN!!!

Steve

urbancowboy · March 24, 2008

where in northern ontario are you going ?

MS3DALE · March 24, 2008

I'd lift it 6 inches, throw on some nice bead lock wheels with 35 inch tires, a supercharger, true dual exhaust, custom bumpers, a winch, and then chuck a giant cooler full of beer in the back.

That should set you up nicely!

daddy,Why doesn't it suprise me that you would say something like that

Bostonsfavson · March 24, 2008

All good suggestions here, even the smart-ass ones The main thing I would be concerned about is the tires, because if you have any problems there's an excellent chance it's going to be tire related. Other than making sure they're properly inflated, inspect the tread very closely for nails, bulges, etc.; it easy to overlook these things unless you take a good long look at the tires. Also, make sure your spare is in good shape, and that you have some tire sealer with you. I'd take some Green Slime (or w/e it's called) and a quick inflater. Good luck and have fun!

SKYrado03 · March 24, 2008

I'd lift it 6 inches, throw on some nice bead lock wheels with 35 inch tires, a supercharger, true dual exhaust, custom bumpers, a winch, and then chuck a giant cooler full of beer in the back.

That should set you up nicely!

daddy,Why doesn't it suprise me that you would say something like that

I liked all of daddy's ideas, especially the winch, but when's the last time anyone saw a winch on the front of an NBS?

It's much better than a comealong...you'd still need some chain, but not as much.

The only thing about the supercharger, and true dual exhaust is, if you taped a run by, you'd probably scare all the little crriter's/fish to 20 miles out....

steveR · March 24, 2008

As I experienced in Florida, a lot of American gas stations don’t take Canadian credit cards at the pump. I had to go into the cash and pre-swipe. Noticed the other day in Toronto, they were not accepting American Credit cards at the pumps, have to go into the cash and pre-pay. Could be wrong, bring cash. No guns or contra ban, the border can be a drag, they can take your truck, could make that last 1000 miles difficult. Passport. Travel insurance? Bringing any children across the border? Medication? Pet? Hunting dog?

Traveler's Checklist copied from a gov website

____ U.S. Passport or other recommended ID for U.S. citizens? (Carry it; do not pack it) ( Travel Section at U.S Department of State )

____ Green Card or document for Lawful Permanent Residents? (Advance Parole if LPR status is pending) ( U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services )

____ Notarized travel permission letters for minors traveling without their parents?

____ Only the medication that I need for my trip and in its original container?

____ Receipts or registration paperwork (CBP Form 4457) for any new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that I’m taking with me? (Only suggested if traveling with recently purchased goods. Not necessary for goods more than 6 months old.)

____ Proof of Rabies vaccinations for my dogs if they are traveling with me? (Not required for cats. Check for requirements regarding other pets.)

____ Appraisals or receipts if I’m traveling with a lot of new jewelry?

____ Valid driver’s License? (Do I need an international driver’s license in the country I am visiting?) ( International Driving Permit Instructions ) or ( AAA )

____ An envelope to put all the receipts for my purchases? (This will make filling out the CBP declaration easier.)

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

mljenkins · March 25, 2008

Sadly I am thinking the last mile of the road to my house is about what you are describing <sigh>. They have been drilling some wells up our road and the big trucks mutilate the road.

I liked all of Steve's ideas. I definitely liked the idea of a come along. I have got myself stuck on my farm before and had to use the come along and two 20' tow chains to get out. I think the come alongs I have are rated 2 ton. I paid like $10-$20 for them at TSC. I broke two of them pulling the truck out. I wish I could find a heavier duty one but I can't find any around here.

I would make sure you bring a short piece of 2x6 or 2x8 to sit your jack on if you have to change a tire. If you get somewhere the ground is wet, it helps a lot. Other than that maybe a 4-way tire wrench and small air pump is about the only things I have used around the farm. Probably want to take a gallon or so of windshield washer fluid. Just be sure you don't run your battery down. I have never used one of those emergency jump start deals but if you have a bad habit of running your battery down it may be worth it.

Have fun, sounds like an adventure!

peteking · March 25, 2008

Thanks guys...all great ideas. I've already added to my list a small length of 2x4, and tire sealant. Don't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere without tools & such either. I should have looked @ a map before posting. I'll be in Quebec, not Ontario. My mistake. We'll be on the North end of the Gouin Reservoir. Huge lake, lots of Walleye and Northern Pike to catch. Annnd yes, Daddy, there will be no shortage of beer!!!

SKYrado03 · March 25, 2008

As I experienced in Florida, a lot of American gas stations don’t take Canadian credit cards at the pump. I had to go into the cash and pre-swipe. Noticed the other day in Toronto, they were not accepting American Credit cards at the pumps, have to go into the cash and pre-pay. Could be wrong, bring cash. No guns or contra ban, the border can be a drag, they can take your truck, could make that last 1000 miles difficult. Passport. Travel insurance? Bringing any children across the border? Medication? Pet? Hunting dog?

Traveler's Checklist copied from a gov website

____ U.S. Passport or other recommended ID for U.S. citizens? (Carry it; do not pack it) ( Travel Section at U.S Department of State )

____ Green Card or document for Lawful Permanent Residents? (Advance Parole if LPR status is pending) ( U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services )

____ Notarized travel permission letters for minors traveling without their parents?

____ Only the medication that I need for my trip and in its original container?

____ Receipts or registration paperwork (CBP Form 4457) for any new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that I’m taking with me? (Only suggested if traveling with recently purchased goods. Not necessary for goods more than 6 months old.)

____ Proof of Rabies vaccinations for my dogs if they are traveling with me? (Not required for cats. Check for requirements regarding other pets.)

____ Appraisals or receipts if I’m traveling with a lot of new jewelry?

____ Valid driver’s License? (Do I need an international driver’s license in the country I am visiting?) ( International Driving Permit Instructions ) or ( AAA )

____ An envelope to put all the receipts for my purchases? (This will make filling out the CBP declaration easier.)

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

Excellent suggestion! I forgot all about crossing the boarder.

SKYrado03 · March 25, 2008

I think the come alongs I have are rated 2 ton. I paid like $10-$20 for them at TSC. I broke two of them pulling the truck out. I wish I could find a heavier duty one but I can't find any around here.

Exactly....I'll never buy another one made out of aluminum

tobias · March 25, 2008

Thanks guys...all great ideas. I've already added to my list a small length of 2x4, and tire sealant. Don't want to be stuck out in the middle of nowhere without tools & such either. I should have looked @ a map before posting. I'll be in Quebec, not Ontario. My mistake. We'll be on the North end of the Gouin Reservoir. Huge lake, lots of Walleye and Northern Pike to catch. Annnd yes, Daddy, there will be no shortage of beer!!!

This trip is now officially Daddy approved!