About to make a 2000+ mile drive

[exit34rocker1017]

Like the title says, I am making a 2000 mile drive from NJ to Florida on Sunday. What precaution/preparations if any, should I do to my truck to ensure I get there without problems?

[SilverPath]

I make a 1500+ miler every year in the Pathy and the weekend before I leave I just check all the fluids (engine, Tranny, diffs, brake, clutch, PS) belts, pulleys, I carry extra belts, small tool kit, wiring stuff, and an extra universal O2 sensor if your still running stock ones. Oh and maybe AAA haha

 

Nothing worse then burning an O2 sensor with no parts store for several hundred miles and getting 10 mpgs because of it. Ive done it before but never again...

 

Then say a prayer to the Car travel god that nothing will go wrong

 

Good luck and stay safe!

[OldSlowReliable]

I've made the drive from MI to FL quite a few times in my life....its really not so bad! Will this be a winter trip or a summer trip?

 

(lol, I just looked it up, you mean 2k round trip right? lol, I was like "damn! i had no idea it was that far!!)

 

Get an oil change, and make sure to bring some extra fluids (i.e. coolant, wiper fluid, oil, tranny fluid..)

Make sure your tires are good on tread, and that you have a adequate spare, ensure all are inflated properly before you leave

Basic emergency kit...pretty self explanatory (even just one from walmart will probably suffice, + a plug kit and I'd suggest a small portable air compressor)

Top off all your fluids, and I would check them periodically, such as when you get there, and when you leave.

Make sure all your bulbs are working, and I would pull the tires to check on the brakes, to see if they are dangerously close to metal on metal..

If there is maintenance you have been neglecting, I'd take care of it before the trip..

Personally, I'd pack a medium sized tool box, just so I could fix anything that happens to break or fail on the road.. or just sign up for AAA!

 

Its really not too bad, our old 97 chevy van made that trip 5 or 6 times easy, and although would usually break down the week before the trip, would always make it! and back then we really didn't think too much about "preparing" the car...luckily if something DOES go wrong, its not like you are driving to alaska, so there will always be someone around to help, and stores that you can buy parts/gas/supplies at in an emergency!

[rgallant]

Hi there,

 

The basics assuming you have no issues.

 

Check

all your fluid levels

your belts

All lights (2 person job) headlights, turn signals, emergency, brake lights

I warm mine up and crank the heat to make sure the coolant is flowing, blasts heat your good.

tires examine and check pressure

Spare drop it and check condition and pressure

Make sure you have basic tools, jack, tire iron and they work

 

Being up in BC in Canada 2000 miles can mean a lot of empty space and no cell coverage, so be prepared and it is winter. I know you are in the Eastern US but eh same rules apply

Edited January 7, 2011 by rgallant

[ahardb0dy]

where in Florida are you heading?

[exit34rocker1017]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am heading to Winter Park, Florida, to help a friend pack up and move back here to NJ. It will be a winter trip, as we are expecting to leave Sunday. I just changed my brakes and repacked the bearings and did an oil change 500 miles ago. Should I still do one? Also changed most of my fluids 1000 miles ago, but still will top off some like coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid. All advice is appreciated!

[ahardb0dy]

right around the corner from me, if you need anything when you get down here let me know.

[exit34rocker1017]

right around the corner from me, if you need anything when you get down here let me know.

 

Will do, thanks!

[pathfounder]

Check all failure items, such as anything made of rubber (including the tires for that matter), and all fluid levels. Also confirm that your spare tire gear is all there, and that you can get the spare tire out from under the truck (if applicable). Also make sure you have things like a blanket, a communication device, and a first aid kit.

 

Other than that, drive it. It will either get you there or it won't. If you're nervous, drive a rental!

[adamzan]

I drove around the usa this summer, about 15,000kms. My advice is this:

 

-Change the oil right before you leave

-Make sure your tires are good and balanced

-Check for steering play/suspension play

-Keep a basic toolkit with you

-If you don't have a cell car charger get one

-Check your tranny fluid and if it's dark or has never been changed, have it changed.

 

I drove my 95 on said long trip and it hit 200k miles on the trip. I didn't have one issue except for a y pipe gasket and a cracked windshield.

 

If it's running good, you'll do fine.

 

Also if you feel tired pull over and take a nap. There are a lot of rest stops and most have free coffee and muffins in the morning!

Edited January 7, 2011 by adamzan