Cross country round trip preparation

[aeb28]

Hello all, we will be making a long trip in our 03 4Runner (all stock, V8 SR5, AWD). In getting ready for it, I would appreciate any advice or recommendations you all may have.

We will be driving from North Florida to Southern California and back, about 4500 miles total. We have allotted 3 weeks to make the trip, but plan to spend about 2 weeks. We have driven across country before, but this time is will be round trip and we will be hauling a cargo trailer (6x8 most likely, maybe 2000-2500 pounds loaded) on the return trip.

I have not had any issues with this car, knock on wood. I keep up with maintenance and it has been very reliable over the course I have owned it for the past 2 years and 20k miles. I am now at 160k miles total.

Are there any common issues for this 4runner year/platform (2003 4.7L SR5, AWD) I should be watching out for? Are there any specific preventative repairs I can make to mitigate any troubles once we get out on the road? I know the miles are not super high to have high concern, but better safe than sorry.

Before leaving, I will repack the bearings with grease, lube zerk fittings, and change oil. Brakes were changed about 20k miles ago. I will bring it somewhere for an inspection for a second set of eyes. I am due for a fresh set of tires anyway, so I will get that done ahead of time. I will check all the fluids before we go... am I missing anything?

Thank you in advance!

 

[thatjusthappened]

Well, one things for sure, you're going to need a lot of snacks... beyond that, just be sure to pack some basic tools, hose clamps, duct tape, a tire plug kit and some fluids. It's not like you'll never run across a mechanic should you need one but hopefully you find some wide open, unspoiled places to enjoy, just don't get stuck in one longer than necessary.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Do you have a transmission temp gauge or a scangauge or something similar? I have found my transmission getting quite hot on long uphill climbs. Best advice I can give is to keep it in 4 all the time as long as you are towing.

When I first got our heavier trailer I tried to use OD when I could, figuring it would give me better MPG but I found out that I actually get better MPG in 4 when towing. It also keeps the transmission cooler. Another thing I do is manually downshift on steep hills, as I've found that letting the transmission shift itself will make it heat up faster.

 

[aeb28]

I currently do not have any way to monitor the tranny temp. I think a Scangauge might be a worthwhile investment for this trip. I have considered adding a couple gauges but have not really had a reason to justify it until now, and a Scangauge seems pretty handy to have around.

Thank you for the towing advice. I tow a 24' boat on a trailer around pretty regularly, but there are not a lot of hills in Florida and rarely do I tow on the interstate. Actually my runner does not have a 2wd option, only 4 high and 4 low, so I guess I don't have a choice.

Edit: I was doing some quick research between the Scangauge and Ultragauge... can anyone confirm they will display tranny temp with 4th Gens? There seems to be a lot of back-and-forth whether or not they do.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/135580-transmission-temperature-monitoring-obd2-2.html

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Replace air filter if dirty. helps saves gas. Replace or pressure check your radiator cap. Check belts and hoses. Check if tires needs balance. If you got AAA, maybe upgrade to Premium. Trans fluid change every 25k. Load up on music and enjoy the scenery!