Driving across the country

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

I wondered if anyone had a "check list" before I do this. I may be taking a job in San Diego, currently in Florida and would relocate via the T4R with my dog and uHaul in tow.

2002, Sr5 RWD, 117,000mi

TB and WP recently done
Oil done 1000 ago
New rotors and pads 2000 ago
I have spark plugs and wire ready to be installed
I think the radiator is original...that was something I am concerned about.

Dreading the mileage I will be getting since I'll likely be towing a small UHaul, but I am debating leaving all my furniture at the parents and just packing up the T4R and forgetting about the UHaul

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

 

[mtbtim]

I wondered if anyone had a "check list" before I do this. I may be taking a job in San Diego, currently in Florida and would relocate via the T4R with my dog and uHaul in tow.

2002, Sr5 RWD, 117,000mi

TB and WP recently done
Oil done 1000 ago
New rotors and pads 2000 ago
I have spark plugs and wire ready to be installed
I think the radiator is original...that was something I am concerned about.

Dreading the mileage I will be getting since I'll likely be towing a small UHaul, but I am debating leaving all my furniture at the parents and just packing up the T4R and forgetting about the UHaul

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

If you haven't changed the transmission fluid in a while, maybe do a drain and refill. You'll end up replacing around 5 quarts of ATF. Pulling a trailer will put extra strain on your transmission especially when you're climbing a hill. Remember on a long descent, you can use engine braking. Basically, you can shift down the transmission to help slow you down. I will first turn off the overdrive. If I need to go even slower without riding the brakes, I'll shift down into 2nd.

I regularly do 2000+ mile trips which usually involves driving lots of dirt roads going place to place mountain biking. Your oil is fairly fresh for the trip which is good and you'll be due for another oil change when you're done. Check your oil and coolant levels when you stop for gas, other than that, you should be fine. If I'm traveling in really hot weather and driving up mountain passes, I keep an eye on my temperature gauge and will often turn off the AC to keep the strain on the engine down. Make sure your tires are properly inflated which will help your gas mileage.

I always travel with tools to do road side repairs. I also have a code reader that I bring with me to read and clear any check engine codes that might pop up. Duct tape is something I always have because maybe I can slow a hose leak enough to limp to the next town to get a part. If you burn oil at all or have leaks, keep an extra quart in your rig. I also carry jumper cables. And, it doesn't hurt to have a AAA membership in case you need a tow.

Safe travels.

 

[Yukon4Runner]

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

I've done two 1200 mile moves with my '01 towing a small U Haul trailer in the last 7 years...it was lightly loaded as it only contained what the movers would not take (anything containing flammable fluids, liquids, etc) or items that I would not want lost (personal files, firearms, ammunition, sentimental items, etc)...and we had three dogs.

Tips?

Get a locking pin for your trailer hitch, a good lock for the trailer door and a portable wireless car alarm for the trailer. U Hauls scream "there's something interesting inside!" This can make for fitful sleeps in roadside motels.

With your length of trip, you probably have a 50/50 chance of blowing one of the cheap U Haul tires. They'll repair it but plan on a wait. Have their number handy and don't travel through sketchy areas at a time of day that you would not want to be broken down for an hour or more.

Don't pass up gas stations when you have less than a quarter tank.

Carry a fire extinguisher that is in a very accessible spot. You might save someone else and be hero for the day in Timbuktu, New Mexico.

Consider a membership that gives you road side assistance.
Don't push the 55 mph UHaul trailer speed limit by too much. Consider the non-interstate highways in more scenic areas since you're probably going under the speed limit anyways. Better local food as well.

And of course, just like you have available when you normally travel with a pet, have everything you need to take care of what goes in the front and comes out the back. We like to let the pooches out on a regular basis for a quick sniff, whizz and drink; doesn't need to be long...it's only fair! There are some great rests tops on interstates for this (especially at the state line welcome centers) but then you end up stopping again for gas...some stations have grass, some are a concrete jungle. If I were planning another trip, I'd try and look ahead using google maps or something to find gas stations with some decent grass coverage for the hounds so I can minimize the double stops.

 

[Technoplasm]

I'll be going to Arizona from NJ in my 02 really soon so thanks for making this thread

I'm sure the runner will handle the journey just fine

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[Kmurt]

I did a 6000 mile road trip with my 4runner last year, went from NJ all the way to Las Vegas and back. Before I left I had all the fluids drained and made sure I had tools and properly inflated tires. Ditto on the filling up your tank when you get close to a 1/4 left. Didn't think I was gonna make it in the middle of the desert.

Have fun and good luck with everything.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I wondered if anyone had a "check list" before I do this. I may be taking a job in San Diego, currently in Florida and would relocate via the T4R with my dog and uHaul in tow.

2002, Sr5 RWD, 117,000mi

TB and WP recently done
Oil done 1000 ago
New rotors and pads 2000 ago
I have spark plugs and wire ready to be installed
I think the radiator is original...that was something I am concerned about.

Dreading the mileage I will be getting since I'll likely be towing a small UHaul, but I am debating leaving all my furniture at the parents and just packing up the T4R and forgetting about the UHaul

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

I made a similar move from Alabama to New York State. The first drive up, I had no auxilliary transmission cooler. I could feel the heat on the floor down the center of the truck. I purchased a big-a$$ transmission cooler at Advance Auto Parts and bypassed the radiator. Trip back to Alabama the transmission was cool as could be. I have 267K+ on my original transmission - would definitely recommend this for your hauling a small UHaul and the Hayden coolers are not expensive (Buy online at Advanceautoparts.com, pay for it online, use TRT30% and get 30% off and pick up at your local store...)

 

[Schady44]

Only thing I can add to the above is that with your 02' you probably have your transmission cooler integrated in the factory radiator. I did a move from Maine to Tennessee in my 99' and I got the pink milkshake 2 weeks after arriving. I had lucky timing (to a certain extent), but I would t want to be in that situation driving across country. Get an external cooler and have the piece of mind you won't be doing a transmission rebuild somewhere you know nothing about, or worse... Having to sell you runner.


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[Schady44]

I like where your heads at BamaDrewski!

Maybe a portable compressor in case you have a flat?


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[zoombyu86]

might be a good idea to post up a map showing your travel route and maybe people can pitch in and say where they are located in the chance that you may need some assistance or just another t4r member to grab a bite with.

 

[nc-grayson]

make sure your SiriusXM subscription is up to date.

 

[bootown]

If you can avoid the uhaul, do it. I drove 1,000 miles with a uhaul in tow and told myself I never wanted to do it again. You can always try a place like uship.com for shipping your furniture, just hold out for the right offer. You'll get some right away that are outrageous then hopefully some really good offers.

I've put 8,500+ miles on my Sequoia (250k) in the last 2 months (which include driving to CA and FL). Here are some of the things I do: check tire tread/side walls and pressure including spare, make sure you have all the tools to change a flat, if my lower ball joints or radiator have over 100k i replace them (skip radiator if tranny cooler is bypassed with an external cooler), change oil, tranny fluid if necessary, check power steering/brake/coolant/windshield fluids. Most of that is obvious stuff but whatever. If I was driving your 4runner, I would replace the radiator and LBJ's if they are original then just check the fluids and tires....and not take the uhaul. Toyota will do the rest.

 

[Kanoe]

I don't know if its been mentioned (small phone) but change out the rear diff oil for a good one, esp. if hauling a trailer. Unless recently done..

 

[jeremyc74]

Dreading the mileage I will be getting since I'll likely be towing a small UHaul, but I am debating leaving all my furniture at the parents and just packing up the T4R and forgetting about the UHaul

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

If you're not overly attached to the furniture I'd consider selling it, and just buying new stuff when you get there if that means not renting the trailer.

By the time you factor in the cost of the trailer rental and the extra fuel it's probably a wash, and you can buy new furniture that better fits the place you move into.

Also, that will give you a little more freedom to see the sights without worrying about someone stealing your stuff. As someone mentioned earlier those trailers are magnets for thieves when you stop at hotels.

Driving cross country is one of those things you don't get to do too many times, so try to take your time and enjoy it if possible! :thumb:

 

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

Thanks for the replies everyone, seems like nixing the trailer is a good idea. Eventhough I built this bed myself and am semi attached to it, ill just buy new furniture / look for a place that is furnished. The cost of transporting seems to be alot more than buying new stuff.

I should be able to easily fit all my non-furniture stuff in the vehicle

 

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

might be a good idea to post up a map showing your travel route and maybe people can pitch in and say where they are located in the chance that you may need some assistance or just another t4r member to grab a bite with.

This is a very easy route - I75 for about 250 miles, hop on to I10 for 2100 miles
and I am there

 

[jgue467]

Only 'tough' spots are the Sierra and West Texas mountains (though they are milder coming down). Your brakes w/b tested on the downstrokes somewhat. yes avoid I20 and you'll need to pick up I8 at just past Arizona City to go directly to SD. Luck and enjoy the lower temps & humidity of SD! :cowboy:

 

[nissanh]

I am near I-20 by Midland/Odessa Area. Let me know if you need any help. I towed 660 miles and not so fun when you get into big cities. If you bump into someone's car, you may end up paying a lot. Also terrible gas mileage about 8-10 MPG. So sell things you can in FL and get only the things you want in the runner.
Definitely get the rear axle oil, motor oil, filter, air filter changed, trans oil if not too old, leave it.

Do you have rear air bags to carry the weight? When I drove across the country, I didn't have those and killed my rear springs.

Like Jgue74 said, you'll love SD!
Enjoy!

 

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

I am near I-20 by Midland/Odessa Area. Let me know if you need any help. I towed 660 miles and not so fun when you get into big cities. If you bump into someone's car, you may end up paying a lot. Also terrible gas mileage about 8-10 MPG. So sell things you can in FL and get only the things you want in the runner.
Definitely get the rear axle oil, motor oil, filter, air filter changed, trans oil if not too old, leave it.

Do you have rear air bags to carry the weight? When I drove across the country, I didn't have those and killed my rear springs.

Like Jgue74 said, you'll love SD!
Enjoy!

Thanks! I really dont think my stuff will have much impact.
Basically just toiletries, clothes, guitar, dog crate, records and my computer.
I live minimally with my items

 

[AZBub]

In AZ AVOID going up the I-10 as much as possible. Avoid stopping on I-8 after dark between Casa Grande and Yuma.


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[fblainen11]

I wondered if anyone had a "check list" before I do this. I may be taking a job in San Diego, currently in Florida and would relocate via the T4R with my dog and uHaul in tow.

2002, Sr5 RWD, 117,000mi

TB and WP recently done
Oil done 1000 ago
New rotors and pads 2000 ago
I have spark plugs and wire ready to be installed
I think the radiator is original...that was something I am concerned about.

Dreading the mileage I will be getting since I'll likely be towing a small UHaul, but I am debating leaving all my furniture at the parents and just packing up the T4R and forgetting about the UHaul

Any tips from anyone who recently did a 2000+ mile trip?

Assuming you are taking I-10 interstate, you need to stop in Lake Charles, Louisiana (we have two big casino resorts) and go eat at Darrel's. You'll want to order a Darrel's Special. You're welcome in advance. If you like company along the way let me know and I'll cover your lunch!

Edit: Apparently you are taking I-10 through Lake Charles. You definitely want to take the loop as the I-10 bridge is steep and narrow and generally unsafe especially if you are towing. Take the 210 loop.

Unless you have over a half of tank of gas before getting on the Atchafalaya bridge you should top off. The bridge is 20 miles long with only 2-3 exits...if there's an accident you will be stuck and won't want to run out of gas.

And again, if you're in the area save a meal time for Darrel's.

If you plan on towing Id recommend looking into the external cooler. Towing or not I would say if you have original radiator you should replace it.