driving from so. cal to georgia

[weekendwarrior]

I'm driving from Southern California over to Georgia next Monday and was wondering what I should expect. Such things like do I need to buy chains for my tires. I read in another thread that chains were not available for the 4 runners yet. So with that in mind are there any other alternatives if I run into snow? I own the 2003 V-6 SR-5 if that helps any.

Also I was interested in purchasing some fog lamps. I did not get the factory issued ones. So are there any fog lamps out there that would fit into the space provided? If not is it possible to install some Piaa's into the same slots? Does it require purchasing a kit? Any help provided is greatly appreciated.

 

[JGRIMBALL]

Southern California over to Georgia next Monday

Wow, you doing it all on Monday! :jk: :jester:

 

[jharris2]

I'm driving from Southern California over to Georgia next Monday and was wondering what I should expect. Such things like do I need to buy chains for my tires. I read in another thread that chains were not available for the 4 runners yet. So with that in mind are there any other alternatives if I run into snow? I own the 2003 V-6 SR-5 if that helps any.

Also I was interested in purchasing some fog lamps. I did not get the factory issued ones. So are there any fog lamps out there that would fit into the space provided? If not is it possible to install some Piaa's into the same slots? Does it require purchasing a kit? Any help provided is greatly appreciated.

First, if you're coming from Southern Califiornia, you ought to consider your route very carefully -- you can take I-10/I-20 or I-40/I-55/I-20. The I-10/I-20 is less risky as it runs farther south than I-40, and I-40 through northern Texas and Oklahoma is prone to sudden deep snowfall.

Generally, if there is snow along the route, it will be very light; if it's icy, chains won't help anyway.

By the way, chains are out for the 2003 4Runner, because they are based on tire size, not the vehicle. Check out http://scc-chain.com for more information.

As far as fog lights go, check to see if your truck is prewired...some (like mine) are not. If they are prewired, you can possibly get some Toyota fog lamps off of eBay and plug them in. If not, I am not aware of any manufacturer that has fog lamps to fit the openings.

It's a very long drive -- well over 2,000 miles. Take your time, rest often, and be careful. And check the weather for your route before you leave.

 

[dcampen]

Snow chains.

I bought chains for my 4Runner just a week ago from here:
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1046&cid=88
They were in stock and shipped the same day I ordered. Still, there is no practical way for you to get them by Monday.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Thanks for all the help guys. Unfortunetly jharris2 I'm going to have to take the I-40 since my destination is to visit my brother at Fort Benning before he starts his Ranger training. Maybe I can leave a little sooner and take the "scenic" route to avoid all the deep snow and ice. After all, you know us Californians are not used to the cold weather.

 

[toyo]

I just completed my trip from Ga to Az. I drove up to I-70 going there since I have never been that way before. Saw some nice country. I cam home I-10 to I-20, not that exciting. I took the I-40 last year, it was much nicer of a route. I have an 04 sport V8 awd, it did great. I averaged about 18 mpg averaging about 75-80 mph. My suugestion is to get Xm radio, it makes the drive so much better.

 

[jharris2]

I just completed my trip from Ga to Az. I drove up to I-70 going there since I have never been that way before. Saw some nice country. I cam home I-10 to I-20, not that exciting. I took the I-40 last year, it was much nicer of a route. I have an 04 sport V8 awd, it did great. I averaged about 18 mpg averaging about 75-80 mph. My suugestion is to get Xm radio, it makes the drive so much better.

I used to work with someone who grew up in west Texas. For the terrain, she would say, "There's nothing out there for miles and miles but miles and miles."

I-40 will definitely be a better drive, but it's just more unpredictable this time of year.

 

[momo.75]

On a different note, you should pick up a book called "Eat Your Way Across The USA". It is apretty cool book listing a bunch of cool and unique restaurants in towns across the US. Of course you might not like to eat like me, but it might give you something else to do on the drive.