Long Trip Tips???

[LandCruiser]

I just drove 1315 miles from Colorado Springs to Mobile, AL.

-overload way past GVWR (those heavy duty lift springs have to make their money)
-refuel often when you're in the middle of nowhere, who knows where the next gas station will be
-don't stop for storms, they're God's car wash
-don't leave a fully loaded truck out of eyeshot
-know the gun laws of the states you're visiting, if you're GTG and have a permit (if necessary), carry. I drove through non-Democrat/Communist states
-the further you drive, the less tired you get
-navigate with your phone, google maps is pretty damn good
-check your air pressure every 400-500 miles
-hydrate, passing a stone is more painful than having to pee

*when traveling with a dag, make sure he gets lots of water and run his ass every time you stop to fill up/pee, also dogs tend to get hotter in cars

 

[hangman]

For the dog--what about getting one of those mirrors that parents use to keep an eye on their babies in rearward-facing seats? Wonder if you could attach it to or near the crate so you can keep an eye on der pup even if you put the crate in the back. I'd bet Target and Babies R Us have about five each to choose from.

 

[ic0517]

You can also put music on a USB thumb drive, and just leave it in the vehicle. Saves a bit of battery, but the worst is leaving the screen on when using maps/Waze/whatever.

I can't charge my cell phone off of the USB, the console b!tches about it drawing too much current.

I would not agree with having the window down in the back and a puppy back there. The exhaust gets pulled in or the puppy might jump out. If anybody is in the second row, I close the rear window.

Premium might get you more mpg, but regular will get you more miles/$.

If you are really worried about mpg, stick with stock tires, 2WD, check your air pressure, watch the speeding, and only use the AC if you have to. Someone told me roof racks can cut into mpg, I'm not taking my crossbars off, I did that for the Subaru Forester and that was NOT easy getting them back on, plus you got to find a place to store them.

 

[Peyto]

I can't charge my cell phone off of the USB, the console b!tches about it drawing too much current.

Go with a 12V USB adapter instead of using the built in USB (should run you around $10 for a decent low profile one). Way faster charge, and should be able to handle larger devices.

Good read on it here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/182471-usb-output-power.html

 

[diverscale]

I did a 10 000 miles road trip last year through the USA, and often do montreal-florida and back.

When I do those kind of long trips, I just make sure the tire pressure is up to par, pack the luggages, hop in the truck, start and go.

This is the main advantage of this truck, I am not worried when going far away.

 

[JohnJerk]

Opie and Jim podcasts. Like 20 hours worth.

 

[1000MPH]

Use gasbuddy to find the cheap but quality gas along the route. Only fill up at busy gas stations. 450mi on a tank is pushing your luck.
Chocolate covered espresso beans, red bull, and electronic cigs are good, little white pills are illegal.
Moving blankets are good for your sloppy passengers.
Anything less than 1200 miles is a day trip.

 

[Dirty Brigade]

When we started traveling with our dog, we were very firm when it came to location. She was a pup and we thought it was important to start early to create a good habit. We kept her in the back seat no matter how many people were in the car. At least twice a year we do a TN to MI trip which is 10 hours with the pup. She is awesome now that she has made the trip 5 times.

+1 on a gun. Always carry.

 

[jerseyrunner5]

Bad News


My puppy got really sick and he has to stay in Florida for 2 weeks with family until he can travel to NJ and be with my other dog. Because of my 4Runner being leased I can't waste the drive miles on a drive without the puppy. That being said, I am taking the auto train home tomorrow and will take it back in 2-3 weeks to pick up the puppy and then drive home. So in the end I will be on 2 train rides and then drive home.


Thank you everyone for your tips. Guess I won't be able to take the 4Runner on a long trip for at least 3 weeks.