New guy, big questions
- Thread starter DrDubzz
- Start date
Antman
Elite Member
Looks like a fun trip!
I would recommend an Airlift 1000 rear airbag kit ($100). You will be traveling a significant distance with a heavy load and this will compensate for the rear sag 100% and make the 4Runner handle much better with the load. They will also be useful for the life of the vehicle. Try to find ONE person on this forum that regrets their Airlifts!
I would also check the spare for proper inflation and make sure you know how to drop the spare and use the jack/etc. (make sure the tools-including your wheel lock key if you have them- are easily accessible too). Same goes for the trailer tires (at least a can or 2 of fix-a-flat).
Bring some good music!:drummer:
Have fun and be safe.
I would recommend an Airlift 1000 rear airbag kit ($100). You will be traveling a significant distance with a heavy load and this will compensate for the rear sag 100% and make the 4Runner handle much better with the load. They will also be useful for the life of the vehicle. Try to find ONE person on this forum that regrets their Airlifts!
I would also check the spare for proper inflation and make sure you know how to drop the spare and use the jack/etc. (make sure the tools-including your wheel lock key if you have them- are easily accessible too). Same goes for the trailer tires (at least a can or 2 of fix-a-flat).
Bring some good music!:drummer:
Have fun and be safe.
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farmerjon
Senior Member
3rd gen guy here. if you go the 2nd way, (not through WA), you'll be going right by me - on the other side of my mountain...
(WY). If you need or want any info for Southern MT or Northern WY, let me know.the difference in mileage is almost nothing...at least to me. If I had to drive another 300 miles to see family, I would do it... 300 isn't enough to justify one change or another... but it's your trip!
SUPER JEALOUS of your trip, I would KILL to take that drive, just for the fun of it. I'm a student in the winter and the past few months, I have gotten a BIG itch to start exploring more in my 4Runner, like AK, Canada, and the PNW...
Good luck and best wishes! Have some fun for us!
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Bill Z
New member
Here's a link to the Last Great Road Trip. We're planning on doing the drive either this summer or next and his story has tons of great information.
2007 Arctic Circle | Off Road Adventure
2007 Arctic Circle | Off Road Adventure
Bill Z
New member
If you wanted to shave off some time and miles, you could also take the Alaska Marine Hiighway Ferry.
Alaska Marine Highway System :: Official Site :: Alaska DOT&PF
Alaska Marine Highway System :: Official Site :: Alaska DOT&PF
j_shoe99
New member
you'll be fine with your truck, as is. But, it won't hurt to be proactive on the general maintenance stuff everyone mentioned above:
Make sure you have a good spare, properly inflated, and know how to install it. I'd say the same for the trailer wheels/tires. Carry a patch kit, and some fix-a-flat.
Be sure you do your oils and stuff prior to going.
Communication devices would be a good idea too.
Food/water/diapers/dogfood/etc. First Aid Kit?
Random thought.....would it be perhaps beneficial to sign up for a AAA roadside assistance-type program, for extra peace of mind? I've never been a member, but such a long trip, it might be nice insurance? Would something like that even cover Canada territory?
Make sure you have a good spare, properly inflated, and know how to install it. I'd say the same for the trailer wheels/tires. Carry a patch kit, and some fix-a-flat.
Be sure you do your oils and stuff prior to going.
Communication devices would be a good idea too.
Food/water/diapers/dogfood/etc. First Aid Kit?
Random thought.....would it be perhaps beneficial to sign up for a AAA roadside assistance-type program, for extra peace of mind? I've never been a member, but such a long trip, it might be nice insurance? Would something like that even cover Canada territory?
I intend to, I actually need to purchase a camera that is not attached to a cell phone before we head out.
But the first pictures (I'll start a new thread when the time comes) are...
which way to go. The route through washington is longer, but more scenic on the US side and lets us visit family and have a nice populated area to re-load on provisions and have vehicle maintenance performed more easily.
The other route is probably more scenic on the canadian side, if you re-route through Banff and Jasper nat'l parks.
We'll probably go the Washington way, if only to visit my brother and his family in the Seattle area, but the shorter route is... well shorter.
I've done both of those. I think you could go the west route up through Vancouver and then go east at Prince George to avoid the Cassiar, which was always the sporty way (rugged)
The east route was the paved way, could be done in a corvette.
DrDubzz
New member
Thanks for the replies everyone, I'm definitely going overboard on the maintenance stuff for the next few months. Keeping the kids happy will be hard enough, I don't want any mechanical issues.
we were going to take the ferry originally, but it only saved a day's worth of driving and still required going through Canada. We decided that if that was the case we might as well see more of Canada and not be trapped on the boat which might be worse than being in the car where at least we can stop and stretch or check out sights along the way. It would save some wear and tear, but I wouldn't have bought a truck-based SUV is that was a concern
and funny enough, our stop in washington will be in Issaquah, my brother lives on Tiger Mountain
we were going to take the ferry originally, but it only saved a day's worth of driving and still required going through Canada. We decided that if that was the case we might as well see more of Canada and not be trapped on the boat which might be worse than being in the car where at least we can stop and stretch or check out sights along the way. It would save some wear and tear, but I wouldn't have bought a truck-based SUV is that was a concern
and funny enough, our stop in washington will be in Issaquah, my brother lives on Tiger Mountain
Like DSwilly said, the second route is just a drive. I have done it from middle Colorado all the way up to the Yukon. Stop over at Calgary was nice because I have relatives up there. Stops and civilization all the way up there but when yo get close to the top of BC or Alta, the towns get smaller. I only done part way up the coast up BC, but if I had all the time in the world, I do the costal route just don't make me go through OR. I had to drive right below the speed limit through the entire state and no one moves over for you even if you are in the passing lane.
Bill Z
New member
Too funny - I actually live at the base of Tiger not to far from the paraglider base. Shoot me a PM when you get to town - maybe we could grab a cold beverage.
DrDubzz
New member
Tell me more about this airlift business... I would love to stiffen up the ride to an extent.
For sure, he's in the Mirrormont area.
I'll keep an eye on this thread for any other input. And try to integrate into the forums a bit.
But when the preparations start, so will the pictures. I'll do my best to keep it updated.
nw_4Runner
New member
Driven it in a Jeep Wrangler (2x), Toyota RAV4, and a Subaru station wagon. Your 4runner will serve you well (though budget in a broken windshield, esp. If traveling in spring, summer, or fall).
Just use common sense and error on side of caution.
Have always had one of these with me (they're the ALCAN bible): The Milepost 2012: Kris Valencia: 9781892154293: Amazon.com: Books
I did build a windshield/hood protector with PVC pipe and mesh one year, which worked great and was topic of much conversation on way down. Easy to do, effective, and saved my paint/windshield ... though probably over kill.
Have fun, and be safe. Will be an adventure.
Just use common sense and error on side of caution.
Have always had one of these with me (they're the ALCAN bible): The Milepost 2012: Kris Valencia: 9781892154293: Amazon.com: Books
I did build a windshield/hood protector with PVC pipe and mesh one year, which worked great and was topic of much conversation on way down. Easy to do, effective, and saved my paint/windshield ... though probably over kill.
Have fun, and be safe. Will be an adventure.
Antman
Elite Member
Everything you want to know about Airlift:
Air Lift 1000 Air Bags for Coil Spring SUVs and Vans | Air Lift Company
I'm pretty sure the kit # for us is #60809.
Here is a link to my install- (keep scrolling down past my home page)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antmans-thread.html#post806239
Best $100 you will spend on your truck.
marlin driver
New member
Your 4runner will make that trip with no sweat. I would be more concerned about the trailer. Most small utility trailers are not made to go thousands of miles. Just make sure your wheel bearings are in top condition (replace if necessary) and adjusted correctly. Check and lube all the pieces and parts and keep an eye on things during your trip. Its a tough life for a small trailer, banging around back there for miles and miles, usually without any type of shock absorbers to smooth out the ride.
Good luck and have fun. I would love to make that trip.
Good luck and have fun. I would love to make that trip.
