Prepping for an 8,000 mile road trip...

[4'running'26]

Hello, all.

I am currently planning a road trip around much of the western United States for sometime in June and/or July.

My 4runner has nearly 221,000 miles and by the time of the trip I am guessing it will be inching towards 230,000. She still runs like a top and I have never had a single problem with her mechanically since I bought her around 190,000 miles.

However, an 8,000-9,000 mile road trip would make me a bit nervous in any car with any type of mileage. I figure I better start prepping now and getting my ducks in a row as far as the car is concerned.

My number one thing on the to-do list is the timing belt and water pump. I have not replaced them since I bought it in May of 2012 and can't find any documentation as to when it was done last. The belt is dry and I don't see any leaking or pooling in the area at all, but it still worries me a bit.

Having some extra hoses, belts, and odds and ends with me is a must. You can obviously never plan for a mechanical failure of any kind, but in the mean time what else should I be looking to do before setting out this coming summer?

Thanks to all!

 

[drdolittlerwc]

However, an 8,000-9,000 mile road trip would make me a bit nervous in any car with any type of mileage. I figure I better start prepping now and getting my ducks in a row as far as the car is concerned.

My number one thing on the to-do list is the timing belt and water pump. I have not replaced them since I bought it in May of 2012 and can't find any documentation as to when it was done last. The belt is dry and I don't see any leaking or pooling in the area at all, but it still worries me a bit.

Having some extra hoses, belts, and odds and ends with me is a must. You can obviously never plan for a mechanical failure of any kind, but in the mean time what else should I be looking to do before setting out this coming summer?

Thanks to all!

AWESOME!! I love road trips! We just drove from the SF Bay Area to Belize and loved every minute of it.

I spent a lot of time and money doing 'routine maintenance on a '00 Runner I just bought and am glad for every penny spent! I also did the timing belt and water pump.

One thing that I am glad we spent the money on... is a 'Code Reader'...(or Diagnostic tool, ODBII)...this way you can 'plug in' and read any 'Check Engine' codes that might come up one your trip...believe me...they creep up...

We had one pop up, and I checked it. It was nothing major so I cleared it and drove on. Immense relief!!!

In the middle of MX, you don't have many options, and to find out that you don't need them is....HUGE!!!

 

[4'running'26]

Great idea dolittle. I'll look into getting one.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Great idea dolittle. I'll look into getting one.

Yah, you should be able to get one for $100 or less. Just make sure it can read and clear the codes. Mine is an Actron Auto Scanner model CP9575 which, if I'm not mistaken is a Bosch sub-brand. $100, easy to use, and VERY comforting...

Your OBD connection is under the driver side dash above the gas pedal.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Oh yeah, years ago I read about keeping a fire extinguisher in the car and started carrying one. Then one time I ACTUALLY NEEDED it, so I was completely sold!!

ALWAYS CARRY A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN YOUR CAR!!!!

:thumb3::thumb3::thumb3:

 

[zgensler31]

Great idea dolittle. I'll look into getting one.

I woukd recommend an ultra guage. They have this capability and alot more and theyre under 100 bucks. They give you alot more feagires and can be a greag diagnostic tool as well.

 

[5RUNNERZ]

I have an ultra gauge and it is cool, but I have been wondering about the bluetooth obd diagnostic! I always thought that would be cool!

 

[Nunyabiz]

I did a 7770 Mile trip last May, was great trip.

I would suggest getting all reservations for hotels camping sites etc asap.
Hotels not too bad but campsites IF you are going to camp I would get them as soon as you know what days you will be going, some places fill up months in advance.
A GPS is good to have on long trips.
Can get a nice one for like $90 from Costco

Magellan Roadmate 5270T-LMB 5" Portable GPS with Case
This is the one I bought for the trip, was on sale at Costco for I think it was $129 at the time, great to have the voice feature so while you are driving you can just say, find gas, find restaurant, etc and boom there it without having to touch it.

http://www.costco.com/.product.1000...vc=itempageVerticalRight|CategorySiloedViewCP

I second the Ultra Gauge, good to have.

Obviously just have everything gone over by a mechanic you trust, grease everything, I would highly suggest changing your oil to a high quality "real" synthetic such as either Amsoil or Redline just prior to leaving that way you can go the whole trip without having to do an oil change.
If it hasn't been done in awhile I would change, not drain and fill, but CHANGE your ATF fluid with quality synthetic fluid, again either Redline or Amsoil.

I would also suggest buying a tire plug kit depending on whether or not you have stock size tires or not.
If you do then your spare is fine if not then your spare is just to get you to a tire place which could be easier said than done depending on where you are and what day and time of day.
A tire plug kit as long as its not a side wall blow out you just plug the tire on the vehicle, blow it back up and your on your way.
Also would need a compressor but the kit and compressor are far smaller than a tire and cost a lot less.
This can save your butt if you are in the middle of no where.

This is the one I bought.

ARB 10000010 Orange Speedy Seal Tire Repair Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

and the compressor I bought at Costco for $79
It is also a jump starter, a 12V power source to run whatever plus a USB port to charge cell phones and laptops. Very handy to have on a long trip.

PowerStation PSX-3 18Ah Jumpstarter with Air Compressor and DC Outlet and USB Port - New Model 2013 : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[masphx]

AWESOME!! I love road trips! We just drove from the SF Bay Area to Belize and loved every minute of it.

I spent a lot of time and money doing 'routine maintenance on a '00 Runner I just bought and am glad for every penny spent! I also did the timing belt and water pump.

One thing that I am glad we spent the money on... is a 'Code Reader'...(or Diagnostic tool, ODBII)...this way you can 'plug in' and read any 'Check Engine' codes that might come up one your trip...believe me...they creep up...

We had one pop up, and I checked it. It was nothing major so I cleared it and drove on. Immense relief!!!

In the middle of MX, you don't have many options, and to find out that you don't need them is....HUGE!!!

You will also need one if you are traveling in California. Unlike the rest of the nation Checker or Autozone are not allowed to read your code. This happened to me when I was on a road trip. Now I have a ultragage and it works great. Would like to hear more on the SF to Belize trip though. Planning on doing something similar hopefully soon.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You will also need one if you are traveling in California. Unlike the rest of the nation Checker or Autozone are not allowed to read your code. This happened to me when I was on a road trip. Now I have a ultragage and it works great. Would like to hear more on the SF to Belize trip though. Planning on doing something similar hopefully soon.

Yup, CA politicians are even bigger whores for lobby money than the rest of the nation... and apparently the dealerships lobby because they're getting $60 just to check your code and not fix it.

You should be able to get a code reader for around $50-$60, not $100. And you can get a tire repair kit like the one linked above for less than $10, not $40, though it won't come with the plastic box (No big deal...)

 

[4'running'26]

Thanks for all of the great info and suggestions so far guys.

It sounds like an ultraguage/code checker is a purchase I will be making soon.

I do have stock tires still (265/70R16s) as it is my daily driver. About halfway through the trip I will be stopping at my buddy's place in Concord, CA and had planned to do an oil change there, buy maybe fully synthetic isn't a bad way to go. Any other opinions on this?

The plan right now is to camp and sleep in the back of the car as often as possible. I have family and friends along a good portion of the trip if need be, but would like to be sleeping under the stars as much as possible. Here's a link to a rough outline of the trip.

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

I used to live in Colorado (Woodland Park) so once we (I have enlisted a friend to travel along) we will be spending some extra time.

 

[JohnsD90]

If your doing the water pump, check to make sure the radiator's good. Make sure you have a spare tire, current tires have good tread and not cracked. Extra quart of motor oil, gear oil, ATF if Auto, Gallon of Coolant, and tool kit. Grease the Driveshaft too.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I'd replace all the belts and hoses, and the thermostat (while you're doing the timing belt/water pump). I'd also replace the lower ball joints and check the brake pads. I'd check the shocks with that many miles. Other than that, get in and drive. I drove my 02 to Colorado this summer (2500 mile trip) with 168K miles and never gave it a second thought.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Thanks for all of the great info and suggestions so far guys.

It sounds like an ultraguage/code checker is a purchase I will be making soon.

I do have stock tires still (265/70R16s) as it is my daily driver. About halfway through the trip I will be stopping at my buddy's place in Concord, CA and had planned to do an oil change there, buy maybe fully synthetic isn't a bad way to go. Any other opinions on this?

The plan right now is to camp and sleep in the back of the car as often as possible. I have family and friends along a good portion of the trip if need be, but would like to be sleeping under the stars as much as possible. Here's a link to a rough outline of the trip.

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

I used to live in Colorado (Woodland Park) so once we (I have enlisted a friend to travel along) we will be spending some extra time.

Looks like a nice itinerary.
If you are planning on camping at the Grand Canyon I would get a campsite NOW, with Yosemite I believe you get a campsite up to only 5 months in advance though, so if going in summer 2014 then probably January or Feb get reservations.
At Grand Canyon if you stay near the village go to Mather Campground, if you don't want to get reservations and would actually prefer to stay away from the crowds then go to Desert View campground, it is first come first serve and only has 50 campsites so depending on when you go you might be out of luck. We went in May this year and Desert View probably had 30+ sites left.
We already had reservations at Mather though.

Yosemite you are basically going to need reservations, in fact you probably wont even be able to get any May-Sept in the regular campgrounds. Most of those campsites are gone within SECONDS of the very first day and hour (7am) they are available. They have a few first come first serve campsites however those open I think in July and you would be pretty lucky to get one.

Yellowstone you can probably do without reservations just fine, Norris Campground is really nice.

Also if you are planning on going to at least 3 parks then I would get a annual pass for $80, will end up being cheaper.

Unless there is some particular reason or place you really want to see in Death Valley, it isn't a place you really want to see in the summer.
An alternative if your open to suggestions would be to go from "Las Wages" and go south on 15 to Nipton rd to Morning star Mine rd and go through the center of the Mojave Preserve to Joshua Tree NP.
Way nicer drive, scenery, and some mild off roading if you want. Lots of dirt roads through Mojave and Geology Tour road in Joshua tree, much cooler at 3000+' above sea level and great scenery.

Kings Canyon area is beautiful, take a short hike to Morro Rock while there.
If you want a perfect camping place for the fat lazy man there are some Tent Cabins out about 10 miles or so down a trail called Bearpaw High Sierra Camp. All you need is a very light day pack just to carry a few clothes, everything else is provided. Luxury camping with the best views you will find.

I did this about 30+ years ago, was only like $35 or so a day then and no problem getting reservations. Now its like $175 a day and damn near impossible to get reservations, but it is pretty awesome to just hike in with basically nothing so its super easy hiking and then get served a really nice breakfast and dinner with wine while your'e there.


Bearpaw High Sierra Camp



If you like to fish, then there is a place I used to be guaranteed catching 27-35lb Salmon every time on the Smith River, a place called the Bailey Hole.
I've caught about 25 fish there the 5 times I went and the smallest fish I ever caught was 27lb and using nothing but a clump of eggs on my Bass rig.

Man I cant wait to get back to the Pacific Northwest.

 

[SBdailyrunner]

Sounds like an awesome trip. I bought my 4runner a few months ago specifically to do a CA-Costa Rica trip during the summer of 2015. First thing I did and would recommend is an external transmission cooler. LBJs are also a good idea if they haven't been done. I still have to do those. Flush all the fluids, new plugs, and general tune up stuff. I live in Santa Barbara if you are making it down this way and the campgrounds at El Capitan and Refugio are right on the beach and offer some great surfing in the winter. Sounds like a great trip. Have fun.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

You will also need one if you are traveling in California. Unlike the rest of the nation Checker or Autozone are not allowed to read your code. This happened to me when I was on a road trip. Now I have a ultragage and it works great. Would like to hear more on the SF to Belize trip though. Planning on doing something similar hopefully soon.

Yes man! Wateva you need...

We had a great trip! Actually, travelling thru MX was WAY smoother than we were let on to believe. The media likes to hype things up, and of course, there are certain 'incentives' to presenting the news as they do....

I'd be happy to answer any questions!

Will work on a map image....

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Yosemite you are basically going to need reservations, in fact you probably wont even be able to get any May-Sept in the regular campgrounds. Most of those campsites are gone within SECONDS of the very first day and hour (7am) they are available. They have a few first come first serve campsites however those open I think in July and you would be pretty lucky to get one.

Yellowstone you can probably do without reservations just fine, Norris Campground is really nice.

He's absolutely right about Yosemite. We planned a trip there for the beginning of June 2010, and knowing this we set up like 4 different people to try to grab the spots we wanted (it was only 3 spots and we had about 15 people going to hike half dome). Thankfully we got them, but that was it, nothing left....

I would get reservations for Yellowstone anyway, we went late Aug of 2008 and didn't have a prob, but I don't take those kind of chances (we had reservations). Too far to drive and not get a site.

When you go to Yellowstone, two tips:

1) Get up early, and stay up late and drive around at EARLY dawn and dusk (just as the sun is going down). That's when we saw the most activity. One morning, we saw some people who found a Buffalo kill with at least 5 Grizzlies on it and one huge male wolf, and one of the grizzlies was mama with cubs (she squared off and chased down the biggest male). EPIC

2) Go up to the North end of the park and swim in the 'Boiling River', you won't regret it!!

 

[Nunyabiz]

He's absolutely right about Yosemite. We planned a trip there for the beginning of June 2010, and knowing this we set up like 4 different people to try to grab the spots we wanted (it was only 3 spots and we had about 15 people going to hike half dome). Thankfully we got them, but that was it, nothing left....

I would get reservations for Yellowstone anyway, we went late Aug of 2008 and didn't have a prob, but I don't take those kind of chances (we had reservations). Too far to drive and not get a site.

When you go to Yellowstone, two tips:

1) Get up early, and stay up late and drive around at EARLY dawn and dusk (just as the sun is going down). That's when we saw the most activity. One morning, we saw some people who found a Buffalo kill with at least 5 Grizzlies on it and one huge male wolf, and one of the grizzlies was mama with cubs (she squared off and chased down the biggest male). EPIC

2) Go up to the North end of the park and swim in the 'Boiling River', you won't regret it!!

Yep sucks nowadays, I used to travel around camping all over back 25-30 years ago and never had to worry about anything.
Would just go to Yosemite on a whim and get a campsite no problem.
Now you can basically forget about it unless you are pretty savy.

I climbed the easiest route on Half Dome called (Regular Route) basically a 5.9 if your'e familiar with climbing terminology back about 25 years ago, was fantastic. Now you actually have to have a permit just to go up the cables!

We started before sunrise, got to the base of Half Dome right as the sun started coming up and made it down the cables in the back right as it was getting dark, Epic day of climbing.

Boiling River is nice, best to go as its getting dark usually no one there then and take a dip when the stars are coming out.

 

[bolt]

:girl:

 

[4'running'26]

So much great advice! Thanks a ton guys. As far as the itinerary goes, I am kind of leaving it up to my buddy who is coming with. I've been to all places on the itinerary with the exception of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite but would like to visit many of them again.

What I would really like to do is get away from most of the crowds and find the uneaten paths (if that is even possible anymore in places like Yosemite and Yellowstone). Back-country camping is a goal of mine for a decent part of the trip, but I guess I need to start looking into permits and the like for some of the places which have a lot of red tape.