So I am taking the family on a road trip from San Diego to North Dakota At the end of this month. Is there anything that I should before we go? I was planning on changing the washer fluid and putting new wipers on. Also already added new tires (bfg rugged terrain and bakflip fibermax) Any ideas are much appreciated.

2014 xlt screw 2×4 3.7

 

a full tank of gas?

 

6 Ps- Prior Planning Prevents **** Poor Performance- Going to ND from San Diego I'd check and adjust your antifreeze to make sure your lines don't freeze- one of the coldest places I have ever been to is ND in Dec. Pack emergency winter gear in case you get stuck in a winter storm- sleeping bags or wool blankets, shovel, chains, snow melt or sand, hat/gloves, warm fleece, waterproof jacket...


Oil change, check tire pressure (including spare), pack your toothbrush, wear clean underwear...


Not for nothing, but why go to cold ND from San Diego, shouldn't it be the other way around?

 

dont forget your dental floss!

 

Brought a floor jack and jump-start battery pack on a recent 1900 mile trip...didn't need them, but better than being caught without in an emergency. Had the 22,500 mile oil change/ quick check before leaving.


Drive safe!!

 

Visiting a family friend for thanksgiving. Should be a nice change of pace.

 

might need a set of chains, won't be able to find them when you need them. getting across the Rockies will give you the pucker factor that time of year. need some safety items in case you get stranded in your truck. space blankets, water and other first aid items.

 

I was planning on buying a set. I noticed they come in different sizes. Anyone know what size I would need for a 285 70 17

 

You may be able to get away with washer fluid rated to -20 for Thanksgiving time but if you can find some for colder temps it wouldn't hurt. I had -20 below stuff and it froze last year but that was in January.

If you don't have a block heater be sure to let your engine warm some before taking off. My last truck didn't have one and the noises it made starting up in the negative weather were like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Always carry an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, flares etc. Also, having a spare tow rope is not a bad idea either, ND does not use salt so it can get pretty slick.

I live in NW North Dakota and travel back to Las Vegas to visit family a lot. Usually the worst part of the trip is the Rockies. I have found the I-15 to Idaho Falls, then US 20 to the 87 by Henrys Lake, connect with the 287 in MT, then Hwy 84 to Bozeman to be the easiest mountain pass and fastest route for winter. Once in Bozeman you can run the Interstate all the way to ND. I still usually run 4x4 high through there because it's always snowing or icy. Just don't go to far East to West Yellowstone up Hwy 191. It's terrible in the winter, trust me...

 

Jerry can of H2o (tuff plastic and contoured in such a way that it can be carried in the cab). Small 500-1000ml bottles under / behind seats are an excellent alternative.
jerry can of Fuel (also tuff plastic)
jerry can of cat litter/sand Easy to pour and less mess. You can buy in plastic container. As an alternative I carry mixed nuts in shells and 2 nut crackers as they make a great survival food, you can burn the shells and/or use them on Ice. Never dispose of until you arrive home after trip.
Other food stuffs.
F/A kit with Tylenol Advil and Gravol etc;
Survival box to incl candles games head lamps and weather radio. Matches, tarp and of course toilet paper.

" Fail to plan, Plan to fail "
Have a fun and safe trip👍