Driving cross country

I'm getting ready to drive from Md to Tx in a couple weeks. My truck shows 99,7xx miles currently. I change the oil regularly but I don't do much other preventative stuff. The brakes were replaced before I bought the truck and are still good, as are the tires.

What should I take care of before making the drive?

 

Hello

Cash, gun, lighter, blanket, non perishable foods, water and lots of patience.

Toyota will get you there. You just have to do the rest

Be safe

 

If you or the prior owner has not done it already, change the fluids in the transfer case, front & rear diffs, and maybe the transmission. But this should be done at that mileage if it has not been done recently.

Before the trip, I would drain and refill the coolant if it has not been done recently. Otherwise, just air up the tires and roll.

 

Check belt for any signs of wear and tear, check water pump for any leaks.

 

I've done SO many cross country trips across Canada and the US without a gun on board and have NEVER had an issue...

Weird?

 

I've been lucky enough to never in my life need to use a fire extinguisher. I still keep one at home.

 

All of the above...………...and gas up.

 

No, not weird. Most people will never encounter an issue that may require the use of a firearm. With that said, I would much rather be prepared for that remote chance than wish I was prepared.

 

I look at like it’s insurance, you’d rather not have to use it but glad you had it if you needed it. Responsible ownership is key and you will likely never need it. Act like an asshole and increase your chance of finding yourself in asshole situations.

 

I guess being a Canadian, I find it counter-intuitive to need to have a sidearm with me at any time for any purpose.

 

I'm American and never once has it entered my mind to take a gun with me when I drive across the country, and I've made that trip several times as well. The only people with guns I'm ever worried about encountering are cops, and it's their radar guns that most concern me, not what's in their holster.

But to get back on topic, I'd also consider rotating the tires if it has been over 5k since that was last done. And make sure you've got access to great tunes! Lot of nothing but country stations through the midwest.

 

^^^Oh, and make sure your spare tire is inflated properly. That tire is often overlooked when checking tire pressure.

 

Relocating? If not you may want to stay in TEXAS once your here.......

 

That's great to hear that Canada has absolutely no violent crime ever. Those stories I hear on the news about shooting deaths, rapes and abductions happening up there must be fake news.

We do have those violent criminals in the US though and the rest of the world. So the need to carry a firearm exists for the purpose of stopping a violent threat. All the time not just on road trips.

It would actually be counter intuitive to not carry a firearm all the time everywhere (except Canada), unless you don't like living.

If I ever get tired of carrying, maybe I'll look into moving to Canada where I won't ever need it.

 

Sir, our point of views are obviously completely different, and we shall never agree. So there is no point in arguing, because neither side will convince the other.

Anyways, YES, we are far less of a violent country than our neighbours to the South. We have about 3x less homicides per capita, and about 16x less rapes per capita. We are a far, far less violent country, and are certainly not as paranoid about our safety as people such as yourself.

Maybe it has something to do with our higher overall literacy rate and more effective social safety net.

 

wow what awful advice. If he follows your sh**ty advice, I hope he carefully checks the gun laws of every single state he will be driving through or risk being arrested and charged with felony crime.

exhibit A

 

can y'all pm each other about some of this shit so the op's thread doesn't get locked..

 

That is a great closing argument. I almost laughed out loud reading this at work.

 

Yikes...! Would rather not see this turn into a my country is better than your country, borderline racist fest, I speak for millions drama thread.

Think the OP got some good advice. Good luck on your trip @Trevman2 !!

 

? Nothing to do with being paranoid....use your head

 

Man, the determination to not respond to particular posts is impressive. I’ll pat myself on the back.

OP, you’ll be good. Check the usual and enjoy the road trip!

 

Yep! I know this from experience...

 

Yes - relocating to Fort Worth and plan on staying for quite a while

 

Thanks for all the advice and tips guys. Ill be busy this weekend for sure...

 

Researching now to see what fluids to put into the axles and transfer case...any suggestions or pointing me in the right direction is appreciated...thank you

 

An atlas!

Google maps et al leaves a LOT to be desired! I'm currently full time RV and a few days ago GM had me driving 10 miles to the nearest grocery store. Pleasure drive in the other direction there was one around the corner! While paper maps are limited.

Bunch of Audible audio books about Texas! Lonesome Dove series or one of the many Alamo stories will get ya there in fashion! One Ranger particularly good!

Greg

 

As an American, I don’t need or want one either

 

Cool. Just remember you benefit from those of us who do.

 

Yet 90% of you live within 100 miles of the US border lol. I tend to think of Canadians as nice Americans with no representation.

 

As PJ O'Rourke said...
Hard to tell a Canadian from an extremely boring regular white person unless he's dressed to go
outdoors. Very little is known of the Canadian country since it is rarely visited by anyone but
the Queen and illiterate sport fishermen. It is thought to resemble a sort of arctic Nebraska. It's
reported that Canadians keep pet French people. If true, this is their only interesting trait. At any
rate, they are apparently able to train Frenchmen to play hockey, which is more than any
European has ever been able to do.