Pre Trip Check

[PNWMuseumman]

Hey all,

I have a 600 Miles road trip coming up this weekend. Headed to Bend Oregon to hit the Ale Trail for a buddy's bachelor party. As I'm getting the denali prepped. I figured I would throw a post on here and see what sorts of things you all do for pre-trip prep just in case I am missing anything. I've attached the usual list of what I check and sign off on before heading out.
**The one side third row is specific for the trip, but the rest is pretty standard for all trips.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Doubeleive]

check for any screws or nails in tires, inspect under vehicle drivetrain with a flashlight for leaks or missing parts, belts & hoses condition (including the front/rear heater core T's by firewall passenger side). and I always take into consideration the estimated remaining brake pads before a long trip.

 

[PNWMuseumman]

check for any screws or nails in tires, inspect under vehicle drivetrain with a flashlight for leaks or missing parts, belts & hoses condition (including the front/rear heater core T's by firewall passenger side). and I always take into consideration the estimated remaining brake pads before a long trip.

That's a good thought, I don't know why I didn't think to include checking the belts / under carriage. The brakes is a good one too, those I know are good, I did a ful brake job last summer - Calipers, pads, discs. Only thing I didn't do that I wish I had is the SS lines. That may need to happen this summer.

 

[BourbonNcigars]

For me:

1. Pack of various fuses.
2. Go through the actual process of removing the spare (to make sure everything releases as it should and all tools are present).
3. Flat wood block cut to add potentially needed support for jack on bottom, and one for extra lift on top if needed (depending on the scenario you're in and what the road surface looks like).
4. Simple but fairly complete tool kit
5. Zip ties
6. Duck Tape (made from real ducks)
7. Contractor bag (thick garbage bag)...to use with the duck tape if a window breaks or stops rolling up.

 

[Doubeleive]

That's a good thought, I don't know why I didn't think to include checking the belts / under carriage. The brakes is a good one too, those I know are good, I did a ful brake job last summer - Calipers, pads, discs. Only thing I didn't do that I wish I had is the SS lines. That may need to happen this summer.

one other thing I always do (aside from anything else) is have some cash in my wallet just in case........kind of like going camping and bringing TP, it's helpful for anyone that may be hesitant to give you assistance (or to thank them if they do), or if the ATM system isn't working, or if like my luck the bank decides to freeze your card on a Sunday night because they "detected suspicious activity" (traveling).

 

[PNWMuseumman]

one other thing I always do (aside from anything else) is have some cash in my wallet just in case........kind of like going camping and bringing TP, it's helpful for anyone that may be hesitant to give you assistance (or to thank them if they do), or if the ATM system isn't working, or if like my luck the bank decides to freeze your card on a Sunday night because they "detected suspicious activity" (traveling).

↑ THIS... This would not have even crossed my mind. I almost never carry cash or even think about it.
If something happens and I need the cash I will now be bringing, I'm sending you a fruit basket.

 

[Fosscore]

Great info here. And like that spreadsheet checklist as well.

Same stuff I did before my 2000 mile trip last week. And I did drop the spare to make sure it went up and down and that it was aired up. I see a few things you guys added that I will include on the next excursion. Thx for the reminder.

Had tool box and brought the big lug wrench. Jumper cables are always in there. Cash on hand is golden and plenty of water, road snacks and blanket just in case cell reception died in the mountains at night, in the rain and no travelers in the meantime. Or the radiator needed a top up.

Mine was just in the shop getting new tires and an alignment so in one hit the general undercarriage look over was completed. Can't be too cautious on the long road journeys.

Have fun and take some nature shots of the truck.

 

[ivin74]

You all have great ideas, I'm writing them down for my next trip.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Make sure you have a portable air pump, just in case you have a slow leak, and maybe 1-2 cans of fix a flat. Never know. I used to travel 200 miles a day for 8 yrs, just to go to work then home.

 

[Doubeleive]

I carried around a can of fix-a-flat for probably 10+ years, never got a chance to use it I think I finally tossed it only time I have ever had a flat was in my driveway so I would just take it off and get it patched. I've had AAA roadside assistance for 15+ years which always pays for it's self in discounts or tows or tows for a friend, it's funny you can check priceline and all the other "discount" websites and then log into AAA and find places cheaper than any of them.