Close to home or far away, the only real difference is the number of fuel fill-ups.
Tips: fill your FW tank before you leave so you have flushing water for potty breaks.
I always use fuel stops to conduct a walk around - in fact, any time I stop I do a walk around. Look for anything unusual, check tire temperatures and hub temperatures using the back of your hand. If something feels hot (warm is normal) find out why before going anywhere. All four hubs and tires should feel the same.
Have a great time, and remember - it's all an adventure!