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Old 08-28-2017, 10:30 AM   #1
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Tips for a long trip?

We typically do 100-150 miles at most for trips but we are looking at almost a 300 mile trip. Truck is almost maxed out as I have to get down into 4th gear on hills to maintain speed. Thankfully we will be in the plains of Texas during this trip so no hills to contend with. Hoping we don't regret this long trip. I'm working on the wife for a bigger truck and this trip maybe the trip that does it for me. I'll be changing the oil before then but wondered what else I can do to help me.

Thanks!
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Old 08-28-2017, 10:34 AM   #2
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Took our longest trip yet, this past May, down to Lake Cumberland, from Cincinnati, about 250 miles in one direction.

Can your family drive separate? My wife and kids took my Honda Civic. It was nice that I didn't have to stop for bathroom breaks all the time. Just gas, once.
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Old 08-28-2017, 10:35 AM   #3
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We just did a long trip. Use rest areas for non food/fuel rests. Lots of pull through spaces for RVs.

Plan you gas stop to ensure you have enough room to pull you rig through the gas station.

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Old 08-28-2017, 10:38 AM   #4
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It wouldn't be a big deal if I wasn't tugging along 6-6.5k lbs behind my 2012 Silverado. Trips with frequent hills and winds aren't white knuckled but kinda suck. Hoping the plains will be able to use the cruise control in 5th.
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Old 08-28-2017, 10:40 AM   #5
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Wind looks to be mild next week so hopefully the weekend will be too! Driving 300 miles at 65 for a weekend trip seems ridiculous to me but the wife is super happy about meeting our friends from Denver there - Palo Duro state park.
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Old 08-28-2017, 10:52 AM   #6
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Wind looks to be mild next week so hopefully the weekend will be too! Driving 300 miles at 65 for a weekend trip seems ridiculous to me but the wife is super happy about meeting our friends from Denver there - Palo Duro state park.
Ridiculous would be staying home and not having an adventure!

Take your time and know the limits of your truck and trailer. Plan your drive with a midway fuel/bathroom/lunch break. The latter of the 2 can happen more than once and anywhere as long as you have some fresh water in the tank for flushing and food in the fridge.

We've actually made a point to stop on the way home (even on short drives) to break for lunch. The kids like it and we talk about how the trip went and where we want to go on our next one.

300 each way does seem like a long drive for a potential 2 niter. Is there any way to make it 3 nights to make it more worth your while?
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Old 08-28-2017, 10:59 AM   #7
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Ridiculous would be staying home and not having an adventure!



Take your time and know the limits of your truck and trailer. Plan your drive with a midway fuel/bathroom/lunch break. The latter of the 2 can happen more than once and anywhere as long as you have some fresh water in the tank for flushing and food in the fridge.



We've actually made a point to stop on the way home (even on short drives) to break for lunch. The kids like it and we talk about how the trip went and where we want to go on our next one.



300 each way does seem like a long drive for a potential 2 niter. Is there any way to make it 3 nights to make it more worth your while?


May just have to extend it as I'm going to be beat when I get there.
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Old 08-28-2017, 11:02 AM   #8
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On the upside, Palo Duro sounds VERY nice from all that I've read about it.

Slow and steady wins the race. I chug along at 62-64mph quite happily no matter where I'm going or for how long.
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Old 08-28-2017, 11:06 AM   #9
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On the upside, Palo Duro sounds VERY nice from all that I've read about it.

Slow and steady wins the race. I chug along at 62-64mph quite happily no matter where I'm going or for how long.


Yea, it looks amazing and close to where I went to college (Texas Tech) so definitely looking forward to taking in the plains and canyons. Hopefully the drive out of the canyons won't be too steep for too long. If I can get the wife on my side for a 3/4 ton then it will be a win win trip for sure!
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Old 08-28-2017, 11:51 AM   #10
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We do 350mi after a day at work...

The lunch on the way home is true. We stopped for lunch 15min from home. Pregnant wife needed food. It was fun though.
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:32 PM   #11
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300 miles a "long trip"?

That will be my daily drive for a total of 1900 miles one way.

I go with the slow and steady method. I travel with my dog and he has the need to stop, sniff, and leave "P-Mail". I kind of follow the old method I learned in the Army for "Motor Marches". 50 minutes of drive per hour and 10 minutes of stretching legs and a quick smoke. I gave up the smoking but I still stop once per hour for the leg stretch.

Another thing I've learned for long trips. Unless traveling in primitive areas there ARE stores along the road. Instead of stocking up for the next appocalypse I'll stop along the way (often in the evening) to restock the refrigerator and an some sleep so I can hit the road the next day.

I figure a 50 mph average speed over a 6 hour/300 mile trip leg. Easier on my equipment and also my body.
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:41 PM   #12
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We do 350mi after a day at work...

The lunch on the way home is true. We stopped for lunch 15min from home. Pregnant wife needed food. It was fun though.


After a day at work this will be. I once was used to battling the roads but not anymore.

Thanks all!
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:41 PM   #13
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Just make sure you don't overpack if you're worried about the truck. Your fresh water tank does not need to be full while driving, a couple gallons of water is all you'll need. The more weight you can find that you can leave behind the easier the pull. Have fun!
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:43 PM   #14
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Just make sure you don't overpack if you're worried about the truck. Your fresh water tank does not need to be full while driving, a couple gallons of water is all you'll need. The more weight you can find that you can leave behind the easier the pull. Have fun!


Yea, traveling lite is the plan for sure. The weight is really my primary concern
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:53 PM   #15
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I do 300 miles in one day and I am pushing 72 years old. I get an early start, like I am on the road by 6:00 AM and sitting in a nice RV park or state park by 2:00 PM.
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:56 PM   #16
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I've done 3 long trips this summer so far.


1. 2800 miles RT
2. 5000 miles RT
3. 2400 miles RT


Start looking for fuel at the 1/2 tank point. I have a diesel so I know I can fill up at any truck stop. Gas vehicles are a trickier. Finding stations that you can navigate through while towing is a royal pain so make sure you looking for fuel long before you need it in case finding a suitable station takes a while.
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Old 08-28-2017, 12:57 PM   #17
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I've done 3 long trips this summer so far.


1. 2800 miles RT
2. 5000 miles RT
3. 2400 miles RT


Start looking for fuel at the 1/2 tank point. I have a diesel so I know I can fill up at any truck stop. Gas vehicles are a trickier. Finding stations that you can navigate through while towing is a royal pain so make sure you looking for fuel long before you need it in case finding a suitable station takes a while.


Now that's a trip or 3
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Old 08-28-2017, 01:01 PM   #18
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I do 300 miles in one day and I am pushing 72 years old. I get an early start, like I am on the road by 6:00 AM and sitting in a nice RV park or state park by 2:00 PM.
I'm going to be 75 the first of the year and I just get started after I wake up. Sometimes I don't bother to unhook, just level as best I can and all that's needed in the morning is to make coffee, fold up bed, and pick up the leveling boards after rolling off them. I have breakfast down the road at a Rest Area and no rush to get back on the road. I'll be on the road during my next trip for 3-4 days before hitting a campground.

No more "marathon's" like my wife and I used to do when traveling from WA to CO and back. We'd trade drivers at fuel stops and drive from 5:00 AM to 7-8 PM before stopping. Working then so time was limited. Today? I'll get there when I get there.
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Old 08-28-2017, 01:01 PM   #19
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The first was a trip to Disney back in April. The second was a multi state trip in late July through the Midwest culminating with a family reunion in Denver. The third was a trip down to KY last week to see the eclipse.
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Old 08-28-2017, 01:03 PM   #20
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I have to do all the driving because my wife doesn't feel comfortable driving with the trailer attached. Still, I can easily cover 700 miles a day.
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