Driving from Pa to Cali in mid-late Dec...what to take?

As the title says, I will be driving from the Philadelphia area to Santa Rosa Cali in mid-late Dec. It will be myself and my 60lb dog. I want to start planning on what I will need for my trek. As for now, the only things certain I will have are a dog crate, his food, tent and sleeping bag. Plus some luggage with my clothes. I will do a mix of camping, sleeping in the truck and staying in hotels.

I am thinking I will have a grill mounted light bar and maybe one rooftop. Due to the weather I'll be traveling through will need tires that can handle the snow. Has anyone made a cross country trip in their 4R? Can anyone recommend tires? I will be living in Santa Rosa for 6 months, then driving back to Pa. These tires will need to last through that timeframe. Any suggestions on things I should plan to take with me?

I plan on giving myself 2 weeks to make this trip so I can make stops on my way. The only stop I know I will be making is Colorado Springs to visit my buddy. Any other places along that voyage I should go?

This is all new to me, so all information will be appreciated!

Thanks for reading my post

 

A couple of blankets, and extra water just in case, for you and your dog.

 

Some spare gas, maybe a couple gallons. Also a NOCO battery jumper and a basic set of tools. Add a tire inflator and a tow strap. First aid kit.

 

December over the Rockies, maybe a set of chains for the kit?

 

Great suggestions. I have 4 .5 gallon bottles I can use for the water. I can keep those just for emergency. I hadn't thought about blankets, but I can see how I might need them.

 

I wondered about that, too. My buddy out there didn't mention needing them, but I ultimately think you're right. Is one brand better than the rest? Or is there anything specific I should look for?

 

Is there a way to secure gas can externally that keeps them locked to prevent from being stolen?
Would a dual battery setup be a better option?

 

I have made several trips cross country in the 4R, one when we moved from Ohio to California in winter 2016 and then a few times back and forth since then. All trips were "hauling ass", the most recent one took 2.5 days (2700 miles).

Winter isn't an ideal time to go because you can find yourself in some significant snowfall in the western US. That said, the interstates get the most attention from state DOTs and it's unlikely you'll have an issue that is weather related. Tires are totally subjective but I had good experiences on the several trips with Firestone Destination ATs, and I still run them. Any modern AT or HT tire should be good for 50,000 miles easy so unless you're gonna rack up some mega miles in 6 months I think you'll be okay with whatever you choose. It's only 6,000 miles round trip. Lightbars? Unnecessary for a trip like this. Install them if you want but it's not like you're likely to hit a moose without a lightbar blazing the way... plus with 2 weeks and planning multiple stops I doubt you'll even be driving a lot at night...?

I'd echo the suggestions about: blankets, water, food, fuel... battery jumper if you are still on the original 2014 battery... some basic tools. Change the oil. Check the fluids and belts and hoses. Off you go.

Places to go? Well you are going to be coming across in winter so a lot of shit is closed. I am a National Park man, can't take a trip without driving through any that are close to the route. My last "non hurried" trip east I managed to stop at Bonneville Salt Flats, Walnut Canyon Nat Monument, Petrified Forest NP, some non-park meteor place in NM, Cadillac Ranch in TX, Smokies in TN, Land Between the Lakes.... basically if you have the time and you see an interesting sign, stop and see - if it's open due to seasonal closures. My mantra is "when will I pass this way again?".

Camping - ill advised in December in the west. If you have room to sleep in the back and have the gas to run the engine all night to stay warm and are sure you aren't operating with a defective exhaust that'll kill you and your dog dead, cool. Do that. Otherwise, plan on motels or crashing with friends or people you meet via forums...I've done that plenty of times, last few trips to Alaska we met a few folks online in advance of the trips and crashed with them for a few nights to break up the tedium of living out of the truck for a month. I offer my home to others in the same situation and have been taken up on that several times as well, thus maintaining karmic equilibrium.

Oh, living in California but on a PA income / savings? Bring more money!!!!

Here's my blog of our move out to CA in 2016 (there is literally nothing of value in it as far as your questions go, merely a time waster):

https://meefzah.smugmug.com/California-Schemin/

 

Hello. welcome aboard. Philly here, too!

 

Just call the buddy in Colorado Springs and say "HI"
Other than that head south when you leave Philly and go west on I-40.
When you get to CA go north on I-5. You won't need any of the stuff you've been told to carry.
I say this as someone who has driven cross country from PA to CA and back about 12 times, summer, winter...never a problem.
Stay out of CO....bad news maybe.
The interstates are the first to be plowed if there is a need. And forget the tent. No camping!!!

 

Nice! I'm in the burbs, near Valley Forge

 

https://meefzah.smugmug.com/California-Schemin/[/QUOTE]

 

I recommend you get a ruffland or gunner crate for your dog on this trip. They will offer more impact safety if in an accident compared to other kennels. Gunner being the best option.

I recommend ratchet straps to secure the crate in place, if I’m an accident and the crate has the ability to move it becomes a large projectile.

a kibble vault to keep your dogs food secure and fresh. Along with 10 gallons of filtered water just for the dog and replenish as used.

unscented baby wipes for cleaning your dogs bottom, paws and face.

leash, e-collar or whatever you use for control of your dog.

A jacket for your dog as some states will be colder (I have dobermans who have short hair, I have jackets for both of them when we go into colder weather outside 45 degrees or lower)

towels and grooming products for your dog just Incase it gets dirty.

a first aid kit tailored towards a dog.

as for yourself, just make sure you get an oil change before the trip. Have good tires on the vehicle and the normal stuff you’d bring on any trip. You have a 6 year old car, unless you’ve severely neglected and abused it you’ll be fine.

 

Antman, this is solid advice for anyone traveling with a dog! I'm heading out to Cali for a dog training immersion course with Michael Ellis. The other crate brand I've considered (including the 2 mentioned) is Impact dog crates. They rate really well too. I plan to remove the bottom of the second row of seats, so the back lays flat. I'm not sure where I can attach the ratchet straps though. His food vault will come along too. I have a slip lead, e-collar & 2 long leads also. Am I really underestimating how far between stops it is? I'm used to being able to get water easily at most stops on the highway. Good suggestion on the coats for him. I didn't think about those since I was thinking about being in Cali. Obviously need something for the voyage. Human and canine first aid kits are always in my car as we go hiking a few times a week. As with 2 towels for him.

I don't plan on changing wheel set up before the trip. Any suggestions on brand of tires for the stock 20"?

 

I'm thinking about this too. My return to Pay will be in June, so I can always stop in CO then. It also gives more options of stops along the way

 

I assume you have a Mal or Dutch since you’re coming out for Ellis? I was going to attend a course last year but things got in the way. I wouldn’t worry about the coats then Btw they got plenty of fur. I’d stay away from impact, my boy destroyed 4 of them by accident. Just in and out, my boy isn’t destructive either. Just poorly made crates imo. Specially for their cost, I’ve had all 3 brands mentioned and I went with Ruffland. However I would of went with gunner but my boys too large for their biggest crate.

The limited has the third row right? It doesn’t have tie down points? Like the off roads do?

I run the ko2’s and have no issues with them. I plan on switching to nitto ridge grappler next tire change though.

 

I don't travel the West in winter much, but my observations as a Southerner are this: either the roads are easy to drive or you'll be spending an extra night in the hotel. There isn't (or shouldn't be) any in-between. If something comes suddenly, you need to be able to survive until the plows come. Water, blankets, communications. That's probably it.

As far as tires, it seems the most highway-like tire with a snowflake may be your best bet, or the mildest AT snowflake.

 

I have a pit mix. I'm going to Ellis to become a certified trainer. If I'm doing to do it, might as well get educated from one of the top. I've done 2 of his online courses at leerburg, but I'm better with hands on instruction.

Thanks for the feedback on Impact. I know of 2 trainers that use Ruffland. Those Gunner's though.. $$.

Limited is 3rd row. There are a few tie down spots but I'm trying to keep his crate closer to the 2nd row. Much safer if rear-ended. I'm sure they're there and I missed them. Or maybe I'm not picturing how to use be them properly.

 

I suddenly feel like a very neglectful dog owner.

 

Never say "Cali" again!!!!

California, Calif, Ca.

We hate that shit.

 

lol, I’ve pointed this out already. We got into an argument on the Tacoma forum over this.

 

Meh

 

Having worked in the veterinary industry, I've seen what happens to dogs in accidents or even when they hang their head out the window. Locally, I keep him in a harness. He's never been more than 20min from my house and the harness wouldn't be enough IMO.

 

Blame LL !!