Checklist for 500 mile roadtrip?

[Jslampe]

I have a fishing trip next weekend and am debating to take my 83 CJ7 . It’s 250 miles there and back. Right now, I'm leaning against it. Given the conservative nature of this forum, I would assume you all are of the same mind. Still, I’m tempted. Wondering what you all would consider or look for before committing—maybe a checklist?

A couple of notable items:
- I’m just learning about Jeeps, mechanical maintenance
- Front and rear differentials have checked out and fluid replaced
- Transmission fluid was replaced
- Had mechanic do a visual once over on the drivetrain, and he didn’t notice anything that needed immediate attention.
- Oil will be changed
- Radiator could use a cleaning, but isn’t hurting anything now. Plan on doing that this summer, BUT—with that said— I can’t trust my engine temp gauge. Hasn’t moved a millimeter since I got the thing.

Thoughts?

 

[jp360cj]

What speed will you running for most of the trip?
Are you traveling alone? with another person? with another vehicle?
Is your CJ mostly stock or modified?

If you feel comfortable driving at whatever speeds you need, then it could make for a fun trip. But I would much prefer to not be alone (and preferably have another vehicle just in case). You will want to give yourself extra time than you would in a modern vehicle. You'll probably need to stop for gas more often, and you may need a break here and there.

My cousins and I take our CJs to the beach every year (4 or 5 CJs total). It's about a AMC 150 miles for most of to get the beach. Plus, we usually ride ~25 miles (one way) to a 4x4 beach access, and probably put 20-30 miles in the sand. So that's about 375-400 miles for the weekend, depending on how much driving around town we do. Other than mine, They are all lifted 3-4" on 32s or 33s with stock gears and not very many other mods.

Before each trip, we check all fluids (oil, coolant, Transmission /tcase/diffs, brakes, power steering,etc) and top off anything that needs it. We also carry extra fluids in case we spring a leak. We also carry a full set of tools and almost always end up working on something. U-joints, overheating issue, and electrical issues are some of the issues we've had. But the good new is we have been going for 4 or 5 years now and have fewer issues than when we started (and we have added a CJ to the fleet).

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Carry water(1gal min)and 1qt of oil.
How old is the battery?
Sure hope you did a brake inspection.......
It's summer-Get the radiator flushed or rodded-out.
Change the hoses and belts, keep the old ones for spares.
Don't depend on lube shops for real service-Learn to do it yourownself.
LG

 

[Scorzany]

I have a bag set up especially for out of town trips that I can just throw in the back at anytime.

Tools
Oil
Belts
Hose clamps
Flashlight
Flat tire plug repair kit
Air pump
Spare fuel pump.
etc.

and of course........

Duct tape!

I try to be prepared enough to get my rear end home (if close enough) or at least off the side of the road.

I strongly agree with LG. Make sure you check those brakes if you haven't done that already!

 

[hole]

Wouldn't think twice about it. Getting ready for a 400+ mile trip to southeast of Death Valley next weekend myself. As already stated, tool bag, key spares, water/oil. Dont forget beer, lots of it. It'll be a nice reward once you get to your spot, or, it'll pass the time waiting for the tow truck . If you are going someplace isolated there's comfort having at least another vehicle with you, but if it's a busy route your taking I wouldn't hesitate going solo myself. Whatever happens, it'll be a memorable trip and memory's make us rich.
Have fun! I know I will next weekend

 

[R717]

As long as you're keeping up with regular maintenance, you shouldn't need to do anything particularly special. Give your Jeep a good inspection, and look at all your hoses, coolant, brake, fuel, vacuum, power steering, etc for rub wear and dryrot/cracking.

As for on-hand spares, I concentrate on things that can fail with little warning and are show stoppers.
Ignition module, coil, rear u-joints, fuses, fuel pump. Have some hose bib couplers and hose clamps in sizes for fuel lines (3/8 and 5/16) htr hoses (5/8 or 3/4) etc. Also a small spool of #12 wire and an assortment of terminal ends and/or alligator clamps. Check your spare tire and have a decent set of jumper cables.

As long as you have a cell phone and aren't trail riding or going somewhere remote your risk is relatively low and help is a call away.

 

[Posi]

Proper maintenance and pre-trip inspection is the key.
I just drove my 77 CJ8 hours straight only stoping for fuel and lunch. Wheeled for a week then drove another 8 hours back without any issues (over 1200 miles).
Shooby did all the above plus drove from Nebraska to Colorado Springs and back.
I did carry gear and motor oil.