Road trip tips!

[Pile29]

Looking into driving approximately 1200km (750 miles) this winter. Fuel and ferry is cheaper that 1 plane ticket back home for Christmas because flying within Canada is insanely expensive.

 

Anything you guys have done to help your trucks survive such a trip? Engine parts I should check/replace? Parts I should bring extra of just in case? I have access to a heavy machinery shop in Alberta so at least any needed repairs won't be a problem. I just can't afford a 1000km tow home to Vancouver island.

 

The truck itself runs perfectly fine, mileage could be better.

 

Its 14 hours of Canadian winter driving with a majority of the drive being through the Rocky Mountains. I've done the trip a few times, just never in a vehicle that's 27 years old. And just an idea of how dangerous the route is, the main mountain pass, the Coquihalla is currently closed because of rock slides.

 

Any tips are greatly appreciated.

 

We have a choice between a nissan micra or my truck and I would prefer something that has tires that can't fit inside a backpack.

 

1991 Eliminator

4L 6CYL

2WD

built October 1990

 

 

[Tex06]

Don't have much experience with the cold but in the heat down here I always check rubber (tires, hoses, and belts), fluids (my 4.0 only leaks a tiny bit of oil), and that's really about it.  I carry a mechanic's toolset on me as well as a spare tire and a jack (both original items are missing). If it's a daily driver, you probably know best what, if any, issues you have.  Get 'em fixed now if you have 'em (weak brakes, worn clutch, engine knocks/ticks, worn bearings, steering slop, and other big ticket items we tend to put off).

 

My $.02

[Pete M]

I prepared to the nth degree when I drove out to Moab and back and the only real trouble I had was the dang water pump that wasn't even that old.   bearings ate themselves.  

 

Prep the truck, but also prepare as if you were expecting to camp inside the truck for a couple days in the cold.  and have those items in the cab next to you.   

[yxmj]

Stay off the Coquihalla ….take the Crow’s Nest…..less traffic and more scenery……

 

750 miles is easy….here is my last trip summery Winnipeg to Vancouver Via the Coquihalla…..Vancouver to Winnipeg Via the Crow’s Nest……1992 YJ 4 banger 2 wheel drive……Check out my top speed…..had to be going downhill on that one……

 

If your truck is running well as you say.....Make sure you have good tires.....and good brakes.....

 

 

[gogmorgo]

If it were me, I'd just make sure it was in okay mechanical shape, just that all the regular maintenance things are okay, and frankly, just drive it. A few years ago I did the run from Vancouver Island to Saskatoon in an '85 Chevy van with almost 400,000km on it, with a one-year-old on board, on New Year's Eve/Day, in 27 hours. Not really that big a deal. 

Yes, mountain roads are treacherous. BC requires "winter tires" as a result, but their requirements for a "winter tire" are pretty laughable... Just an m+s at 3.5mm tread. That's 9/64" for the Americans among us. But so long as you're accustomed to winter driving, it shouldn't be that big a deal. The salt slush and hills are a thing for sure, but just take it easy and you'll be okay. 

 

I I would be inclined to take the Micra myself simply because of fuel economy and keeping the salt off the MJ. You may also have an easier time moving around with a FWD car than a RWD truck, if you're unaccustomed to driving in snow, which I'm sorta assuming given Vancouver Island is what you're calling home. The Micra is also (again a guess) more likely to have safety nannies which may or may not be to your advantage too. I drove a '14 Micra around Stoon in the winter doing deliveries, and never felt the driver aids interfered with the experience,  but ymmv if it's older, as I've had a heck of a time with some of the early systems. Plus airbags and $#!& if you're into that... Although on the Coq I might also be concerned about things that might run into you, and you're likely 50/50 there on whether the MJ will protect you better or not.

 

My choice might come down to which vehicle has the better tires on it, TBH. The MJ will have a slight ground clearance advantage in deep snow, but the highway will likely be closed by the time that's an issue even in the Micra, plus the front tires scrabbling at deep stuff will do better than the MJ's rear tires spinning trying to plow the front through.

The most important tip if you do take the MJ is wash the salt off IMMEDIATELY. Thoroughly. Like, wash it once, then do it again. I've never managed to do the mountains in winter without the vehicle being coated with salt on the other side.

 

I don't know where in Alberta you're going or what route you'll be taking, but if you're headed through Jasper send me a pm. Might be able to give you a hand if you need it. 

 

[Pile29]

It's the truck in worried about. driving in snow is second nature. Albertan farm kid through and through. Living on the island because of a night with far too much whiskey.

Last time I did a road trip in a new to me vehicle it died twice (once on the Coq and again in death valley) and that car was 15 years newer than the comanche.

We'll be going through Jasper on the way home so if $#!& goes to hell when we're in the area I'll keep you in mind!!

1991 Eliminator
4L 6CYL
2WD
built October 1990

[JeepSchmidt O'Guinness]

If happen to still have the cigar lighter, its known to short thus blowing the dash fuse.... 

But spare fuses couldn't hurt in either case  ;¶

[HOrnbrod]

WTF is a Nissan Micra? It doesn't sound like anything I'd want to be in for 14 hours of winter driving.   

[Pile29]

WTF is a Nissan Micra? It doesn't sound like anything I'd want to be in for 14 hours of winter driving.   

It's a tiny compact car. Not the worst for road trips. But just tiny. It's my partners car until we get the 2.3l turbo merkur and the motorcycles up and running. Only perk with it for winter is I could likely just pick it up out of the snow.

1991 Eliminator
4L 6CYL
2WD
built October 1990

[Eagle]

As others have commented -- check all fluids (don't forget the transfer case -- and don't ask me how I know this). Unless you've replaced it recently, replace the serpentine belt, or at least buy a spare to carry with you. I would pack a couple of quarts of oil and a gallon or two of pre-mixed anti-freeze (you don't have to buy the pre-mix, just buy one gallon, pour half into an empty container, and add half a gallon (sorry, 2 liters) to each.

 

Check your u-joints.

 

Enjoy the trip.

[Eagle]

55 minutes ago, Pile29 said:

 

Living on the island because of a night with far too much whiskey.
 

 

That right there sounds like a story that really needs to be told. Have you visited the Pub lately?

[Manche757]

I bought a truck based solely on pictures and flew from Virginia Beach, VA to Texas and drove more than 1200 miles home in July 3 years ago.  The only trouble I had was the rider side windshield leaked and there multiple major rain storms.  Lake front property on the rider side floor. Sun would come out and evaporate the pond away until the next rain. No mechanical malfunctions. My advice is to take only what you could put in a backpack in case you break down on the side of the road and need to catch a ride to the nearest town. I figured there was a good chance I would break down and I didn't want to leave anything tempting in the truck. I did not know the truck and you have the advantage that you know yours. I had counted on using a GPS to get home and did not learn until I picked up the truck that the cigarette lighter did not work.  If you do not know the way, take a map.

 

Gogmo, if you are in the Jasper National Park / Lake Bankff area, you live in the prettiest place on the continent. You should be inviting allllllll your CC friends to come for a visit.

 

 

[gogmorgo]

I definitely don't live in the prettiest place on the continent. That distinct honour belongs to places that are much further north, and much less populated. People and especially the evidence they leave behind them are pretty butt-ugly until nature's reclaimed it.

 

In addition to knowing the area and having tools, recovery gear, etc, in the area, I've also got a pretty good stash of HO parts, should the need arise. 

 

I also would advise bringing more than just a backpack. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road at -30 with no heat and not much more than the clothes on your back. Been there, done that. They are pretty well-travelled routes so hopefully you'd be able to flag someone down, but if the road gets closed while you're on it, that's it, you're on your own, at least until it quits snowing and the plows come out. You can always leave stuff in the vehicle if you need to. This isn't going to be a nice warm jaunt to Florida. We had snow already in Jasper above 6000' or so last weekend, and there's some in the forecast for valley bottom later this week. Last Christmas we got a couple weeks at -30 on the thermometer, and the wind rips along those mountain valleys. 

 

Which reminds me... Don't put straight water in anything that could be mistaken for an antifreeze jug. I'd also recommend a stiffer antifreeze mix than the usually recommended 50:50 if you'll be in Alberta. You may not need the pretty extreme 2:1 ratio I've been using having grown up in rural Manitoba, but you'll want it good to -40 for sure. Check it before you leave with a good tester... I wouldn't trust an old Jeep on Vancouver Island not to have a blend approaching tap water, unless I knew what was in it because I'd either put it in myself or tested it. 

[ratty]

On 9/10/2018 at 2:43 PM, Eagle said:

As others have commented -- check all fluids (don't forget the transfer case -- and don't ask me how I know this). Unless you've replaced it recently, replace the serpentine belt, or at least buy a spare to carry with you. I would pack a couple of quarts of oil and a gallon or two of pre-mixed anti-freeze (you don't have to buy the pre-mix, just buy one gallon, pour half into an empty container, and add half a gallon (sorry, 2 liters) to each.

 

Check your u-joints.

 

Enjoy the trip.

 

I was going to say the same thing. Drove from Los Angeles to Wisconsin and back. Had to replace my transfer case along the way  

[gogmorgo]

I would suggest that Mr. Pile doesn't spend too much time trying to figure out the level of fluid in his transfer case on his 2wd truck. Unless he knows more than I do. 

[Eagle]

1 hour ago, gogmorgo said:

I would suggest that Mr. Pile doesn't spend too much time trying to figure out the level of fluid in his transfer case on his 2wd truck. Unless he knows more than I do. 

 

Oops.

 

[8valvehero]

I carry an extra radiator cap and CPS all the time

[Coldfool]

I just did a similar trip from the peninsula to east glacier, though it was in 100 degree weather. having several quarts of oil saved me, thought my rear main went out at first but i think it was just high case pressure because it stopped leaking on its own. i did the full fluid change before the trip like these guys have said and it ran fine other the the oil leak.

[DirtyComanche]

On 9/10/2018 at 11:03 AM, Pile29 said:

Parts I should bring extra of just in case?

 

You could watch this incredibly boring video.

 

 

It's relevant.  Mostly.

 

Otherwise I'd say just make sure the brakes are good, the fluids are full, and there isn't any of those "well, I've been meaning to get to that" things.  And maybe throw a couple sandbags in the back for traction aids if needed.

[WyoCherokee]

I drove my 88 2wd ax5 2.5 with a bench seat from Oregon to Wyoming 8 times. 1200 mile one way trip. Once with no clutch. Bring coolant, oil, basic tool kit, a set of tire chains, caffeine, snacks, and some good tunes. Make sure your good and tuned up and have fresh fluids. I drive my 3 linked and locked  MJ on 35s; 600 miles a week just Daily Commuting to work. 

[rokinn]

I've been driving the CO Rockies for 45 years as well as many trips to OR and back during the winter in a variety of different vehicles over the years.  I carry a duffle bag full of winter survival clothing... Sorel felt lined boots, heavy wool socks and polypropylene liners, ski pants, down parka, Swedish Army wool winter hat, a couple different pairs of winter gloves and mittens, hand warmers, water proof wooden matches, and energy bars.  I also carry a collapsible snow shovel, kitty litter for traction as well as tire chains, road flares.  On longer trips I take a down sleeping bag with me.  Anything longer than a trip to the grocery store I take bottle of water. 

 

I've spent nights on the road because the highways were shut down due to blizzard conditions, road snow closure, or just because I was too tired to go on.  I usually have a way to sleep comfortably in whatever vehicle I might be driving.  A 9mm gives an added sense of security.  After I retired I spent a year living in an off grid cabin at about 9500', the last 5 miles driving in had a 1000' elevation gain over a rutted non plowed dirt road of which my cabin was at the very end.  Had solar electricity and internet or I could never have done it.  During the winter I never went anywhere without all of the above.  I also drove my AWD Subaru with aggressive snow tires and not my 2wd MJ.  Never faltered!

 

Enjoy the trip!  I love em!

[Pile29]

Well as I am Canadian the 9mm isnt an option. Plus having no use for a gun where I live, don't even have a license to purchase. But thanks! Still trying to figure out if we are going to drive or fly.

1991 Eliminator
4L 6CYL
2WD
built October 1990

[gogmorgo]

I also laughed at the recommendation for the 9mm. You'll never need it for people, and it'll do sweet @#$% all on the off chance you encounter any problematic wildlife.

[mica]

 

 

[rokinn]

23 hours ago, gogmorgo said:

I also laughed at the recommendation for the 9mm. You'll never need it for people, and it'll do sweet @#$% all on the off chance you encounter any problematic wildlife.

 

I'm pretty sure I stated what I do is for myself and my situation and I'm well aware of the limitations of smaller caliber hand guns.  Yes, I'm sure as Canadians one is more likely to be invited to high tea than to be assaulted.  As it happens half my maternal clan is from BC.  Around here I'm a lot less worried about problematic wild life than problematic human life owing in part to my wife and I having found ourselves in very a uncomfortable situation out on the road.  Take what you like from what I posted and if it doesn't apply then leave it behind.  More than just you and the OP read posts on CC and in this case at least it was more to add food for thought for preparedness in marginal situations.  Your criticism (ridicule) is duly noted.