Tips for driving long distances

[strictlyxjs]

I appologize for my ingnorance and i feel stupid for asking. Living in new england I have never really driven over a few hours at a time (you guys out west are probably laughing) but i have to do some driving this upcoming saturday a 6 hour trip away and back. Can anyone give me any tips?  

My initial plan was to have my friend ride with me and possibly take over for a bit if i get tired.(He is a plow driver and could be on call this weekend so if is he can't go)

-If he is able to go i plan on leaving early saturday morning and returning on saturday night.

-If he cannot go I plan on starting my trip on friday night (i get out at of work 11:30pm and I am usually wired for a few hours) Driving till i get tired and stopping to sleep at a wal mart or rest area along the way.

-the weather looks good locally, at my destination and along the way.

-I plan on making a stop ever 1.5 hours or or so to take a 10 min break

-my truck is good condition (2011 f150 5.0 v8) I Just changed the oil last weekend. have tire plug kit air compressor and gas can spare tire)

-the trip is mostly highway with some mild hill climbs across the catskills.

-once i get to my destination i plan on doing my business and getting a nice sit down meal to unwind and then heading back.

[Pete M]

it's 12 hours between my family in Ga and my family in Michigan.  can't count the number of trips I've made bouncing back and forth.  you'll do fine.   pack snacks, take breaks.  nothing to it.   if you're sleeping in the truck and it's freezing cold outside, bring a real sleepingbag and pillow.  and don't be afraid to idle the truck all night if you have to.  I think that Toyota burned a couple gallons over 6 hours?  I'd make sure I had a full tank though, just in case. 

 

do not drive tired.

[strictlyxjs]

You were the first person i thought of lol. I was like thats nothing for pete lol. I also plan on dropping a pin every hour or so for my wife in case of emergency. The nice thing is i have no specific time deadline to meet so as soon as in feel tired i will def pull over for a nap.

[Dammerung]

I appologize for my ingnorance and i feel stupid for asking. Living in new england I have never really driven over a few hours at a time (you guys out west are probably laughing) but i have to do some driving this upcoming saturday a 6 hour trip away and back. Can anyone give me any tips?  
My initial plan was to have my friend ride with me and possibly take over for a bit if i get tired.(He is a plow driver and could be on call this weekend so if is he can't go)
-If he is able to go i plan on leaving early saturday morning and returning on saturday night.
-If he cannot go I plan on starting my trip on friday night (i get out at of work 11:30pm and I am usually wired for a few hours) Driving till i get tired and stopping to sleep at a wal mart or rest area along the way.
-the weather looks good locally, at my destination and along the way.
-I plan on making a stop ever 1.5 hours or or so to take a 10 min break
-my truck is good condition (2011 f150 5.0 v8) I Just changed the oil last weekend. have tire plug kit air compressor and gas can spare tire)
-the trip is mostly highway with some mild hill climbs across the catskills.
-once i get to my destination i plan on doing my business and getting a nice sit down meal to unwind and then heading back.

I’ve made quite a few long drives myself. Best thing to do is the breaks because you WILL need to take a leak and stretch your legs and going in a bottle and trying to stretch in your car just doesn’t compare to getting out and walking. Also make sure you don’t get too mesmerized by the road. It’s never been an issue for myself or anyone in my family, but I’ve known some people to get into near accidents because they get too comfortable behind the wheel and doze off. If you feel like you can’t make it, pull into a rest area. Snacks and drinks in a cooler are good too for when you’re thirsty but don’t want to stop.


1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer
4.0 Liter w/ AW4 2WD

[strictlyxjs]

I def should pack a cooler...Unfortunatley i finished one of my favtorite podcasts (crimetown) series this past week so hopefully i can find a new one to get into.

[derf]

I've been doing road trips my whole life, including going from Iowa to North Dakota and back to visit the grand parents over Christmas.  Road trips can be fun if you like to drive.

 

For winter driving up north, pack cold weather survival gear just in case.  Shovel, sand/kitty litter, sleeping bag, warm clothes, at least one day of food/water.  Tire chains if they're legal where you are would be good.

 

Stop regularly.  Get out and walk around.  Get the blood flowing.  I find 1.5 hours to be a little too often but everyone is different.  Don't let your gas tank get below ¼.  Fill up when you stop.  Keep hydrated but if you drink too much you'll need to stop more often.

 

12 hours in one day is a looong day.  Plan stopping to get some sleep along the way.  Some places don't like you sleeping in your car in their parking lot.  A cheap motel off the highway is a better option in my book.

 

Pack plenty of what you like to listen to.  Music is my go-to.  A lot of people like audio books.  Keeps your brain active so you don't zone out and nod off.  Podcasts are good for that too, assuming you get good cell phone coverage.  Download stuff ahead of time to fall back on.

 

I like to keep a paper road atlas in the car with me as a backup, especially if you use your phone/tablet as your GPS.  I use this one:  https://www.amazon.com/Michelin-North-America-Road-Atlas/dp/2067250175/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=7E5Q5R9RRP0T&keywords=road+atlas+michelin&qid=1645507854&sprefix=road+atlas+michelin%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-3

[gogmorgo]

12 hours is a LONG day on the road if you're doing stuff in the middle, and especially if you're not accustomed to it. There's a reason commercial drivers are limited to 10. After having done that sort of trip a bunch though, my biggest piece of advice is that nothing replaces sleep. Trying to stay up on caffeine or otherwise might keep you awake longer, but it doesn't really make you any more alert, your brain needs the rest, and if you're loaded with caffeine, you won't always be able to sleep when you need to.

Having the truck is an advantage because you can stretch out in the back. Ideally I'd have a bed situation, even just a mattress and blanket, that I can stop and crawl into without having to worry about setting up. Especially in the middle of the night or at a truck stop or rest stop, no one is going to care much if you're parked a few hours, but having some stealth is better in urban environments. If my bed needs unpacked and repacked every time I use it and I'm in a busier area, I prefer to set up out of the way and then drive a minute or two to where I'll actually sleep. I've also found in a large well-lit parking lot, parking directly underneath a light will get you further away from the other lights and the roof blocks out the one above you. Don't expect to sleep if you parked near a giant flag, and beware of sprinklers... I once left my windows cracked and woke up in the middle of the night after getting hit in the face. Talk about disorienting.

If you're only packing for a day it's not as big a deal to depend on gas station food, but if you're doing multiple days you're going to want something healthier. If you're doing restaurant food I do very much appreciate sitting down and eating in, if you're allowed to do so. It just gives a bit more of a break from the road, helps clear the head. In addition to food, I've started packing my own toilet paper from home to bring into public washrooms. Also handy for roadside emergencies.

And yes, music's my go-to. Anything spoken is either boring enough it makes my attention wander, or so distracting I stop paying attention to the road with almost no middle ground. Just don't use slow music that will put you to sleep.

[89 MJ]

Always have a water bottle next to you and take a drink every couple of minutes. It will help keep you alert. 

[mjeff87]

I try to stop about every 2 hours, if noting else just to get out and stretch my legs.  It might sound old fashioned, but AM talk radio can be your friend.....something for you to focus your mind on instead of a steady stream of music.  I also like to take snacky-type foods and just nibble on them throughout the trip (again, it gives your mind something to do).  Salted pumpkin seeds are my favorite.  

 

All that being said, I did fall dead asleep on the Ohio turnpike once, for over a solid minute.  Woke up and was still driving straight down the highway.  If you are familiar with the road and scenery there, you'll know this isn't an impossible thing to do.

[derf]

1 hour ago, mjeff87 said:

I try to stop about every 2 hours, if noting else just to get out and stretch my legs.  It might sound old fashioned, but AM talk radio can be your friend.....something for you to focus your mind on instead of a steady stream of music.  I also like to take snacky-type foods and just nibble on them throughout the trip (again, it gives your mind something to do).  Salted pumpkin seeds are my favorite.  

 

All that being said, I did fall dead asleep on the Ohio turnpike once, for over a solid minute.  Woke up and was still driving straight down the highway.  If you are familiar with the road and scenery there, you'll know this isn't an impossible thing to do.

I've driven across Kansas and Nebraska.  I know exactly the kinds of scenery you're talking about. 

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

I'll add in that if I am worried about getting sleepy I will stop using cruise control. Then, if my speed is varying a lot I know its time to stop and rest. If I can hold a constant speed, then I keep going. Its like a little mini sobriety/ sleepiness test.

 

Same thing for the road rumble strips. If I hit them any more than 1-3 times an hour, I stop and rest.

[Pete M]

I like to research sleeping spots ahead of time. Had too many surprises with rest areas that don't allow overnighting or Walmarts that are in shady locations and then I have to find yet another place when it's already late at night and I'm exhausted.

[DesertRat1991]

Traveling at night has advantages. Less traffic, less cops, higher speeds and it's harder for the cops to spot your radar detector.

 

You do have a radar detector, don't you..?

[Keyav8r]

If you’re talking 6 hours there, doing some business and 6 hours back my advice is don’t do it.  I’ve been driving for business for around 40 years.  After 5-6 hours on the road with or without breaks your brain and your body are tired.  If you are doing any business at the end of 6 hours, you’re not getting any rest for the return trip.

Do yourself a favor and get a hotel room or at least sleep in the truck at a campground or other safe place.  Parking at a truck stop or a WalMart is not necessarily safe.  May have been years ago but there are a lot more predators running loose these days.

Not saying you can’t physically do it.  Just saying be safe.  Dozing off on the highway is not conducive to a long life span.

[Pete M]

27 minutes ago, DesertRat1991 said:

Traveling at night has advantages. Less traffic, less cops, higher speeds and it's harder for the cops to spot your radar detector.

 

You do have a radar detector, don't you..?

 

 

what cop still uses radar when laser guns exist? 

 

also, slow down.  the couple minutes you get to your destination faster isn't worth the hassle.   

[strictlyxjs]

Thank you all for your advice after some consideration I have decided that I will leave on Friday night after work. I have found a truck stop that seems pretty decent about halfway to my destination. I will drive there after work can sleep in my pickup. As a general rule is it acceptable for passenger cars and trucks to be able to sleep at truck stops? I plan on paying for the facilities usage for the shower and bathroom even if I don't use them that way I don't cause any problems this will leave me with only 2 hours to travel on Saturday to arrive at my destination, then I will be able to spend a little bit longer resting there afterwards for the drive home Saturday evening.

[mjeff87]

Just an FYI for anyone that isn't aware, radar detectors are illegal in VA.  And VSP has technology to detect your detector, lol.

 

On a brighter note, you can pretty much ignore any "speed enforced from aircraft" signs on VA interstates.  VSP has all but abandoned that program long ago......I think they just kept the signs up to act as a deterrent.

 

 

[dante2]

Pandora and listening to comedians during a drive really helps me. Hard to be tired when your laughing the whole time.

[gogmorgo]

6 hours ago, strictlyxjs said:

Thank you all for your advice after some consideration I have decided that I will leave on Friday night after work. I have found a truck stop that seems pretty decent about halfway to my destination. I will drive there after work can sleep in my pickup. As a general rule is it acceptable for passenger cars and trucks to be able to sleep at truck stops? I plan on paying for the facilities usage for the shower and bathroom even if I don't use them that way I don't cause any problems this will leave me with only 2 hours to travel on Saturday to arrive at my destination, then I will be able to spend a little bit longer resting there afterwards for the drive home Saturday evening.

Try to park out of the way of the big trucks. Most of the truck stops around here at least seem to have a car parking lot as well, some even seem like people leave their rigs parked at the truck stop and commute back and forth in their cars. 
I wouldn't pay for a shower unless you’re using it. It’s not a bunch of money, but if they’re busy you might be getting a time slot pulled away from someone else. Just buy something from the store if you feel like you need to contribute. 

[strictlyxjs]

Well i made it. Ended up driving most of the way last night slept at a truck stop nice and cozy in my truck. Got my prize today....$50 roll bar.

[Pete M]

score!  

[Dammerung]

Well i made it. Ended up driving most of the way last night slept at a truck stop nice and cozy in my truck. Got my prize today....$50 roll bar.

Nice. My Comanche specific road trip was 8 hours roundtrip from central cal to the coast and back in one day, when we pulled my truck out of the junkyard it was being sold in. Keep in mind, a trip to the coast from where I live was 3.5 hours and we did that with a gas break and hauling an unloaded and Comanche-laden trailer to and from the coast, respectively.


1988 Jeep Comanche Pioneer
4.0 Liter w/ AW4 2WD

[87Warrior]

$50 for a rollbar is worth a no sleep road trip!

[acfortier]

Was that the one in NY?