Long Trip Essentials?

Every year or so, my wife and I take a 2-3-4 week trip through the SW, starting and ending in Wenatchee. This year we will be going down to Seal Beach, CA with a side trip to Tucson to see my daughter and SIL, as well as one or two Buddies from my years with Fish and Wildlife. Basically, south on Hwy 97, then over to US395, down to Tucson & then on to Seal Beach. Later, we'll go down to Big Bear, CA for my nephew's wedding and then to Gallup, Denver& Boulder, back to Wenatchee, following the same basic route with CO added on.

The question is: WHAT do you all take as standard items on long trips, especially when you might be out of cell coverage. Not hunting gear or camping gear!

I drive a 2019 4Runner. A couple or three years ago, we blew the rear end (a technician didn't put the filler cap on!). We were about 50 miles north of Alturas on 395. It took a 135 mile tow to Klamath falls. No cell reception, no houses for miles. So since then, on long trips, I carry a portable CB radio (as well as USB cord for the phones).

About 10 years ago, we came upon a fatal accident on Blewett Pass. US Fish and Wildlife required we take and annually refresh Advanced First Aide and several CPR classes, including defibrillator. Since then I have a small First Aid Kit that includes Israeli Battle Dressing, QuickClot, Super Glue, Bandaids and Benadryl. For longer trips I have a large first aid kit that includes a wound stapler, chest seals, bite-swabs, a small solid fuel stove, as well as general first aid supplies. Oh, and a tattered copy of Medicine for Mountaineering!

Tools: I have a battery quick jump, tire inflator, bungees, padlocks (and spare keys!), shackles, a tug strap, parachute cord, battery lantern, assorted screw drivers, pliers, and a socket wrench with a dozen most used sockets.

Misc: A roll of paper towels, a roll of TP (!), two urinals, in the console: sugar tablets, pain killers, Kleenex, phone charger cord, sunglasses, hot sauce (IMPORTANT!!), snacks (also important=my wife can't drive 20 minutes w/o snacks!). Of, course a dog leash and a tie-down dog rope (12 ft).

What do you guys take on road trips????

I’d add paper maps, a satellite communicator, extra water, headlamp and a few spare vehicle parts for true dead-zone travel.

I carry paper maps (an Atlas and maybe large scale for areas like the Navajo Rez). Got lost leaving Chaco Canyon heading North. Another time, trying to go North from Lava Beds to Klamath Falls. GPS said turn but they were gated roads or had trees growing in the middle (?). Good call!! We have water 24/7 in the car for us, the dog & the car!. If off road, I carry a jug of water/coolant mix, panty hose (emergency fan belt), and water hoses (fuses 24/7). The First Aid kit has duct tape. Also maybe traction mats. Oh, a couple of Army blankets.

I went cross-country and back a few years ago using as many two lane highways as possible: Hwy 2 from Everett to the Mackinaw Bridge, then down and around to Delaware, then back through W.Va, Kentucky, Wyoming, etc. I carried extra water in an ice chest and my largest first aid kit. Not that many snacks since part of the plan was to try local eateries, but caffeine loaded coffee and sodas were essential. I second the paper map.

Somewhere near the Kansas/Nebraska line, I witnessed a huge collision between two tractor/trailers. I called 911 and stopped, grabbed my first aid kit, ran towards the (literally) still dusty scene. Another bystander, who I later found out was a fireman, grabbed it, but it was pretty obvious more serious equipment would be needed. Ugh.

Incidentally, in anticipation of carrying a handgun on the trip, I got the Utah CWP, as well as others I thought I might need. But because so many of the states traveled (Minnesota, Michigan, N.Y., etc.) didn't recognize any CWP, my handgun stayed tucked into a safe in the spare tire compartment. FWIW, I never felt that I needed it. Even in a Kentucky Waffle House parking lot when a local wanted to know if I was "one of them Warshington gov'ment workers." I explained the difference between the two Washingtons. Not sure they got it...or believed me, but, oh well....

Every time someone responds I think of more! Seriously, it all does fit with gifts, etc.

I have WA, OR, & UT; wife has UT and WA! We also have an electric fridge in the 4Runner.

BearBio said:

I carry paper maps (an Atlas and maybe large scale for areas like the Navajo Rez). Got lost leaving Chaco Canyon heading North. Another time, trying to go North from Lava Beds to Klamath Falls. GPS said turn but they were gated roads or had trees growing in the middle (?). Good call!! We have water 24/7 in the car for us, the dog & the car!. If off road, I carry a jug of water/coolant mix, panty hose (emergency fan belt), and water hoses (fuses 24/7). The First Aid kit has duct tape. Also maybe traction mats. Oh, a couple of Army blankets.

Click to expand...

I want to go to Chaco. I never made it last time I was in NM. Lots to see. Stayed at El Rancho in Gallup which was on my bucket list. Taos and Santa Fe, Aztec, TnC, Silver City was some of the other places I visited. I’ll have to get back to see more.

4WD is a plus, even during the dry season. On our trip, we came upon a German Tourist who had got stuck in a mudhole from a rain storm several days before. No cell service, I didn't have my traction mats or tug strap. Only one payphone (landline) at the visitor center. Auto Club said it's take 4-5 hours to get a tow there!

Did you eat at Earl's??? BEST frybread with green salsa!! Try the green chili hamburger @ McDonald's?? If so, how was it?

My 4Runner at Chaco Canyon (me 70 lbs ago!!):



Pueblo Bonito (from the snake dance in Billy Jack)