Long-trip pre check?

[CdnCopper]

Hi

We are VERY excited to be heading out on a 3,300 km (2,050 mile) round trip between Alberta and BC. I have done a few things on the trailer in advance, including:

- Inspecting bearings & brakes
- Inspecting tires
- Inspecting all safety lights (signals, etc)

In addition to all the other pre-trip stuff we do. Anyway, for those of you who do this regularly, is there anything you do on the trailer to prepare for especially long trips?

Thanks!

[JRTJH]

Yup. I add a list of convenient Wal Mart locations along the route. That way, if we did forget anything, there's a "easy solution" for getting a replacement without having to return home to "fetch what's lost".... LOL

Honestly, for us, preparation for a long trip is much the same as preparing for a weekend close to home. The only difference for us is how much food and clothing we pack. Otherwise, the attitude and pre-trip checklist is the same. Be prepared, do regular maintenance, and if it breaks, we'll deal with it when it happens, otherwise, enjoy the "vista view" out the windshield and from under the awning...

[GMcKenzie]

Where are you headed and what do you plan to see? Number 1 or through the Kootneys? I love the Kootneys. So much history and gold rush stuff to see there.

Hey. More Wal-Marts through there than I thought.

Link to the map.

http://www.allstays.com/c/walmart-br...ations-map.htm

[CdnCopper]

Hi GMcKenzie

We live in Grande Prairie. We typically take the regular route down through Jasper and into Kamloops. This time though we are heading west through Dawson Creek, Prince George, 100 Mile house, etc. As long as the forest fires aren't too bad it should be really fun! Wrapping up the trip on Vancouver Island. Not looking forward to the price of the ferry with a 30' trailer and truck but we've budgeted for it so should be fine. Kids are going to have a blast.

[Festus2]

Originally Posted by CdnCopper

Wrapping up the trip on Vancouver Island. Not looking forward to the price of the ferry with a 30' trailer and truck but we've budgeted for it so should be fine. .

Not sure which ferry route you are taking to the Island (from Horseshoe Bay or Twassessan) or the day/time you are planning to catch a ferry but you might want to look into getting a reservation. At this of year, the ferries are busy and while a reservation will cost you another $15 on top of the outrageous fare, it might be worth it.

[sourdough]

You mentioned checking the tires; be sure and check the torque on all the lug nuts....truck and trailer, before you leave and while traveling.

[hankaye]

CdnCopper, Howdy;

In addition to all the "usual items" I always remind myself before setting off
for the next leg of a journey of the Priest that was spotted crossing himself
in an airport boarding line. A fellow passenger asked him what his prayer
was. The Father replied that he wasn't praying ... that he was merely
taking inventory. Spectacles, testicles, passport & wallet (the up,down, and
side-to-side).
All I got to add.

hankaye

[chuckster57]

Best advise I got on another forum when we were getting ready for our cross country trip:
Have a credit card with a HIGH limit and a LOW balance.

Ended up having to buy tires for the rear of the truck in Ohio, three trailer tires and one rim on our east leg. Didn't use any of the trip funds.

[CdnCopper]

Originally Posted by Festus2

Not sure which ferry route you are taking to the Island (from Horseshoe Bay or Twassessan) or the day/time you are planning to catch a ferry but you might want to look into getting a reservation. At this of year, the ferries are busy and while a reservation will cost you another $15 on top of the outrageous fare, it might be worth it.

Already done good sir - booked a couple of weeks back, peace of mind definitely!

Thanks everyone for the tips! I'll let you know if there were any on road adventures upon my return!

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by CdnCopper

Hi GMcKenzie

We live in Grande Prairie. We typically take the regular route down through Jasper and into Kamloops. This time though we are heading west through Dawson Creek, Prince George, 100 Mile house, etc. As long as the forest fires aren't too bad it should be really fun! Wrapping up the trip on Vancouver Island. Not looking forward to the price of the ferry with a 30' trailer and truck but we've budgeted for it so should be fine. Kids are going to have a blast.

Enjoy your trip. I'm too cheap to do the ferry ride but one year will break down and do the island.