500+ mile road trip

[Joe.B]

Im wanting to take my tj on a road trip to the back hills in South Dakota. will my jeep make it? it has higher mileage (around 170k) I take good care of it and maintain it well I just recently change trans fluid and put in redline MTL and did an oil change. I have a full size spare and am planning on bringing tools and extra fluids like oil and coolant, Is it a smart/good move to take it and if so what else should I do to it before I go and what else would be smart to bring?

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Check out all your steering and suspension parts for lube and condition. Check tire condition wear, balance, etc. Look over u-joints…. All fluids. Check and correct any codes.

I‘d do all that weeks before trip, to be sure new or adjusted parts don’t fail.

 

[LONGJP2]

I'm getting ready for a 2000 mile trip to Colorado, and last year was a 4000 mile trip to Utah. Plus wheeling.
A well maintained vehicle should have no problem making the trip, but only you know the condition of your vehicle.

I did South Dakota a few years ago. Look up Camp 5 Rd.

 

[LONGJP2]

what else would be smart to bring?

Credit card.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

If you are going to areas with limited or no cell coverage, an alternate method of comms. Garmin has a Sat device that you can text out through in emergencies.

anyone going with you? With the crazies out there, you may want a “friend” to help protect you…

 

[rasband]

I wouldn't hesitate to take mine on a cross country trip if I needed to (well, after I fix my patched radiator anyway).

 

[Apparition]

I wouldn’t hesitate to take mine out there. I’ve driven to Utah and Colorado in separate trips with mine. Also driven to Drummond island and back.

Taking interstate? Can you go 80mph, mine drinks fuel at that speed so don’t run out.

 

[pagrey]

500 miles, no issue. Bring the basic don't die stuff if you break down and enjoy the trip. I'd take a 400k well maintained Jeep cross country without a second thought.

 

[Joe.B]

I wouldn’t hesitate to take mine out there. I’ve driven to Utah and Colorado in separate trips with mine. Also driven to Drummond island and back.

Taking interstate? Can you go 80mph, mine drinks fuel at that speed so don’t run out.

It will go 80 no problem but running at almost 3k rpm for that long seems like a lot and it guzzles fuel as well

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I carry a set of tools with me when I make a trip like that, and it's paid off several times. Last year my driver hood latch broke in a gust of wind created by an oncoming big rig, 30 miles into an 800 mile drive. I was able to hold it shut with a set of vise grips and zip ties until the next town where I stopped in at a Napa and got something more sturdy, and ordered a new latch to be delivered to a town I would be traveling through the next day.


My advice is to carry some basic tools like vise grips, pliers, zip ties, and wrench and socket set, and avoid interstates. I find taking the state and US highways takes you directly through more towns and you'll pass right by an auto parts store about every hour.

 

[toximus]

It will go 80 no problem but running at almost 3k rpm for that long seems like a lot and it guzzles fuel as well

Multiple times I've ran 80mph @3k(ish) for about 10 hours straight only slowing to get gas. I wouldn't say it's good for it, but it hasn't complained too much.

500 miles isn't much is it's maintained and may be a good trip to actually figure out if anything is wrong and fix it once you get back. I'm currently going front to back on our khaki TJ before putting 9500+ miles on next month (500+ miles per day) starting with the odometer at in the high 90k range and ending in the low 100s. I personally feel that it's more reliable than buying something new off the lot since I have a track record with it and personally inspected it.

 

[RINC]

500 miles? My big butte aint even gotten comfortable yet.

 

[Apparition]

It will go 80 no problem but running at almost 3k rpm for that long seems like a lot and it guzzles fuel as well

I wouldn’t worry about 3k, it’ll be fine.

 

[rasband]

I wouldn’t worry about 3k, it’ll be fine.

That's the happy zone in my book. Moar mpgs sitting in the power band

 

[RINC]

That's the happy zone in my book. Moar mpgs sitting in the power band

I shift when the needle on the tach points down.

 

[Apparition]

That's the happy zone in my book. Moar mpgs sitting in the power band

I get like 9-10 mpg there and like 12 slower

 

[rasband]

I get like 9-10 mpg there and like 12 slower

Is that based on speed or rpm? I seem to do best sitting in the power band of 2800-3200 until I get above 70 mph in which case it's just a brick in the wind.

 

[RINC]

Is that based on speed or rpm? I seem to do best sitting in the power band of 2800-3200 until I get above 70 mph in which case it's just a brick in the wind.

My rig right now, at 70mph and like 2900 rpm I am getting 11mph. Still better mpg than my pick up truck.

 

[Apparition]

Is that based on speed or rpm? I seem to do best sitting in the power band of 2800-3200 until I get above 70 mph in which case it's just a brick in the wind.

Speed, the speed limit is 80 mph in South Dakota so I set the cruise on 80 or so. I can't recall the RPM but it's a 42RLE 5.13's and 35's. Jeep doesn't care but this year, the wallet would.

 

[rouxbicon]

Speed, the speed limit is 80 mph in South Dakota so I set the cruise on 80 or so. I can't recall the RPM but it's a 42RLE 5.13's and 35's. Jeep doesn't care but this year, the wallet would.

3000 mile round-trip vacation last summer from Louisiana to Colorado. Ran 70 all the way (well, not on Imogene and Black Bear...), taching right at 2650 with 33s/4.56, averaged 15.0 mpg for the trip, speedo/odo accurately tuned, so mpg data should be spot on also. Seventh such trip for this rig, and I'm sure we'll do it again.