I am by no means an expert on planning overland trips and there are countless things I would change about my trips if I could go back. However, you could say that I've been there and done it so here is what I have to offer in the way of advice:
Planning:
Poring over maps is the epitome of trip planning, to me.
You can't have enough quality maps, and AAA makes great ones and gives them
away to members. Guide books are a necessity but I usually don't get
too excited about them. Fodors
are usually accurate if a bit bland. Take a look through
Dangerous Places
if you are headed somewhere sketchy. The internet is quickly becoming
the best source for timely local info. See Links
section below.
Vehicle Selection:
What I have to say about vehicle selection is pretty minimal
considering its importance: Know your vehicle and be realistic and
impartial when evaluating its capabilities with respect to your trip.
I would stress simplicity and familiarity above low mileage.
The ideal vehicle is comfortable, solid, and well-known
to the driver(s). It has proven itself reliable on long (8 hour +) drives
and has been "in the family" for more than a year. If the trip will
require sleeping in the vehicle then don't even think about it unless you
can stretch all the way out flat. A car may be fine for many
trips but a truck
of some sort is probably more suitable because of load capacity and storage
space. My feeling is that 4WD is unnecessary unless you are actually
planning to travel on trails.
Vehicle Preparation:
Consider new,
high quality tires
. Go to Advance Auto Parts
and have them test your battery for free. They love to sell batteries
so if there is anything wrong with it, they'll let you know. If you
are mechanically competent, change all fluids and inspect every part
of the engine compartment and underbody. Look for loose or dry-rotted
vacuum lines and loose exhaust components. Get a little dirty.
Familiarity is priceless when something goes
wrong
. If you know a trustworthy, competent mechanic, have them check the
vehicle out for you.
I suggest carrying spare belts (make sure you get all
of them), a single full-size spare tire, and spare engine oil.
Carry a gallon or so of windshield-washing fluid, especially in the summer.
If you know how to use them, a carefully selected set
of tools should be assembled. Don't take a tool that doesn't fit anything
on your vehicle.
Packing:
Weight is the enemy. Dense objects should be packed
low in the vehicle and as close to the midpoint (front to rear) as possible.
In a car this is probably on the floor in the back seat. However, remember
that objects stored in the cabin become projectiles in a crash. Never
load the vehicle above the seatbacks. In a pickup heavy things must
be at the front of the pickup bed. Keep in mind that in the case of
a frontal impact heavy items will plow forward, crushing gear and occupants
if not properly restrained.
If you have a roof rack, think carefully before loading
it up with dense objects. We made the mistake of carrying a full-size
spare tire, gasoline, water, and spare parts on the roof. Handling
suffered as a result.
If possible, load up the vehicle a week or so before the
trip and drive it around wherever you go. You will quickly discover
what works and what doesn't.
Resources:
I can not recommend highly enough Tom Sheppard's outstanding
book "Vehicle-Dependant Expedition Guide" (ISBN 0953232409). It is
geared much more towards extreme overland expeditions than the type of road
trips I have completed, but the material is excellent reading for anyone
considering an extended trip which relies on a vehicle for its success.
It covers a broad range of relevant topics including "team member" selection,
vehicle modification, navigation, clothing, cooking equipment, etc.
Robert Young Pelton has been writing the
Dangerous Places
series for a while. This is an interesting book written from a been-there-done-that
perspective. The author comes across as bit egotistical in his writing
style, but if you are headed to a destination that the State Department regularly
issues warnings about, you might want to see what he has to say about it.
Contact me at
[email protected]