Just like any trip... change your oil before the trip & check it every 1000 miles.

Don't forget to check the tire pressure in your spare tire. I watched a guy one time on the side of the road change his tire only to find out the spare was flat too when he let it off the jack.

If you have wheel locks make sure you have the key.

I always put a spare key in a hidden place under the hood in case I lock myself out (I've got a hard top) or loose my key.


Most important, let everyone know what your route is & you'll probably get a ton of "you gotta stop here" suggestions that would be hard to beat.

If you go through Reno, you have to take a little time to drive around Lake Tahoe.

Edit:

And if you like Books on Tape, I've got "On the Road" by Jack Kuarak. PM me & I'll send you the MP3 it's a must-have for a road trip. Hell, it's almost a how-to manual for a road trip across the country.

 

Do the "zip-tie mod" to your hood latches.

 

Oh, one more thing......

If you carry, go here, http://www.handgunlaw.us/ This will keep you up to date and in the know on each states gun laws. Some states you can't carry in, and in those, I would find out what I need to do to transport through that state. Might be unload and separate, or it could be more, like install a gun lock.

If you don't carry, than disregard, but I would not go down the street, let alone across country without being armed.

 

I did the trip from NJ to WA 2 years ago. I will never do it again during winter. My '07 Unlimited Sahara handled the weather perfectly - my nerves, however, did not. Blizzard conditions on iced over Montana mountain roads would put anyone on edge. My mom said my knuckles were white from holding the steering wheel so hard.

I did much better than the Semi that was half in a river, though.

Anyway, just be very alert and careful. Check out everything before you leave and check it again when you get there. Knock on wood, you will have no problems.

I'm probably going to have to do the trip back some time soon.

Best of luck!