Upcoming 3 day drive to OR, need tips and advice

[Yallaen]

I am taking a 3-day trip up to OR from MO. I have a 5 year old dog that doesn't love/hate car rides. He and I are going to OR for a month, luckily I can WFH and just work from my friend's place.

While I can certainly grab a pet-friendly hotel, I'm thinking about making this trip "epic". Downside...it's winter.

I have a 2020 Gladiator Sport-S with upgraded Overland tire/wheels.

1. Suggestions on sleeping arrangements? I have a backpack tent and a smaller sized 4 person tent. I can bring air mattress/reflective mat for ground, cold weather sleeping bag...blah blah blah. I could also just sleep in the vehicle. Any tips or thoughts on this? I don't have a cover for the back bed. I want to get one, but I want to save some $$ and get a half-rack instead, and a roof tent eventually.

2. Dog travel: I haven't done a road trip with a dog before. I've had dogs for years, but never really took one on a long ride, except an 7 hour trip, which turned into a 2 day excursion, tornadoes, etc. I'm just thinking what would be the most comfy for him? Seats down in the back? Some type of seat hammock designed for dogs? Dog bed on the seats? He doesn't like the ride, so I don't have to worry about him all over the cabin. I'm also thinking of some type of travel meds to keep him calm. Of course, he will get potty breaks and walks and such. I'm planning on 3 days of 8-hr driving, plus about a 4-5 hour evening the first night after work.

Any thoughts/tips appreciated. Of course, I have some straps, I have a recovery rope, and I'm thinking of getting some tire cables in case of snow up in the upper elevations or plains areas (taking I-80 across to Reno area, then NW up into OR from there on 495 I think to Klamath Falls). I also have my AAA updated and only 2k on the Gladiator, so basically new all-season tires.

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[Deadeye]

My dog is pretty comfortable in the back seat. Nice and padded. I picked up a cheap hammock to protect them off amazon. A dose of dramamine in the morning will keep them pretty mellow during the ride, and prevent any nausea.

 

[NHyde]

Lay a blanket in the back for the pooch and you can sleep in the front and if weather permitting, camp it out. Another option is maybe rent a camper for a month or two? Not sure on your budget and if that is viable, just it is an option.

 

[Dagny]

I'm from Mt. Hood and have driven from Oregon to Washington, D.C. and back - in a Miata. During summer and fall. And once in a '69 Mustang with 203,000 miles on the odometer. So that entailed hotels (highly recommend Comfort Inn -- nearly always dog-friendly). A lot of dog show peops favor Red Roof Inns because they are even more affordable and dog-friendly. Going to be awfully cold in a tent this time of year. Your dog may need their own sleeping bag - seriously. Some thoughts:

1) Make sure your cell number is on your dog's collar. Preferably handwritten on the collar itself - big and bold. Carry proof of rabies vaccination -- my vet gives me a printout upon request. Have good descriptive photos of your dog on your phone. Download the free Red Cross Pet First-Aid phone app. Among other things it has an emergency vet locater for wherever you're at. Keep a gallon of water in the truck. Ditto the car dog hammock/seat cover, which helps protect them from flying forward to the front or falling on the floor in a quick stop.

2) It is kind - to driver and dog - to stop about every 3 hours and stretch legs and go to the bathroom.

3) Pack for being stranded, whether for mechanical reasons or weather. If you're planning on camping presumably you'll load up on warm layers and something like a 0-degree sleeping bag. Your dog will need a warm blanket(s) or sleeping bag, too, depending on how cold. I had a Samoyed -- an Arctic breed -- and one 19-degree night camping in an unheated teardrop trailer, she slept on top of me and I had a sleeping bag on top of my sleeping bag plus balaclava, etc. etc. Not a restful night.

4) Carry tire chains.

5) It can be a long distance between gas stations so have situational awareness on that. I would not go below a quarter-tank, ever, especially not during winter.

Good luck, have fun and take lots of photos! I love a good road trip.

 

[Shackleton]

I’ve done a short road trip with my dog in his dog bed in the back seat with the seat up. The only thing I learned from that trip was the seats can fall back into the seated position if you have to apply the brake quickly. If that is your plan make sure to tie the seat in the upright position with a strap or Velcro etc

 

[Blade1668]

Dagny is on point with it. I'd up the water by a few more gallons 2 or 3 have a few cans of Sterno and or dependable camp stove kit. Food for few extra days you and dog. A few low cost H.F. wool blankets can be handy.
As a young dumb 20 y.o. (in 80's) before heading to Germany made the drive from Ft Lewis, Wa. to IL starting 18 Dec. in my old ragged 77 Ford Explorer Pickup with not much else some food, few gallon coolant and water, oil, jack spare tire very basic tool kit, C.B radio. Critical stuff extreme cold weather gear and artic sleeping bag. After action.. I'd add few 5 gal gas cans. More insulation for camp and to wear. A full report on my trip would take a few pages. Thank God it had dual fuel tanks of close to 45 gallon total. I went for over 300 miles with out a open gas station.

 

[Blade1668]

I’ve done a short road trip with my dog in his dog bed in the back seat with the seat up. The only thing I learned from that trip was the seats can fall back into the seated position if you have to apply the brake quickly. If that is your plan make sure to tie the seat in the upright position with a strap or Velcro etc

Just "lock" them in up right position.

 

[Ohio JKU]

Ive done some road trips, id be sure to have a shovel, candles, hot hands, food water, blanket, tire change tools (a breaker bar is much better if youbhave to use it) flashlight , etc, etc... look up where you are going some routes may have winter requirements or even close.

a paper map (dont assume cell service)

snacks bought from a grocery store in advance are cheap!!! Gas station snacks are expensive and not as good for you...

My 02,

have fun!

 

[Ghostwave]

Should be fun. I drove much of that route from Arizona this summer(not in my Jeep), and part of it from Boise to Bend then Mt Hood last January when I picked the Jeep up. My parents live on Mt. hood and had the JT up there just Last week. JT does awesome. First, this time of year, on those routes, you can easily get some crummy road conditions. AT tires are not the best on snow but mine did pretty well last year, though I was able to avoid Mt passes during snowstorms. YMMV. I put Nokian LT3 snow tires on last month, pretty much ideal for our glossy black ice, but better to wait for temps to climb if you run into ice anyway. Don’t underestimate the glossy black ice as you get into Oregon. As mentioned, carry chains, they are required even if you don’t use them. On ice, that will save your new truck, but don’t speed racer them or they will fail and maybe take a fender with them on the way out. Chains are like 25mph max if you use them. Don’t be tempted by those doing 35 passing With chains on. It doesn’t last.

you also are traveling some really desolate areas. Also as mentioned, fill up the tank every chance you get. 1/4 tank is too low In the desolate parts. Never go below a third tank and half tank is better. Carry food/water/blanket. Just be sensible and prepared. Dog will find its own place and routine quickly. Mine likes to alternate between the front seat and the back. Hotels during Covid can be tricky, and in the desolate areas often look better online than in person. Online reservations are great, but in the land of Covid, old fashioned calling can sometimes be a better option. Also in those areas, they can be like gas stations. Best to plan as best as you can. Not a lot of room to sleep in the back, but sleeping outside is COLD. You won’t find many others doing so and most campgrounds will be closed. A SPOT type device allows family to track you and can be both for safety and strangely fun to watch from afar.

 

[Yallaen]

Great tips! Here is what I was thinking:
1. I'm not going to tent camp. I'll sleep in the ride a day or two...maybe splurge for a hotel to shower..
2. Speaking of showers, if I fill up with gas at a truck stop, can I use their showers?
3. I'm probably getting a hammock for my pooch, like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G642RMQ/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2R7FV507EU7AP
4. I'll have snacks, blankets, and my sleeping bag (it's rated to 20). But that leads to this:
a. has anyone used a camping heater (plug in or propane) to keep the inside warm and save $$ on gas? I have been looking at 750watt electric versions, or one of the propane fuel cannister ones.
5. Chains: anyone have a preference? What about the cable ones vs. chains?
6. I always like to gas up at 1/4 tank. I will let it run way low around town to ensure fresh gas from time to time. But on long trips (and old age lol), every 3-4 hours is a good stopping point, and good to gas/pee/stretch/snack. My ex wife and I once went out to CO from MO. We left after work, and it got way late. Needless to say, gas stations were scarce. We ended up stopping at a rest stop because we were on E. Nothing was open at 0300. We work up and drove to nearest station, and put more fuel in the vehicle than the owners manual said our tank held (it was that close).

I'm also buying pooch a seat belt for his collar, but will probably make him wear it on a harness, unless I go for the hammock.

Thoughts please

 

[Dagny]

I'm also buying pooch a seat belt for his collar, but will probably make him wear it on a harness, unless I go for the hammock.

Thoughts please

Great that you're being so thoughtful and planning in advance!

Definitely do not hook a seat belt to your pup's collar. Could cause severe damage, or worse, in a crash. Harness is the far safer way to go.

Kudos for being such a considerate dog dad.

 

[mstrav73]

I think you are talking 395? Maybe go up near mnt Lasen or Shasta on the way, pass by tule lake / lave beds national park then up into Oregon. This is coldest time of year through that area and you def want chains and cold weather gear and download any road conditions app like Oregon 511 or cal trans app. The dog should be fine just make a few stops as time allows for him to stretch on a leash and do his business.

I have been in white outs through there and road closures due to winter storms that show up with little notice sometimes

 

[Yallaen]

Yes...I'm taking 80 to Winnemeca, NV? Then up to US 95, and then over to hwy 410 towards Crater Lake/Klamath Falls.

Anyone have suggestions for decent tire cables/chains? Also, any ideas about covers for the windows for privacy?

 

[Ghostwave]

I bought these:
https://lacledechain.com/product/alpine-sport-truck-suv-chains/

but that’s my backup and legal fulfillment. They were recommended by both Les Schwab and Oreilly, but they are still a diamond light chain. if you drive fast(don’t) or for long distances they probably won’t last. But the right solution for me as they are easy to carry. I have them for all 4 wheels. But my primary solution is the LT3 Nokians, which are as good as it gets for snow tires and don’t expect to have to use the chains except for the worst of the worst.

your route looks efficient. The best part of 395 is further south, but I’d avoid it depending on weather. Reno up to Klamath was, meh, at least in comparison to the Sierras. The drive from Boise to Bend is not too bad, a couple of low passes, some of it scenic. Bunch of options for you either further North or South depending on weather.

I did 395 north from as far South as 40. Lots of beautiful driving, also lots of sparse civilization. For camping, looked like tons of stuff in the Sierras of course. Some high passes though, so that might be a no go depending on forecast. I’d love to do this drive right about now. Would be fun, but I like driving. I was doing 12, sometimes 14 hour days from Arizona, so I did not get to stop much. It’s a long distance so if you stop and sightsee, it would really add up.

 

[Kevin_D]

I'd strongly recommend that you get some good winter tires: the stock, "All Seasons," are crap on anything slick. And get some real chains, not cable chains. There's plenty of room on the Gladiator to put real chains. I bought these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H1YXHC9/
and these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DWP2P82/
for my other truck, but they fit quite nicely on the stock-size all-terrain tires.
When I take a road trip (the latest long one was Spokane-Dallas and back) I just sleep in the rig, inside a good sleeping bag. You'll wake up if you get cold, and can then start the motor to warm up. Using a propane heater isn't a good idea (think carbon monoxide.) Electric might work, if you have power available, and keep it away from the pup.
Speaking of the dog, a doggy bed on the back seat, along with his favorite blanket/pillow/towel will help him feel comfortable.
And while you're planning on taking a well-traveled route, shit happens. Be prepared with supplies to tide you over for a while (I personally think 3 days is excessive, but I usually have at least a days worth.) Until you get into OR, most larger gas stations will have their pumps on 24/7, even if they're not open, but be sure you have your credit/debit card along. You shouldn't have any trouble finding fuel on I-80 or US-95.
And most truck stops will sell you a shower, truck or not.
As for privacy, take a couple of extra blankets and stick 'em in the tops of the windows, and behind the visors.

Kevin

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