Road Trip Preparation, what should I do?

[tjk]

Good morning! I’ve a 2021 Sport S, stock everything on it, 18k miles so far. In a couple months I’ll be driving from Maryland to Utah over three days, hanging out with family for a week, then driving back. I’ve got an appt for my final Jeep Wave tire rotation and oil change next month so any issues there have time to shake out before I leave.

I’ve got a ham radio installed in the truck, as well as a recently added dash cam. I plan on testing and if needed replacing the brake fluid, and in the truck I’ll have a jump pack and tire inflator/deflator kit.

I may visit Moab with my family, but don’t anticipate going on the Jeep trails as their don’t plan to rent an off road vehicle while there.

With all this in mind, what would you take with you or ensure was done before the trip to ensure a smooth go of it? Thanks for any help you may offer!

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[DCPHOENIX]

Take toilet paper.
Aside from that, you should be good to go. Wouldn’t worry about anything mechanical aside from washer fluid. You’ll be going past/through towns and cities the whole way.

oh actually, take a pillow. I’ve done some very, very long drives in the Gladiator. And my right arm got very uncomfortable. Was nice to rest it on something

 

[Plywood]

Brake fluid at 18k? I would check all fluid levels but replacing any of them wouldn’t even be a concern.

 

[WoolyKris]

If you are close to oil change do that, check air filters, wiper blades, tire pressure, the usual stuff. Follow the manufacturer manual if in doubt, unless you are pushing the truck to the limit everything will be fine.

 

[AmishMike]

Make sure to install the 'wife window'
It is an option that installs immediately. You simply motion like you are pressing a button, then raise your right arm to mimic a window going up between you. Best part is they are soundproof. Just remember to put it down when you have a question.

Polarized sunglasses. Driving shoes if you are like me and wear heavy boots daily.

 

[John Lenheiser]

I take road trips all the time and as long as all my maintenace is up to date I really don't do anything. My vehicles are all low mileage and I trade them around every 4-5 yeas, so I feel pretty comfortable about the vehicle. If I owned a Jeep that was all jacked-up I would definitely take more precautions as anything can fail, but I keep my vehicle all stock so I'm just dealing with a factory manufactured vehicle not aftermarket items that can fail as many can attest to. All being said, it's pretty hard to do work along side the road these days, so carrying a lot of repair tools, etc. probably can't work out well in the long run. I always tell people that if you start out will know problems, just expect them to get worse and if your vehicle has been dependable over the years it will probably be that way on your trip.

 

[tjk]

Take toilet paper.
Aside from that, you should be good to go. Wouldn’t worry about anything mechanical aside from washer fluid. You’ll be going past/through towns and cities the whole way.

oh actually, take a pillow. I’ve done some very, very long drives in the Gladiator. And my right arm got very uncomfortable. Was nice to rest it on something

good tip on TP and a pillow, will def do those two!

Brake fluid at 18k? I would check all fluid levels but replacing any of them wouldn’t even be a concern.

I’ve read in here replacing the brake fluid every couple years is best, and I figured with the bigger hills out west it wouldn’t hurt to use a fluid with a higher boiling point just in case.

If you are close to oil change do that, check air filters, wiper blades, tire pressure, the usual stuff. Follow the manufacturer manual if in doubt, unless you are pushing the truck to the limit everything will be fine.

I did air filter six months ago, but wiper blades are definitely a good one to check, thanks!

Make sure to install the 'wife window'
It is an option that installs immediately. You simply motion like you are pressing a button, then raise your right arm to mimic a window going up between you. Best part is they are soundproof. Just remember to put it down when you have a question.

Polarized sunglasses. Driving shoes if you are like me and wear heavy boots daily.

I’m luckily in sneakers most days so I’m good there, and good on glasses too. As for wife, she and the little ones are flying out and I‘ll be meeting. Cheaper for me to drive and get cheap hotels than to rent a car for the week (not factoring my time off, but I’ve more leave built up than her so I don’t mind.)

 

[berb]

You should buy a dead pedal. It's a great place to rest you foot on a long trip.

https://www.amazon.com/BESKE-bracke...efix=jeep+gladiator+dead+pedal,aps,194&sr=8-4

I have this one. But any of them will do.

 

[aprez27]

Make sure to install the 'wife window'
It is an option that installs immediately. You simply motion like you are pressing a button, then raise your right arm to mimic a window going up between you. Best part is they are soundproof. Just remember to put it down when you have a question.

Polarized sunglasses. Driving shoes if you are like me and wear heavy boots daily.

I just use this.

 

[MPMB]

Bring a bottle of wiper fluid.

I've done multiple trips over the divide without issues.

 

[tjk]

You should buy a dead pedal. It's a great place to rest you foot on a long trip.

https://www.amazon.com/BESKE-bracket-2018-2020-Wrangler-Gladiator/dp/B07Y1CC8GY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3BIIR227ETAP6&keywords=jeep+gladiator+dead+pedal&qid=1675958163&sprefix=jeep+gladiator+dead+pedal,aps,194&sr=8-4

I have this one. But any of them will do.

ordered, thanks!

Bring a bottle of wiper fluid.

I've done multiple trips over the divide without issues.

Good tip, I’ll top off at home and bring another one in the bed.

 

[b-roc]

As far as mods, you might want to consider the desert does it seat jacker (saves my lower back on longer drives)
https://desertdoesit.com/collections/jeep?constraint=gladiator-jt-2020-2022&view=all

One other mod that I use in the mountains is the Paddle shifters to downshift for engine braking
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/392-steering-wheel-retrofit.53314/

 

[geneinhouston]

every road trip i take a pillow and a blanket...ya never know! I always have a box or packet of kleenex in the glove box along with a small travel kit that has toiletries and things like aspirin and various first aid items....but good call on the toilet paper too haha! i will say i am loving my apple watch ultra too for when i decide to park the Gladiator and go explore, hike, etc
have a blast and be safe!

 

[Cooper_D]

Long handled breaker bar w/22mm deep well socket (don’t take the one from your tool box) small crescent wrench, leatherman tool, plastic ammo can w/toilet paper, unscented wipes, small first aid kit, leather work gloves, healthy snacks, pain meds, pillow, blanket, antacid, extra phone charge cable, bottled water, jar of peanut butter & cracker, canned fruit with ez open lid, jacket/clothes that be layered, pepper spray, 2 flashlights (one that is solar charged), extra drivers door key in your wallet, McDonalds gift card…, copy of your rout/hotels etc for family on both ends of your trip and an app so that they can watch your progress.

I’m sure that I forgot something…OR you could just wing it like we do?

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Very good suggestions above.
I use the hell out of my Gaia GPS subscription. Maps are down loaded so they work without cell. I always keep a first aid kit handy. Have fun. Good luck.

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