The girlfriend and I are going to head to Ca from Chicago over winter break. I have made the trip a dozen times and never had a problem but it was always between late spring to early fall so weather was not really an issue.

Here is what I have so far:

2018 Toyota 4Runner
Tow strap
Case water
Protein bars / food
Jumper cables
Sleeping bags/blankets
Shovel
Flashlights
Battery’s/usb charger
Sat tracker with msg capability (Delorme InReach)

Kitty litter for traction.

Unless you already own it, I'd ditch the stat tracker. That's for heading into the boonies not driving on busy US interstates.

Candle in a can

Make sure you have decent all season tires in case you encounter snow/ice.

Gloves, in case you have to change a tire or handle tools when its really cold.

Container for both of you to pee in. Toilet paper.

A few towels - drying off from wet snow/slush.

Comfortable waterproof boots - something that would keep you dry/warm if you had to walk a mile in snow. Jackets & mittens for the same.

Yeah, the sat tracker is kind of overkill. I'm assuming that you will be on well travelled highways.

You might throw in a simple first aid kit and some flares. Outside of that it looks like you are good to go.

Jim

An extra gallon of windshield washer fluid (the stuff for below freezing use).

I have been on some awful winter road trips where occasionally the extra washer fluid was handy.

I would add extra socks and a candle or two. If the road gets shut down, try to think of being in your car for 12hrs or so and what would be needed, in this day and age it is less common.

Find a metal 1 pound coffee can. Insert roll of toilet paper. Keep bottle of rubbing alcohol.

Alcohol can clean cuts and abraisions.

Toilet paper for any number of things.

Pour alcohol on paper in can and ignite. Light and heat for hours...

Run out your old stuff if there’s any question as to it’s freezing temp and replace with -20 stuff

quote:

Originally posted by FLhiker:
An extra gallon of windshield washer fluid (the stuff for below freezing use).

I have been on some awful winter road trips where occasionally the extra washer fluid was handy.

Extra hat, gloves and wool socks for each passenger.

Extra quart or two of oil, extra washer fluid.

Small tool kit

Wet wipes/ paper towel

Candles and matches

Let me add this. Discretion can be the better part of valor in winter driving. Western states tend to park the plow at sunset. Do not expect things to improve before 9 am the next day. Distances are vast and gas stations may close at 2200. Plan accordingly.

Extra set of wiper blades.
Tire patch kit.

Plenty of whiskey kombucha.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: arfmel,

You have a good list and good suggestions. I carry a portable radio and extra batteries for it and my flashlights. I also have another magazine and an extra box of 9mm.

Self-defense firearm of choice on your person and spare ammo!

Shocked that we're this far down the page before the 1st mention of a proper weapon!

OK--MaxWayne posted while I typed - but still.............

"The girlfriend and I..................."
Condoms

MP3 player for listening to music without changing stations.
MP4 video player so you guys can watch movies at night.
MP5 so you can watch out for each other.

those small power packs are pretty amazing. Will jump start a small engine and will power a cell phone for hours. a 12volt inflator can come in handy.

I'd look at jump boxes instead of jumper cables, that way you are not dependent on other people. Also, some have a power point you can plug your phones and other devices in to recharge.

They have come way down in price since they came out.

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:

Self-defense firearm of choice on your person and spare ammo!...

Your IN permit is good in Iowa, can't speak for other states on your route. Certainly not the People's Republik of Kalifornia.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,