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What should be in a vehicle for a cross country trip in winter?

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December 07, 2018, 06:58 PM
sgalczyn
What should be in a vehicle for a cross country trip in winter?
quote:
Originally posted by Sigmund:
quote:
Originally posted by sgalczyn:

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


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


SigLine note Indiana - so unsure of permit origin?


"No matter where you go - there you are"
December 07, 2018, 07:03 PM
OKCGene
$200 cash in 1's, 5's, 10's, a few 20's, roll of quarters. If "the system" is down you can still buy gas, foods, lodging.


Sunglasses. Clean white snow on a bright sunny day can irritate your eyes.
December 07, 2018, 07:08 PM
JimmyRayBob
Keep the tank half full.
December 07, 2018, 07:10 PM
Woodman
2nd on the wiper fluid. Warm weather places do not stock "regular price" -20˚ wiper fluid (if they even have it at all).

I've assembled a box of OEM bulbs but that is probably a non-issue with a 2018.

My battery is original to March 2013 delivery so I carry a jumper cable.

A small overnight clothes and toiletries duffle so there is no digging or extra carrying. I carry it in the cab rather than the lock box in the truck bed; a non-issue for you, but I was frozen out of my box in Amarillo during the December 2015 blizzard which shut down I-40 in TX and NM (we'd call it a blizzard; maybe it was regular weather to them'all).

If I was taking a GF? I'd outfit the back seat as her den with a couple of comforters and a few pillows. Leave on a Friday at 6pm, drive 20 hours, take a long break Saturday in a motel, then have a relaxing 10 hour drive Sunday.
December 07, 2018, 07:10 PM
Silent
Road Flares

Silent
December 07, 2018, 07:45 PM
V-Tail




הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים
December 07, 2018, 07:52 PM
Turning_gal
A rain poncho, phone charger, peanuts in a can, lighter.
Great tips coming from the other forum members.
December 07, 2018, 07:59 PM
Mark in Michigan
Tire chains.
As mountain passes, if they remain open, will require the use of chains in inclement weather.


Best regards,
Mark in Michigan
December 07, 2018, 08:03 PM
Speedbird
Great comments! Maybe these are implied tasks? But I'd add:
- test your jack and lug wrench, Your lug nuts aren't seized?
- Check spare
- Small piece of wood or whatever to put under your jack so it actually jacks up the truck instead of just pushing itself into the ground (Ask me how I know)
- A few chem-lights. Pro tip: drop a chem light or two into a full water bottle, it makes a cheap/durable 8-12 hr lantern.
- High Vis tabard or reflective belt to keep you from getting hit
December 07, 2018, 08:09 PM
Sigmund
quote:
Originally posted by sgalczyn:

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


quote:
SigLine note Indiana - so unsure of permit origin?


I've edited my post from IL to IN. But the text did say "...head to Ca from Chicago..."
December 07, 2018, 08:15 PM
Chowser
Portable jump pack. It can double as a battery to charge usb devices.



Not minority enough!
December 07, 2018, 08:17 PM
TRshootem
I always carry one of the emergency kits that contains tire pump, reflective emergency markers, first aid and so on. Bear spray for the two legged bear, not Yogi or BooBoo, but predators none the less. Many fine suggestions here, I'm the guy that brings apocalypse ready gear Smile
December 07, 2018, 08:50 PM
Valpo Fz
quote:
Originally posted by Sigmund:
quote:
Originally posted by sgalczyn:

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


quote:
SigLine note Indiana - so unsure of permit origin?


I've edited my post from IL to IN. But the text did say "...head to Ca from Chicago..."


Actually I’m in IN and that’s where my permit is issued but I am in the Chicago blast zone. Easier to say Chicago instead of Valparaiso, IN because it always ends up being near Chicago haha.


" The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution

YAT-YAS
December 07, 2018, 09:18 PM
corsair
Not sure what part of CA you're headed to, right now, the Sierra's are covered in snow and it's not even winter yet. The passes are wide open right now; if Donner Pass is closed, you know that storm bad.
I do a fair amount of driving throughout the Tahoe region and the Sierra's in-general.
To add:

- Chains
- Waterproof gloves for putting on chains
- foam mat to kneel-on when putting on chains in wet, sloppy conditions
- Reflective Triangle and flares
- Headlamp (flashlight is good for those tight spaces, headlamp is more helpful for general needs..like putting on chains)
- Zip-ties (when those chains are giving you attitude, zip-ties will hold in a pinch)
- Quick charge kit for dead battery
- Wiper fluid rated for 0-degrees
- Window scraper (get one with scrapper/brush combo on long handle)
- Thermos/insulated bottles for hot water/coffee
- Instant coffee/hot choc/soup packets
- Food stuffs (if there's chain control or, parts being plowed the delays can last a few hours...or, more)
- Cups for the drinks
- Shovel (get a avalanche shovel rather than a household shovel, much more practical)
- TP and a roll of paper towels...there's always a need for paper towels.
December 07, 2018, 10:29 PM
Scuba Steve Sig

December 07, 2018, 10:42 PM
Rey HRH
quote:
Originally posted by lkdr1989:
[LIST]

  • Chains


  • So you need chains too for an SUV AWD?

    When do you put on the chains?



    "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
    December 07, 2018, 10:45 PM
    Rey HRH
    quote:
    Originally posted by reflex/deflex 64:
    Discretion can be the better part of valor in winter driving.


    The OP may be more used to snow and winter than I am, but yeah, a couple of days when the first snow front came this November, I only drove 5 hours a day. I had my car GPS but I also had Waze that showed the road traffic.



    "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
    December 08, 2018, 01:28 AM
    thumperfbc
    quote:
    Originally posted by Rey HRH:
    quote:
    Originally posted by lkdr1989:
    [LIST]

  • Chains


  • So you need chains too for an SUV AWD?

    When do you put on the chains?


    Can only speak to CA, but Cal DOT requires every passenger vehicle / light truck to carry traction devices in chain control areas. There are 3 levels of chain control here.

    quote:
    CALDOT

    There are three primary categories of chain restrictions, as shown below:

    Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

    Requirement 2 (R-2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.

    Requirement 3 (R-3): Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.

    R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.-


    So even with M/S, A/S, Severe Weather (mountain snowflake symbol) or even dedicated snow tires chains myT still be carried. My CHP buddy says it’s very rare to see R3. They just close the road.

    I drive 108 a few times each winter and they have signs but not usually a “checkpoint”. Last weekend was the first control of the season and there was a DOT team at the area where controls went into effect telling people to chain up unless they had the right drive system and tires.

    But the OP won’t be coming over 108. It’s closed for the winter.
    December 08, 2018, 04:43 AM
    Valpo Fz
    Thanks guys, some of the stuff was on the list some of it I hadn’t thought of.


    " The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution

    YAT-YAS
    December 08, 2018, 07:49 AM
    sourdough44
    I had a family member traveling through Western CO heading back towards Marquette, MI a few years ago, Winter time. He call to ask about the weather while driving, he had planned to go north the across one of the Dakotas.

    The weather was unfavorable, the forecast was for freeways to be shut down in WY. I told him he was better to stay south, then venture north at WI.

    The moral of the story is, besides the gear, pay heed to the weather. If you end up with the mother of all winter storms, venture around or hole up. That’s when that whiskey comes in handy.