Across North America in Five Weeks!

[hecrod]

T minus 6 Months.

Come early June 2016 I will be embarking on a “cross-country” trip across the U.S. and Canada, leaving from Seattle and arriving back in Boston 5 weeks (or so!) later. The main objectives of the trip will be:

• To get some rest and relaxation,
• To witness the beauty of some the two countries National Parks, and
• To get closer to the family.

All of this in the 40 of course!

The plan in short is to have my wife, 18-year old soon to go to college daughter, and 18-year old soon to go to college nephew, give me company throughout… joining me individually for a week or so at a time at different points in the journey! The details behind this approach will follow later.

The main actor here is my 1978 Sky Blue FJ40. I bought the 40 in the summer of ’13 and have made some "reversible improvements" over time. The 40 has been my daily driver ever since, as long as there’s no salt on the road! Living in the Boston suburbs means that it does not see the road for a few weeks each winter, but I don’t mind that. I think of it as a worthwhile sacrifice... it’s my intention to keep the truck for as long as I can.

Here’s the kid (pictures taken today, 06DEC15)!

Original motor, some body work done 4 years ago to take care of some surface rust, just about zero rust underneath... it runs like a champ! It is a beautiful thing...

Now, being this a technical forum, let me get to the initial aspects of the technical part! Over the next 4-5 months I will focus on making improvements to two key areas: reliability and comfort, and for that I want your help!

• Reliability – electrical system, cooling system and brakes will be looked at in detail. Questionable parts will be replaced. Which parts should I consider replacing no matter what? Please don't allow for cost considerations (within reason ) to influence your advice... let me make that determination.
• Comfort – the 40 can as we all know be a bit rough, and mine is no exception. A long trip such as this one will get uncomfortable in its current setup, so I have to do something about that.

1. It’s got Rough Country shocks, and those will likely go away. Is Bilsteins the way to go?
2. I’d love to be able to recline my seats, can anyone help there? I’ll reach out to Doc at Springtail Solutions to see if he can help.
3. Is there an "easy" cruise control solution?
4. I will also be looking into some additional gas storage, at least in the form of Jerry cans. I’m leaning towards Metal Tech’s rear bumper, your thoughts on this?

This will be a long thread, finishing at some point in July of next year. Details on the places and trails we’ll visit will follow later! A screenshot of the preliminary route (almost 6,000 miles) is below.

Your help will be sought and appreciated throughout… and I hope to get to meet at least a couple of you on the way!

Hector

 

[Irish11]

When are you going to be in Seattle? There are a bunch of cruiser owners up here. Sounds like an awesome trip! Just get used to going slow and taking the scenic route.

Seats:
You can fit BMW seats in the Cruiser. There are plenty of other options too, but the BMW 3-series seats look good, are multi way adjustable, and can be heated too.

Reliability:
Cooling system needs to be checked. Water pump, hoses, etc. Brakes, hoses, a good carb tune.

Comfort:
Bilstein shocks are great. I have them on my 40. That being said the 40 will always ride like a short wheelbase, leaf sprung truck.

 

[Dagha Boy]

In my experience the best modification/preparation I made to vehicles used on long overland trips was changing all interior lights to LED and fitting additional LED lights where needed. Don't forget under the bonnet. A portable work light is fine, but having lots of general light under the bonnet if something needs to be done is very helpful

 

[Healey]

Very cool trip. I've done a lot of that same route in a Triumph TR4A, back when I was a foolish college student. Camping the whole way. So, it's doable in a 40. Stay off the interstates whenever possible so you can cruise at comfortable speeds for the 40 and really see the country.
Reliability: cooling system, electrical system: all lights work, fan, wipers, looks like you have /ac, heat (might need it in the mountains), brakes, e-brake, steering: TRE's all good, steering all good, good tires, spare, maybe a jack. Exhaust system up to date. Fuel pump (get new maybe)
Spares: fuses, some water (for radiator), quart of oil, plugs, points (go with big cap electronic dizzy), tools, spare tyre, money
Security: get a Tuffy lockable console. Adaptor plugs for phone charging, tablet, computer, whatever. Nav system onboard. Fire extinguisher. Let family/friends know your route and intended stopping points, and check in occasionally. First aid kit. Rags. AAA card.
Seats: IPOR, Bestop, other. Rear bench if you are going to be carrying extra passengers for any distance (with seat belt/harness).
Extra Storage: rear carrier for spare and jerry cans or cooler (MetalTech). Top rack (if you are camping, this will be a good addition).
Comfort: comfort and 40 are polar opposites. The trip in the 40 will be an adventure for sure.
Good camera to take lots of pics.
I'm sure I missed a bunch. Be flexible. Travel light. You'll only need 20% of the clothes you take. The thing that can be unexpected and sometimes challenging on these trips (other than vehicle problems) is the weather. You never know what weather can come up in the mountains or out in the prairies - but it will add to the trip.
Read books/blogs on similar trips folks have taken - they will inspire and inform.

 

[UZJ40]

I am jealous... looks like a great trip!

 

[darwink1]

Looks like youll be heading through my neck of the woods!

D

 

[DSRTRDR]

look into the 4Plus bumper with swingouts - very well made

you ought to swing a bit further south from Yellowstone and look at the Grand Tetons as well

also, you will be passing by the US presidents in South Dakota and the Black Hills with nice wheeling trails - and Badlands National Park is not too far from there, too

and why not look at Niagara Falls ? - the drive through New York is nicer than through Pennsylvania - in New York State: the finger lakes area is nice, and the Adirondacks are very scenic

if in western Pennsylvania: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

not entirely sure why you would spend that much time in the upper midwest when you could be seeing more spectacular stuff in the western US

 

[1911]

Now, being this a technical forum, let me get to the initial aspects of the technical part! Over the next 4-5 months I will focus on making improvements to two key areas: reliability and comfort, and for that I want your help!

• Reliability – electrical system, cooling system and brakes will be looked at in detail. Questionable parts will be replaced. Which parts should I consider replacing no matter what? Please don't allow for cost considerations (within reason ) to influence your advice... let me make that determination.

All coolant and heating hoses, unless you know (have personally replaced them recently) they are absolutely good.

Replace fuel filter; replace any soft fuel lines that look old or are suspect in any way.

Personally, I would convert to disc brakes on all four wheels if yours isn't already.

• 
  

1. It’s got Rough Country shocks, and those will likely go away. Is Bilsteins the way to go?

I like my Bilsteins, but think that the springs and spring rate have more to do with ride comfort. If yours rides hard now, it will probably soften up some when you are fully loaded-out for your epic trip (lots of extra weight).

1. Is there an "easy" cruise control solution?

No. You can add a hand throttle, or you can move your seat back a couple of inches (if you are tall like me) which will help, or you can just play with your foot position. If I wear the right shoes, I can jam the side of my foot between the gas pedal and the transmission hump for a while - it more-or-less holds the throttle position without constant pressure from the ball of the foot. Fortunately you'll be stopping for gas pretty often anyway. But I've driven 770 miles in one day in mine like that.

1. I will also be looking into some additional gas storage, at least in the form of Jerry cans. I’m leaning towards Metal Tech’s rear bumper, your thoughts on this?

MetalTech makes some fine gear. Dave Gore's 4+ rear bumper/carrier is another popular option (that I use myself). His carrier will hold three 5-gal. Sceptre/NATO cans or a cooler. 4PlusProducts | FJ40 | Tire Carriers

Looking forward to your trip reports!​

 

[brian]

- the drive through New York is nicer than through Pennsylvania

yeah, but then you need to be in NY, and that's just not worth it.

 

[powderjay]

No cruiser yet but maybe by the time you pass through. If you hit Northern Michigan on a weekend in the summer, ping me, Ill take you and the family for a boat ride on the 3rd most beautiful lake in the world!

 

[powderjay]

Not on that boat of course .. but you get the idea.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I would suggest you carry a SPOT, or something similar, and turn on 'tracking' so that family can keep track of you. SPOT GPS Messenger also has a button to ask friends and family for help and an 'emergency' button that can be paired with cheap insurance for airlift, etc. I've used one for several years, including in thick canopy forest, etc. and have always had satellite connectivity.

Also, if you use an iPhone, you can turn on tracking for specific people... This is good, just don't go anywhere you aren't supposed to go...

As others have said...

The really important reliability and spares items are: fuses, fusible link, fuel pump, fuel filter (I use replaceable element fuel filters and carry about two dozen new elements in my glove box), water pump, belts, hoses (coolant, fuel (I've had to bypass a broken fuel filter, in the past, so I carry extra fuel line) power steering, brake (I replaced my soft lines and carry the old lines as spares. Same with fuel pump, water pump, starter and alternator: I carry the old as spares). Also a small electrical kit (Wire, connectors, heat shrink, multimeter).

Oil, gear oil, coolant, brake fluid, ATF for power steering, a new tub of grease., grease gun and spare cartridge, new spark plugs, new rotor (I carry my previous set of spark plug/coil wires), a transfer pump to add oil to cases and diffs.

A jump box, in case the battery craps out. A good compressor, a good hydraulic Jack, a 4-way lug wrench. Tools, good survival knife, good all weather matches, emergency Mylar 'blankets', a Lifestraw water filter.

I carry at least 7 gallons of fresh water, in a cube, every time I go out. I also carry plenty bottles of drinking water... Enough water and food to last a week longer than I expect to be away from services. Sleeping bag and blankets. My iPhone, with many audiobooks loaded. Sunglasses, extra prescription glasses. Pertinent maps, GPS and compass.

Tent, chair... I install a sleep platform, in place of my passenger seat back, and overnight in 44. More than one night, I pitch my tent.

Two great dogs!! Associated dog stuff (leashes, food, meds, treats, beds, etc.).

Personal protection... Depends on the type of environment I'm going into... Minimum, .40 cal semi-automatic... Put it where you can get to it fast, if needed. If bears are a concern, I also take a .44 mag revolver.

I'm sure I've forgotten something... But, having said all that, this is what I take every time I go into remote areas... I would carry the same in a trip like yours.

 

[tls3601]

Sounds like a super adventure.......I would get comfy seats!!!!! And better lighting as mentioned previously.

 

[tls3601]

A revolver..................of course, more dependable than a semi. Not that I don't like 1911's though..............

 

[tls3601]

BTW what are those things hanging from the top of your roll bar????

 

[Solace in Solitude]

BTW what are those things hanging from the top of your roll bar????

Oh, you're talking to @hecrod ... I'll speak up for him... They are missiles for personal protection...

Actually, I suspect they are speakers...

 

[Captn Conch]

Daaang... Really... you don't have room for most of the stuff others are suggesting. If your Cruiser is solid you do not need a support vehicle full of stuff. leave the back folder seats at home, throw a couple of bean bags chairs in the back, get rid of those boat speakers. Keep it simple.. this isn't the Outback, South America or Africa, Keep your speed down to Land Cruiser mode, Run Synthetic oil if your engine is tight ( you will make the extra miles if it's running hot.) Burger King, Walmart etc for basic needs and HAVE FUN! HOWEVER, I'm not sure you wanna cross the Canadian borders (and other places) packing firearms. Maybe it can be done but you better be damn careful you do it properly. Yes a short legal shotgun would be handy if you accidently hit a muley or some other unfortunate creature that may wander in front of a Land Cruiser.

 

[JohnnyC]

NYC has strict gun laws... Stupid strict ...

It's best to drive strait thru without stopping

If you have no guns you may want to just drive strait thru anyway LOL

 

[DSRTRDR]

. . . gubbery content . . .

I know nothing about guns (and don't need to) - but I do know that you can't simply take them across state lines without some permits

 

[Solace in Solitude]

NYC has strict gun laws... Stupid strict ...

It's best to drive strait thru without stopping

If you have no guns you may want to just drive strait thru anyway LOL

I know nothing about guns (and don't need to) - but I do know that you can't simply take them across state lines without some permits

You both make good points... I don't travel to states that don't allow guns, so I overlooked that.

Johnny is correct about NY

Claudia is somewhat correct

Handgunlaw.us shows reciprocity for concealed carry permits. It also has a small blurb about open carry for each state.

But, of more importance , for trips across state lines, the "RV/Car Carry" section, of each state explains whether or not you can carry a gun in an RV and/or car... Some states require it be concealed in the car... Some require it be visible in the car... Some require it be unloaded... Some require it be in a lockbox... Etc.