Long Travel - West To East Coast

[LEXCRUISER]

Hi,
I am planning to travel this Christmas from Southern California to New York. The route I am looking is from CA-CO-TX-FL-MD-NY-MI-IO-WY-WA-CA.
I have an 2003 LX470.I have flushed all fluids, except coolant which I will do before I go.
Understand that it's winter season. So if you have any suggestion on the LX, on anything I should do or add or change, please advise!

Thank you!
Regards,
Lexcruiser

 

[e9999]

well, since you will be doing some 4000 miles or so, which may require another fluid change soon when back in balmy CA, and you'll be seeing some cold, you did put in serious winter fluids, right? Have a good battery, good tires etc?
And make sure the seat heaters are working properly...

 

[LEXCRUISER]

Winter fluids?

I will get an extra battery too.

 

[Dandon]

Winter fluids?

I will get an extra battery too.

Good idea. Some snow chains won't hurt, either. And keep your mobile phone charged.

 

[Dandon]

Have a tow strap ready, look for an 18-wheeler with a NY license plate, and discreetly hook the strap to the truck's rear... relax and enjoy watching your gas mileage grow and grow...

 

[uHu]

Tires are crucial on snow or ice. Definitely crucial.
Most tires that are good for paved dry or wet roads are useless on a wintery road. Likewise, good winter tires do not perform well on wet paved roads, when braking in particular. This makes choosing the right tire a difficult compromise.
A good winter tire has dense, deep siping for good traction, (gives lots of small edges on the surface of of the tire) and is quite soft. With the result that it doesn't wear as good as normal tarmac or off-road tires. It also looses snow and ice traction with age.
Of the standard LC tires, the Michelin LTX is a good compromise, not too bad on snow if it is not too old or worn. Not as good as some dedicated tires, but when driving across the continent, I presume you will have more dry or wet roads than snow or ice.
One thing to consider though, is that it is better to slow down a bit, and use winter tires, than ending up outside the road.

 

[macneill]

Without a doubt, get a CB with an external aerial. It'll come in handy to hear about speed traps etc.

Mine saved my sanity when I drove the 60 cross country.

 

[tabraha]

Without a doubt, get a CB with an external aerial. It'll come in handy to hear about speed traps etc.

Mine saved my sanity when I drove the 60 cross country.

You were worried about speedtraps in your 60???

Ditto on the CB we pack a handheld on large trips and it at least tells us why we're stopped. I need to get an aerial and wire it up.

 

[macneill]

LOL. Nah, I could maybe get up to 65 if I drafted a semi downhill.

You were worried about speedtraps in your 60???

 

[Travis351]

Check your brakes.

 

[LEXCRUISER]

Thank's for all responses!

Re tires, I have BFG A/T KO.

Snow chain, I have bought a pair. Do I need for all 4 tires?

 

[DoctorJay]

Watch the weather too. Big winter storms can close the passes and even some of the interstates on the plains. If that looks likely, I'd think about taking I-10 across the bottom.

 

[BMWSTOY]

I never used my chains on my Michelin LTX - but I had A/T's and not the M/S so I can not speak for that tire. I would think you would not have any problems in the BFG's.
I have always carried chains in my 15 years living in Colorado and going to the the hills and never used them once.
You should have no worries with good tires and all fluids checked - oh, and change those wipers and get some quaility wiper fluid - the black chemical they spray our highways with will leave a film on that windshield.

 

[e9999]

by winter fluids I meant lower viscosity oil than what we'd use normally in CA if you anticipate seriously freezing temps, non-freezable wiper fluid, check coolant ratio, etc.

 

[Drinkin40s]

For when you get to the Northeast -- just some all-terrains like your BFG's is all you need.... it probably won't snow here this year with all the global warming =)

 

[LXPearl]

If your tires have more than half their tread left, it looks like you are in good shape. I would clean the battery terminals before the trip, but doubt you will need a new one yet.

Good idea to plan to pick up extra windshield washing solution as you travel and carry an extra pair of wiper refills.

It sounds like your vehicle is better prepared for the elements on the trip than 99% of the vehicles that will be traveling at Christmas. The Lexus flyers for the LX indicate it was designed for such conditions. Having traveled on 2-3K mile trips during the winter in the LC and LX, either make it easy to get spoiled in adverse conditions. No white knuckles attempting to control the vehicle as you pass over bridges and icy spots, travel through deep snow. I have been amazed at the ease the LC/LX handles the winter stuff compared to other vehicles I have driven, including 4wd (parttime). Just leave plenty of room to stop, because it is still a big heavy vehicle and 4wd does not stop faster than 2wd. Have a nice trip.

 

[pesimsmd]

Sounds like you got the mechanicals covered, but I was also include at XM or Sirus radio, there is nothing like having so many options radio options when driving cross country, and a radar detector, esp when driving in TX, those speed traps can be brutal and expensive.

 

[_JP_]

since you're going to NY and back, you'll need an OC or two i'd guess. if your route changes and you're going to be near oklahoma city, i recommend stopping for an oil change. last time i did the fly to VA then NC-PA-CA i stopped off at that gigantic super walmart to get the oil changed. largest store i've ever seen. easy place to kill an hour.

sounds like a fun trip. after fluid flushes and what not, just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

jp