Planning a long distance trip

[LockedCollector]

Howdy,........DONE!

Background

After much waiting I finally found a cruiser that met my criteria. I recently purchased a '05 LX470 with 103k miles from a Toyota dealer. According to LX Driver and Carfax, first owner had it for 2 years (lease) and second owner for the remainder. Both local. The manager whom I had delt with before ('11 FJC purchase) let me take the LX for the w/e before deciding on purchase. I looked at everything I could look at and measure. This thing is super clean inside and out (including engine and undercarriage). I paid ~4.5k below blue book as I was able to negotiate the 90k service (I got this) and had a rock chip on the winshield. Because it was right before new years eve, I had done business with them before and was a fresh trade-in (not even 24 hrs) they really gave me a great deal. Worthy to note that all past service was done at Lexus dealer.

Tentative trip schedule

I am in TX and planning a trip to Reno NV in mid-March (God willing). My plan is to go through Albuquerque NM towards Arizona (Grand Canyon) camp at the South Rim for a night, take in the scenery and then head towards rds Las Vegas NV for a night of fun. Then head towards Yellowstone Park and see if I can even get in there for a night. Next is to go to a resort in Lake Tahoe for a couple of nights and the spend an additional night in Reno at my wife's sister's house. To head back to TX we would drive into Utah and go to Moab(never been). Then head through Colorado, down to NM and visit Santa Fe. Finally, we would head back to TX. This would be like a 8-10 day trip. Still haven't worked out details completely and is part of the reason for this post. So obviously, I plan to take the LX but as I will be taking my kids (young adults) and some of their endeared friends. 8 people total. I will also take my FJC (eldest son will drive that).

Where I need input

1. Am I ok to wait on the 90k service for the LX? I would bet that I am but what can I check to reinforce my decision to wait. FJC has 86k (got it with 19k miles) but it has a TC not TB so not to worried, but same question. Rigs are bone stock.

2. What spare parts should I carry if any? Im taking a tow strap, snow chains, 3-way radios, metric tools, two tents, sleeping bags, large cooler and what else? I have a hitch 10klb winch but no planning through technical trails or go over boulders and stuff.

3. Any recommendations on scenic views etc., along my way or destination points?

4. What apps do I need to know about for a trip like this that will help with logistics etc? Not planning on going too remote.

5. What else should I consider?

Thanks in advance.

 

[aging fleet]

You'll likely be fine waiting on the timing belt, but I would pull cover off the passenger side cam gear to visually inspect. For piece of mind, I would replace the coolant tees before you left.

 

[FranceJohnson]

FWIW my buddy with a 4.7L V8 Tundra took his truck in to be serviced at 198K. He had the 90k service done, legitimately. It had the original timing belt, serpentine belt, everything, including the spark plugs. Says it runs fantastic now. These trucks are crazy forgiving.

Change all your fluids, grease all your zirks, and inflate your tires properly. Your truck will be ready to go.

As far as gear goes, you kind of figure out what works best as you go. Everyone really has their own style. If your camping, Black Diamond lanterns are invaluable, and having a 12v AA/AAA battery charger will help out big time.

 

[FranceJohnson]

Oh, and with being in the truck for that much time, you cant have enough hard wired USB chargers. I put the marine ones from Amazon all over our truck. Ideally ones that don't have LED backlights so they aren't draining your battery. Two of ours have a tiny light which doesn't have much draw.

Service wise, if your fronts wheel bearings haven't been greased, thats probably worth doing too.

 

[flintknapper]

As previously mentioned, I'd at least check (if not change) your heater Tee's, its something you'll want to do soon anyway.

 

[Sandroad]

Tires. Make sure you have 5 good tires on both trucks.
Batteries. Make sure you have a good battery in both trucks.
Preview your route with Google Maps and check out all the things you may want to see on your way.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Spend ~$100 on AAA fill it with gas and have a good time

 

[LockedCollector]

Keep it coming guys, this is good stuff!

 

[SmoothLC]

Check:

• Baseline fluids
• Battery
• Heater Ts
• Tires

Sites:

• Toroweap
  
• Fins and Things
• San Jaun Mountains
• Canyon de Chelly

 

[Kofoed]

From Reno I would go out Highway 50 and catch Lehman Caves, and you can also catch, Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef via Highway 12 to Capitol Reef and thence to Green River and then Moab. It will be a bit of a rush, but you could get a taste of these areas and return for more exploration later.

Not much camping at South Rim, Mather campground gets filled up. Try a get a room at the Bright Angel Lodge. It is cheap (read: not really expensive).

North Rim will be closed for the season.

I'd check tire codes to see their age, and make sure no weather checking leading to a sidewall scuff or delamination...

 

[mattafact]

Check:

• Baseline fluids
• Battery
• Heater Ts
• Tires

Sites:

• Toroweap
  
• Fins and Things
• San Jaun Mountains
• Canyon de Chelly

This. All of this.

 

[LockedCollector]

Late post but family and I did end up taking the 1.5 week trip. From Lubbock TX to Grand Canyon, Hover Dam, Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes and back with zzzzero problems. Something I have always wanted to do but would have never done in the 80s I previously owned. I absolutely love the 470! Son and his friends drove the FJC. Only pic that I took was when we stopped at to get a good view at part of Lake Mead. Anyways glad to own such reliable Toyotas.

Thanks for all the input. Planning trip to Florida now!

 

[LockedCollector]

Anyways, may be no big deal but dream come true for me.