You’ve got a pickup truck and a plan to travel across the US. Maybe you’re taking the long, scenic route to visit family, or perhaps you just want to experience the joy of an all-American road trip. Either way, you’re in for a treat so long as you invest in some upfront planning to ensure your comfort and safety. Here, we explore how to prepare for a cross-country trip in a pickup truck.
Start With the Truck Itself
Inspect your pickup a week or two before departure, checking these things:
- tire pressure
- tread depth
- oil level and quality
- coolant level
- wiper blades
- brake response
- every exterior light
Honestly, unless you’re a handy person, we suggest taking your truck to a mechanic for this inspection. They’ll be able to check everything we listed and perform more in-depth diagnoses.
Load the Bed With a Plan
One of the best parts of traveling in a pickup is all the bed space you can fill. However, you shouldn’t just toss every bag in the back. Rather, pack your luggage in a balanced, secured way.
Put heavier gear low and close to the cab. Strap down coolers, toolboxes, luggage, and loose bins so they don’t slide when you brake or take a curve. And if you don’t already have one, install a locking tonneau cover. This upgrade earns its keep on a long trip because it protects luggage from weather and can prevent truck bed theft.
If you’re bringing any smaller items, those belong inside the cab or in locked storage, especially if you plan to stop anywhere overnight. Finally, keep your daily-use bag handy so you don’t have to unload half the bed to grab a jacket or your medications.
Set Up the Cab for Long Days
Truck cabs aren’t exactly known for their spaciousness. What you gain in loading potential, you lose in comfort. But that doesn’t mean you can’t comfortably enjoy a road trip in a pickup. Consider these tips:
- Carefully adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors before you leave town.
- Bring sunglasses, charging cords, paper towels, a phone mount, and a small cooler with water and snacks.
- Make a long stretch much easier on your body with a neck pillow and seat cushion.
- Download music, podcasts, or audiobooks so they’re always ready to play.
Finish Strong With the Right Mindset
A good trip starts before you turn the key in the ignition. The best thing you can do to prepare for a cross-country trip in a pickup truck is adjust your mindset. You won’t have so much space to stretch your legs, but you’re making up for that with easy cargo hauling and the simple fact that traveling in a pickup is awesome. So make sure your truck and your headspace are ready to go, and you’ll have an amazing adventure.
