Roughing It in Style: Tips for Road Tripping in a Truck

June 28, 2023June 16, 2023 Lisa Conant 0 Comments Road Trip, Tonneau Covers, Travel Solutions, Truck Accessories, Undercover

Road Trip! Those two words incite feelings of impromptu adventure and endless possibilities with your favorite ride-or-die buddies. Who knows where you’ll end up or what will happen along the way? One thing’s for sure, you gotta ride in comfort and style. On any decent road trip, the journey is worth just as much as the destination — or more.

While most people may plan long trips in their car or minivan, there may be an even better option for your next road trip vehicle: the pickup truck. That most utilitarian of vehicles, the OG workhorse has transformed itself into a luxury shuttle that can take you anywhere on anything that can pass for a road.

With plenty of space for passengers and cargo, pickups offer a comfortable and versatile platform for long-distance travel, especially with all the cool aftermarket gear and accessories you can get now for long-haul living. Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your next road trip and come back with priceless tales (but not high-priced repair bills).

Proper Planning

The first and arguably most important step to pulling off the perfect road trip is to properly prepare. Get your pre-travel checklist in order:

Check your oil and tires. If you’re close to being due for an oil change, this isn’t the time to cheap out and test your luck. Pony up for an oil change and possibly a tire rotation while you’re at it. At the very least, be sure to check oil level and tire pressure and integrity before rolling out.

Test your battery. Try to remember, when (if ever) was the last time you replaced your battery? A typical battery will give you 3-5 years before it bites the big one, so if you’re getting close, consider swapping it out for a new one. Check the terminals for any signs of corrosion and make sure you’re holding a charge well. And, if you don’t already have them, throw in a set of jumper cables or a jump starter with your road tripping gear, just in case.

Check fluid levels. It’s a good idea to double check your fluids — brake, power steering, transmission, coolant, and windshield washer — to make sure they’re all topped up before launch.

Gas up. We shouldn’t have to tell you this, but in the interest of being thorough…make sure the tank is full!

Essential Must-Haves

One of the many benefits of road tripping in a truck is the vast tundra of cargo space in the truck bed. You can even use it for sleeping accommodations if you want. Whatever you decide, be sure to bring these must-have items along for the ride:

Road side assistance kit that includes jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, first aid kit, and emergency blanket
Spare tire and jack
Empty gas can
Copies of your auto insurance
Small trash bags
A roll of toilet paper(!)
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or both
Neck pillow and blanket
Wireless car charger or charging cables
Your favorite snacks and drinks – and a cooler to keep them in
Road trippin’ playlist

This is just a basic necessities list. Depending on where you’re going and with whom, you’ll want to add in extra accessories. If you’re traveling with kiddos, for example, you’ll want to keep some toys or books on hand, as well as some fun travel games that can help keep the entire crew engaged and entertained in traffic jams or on the less scenic portions of the trip.

Pack Like a Pro

Successful road trips aren’t just about bringing the right gear. You have to know how to pack for maximum efficiency and minimum frustration. Otherwise, you’ll be that poor sod on the side of the road with half your truck unloaded looking for something that should have been in the cab all along.

Keep some of these practical tips in mind when loading up:

Keep the stuff you’ll need the most frequently closest to the tailgate.
Place heavier items near the center of the truck. This helps distribute the weight between the axles more evenly, making sure all tires have maximum contact with the road.
Use floor anchors to secure larger and heavier items, preventing them from sliding around and crushing or damaging other gear.
Consider a truck bed organizer that features different compartments for keeping smaller items in place.
Store larger items on their sides to optimize floor space and create a wall or buffer between other items.
Wrap fragile or smaller items in padding or blankets for extra protection.

Cover It Up

A good quality tonneau cover will protect all your gear and supplies from wind, rain, dust, and whatever other road hazards you might come across. It will also allow you to carry lightweight items in the truck bed, leaving the coveted cab space open for fitting more friends and family.

Another bonus? A tonneau cover can help improve your aerodynamics and gas mileage – reducing drag by an average 5.7% and increasing fuel efficiency by 1.8%, according to the smart people at SEMA. It will also provide security from prying eyes and can lock down to provide optimum protection for your valuables.

Order Some Apps

If you’re like most folks these days, you probably rely heavily on your smart phone for instantaneous access to information and aid. There are some pretty cool apps out there that will help make the most of your road trip with time-saving tips and entertainment enhancers:

For planning, Roadtrippers is a very popular and user-friendly platform that lets you set up multiple waypoints, collaborate with friends and family, find lodging, restaurants, attractions, and more.

GoogleMaps and Waze can help you find the fastest way to your destination, but more importantly, they can give you real-time traffic updates, alert you to roadside hazards and accidents, avoid tolls, and more.

Rising fuel costs can be a mood killer on even the best road trips. Apps like GasBuddy crowdsource current fuel costs from more than 150,000 gas stations across North America, helping you save money.

One of the best parts of road tripping is coming across fun, memorable, and often unexpected pit stops that are the stuff you’ll be talking about for years. The iExit Interstate Guide can help you find the best places to pull off for a coffee run, snacks, a much-needed bathroom break, hospitals, and more. For more off-beat and quirky attractions, check out Roadside America.

Sleep in a tent under the stars one night and a 5-star spa the next. Apps like Airbnb, Hotel Tonight, and The Dyrt can help you find accommodations in every price range along the way.