Oakland – Joshua Tree – Grand Canyon – Moab – White Rim – Ouray – Colorado Springs – Sandy – Truckee – Oakland…
This is a trip I’ve been wanting to do…but as usual life gets in the way. Circumstances aligned this time – my wife and I were able to take off 3 weeks from work, my oldest just graduated pre-kindergarten, and an opportunity to visit my wifes brothers in Colorado Springs presented itself…so the planning and preparation began.
First things first, I needed to get the rig prepared. After having our three kids (5, 3, and 1), the last several years didn’t leave me much free time to tinker with the rig. Here is a list of things I did in the few weeks leading up to the trip:
- Replaced stock battery with Die Hard Platinum Group 31
- Build a storage/tie down platform for the back
- Replaced timing belt, water pump and coolant flush
- Replaced gear and engine oils
- Replaced air filter
- New tires, GY Duratracs
- Storage Solution: Keeper Roof bag, Frontrunner Wolf Packs
- New tent: REI Kingdom 6
- New Stove: Primus grill/stove combo
Before I get to the report, I should say, I’m super thankful to my wife for allowing us to go on such an adventure with the 3 youngans, and agreeing to do this trip in my truck rather than our plush 2015 Toyota Sienna.
This is a trip I’ve been wanting to do…but as usual life gets in the way. Circumstances aligned this time – my wife and I were able to take off 3 weeks from work, my oldest just graduated pre-kindergarten, and an opportunity to visit my wifes brothers in Colorado Springs presented itself…so the planning and preparation began.
First things first, I needed to get the rig prepared. After having our three kids (5, 3, and 1), the last several years didn’t leave me much free time to tinker with the rig. Here is a list of things I did in the few weeks leading up to the trip:
- Replaced stock battery with Die Hard Platinum Group 31
- Build a storage/tie down platform for the back
- Replaced timing belt, water pump and coolant flush
- Replaced gear and engine oils
- Replaced air filter
- New tires, GY Duratracs
- Storage Solution: Keeper Roof bag, Frontrunner Wolf Packs
- New tent: REI Kingdom 6
- New Stove: Primus grill/stove combo
Before I get to the report, I should say, I’m super thankful to my wife for allowing us to go on such an adventure with the 3 youngans, and agreeing to do this trip in my truck rather than our plush 2015 Toyota Sienna.