Tips for driving across country for the first time?

773190

{"text":"I'm going to be driving a 15\" Uhaul and trailer  in a few days and am looking for any tips/advice. \n\nI'm going from South Dakota to Florida and it's around a 28 hourish drive. It'll be my first long road trip by myself and anything I would need to know before hand would be very appreciated.\n","videos":"[]","link":"{}","pics":"[]","canComment":true}

773314

{"replyTo":"","text":"Don't be afraid to pull over and get some sleep.\n","replyToPid":0}

773198

{"replyTo":"","text":"Just stop if you're drowsy. Coffee and energy drinks can only get you so far.\n\nPlan the trip before you leave.\n\nDo a quick walk around before you leave and anytime you stop. Check tires, make sure nothing is leaking, the rear door is secure, etc.\nLock the rear door. Trucks like that are easy to spot and people assume there's something worthwhile in them.\n\nIf you don't have experience backing a trailer, don't. Find places to park where you can pull right through.\n\nBe aware of your surroundings at all times, and never forget there's a trailer behind you. It sounds dumb, but moving trucks with trailers and pickups with campers like to change lanes without accounting for the space the trailer needs.\n\nDon't drive if you don't feel safe. Tired, bad weather, wind, etc. If you don't feel comfortable, stop.\n\nYou will get bored. Do not mess with your phone. It's dangerous in a car, but now you will be in a larger, heavier vehicle, pulling a trailer. It will not stop as quickly, and swerving is not a good option.\n\nJust pay attention to what's around you, don't push yourself, and you'll be fine.\n\nBe safe out there.\n","replyToPid":0}

773199

{"replyTo":"","text":"The biggest of all is just be safe, dont get in a rush and you will arrive safely.\n","replyToPid":0}

773304

{"replyTo":"","text":"Outside of preplanning your trip and some of things that were already mentioned. watch videos on youtube that would help you out. \n","replyToPid":0}

766990

{"replyTo":"","text":"most of these replies are from fake tp accounts..tp do you think we're all stupid ?","replyToPid":0}

773311

{"replyTo":"","text":"Fuel up at truck stops, not some random gas station. you could end up with bad/dirty gas and end up with a break down in the uhaul.","replyToPid":0}

773308

{"replyTo":"","text":"It's August and still plenty of nice weather, enjoy the trip.\n","replyToPid":0}

773306

{"replyTo":"","text":"Be safe, is the biggest thing, really it is. Be sure you double check and triple check before merging, exiting, entering highways. Don't flash highbeams, it blinds people, especially truckers.\n","replyToPid":0}

773192

{"replyTo":"","text":"Personally, I would look at a couple of pre-trip videos on YouTube and do what applies to the U-Haul and trailer, I recall them not being in the best shape all the time. At very least check fluids and air pressure in tires before starting again after a break of several hours, which is about all you need, plus always check the trailer attachment, lots of so-called funny guys out there that think it's funny to mess with people's lives. First one by yourself can be tough to stay awake, don't do the classic \"roll down window, play radio loud\" fix, pull over at the first safe place and take a 15-20 minute nap to get the monotony out of your system. I've been driving for 10 years and still do the naps if need be, better a nap than a rumble strip wakeup and possible panic. You can do it, just be smart about it, which IMO you already are just by posting a question, enjoy your trip!","replyToPid":0}

773181

{"replyTo":"","text":"The first time I drove a 15' vehicle, I tore up the side of it making a tight turn in the city. Just be sure to steer wide, otherwise it's no big deal driving a Uhaul.\n\nAs for the long distance... I dunno, there's nothing to it really. Don't eat many snacks on the road or drink too much, you'll have more energy if you just stop for meals instead.","replyToPid":0}