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Road Trip Advice

1K views 27 replies 14 participants last post by  raif281 
#1 ·
Alright guys so I might be trading in the crappy state of Louisiana for a better life out in Colorado. But before that can happen I have to do a face to face interview with the potential employers at MedImmune in Boulder, Colorado. July 5th I have a second phone interview July 5th with 2 techs, I will find out more info then. So roughly the gps has it at 1296 miles, which im going to call 1300 and anywhere from 19-19.5hrs to golden, CO just west of Denver. My moms friend lives there an that's where I'll be staying for 4-5 days while I do my face to face interview.

1. What I'm wanting to know is what should I do to my jeep before embarking on such a journey? obviously check my fluids an such. My jeep is an 03 rubicon with a 3.5" long arm suspension lift by rubicon express, 35" tires, a hardtop and 37,xxx miles. It has other mods but I believe that's all that will affect mileage/drivability. I have a friend with the exact same jeep (year color an model) that did it twice, moving up there and eventually a year later back down. The following are his fueling locations I plan to use on my trip, im even thinking of borrowing a 5 gallon gas can from someone as you never know where the next gas station will be lol.

departing from Destrehan
First stop is right after i get on 49N.
2nd state line past Shreveport
3rd right before Dallas
4th roughy Wichita Falls, maybe a little further
5th before Amarillo
6th NM/TX state line whenever you can find a gas station
7th Raton, NM
8th just past pueblo
9th just past Colorado Springs
i25 north to hwy 470 west to Golden.

This is bad mileage scenario just because you never know.

16.5ish tanks of gas at 170miles per tank $500-550 gas for the trip. I plan to get reimbursed for the mileage in lieu of a plane ticket which would be a little less than that. That includes a 2600 mile round trip plus an extra 200 miles of driving around an sightseeing while I'm there. The guy I bought the jeep from drove it from North Dakota to here in Louisiana by me. I have my back seat folded up an besides my tools, Jack and backpack will be putting clothes back there an maybe a case of water.

2. Any advice?

3. Does anyone know if gas burns quicker, slower or the same at a mile high vs a few feet below sea level where I'm at.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, thanks in advance.
 
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#2 ·
You're on the right track. Fluids, tires, and extras. Check your spare for air.I have a tool box I throw in the back whenever I take my TJ on a long haul. Miscellaneous tools, oil, etc...It also helps to take out the rear seat, you can fit a little bit more in the back. Your mileage should be about the same up here, your fuel injected so it will compensate for the change. The air is thinner here which would be less drag, but I doubt you will see much of a change in mileage. Maybe I am wrong..
You will notice a decrease in power though
 
#11 ·
You're on the right track. Fluids, tires, and extras. Check your spare for air. I have a tool box I throw in the back whenever I take my TJ on a long haul. Miscellaneous tools, oil, etc...It also helps to take out the rear seat, you can fit a little bit more in the back. Your mileage should be about the same up here, your fuel injected so it will compensate for the change. The air is thinner here which would be less drag, but I doubt you will see much of a change in mileage. Maybe I am wrong..
You will notice a decrease in power though
tires have good tread an spare is brand new, just checked psi the other day an added air accordingly. I have a 111 piece tool set I keep in the back along with a fire extinguisher, a Jack and ratchet and various other tools, my BOB backpack im working on and coolant. I might take my rear seat out, it's been folded up for the last few weeks and has a lot more room thank before.

You may be more familiar with this area than I am, but I always took the LA415 cut off to US190 at the 151 mile marker on I10 just after crossing the Mississippi. It has been a little over a year since I have been through there, but there are a lot of places to stop for fuel for you and the Jeep. US 190 to Opelouses is slower in MPH, but shorter and an easier drive. They have been working on it in short stretches for a while. I has always been four lanes, but they are significantly upgrading it and dividing it. The LA DOT has been good about keeping it open as it is a major access to that area. If you decide not to eat in Port Allen, then the next area on 190 is Krotz Springs when you cross the the Atchafalaya River. Save money on fuel and fill up in Port Allen as it is about 60 miles from there to Opelousas via 190.
When going to E. Texas, I would always fill up in Port Allen and Natchitoches when I exited I49 onto LA 6 heading west. From Opeleousas to Natchitoches it is a very good road.
The furthest I have driven a short body Jeep is to Cleveland, Oh from S. Georgia in a six month old '93 YJ without cruise control. That was about 925 miles and it took me about 14 hours. The one thing I definitely remember about the trip was the damn bumps when the pavement sections joined. Last year I drove over 900 miles from central Texas after a class reunion straight home in 14 hours. Love those seats and suspension in my Sahara. Not the smoothest ride, but the best riding vehicle because of the seat positions and the stability of the Jeep.
You might want to split your drive 12 and 8 hours if you can. That will give you the hardest day the first day and a chance to recuperate on the second. Plan your overnight stop and reserve your room in advance so you are not subject to sudden changes in booking by others. When you stop to eat, take a break and eat in the place.
Good Luck on finding what you want. Your TJ should fit in well up there.
I see what you mean it shows it as us highway 1, pretty much you immediately get off the bridge and get on river road north for a few miles then get on 190 west to Opelousas. at least that's what my gps is telling me to do. Opelousas is 126 miles 2hrs from my house so I can make it there on 1 tank an fill up before getting on 49 north. I might just make sandwiches to keep in a very small ice chest and stop when we need to use the bathroom and stretch. I'm not trying to brag or be ignorant of anyone's advice but I drive to Orlando and back with only 2-3 stops each way, bathroom/stretching. I was thinking about splitting it up 12/8 like that but my mom told me her friends sister lives 10hrs away in Texas (I forgot to mention that earlier) and I am most likely staying the night there. Thanks and I think so as well, can't wait to take her on some trails and get out in nature! I plan to just take my time going 70ish the whole way.


A rain poncho and a fire extinguisher, keep both where you can get to them without digging through stuff. I have two extinguishers a 5lb that I keep strapped to the rear roll bar and a 2 1/2 that fits perfect between the drivers seat and the door on the floor board. That's where I keep the poncho as well.
I have a poncho I keep in my backpack, it's a Magellan fold up one that folds up into a pouch. I have a small fire extinguisher in the back also, it says fill min 3lb 5oz Max 3lb 12oz so not sure the size. I've been wanting to order a strap pouch to put my extinguisher in but never get around to it.

I drove my jeep from Florida to Moab, Ut and back last year and plan to do the in a couple months. I'm also running 35" MT tires. There's plenty of places to refuel along the way so I wouldn't consider that an issue. Just be mindful of your fuel range and you should be able to figure out the next town you want to refuel at. I averaged around 14-15mpg going about 70-75mph and refueled about every 200 miles. I carried an extra 4 gallons of fuel but never needed it, but it was comforting knowing that I had it just in case.

What gears and transmission do you have?
I'm not sure of highway fuel range as I drive city 90-95% of the time, but I think it's about 170 as of now. I'm hoping to get the same mileage from my jeep doin that speed, as the old saying goes id rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I have 4.10's and I think the NVG241OR, it's an automatic



I would calculate the fuel cost of driving your Jeep vs a econobox rental.
30+ MPG in a rental at 400 miles per tank vs 170 in a Jeep.
Food for thought.
I figured about $500-600 in gas to drive my jeep 2800 miles. 2600 to drive there and back and an addition 200 to drive around. read below for rest of answer.

I would also look into renting an economy car V. driving your jeep here and back and then again when you move here. Running out of fuel won't be a problem. I've driven mine back and forth between Denver and Calgary numerous times and have never ran out of gas, My LJR is set up similar to yours.
good to know thanks. read below for rest of answer.

If he is going to rent an econo box to drive, he might as well fly and rent the econo box there for running around. It's on their dime.

This is what I would do...! Denver is a major hub, and you could probably find some sweet airline deals that would not be much different than buying fuel, food, and motel rooms, plus you would be more relaxed for your interview.
My moms friend that lives in Colorado, her sister lives halfway (about 10hrs) in Texas. I'm going to stay at her place on my drive in and out. Y'all are missing the point, im taking a week off of work to drive my jeep out there so I can check out the trails/mountains and check out places to live. Also we just rented a car to drive to Florida (10hrs) for a wedding and if I remember correctly it was about $150ish a day with taxes, rental insurance and all that good stuff. That was an economy vehicle so probably $750-900 or so for rental plus gas and food. Once you start adding insurance and all the other stuff it adds up quick. The whole point is me getting gas money in lieu of a plane ticket as I don't like flying, and taking my time checking out the area/places to live and most importantly going check out the trails. I think I also forgot to mention my girlfriend is coming and we're making a little vacation out of it.


I forgot to mention it has a champion 2 row aluminum radiator with electric fan.
 
#3 ·
You may be more familiar with this area than I am, but I always took the LA415 cut off to US190 at the 151 mile marker on I10 just after crossing the Mississippi. It has been a little over a year since I have been through there, but there are a lot of places to stop for fuel for you and the Jeep. US 190 to Opelouses is slower in MPH, but shorter and an easier drive. They have been working on it in short stretches for a while. I has always been four lanes, but they are significantly upgrading it and dividing it. The LA DOT has been good about keeping it open as it is a major access to that area. If you decide not to eat in Port Allen, then the next area on 190 is Krotz Springs when you cross the the Atchafalaya River. Save money on fuel and fill up in Port Allen as it is about 60 miles from there to Opelousas via 190.

When going to E. Texas, I would always fill up in Port Allen and Natchitoches when I exited I49 onto LA 6 heading west. From Opeleousas to Natchitoches it is a very good road.

The furthest I have driven a short body Jeep is to Cleveland, Oh from S. Georgia in a six month old '93 YJ without cruise control. That was about 925 miles and it took me about 14 hours. The one thing I definitely remember about the trip was the damn bumps when the pavement sections joined. Last year I drove over 900 miles from central Texas after a class reunion straight home in 14 hours. Love those seats and suspension in my Sahara. Not the smoothest ride, but the best riding vehicle because of the seat positions and the stability of the Jeep.

You might want to split your drive 12 and 8 hours if you can. That will give you the hardest day the first day and a chance to recuperate on the second. Plan your overnight stop and reserve your room in advance so you are not subject to sudden changes in booking by others. When you stop to eat, take a break and eat in the place.

Good Luck on finding what you want. Your TJ should fit in well up there.
 
#4 ·
A rain poncho and a fire extinguisher, keep both where you can get to them without digging through stuff.
I have two extinguishers a 5lb that I keep strapped to the rear roll bar and a 2 1/2 that fits perfect between the drivers seat and the door on the floor board. That's where I keep the poncho as well.
 
#6 ·
I drove my jeep from Florida to Moab, Ut and back last year and plan to do the in a couple months. I'm also running 35" MT tires. There's plenty of places to refuel along the way so I wouldn't consider that an issue. Just be mindful of your fuel range and you should be able to figure out the next town you want to refuel at. I averaged around 14-15mpg going about 70-75mph and refueled about every 200 miles. I carried an extra 4 gallons of fuel but never needed it, but it was comforting knowing that I had it just in case.

What gears and transmission do you have?
 
#7 ·
I would also look into renting an economy car V. driving your jeep here and back and then again when you move here. Running out of fuel won't be a problem. I've driven mine back and forth between Denver and Calgary numerous times and have never ran out of gas, My LJR is set up similar to yours.
 
#8 ·
If he is going to rent an econo box to drive, he might as well fly and rent the econo box there for running around. It's on their dime.
 
#15 ·
well I budgeted 200 miles just to hit a few trails, not gonna go on anything crazy as I don't want to break anything. well it's hard navigating this thing since the forum all isn't working so I'm doing it from my phone.

I'd park it in the garage, take Uber to the airport, get on a plane, get off plane go to the rental car agency that you have a car reservation at ( Priceline bidding can get a car for under $20/day ). Get to the interview less fatigued & without any possible breakdown issues & probably for the same price as driving. Good luck on the interview....
what's an uber? lol, that's why I'm taking a week off of work so I have Saturday through the following Sunday to take my time, enjoy the views and make it a mini vacation like I wanted to with my girlfriend.

Keeping it simple.... If you bring your Jeep to Colorado, you will never want to leave. Be prepared to stay. We are full of great people and trails that will fulfill all desires.

Oh and if you end up in Boulder your Jeep will stand out amongst all the Subarus.
That's the plan! lol glad to hear that bud, night and day coming from Louisiana where there are absolutely no trails. I won't be living in Boulder itself as that's pretty expensive probably the outskirts firestick Erie, longmount area possible. Seriously it's full of subarus? my gf's sister and bro in law are ambassadors and love their subarus more than I love my jeep, and I love my jeep a lot �� and I could personally care less for a subarus
 
#13 ·
I'd park it in the garage, take Uber to the airport, get on a plane, get off plane go to the rental car agency that you have a car reservation at ( Priceline bidding can get a car for under $20/day ). Get to the interview less fatigued & without any possible breakdown issues & probably for the same price as driving. Good luck on the interview....
 
#14 ·
Keeping it simple.... If you bring your Jeep to Colorado, you will never want to leave. Be prepared to stay. We are full of great people and trails that will fulfill all desires.

Oh and if you end up in Boulder your Jeep will stand out amongst all the Subarus.
 
#16 ·
Maybe it's because I'm always tune that way, but I tend to notice jeeps more than Subarus in Denver and the surrounding area.

I used to live in golden in a rental, and have lived in various parts of Denver throughout my life including Longmont, Arvada, Westminster, Aurora, and now in SW Denver right next to Littleton.

Fair warning, once you get here you're not going to want to go back to whatever that other state is! ?
 
#21 ·
Gotcha bud and how is the longmount area? There's a subdivision off of county highway 24 by union reservoir that has some houses for sale. i was looking at them as just a cheap alternative to paying $1500 in rent if can buy one under $100k and pay around 600 a month an save a lot of money.

And that's not a problem with me, I'm wanting to leave Louisiana and never come back.

If you are going for a job, go for the job. Fly. When you get the job you can move there and then explore to your hearts content. First get a job. Having lived in Colorado, Arizona, California, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and some other places, I quite like Louisiana, now Kansas, well-----.

But, you will enjoy Colorado, go for it. Good luck with the interview.
I don't do planes that's why I was wanting to drive, but I totally understand your logic.

Don't get me wrong Louisiana is nice but everything revolves around drinking, it has numerous corrupt politics, the roads are sh*tty (because of the corrupt politics), the mosquitos suck a$$, there's nothing outdoors to do (maybe if you have a boat or kayak), no places to ride the jeep and lastly it's as hot as the Devils a$$ crack during the summer with high humidity.

Thanks bud.


This was the point in my post. Concentrate on getting to the job interview 1st because if you get it you'll have a huge playground in your background. Personally, I wouldn't want a major breakdown to get make a mess of things. :beerdrinking::Thanx:
Very true, I've never been on vacation before so I was trying to make it a mini vacation. I think I'm going to rent a car.


You should be fine. Might consider a lumbar support or seat upgrade in the future after this trip. Those bucket seats are not the most comfortable after the 100th mile.

Good luck on the interview!:)
No they are not comfortable at all! thanks.

That's actually something I've noticed and thought it was just my height (6'1")...

I'll post separately about that though. Good luck with the interview!
I'm 6' 5" so I thought the same thing also, and thanks bud!




I have to apologize to you guys earlier who told me to drive, I'm not flying as I don't do planes. But I didn't notice the excessive young driver fee as I'm 23, so if I were to put it under my moms name if I rent it, doing the cheapest car, my total would be almost $2-300 cheaper than doing it in my name. So now with the new calculations it's looking like it'll be around $150 cheaper to rent a car including gas, and a lot fewer gas stops.
 
#17 ·
If you are going for a job, go for the job. Fly. When you get the job you can move there and then explore to your hearts content. First get a job. Having lived in Colorado, Arizona, California, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and some other places, I quite like Louisiana, now Kansas, well-----.

But, you will enjoy Colorado, go for it. Good luck with the interview.
 
#18 ·
This was the point in my post. Concentrate on getting to the job interview 1st because if you get it you'll have a huge playground in your background. Personally, I wouldn't want a major breakdown to get make a mess of things. :beerdrinking::Thanx:
 
#20 ·
You should be fine. Might consider a lumbar support or seat upgrade in the future after this trip. Those bucket seats are not the most comfortable after the 100th mile.

Good luck on the interview!
That's actually something I've noticed and thought it was just my height (6'1")...

I'll post separately about that though. Good luck with the interview!
 
#22 ·
Renting a car is a wise choice, your back, butt, hearing & girlfriend will thank you! Being so young you'll need to get over that flying hang up, its safer anyways. They have support groups :)
Good Luck on the trip & interview....
 
#24 ·
the hardtop helps with the hearing lol. Lmao I'll think about it, I don't plan on going anywhere I can't drive. Plus anywhere I'll be going from now on should be for my jeep lol. 3 weeks vacation to start so that should cover if I need to come back for wedding or anything.

Longmont is a great area - actually just took the dogs to Union Reservoir this weekend.

It's a nice town that has modern trappings but also removed enough from the hustle and bustle of Denver.
Cool man, I'm trying to get my gf's dads neighbors border collie for when we move up there.



Modern trappings? does that mean something like modern amenities? and that sounds like the perfect area to me. Doesn't seem to far of a commute to Boulder.
 
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