[Waltah]

Hitting the road for 990 miles (Cleveland, OH to Biloxi, MS) in the commander soon. Would appreciate any advice on things to check before i hit the road. ill be doing 600 one day and then the rest afterward. It'll be just myself.

things i have checked..

tires are all in great shape, i will even out the pressures before i go
coolant is good
brakes are good
washer fluid topped off
fresh oil change and filter

anything else you guys check before i long road trip? thanks

p.s.- what speed do you guys average for the best MPG? i was getting about 19-19.3 MPG going 65 on the turnpike last month. is that the sweet spot?

 

[a49erFan]

I just completed a 3,300 mile road trip two weeks ago and am off to Camp Commander next week, you have the basics covered. take a look at belts and hoses and then enjoy the drive.

 

[Mongo]

Check all fluids, looks like you forgot PS on your list. Remember to check under the pressure cap for coolant level, and only after the fluid is cool, never open while its hot.

Check you air filter, replace if dirty.

Check the condition of your serpentine belt, if you've got more than 60k miles on it, consider changing it before the trip.

 

[Waltah]

27k miles on the jeep.

made a small tool box with basics. flashlight and knife included
oil&filter changed
tires and spare in good condition with proper pressures
fluid levels look good
air filter actually looked good but i did vacuum it for giggles
all the lights are good, extra brake light bulbs in utility tray
tow strap
snacks/water
insurance/roadside up to date


i think ive got it covered. going to update my nav today as well.

 

[indymtb]

You didn't mention the most important thing! Remember your credit card. I just recently drove from Indy to mobile and back. Drove like a champ but was definitely thirstier than my car. I do recommend 89 octane. The MPG increase will pay for the extra 15-20 cents without question.

Enjoy!

 

[D-niceCommander]

I would check the differential fluid also. I just notice some seeping at the bottom of mine. Its probably fine. If your checking everything else why not.

 

[Creek]

Wiper blades

 

[gisboro]

Make sure your radio/cd player is working...thats a long drive without any tunes

 

[Mongo]

You didn't mention the most important thing! Remember your credit card. I just recently drove from Indy to mobile and back. Drove like a champ but was definitely thirstier than my car. I do recommend 89 octane. The MPG increase will pay for the extra 15-20 cents without question.

Enjoy!

I just did this, for a long trip this weekend. I have the 3.7L V6, so it might NOT work as well for the V6. 120mi trip, drove down with just enough 87 Octane that the tank was empty by the time I got there and then filled the tank with 89 Octane for the drive home along the same route.

Reseting after warm up of the motor about 5 mi. down the road, I got 19.4MPG going to my destination w/87, and 20.5MPG returning from my destination w/89. I calculate that to be a $0.12 savings per tank of gas using the 89 Octane. Remember, this is the V6 in my experience, so the V8 and/or just the Hemi may make a bigger difference like the others are claiming.

Also keep in mind, this is counter to most vehicles, if anything, using lower than recommended octane gets you better mileage, so there is a weird variable for the Commander that makes using a higher octane get you higher mileage.

 

[jeadstx]

I'm also planning a long trip (1200 miles each way) in the next couple days from central Texas to Savannah, GA. I have the 3.7L and usually get about 22 to 23mpg on the highway. I'm expecting good milage going there, but less coming back. I'll have a 25.5-foot sailboat mast with me on the trip back. I had a front reciever hitch put on the Jeep and two upright mast supports to put in the front and rear reciever hitches. I should have about a 4-foot overhang on each end. I'm attaching a tail light that will be wired into the back over hanging section. Should be an interesting drive home. Normally I would transport a mast on the boat, but figured a trailer would really raise gas costs. I put new spark plugs in the Jeep.

John