Road Trip with Camry

[ToyotaToday]

Hey, I'm planning a trip with my wife to San Franciso from Vancouver. The Camry has 110, 000 km, so the timing belt does not need to be changed yet (recommended at 140K).
Our trip wont be until May, but just want some input form you guys as to what should be tuned up before the road trip...also any good road trip stories with your Camry. How's the ride on the long highway, etc.

Thanks

[kamesama980]

you kidding? change the oil, check if the plugs need to be changed, and bring some snacks. unless youre having trouble, it should be fine.

[ghettosled]

dont forget to check your radiator hoses - give them a quick squeeze to see if they are okay. oh, and bring some gummy bears. Mmm, gummy bears... *drool*

[darksparkz]

Check air filter.
Check all fluid levels.
Check and fill all tires, make sure spare works as well.
Make sure your battery is good and have battery wires.

Just make sure the A/C or heat or whatever you'll be using is good. Have maps, food, water, and whatnot.

[Calvin327]

Check all fluids and oil.
Make sure the transmission fluid is good, should be Red or pink around there.
Oil obviously and once you get to San Francisco check them all again just in case.
Replace the Spark plugs and wires since its already 110K.
Whoever told you not to change the timing belt I do not know but the maintinence on those thigns are usually 90K. To be on a safe side, bring an extra galloon of Toyota Red Coolant in the trunk with you just in case. Other than that have a nice trip down near and watch out for CHP's.

[Tom 2000]

110k km = approx 70k miles
140k km = approx 90k miles.

[Tom 2000]

I've driven to San Francisco from Seattle last December. There's a lot of good places along the way to see. If you have time, take US 101 along the Southern Oregon Coast. It's absolutely beautiful, especially the sand dunes.

On I-5, the only real grades you will encounter are towards Southern Oregon, but no biggie. Once you get into California, it's pretty flat.

If you're a CAA member, make sure to get a good collection of maps. They will have a good stock of AAA maps for the US.

Puget Sounds area traffic on Southbound I-5 is horrible from about North Everett to downtown Seattle from 6:30am to about 9:00 am.

[Fresco Bob]

I did this last summer on my bike, its wicked fun. Seatle traffic is horrible, so plan your departure around that, or you can take a ferry across and avoid seatle alltogether.

The 101 is pretty nice, but if you are in a rush to either get there or get home (hopefully not both), just stick to the I-5.

If you have time, be sure to take the 1. It goes from just north of san fran to Leggett, and its the most fun road youll ever drive.

[drunken_panda]

I drove from TX to CA (2000 miles) and the Camry was wonderful. I regurally drive from Santa Barbara to San Fransico along the 101 (400 miles each way). The ride is very sedated for both driver and passenger alike. The seats never give me any pains. Great on gas and very quite.
The 1 is very nice, but a lot longer than the 101. The 5 is the fastest, but very very boring.

Have fun!

[jhbhatia]

Originally Posted by ToyotaToday

The Camry has 110, 000 km

Its barely young then. I took my 150K miles celica for a roadtrip, trust me i wasn't sweating to see whats wrong...i buy toyota's knowing i can take a roadtrip when i want to!