I’ve done coast to coast almost a dozen times now, some straight through, some meandering. He’s a large list of stuff I bring and do. This assumes you have all your roadside emergency equipment already in place, I’ll only add that roadside flares will save your life at night and for the love of God pay the $150 for AAA. Please forgive my lack of formatting.

Toilet paper, a towel to place on your lap when you eat, headlamp AND a flashlight, window squeegee & fluid, dark bedsheet to block out light (if you sleep in the car), a small dedicated garbage can, a cooler and a way to keep your stuff OFF the ice (small $1 store metal rack), if you have a thin steering wheel get a thick padded cover (less hand fatigue), make a photocopy off your license, insurance, and registration so it’s all on a single page, use Google Maps to plot your course, then print it out so you have a hard copy, a sharp knife, zip ties & roll of duct tape, assorted ‘rags’ (for stuffing in or taping/zipping to things that rattle), a hidden key, the small $25 Husky socket set from Home Depot, a pair of pliers and a pair of vice grips (the claw one), 4in1 screwdriver, a couple of garbage bags, extra toothbrush, wet wipes, a device stuffed with music (don’t count on streaming), a dual 12v lighter socket plug, sometimes one isn’t enough.

Dashcam and quality SD card for the obvious.

In addition to all that, I also purchase a pack of socks, and then some crappy clothes from Goodwill. Each day I do my best to bathe, and then I throw away that day’s socks & clothes (shirt usually). There’s enough smells going on, I don’t need BO clothes to spice it up or clog the intereworkings of the car.

I also have an old Android phone I set on the dashboard facing the windshield and use as a HUD (head up display) app. This is * SERIOUSLY * the single best thing I take that makes the trip better. Not having to shift your eyes from the road is a f*cking * game changer * . I’m sure Apple has something similar. --> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mrchops.android.digihudpro

Try to always put the same stuff back in the same place. Never have to search for your wallet, CC, or paper towels etc. Never leave your wallet in the car. It takes 10 seconds to ruin your trip and leave you broke.

If you are a cannabis enthusiast (which I don’t recommend while driving) roll what you are taking and roll them small enough so that it’s gone when you’ve finished. Never ever never hold on to 1/2 Js or roaches. Ever. Do not bring non-combustibles with you, or any paraphernalia.

My last crosss country jag was in 2018 (Seattle - Miami 8.5 days, 2002 Toyota Echo w/2 cats, straight to), and I split my sleeping between Walmarts and truck stops. The Walmarts are well lit, and the bathrooms sparkle 1st thing in the morning and I could get my grub for the day & ice. Most large truck stops have showers, which really really makes your day so much better.

If you stop for pictures, make sure your GPS is on and allowed by your camera. I have a lot of neat pictures I have zero idea where they were taken.

I hope you have a blast. America is just comprised of a bunch of little countries that happen to use the same money. Soak it all up as you can.

[edit] I’ll also add make sure you have adequate arm supports (preferably to the elbow). 8+ hours at the wheel will give you crampy tyrannosaurus rex arms

[edit2] I also get a cheap CB Radio and a magnetic antenna. The Truckers use channel 19 and they always know what’s going on around and ahead of you. You also have another way to call for help.

Google Maps is better at straight forward directions (2018), but Waze allows its users to mark where accidents are and speed traps / check points. I use both (phone & tablet). If you can only use 1, use Waze.

Binoculars. You will be traveling across lots of landscapes, stick a pair in the sidedoor of your car so if you stumble across a nice vista or see a cool animal you can get a better look!

Audiobook.

• Snacks - stock up at the grocery store, you’ll spend way more across the states in gas stations
• Advil/pain reliever - you’ll get headaches staring at the road for that long, and muscles will cramp up
• Water. So so so much water. Soda is fine but bring a few gallons of water
• Get a good charger system for your phone, and make sure you can hook it up to your car reliably

Oh and most important, bring peace of mind by getting your car checked before going. Go in and ask for a full inspection, tires, brakes, fluids, belts. I had a belt burst 8 hours from anywhere and had to sleep in my car, just get that stuff checked now

Slippers so you don’t have to wear shoes, make sure you have ‘radio.garden’ app on your phone so you can Bluetooth to your car. Sandwiches, simple home-made that needs no refrigeration for days, and a water bottle. Trash bags, small ones, and your chargers.

Deck of cards, compass, map, hunting knife.

According to my dad that is…

Toilet paper, water and trash bags

Edit: kitty litter, roadside repair equipment and spare tire

Podcasts / audiobooks

• Behind the Insurrections
• Behind the Police

being my first two recommendations

Chips, water, soda, a good playlist on your smartphone, a charger obviously and offline maps, if possible a non annoying partner.

Steamdeck

Sex toys

I got a ton of use out of hanging a hydration bladder/camelbak off the back of my seat. Being able to drink water one handed without have to fiddle with bottle caps felt much safer on the road.

Tooth brush, towel, and basic toiletries are nice if you want to get a quick shower at a truck stop.

You can download maps from google in advance in case you run in to spotty coverage. It might be worth getting an old school printed on paper road atlas in case you have any trouble with your electronics

Ymmv, but i have a couple of magnetic “yay police” and other right wing brainworms bumper stickers for driving through hostile territory. Idk if it helps, but anything that keeps thieving rural cops off your tail is worth considering.

Sunscreen! I’ve gotten sunburn on my left arm while driving for long distances before. I though car windows had uva/uvb filters but i guess not?

Bring some change in case you run in to an unexpected toll road somewhere.

Toilet paper! You never know.

Extra socks and an extra pair of shoes.

I hope you have a fun trip!

Take a train.

The advice here is good, but it may be a little too safe.

If you want an adventure, use an atlas and truck stops like Loves or Pilot for snacks, a nap or shower. These places are rad, super safe and clean (the stigma is bullshit). It can be a little more expensive and take a little longer, but there are a LOT of great and interesting people in the US and it’s pretty much the safest it’s been since the sixties.

Also, I recommend favoring AM or FM radio (in that order) to hear some wild stuff out in the boonies.

Edit: Make sure your car’s lights are all working so the cops don’t waste your time. The US may be safer than it has been, but the cops sure ain’t.

I used to do a lot of cross country driving. Here are my recommendations:

AAA membership if you don’t feel comfortable changing your own tires, a good lug nut wrench and bottle jack if you can do it. There’s a lot of areas where you’re “in the middle of nowhere” and it can take some time for any support to get to you. Make sure your spare has air. Audiobooks, podcasts, and playlists downloaded. There may be long stretches of no service. If you can download the Google Map or Apple Map for your trip, it’s not a bad idea. Non-messy snacks, gum, and a small cooler of drinks if you want to save money. Gas station food/ drinks add up. There are a few apps to check rest areas/ bathroom recommendations. I liked Trucker’s Path but it’s been a while since I’ve travelled like that so there may be others/ better ones. Get a dash cam before you go. There’s a lot of idiots out there. And the more you’re on the road, the more likely something could happen. Plan a little time to make some extra stops if you can. There’s a lot of neat stuff you can do on your way that you won’t know about until you see signs for them. Or check Google Maps for places to stop on your route. Get out and stretch your legs somewhere fun. And when you start to get hungry, look for good local spots to stop and eat. There are TONS of options that are so much better than the chain restaurants. Look for 4-5 star places in the area on Google Maps.