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. --> play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mrchops…
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.