Here Are the Pros and Cons of Driving Cross-Country

[@MeesterCHRlS]

Pro: you get to drive across the country Con: other people are also driving

[@MultiSneakerLover]

Real

[@jeffk464]

Pro: dog transport Pro: seeing the country Con: half of the country isn't scenic

[@orangeVSappel]

Con: your car could break down

[@scott8919]

I like to think I'm a good driver, but then I'll do something stupid soon after and realize, "nah, you're around average".

[@Mr99Burns]

18 wheelers everywhere are huge con Try to stick to parkways or rural roads

[@f2john]

I drive a truck locally and am very aware of how much car drivers hate the trucks taking forever to pass each other. I stay right and if I do need to get around a slow truck I try to time it to get around before I hold up traffic. If the one ahead of me is only going 1-2 mph slower I just stay behind them. When one goes to pass me I watch the mirrors and if I see traffic that's going to get stuck behind them I slow down so the other truck can get around me faster and get back over.

[@robadams1645]

Isn't the problem that the trucks are speed limited so they can't speed up briefly to pass?

[@f2john]

@@robadams1645 Yes and that's why when a truck goes around to pass me and I can see traffic behind them I slow down so they can get around me faster.

[@ionpostica7061]

@@f2john If you do that I apreciate you, not many does it.

[@volvo09]

I have a feeling speed limiters are usually the problem there. I live in logging country and these trucks can easily pass each other. But if everyone is on the limiter, traffic bogs up the same as if cars would pass each other without increasing their cruise control.

[@ionpostica7061]

@@volvo09 you right, truck drivers them selves do not like this elephant racing but some times no one is giving up and you still have to pass.

[@nothingtoseaheardammit]

As a Mainer - I can confirm. It's too cold. Everyone leaves here in the winter. Also, get off my lawn.

[@Whalerguy]

Comfortable when it's cold, keeps the bugs down.

[@berniemadoff7837]

Thank you for trying to take out Stephen King with your van.

[@TheHuskyK9]

Let me on your lawn, I need it for a second

[@YolandaBKool]

7:50 Doug's observation about Tesla-drivers 1:1 translates to German autobahn as well. They often block the left lane with zero self-awareness and when you're forced to pass them from the right, they start flashing their headlights in anger or try to catch up and retaliate. Somehow they seem convinced Teslas have the most horsepowers irrespectively of what model they have or how they drive them.

[@Blondul11]

Yeah I don’t get these people. If you want to move slow go slow, but let me go fast, I have no beef with you.

[@beauxduncan6506]

I drive a lot cross country. I also drive from New Orleans to Kenai Alaska to visit my sister each year. My biggest pet peeve with drivers is people who text and drive. Mainly because they’re usually the ones causing issues. Also from my time as a firefighter the accidents I’ve seen caused from it kind of hits an extra nerve.

[@robadams1645]

I was driving on the freeway near Salt Lake City and looked over to see the driver next to me reading a book. 5 lanes going 70 mph and she thought that was a good place to catch up on her reading...

[@beauxduncan6506]

@@robadams1645 dude I’ll never forget while passing a car on my motorcycle headed home from work. I look over and saw a guy swiping on tinder while driving. I was like what????

[@scottgabbard662]

@@beauxduncan6506Wow, that’s a special kind of stupid. And like too many drunk driving incidents, other people get hurt.

[@currentsitguy]

I have always said given the choice I'd rather be on the road with a drunk because they are at least looking at the road.

[@Tyrael112]

10,000mi to visit your sister every year? My sister is great, but if she lived across the continent I'd be seeing her a lot less.

[@costafilh0]

A full-size spare tire is essential for any car. It's a shame that so many cars don't have one these days.

[@idris1446]

Especially Electric vehicle.

[@Corkoth55]

I've had a few cars in my time and the Tesla is the only one I've ever had that doesn't even have a donut spare.. forget the range anxiety, THAT really would deter me from doing any long trips.

[@robadams1645]

The vast majority of cars never leave the city. For those cars, a real spare is a waste. But yeah, if you are driving anywhere away from a city you really should have a real spare.

[@alanhassall]

I have a Ford Taurus SHO with the performance package without a spare. The SHO without the performance package has a compact spare, but they don’t make it easy to get one without buying a jack, wheel and tire. The mobility kit doesn’t help.

[@scott8919]

I will give Honda credit though for the kit they included in my CR-V Hybrid. I had a nail in the tread and their kit sealed it solid until I could get the car into a shop three days later. I had a spare tire kit in the hatch made to fit the vehicle, but I'm like, "let's see if it works." On the other hand, you're almost guaranteed the spare will work.

[@anthonyovering6038]

What ticks me off about trucks passing each other is that the one getting passed could easily slow down for 2 seconds to let them go and ease the flow of traffic, but they don't. It's easier for a truck to go slower than faster.

[@S197_Ignite]

It’s because they do it on purpose. They laugh over the CB radio about it.

[@floridaman7]

Nobody uses cb radio anymore

[@nicopaoletti3501]

Momentum is huge in trucking. Takes forever to get back up to speed

[@anthonyovering6038]

@@nicopaoletti3501 even just 2-3mph?

[@mrviq]

Some truckers speed is monitored so speed, lane changing, camera all viewed and some trucks are governed meaning the truck can't exceed 60-70mph

[@MC-en9rg]

Pro: Possiblity of visiting Buc-ees and eating a deep fried sausage on a stick. Con: Having to visit your Cardiologist after visiting Buc-ees and eating a deep fried sausage on a stick.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

I drive cross country at least once a year. I agree with every thing Doug said. Great video to watch before you start road tripping. My biggest gripe is other drivers that don't "work with other drivers." Example: Guy in the right lane (where they should be) is coming up on a truck and needs to pass. Someone is going slightly faster in the left lane behind the guy in the right lane. Pretty easy to see the guy in the right lane is going to need to pass or hit the brakes. Guy in left lane *could* speed up 2MPH to get past the truck a little faster, and allow the guy in the right lane to follow behind...but they don't. They keep their same speed which requires the guy in the right to slow down and then pass. Too many drivers are in la-la land on the road in the middle of no where.

[@foglebr]

Often both trucks at throttled at same speed. Truck with newer tires wins eventually.

[@admranger]

Or guy in the right lane could look ahead more than 4 feet and accelerate out of the left lane guy's way. Works both ways.

[@RD-km4yi]

Yes, thinking ahead and accommodating other drivers is always helpful but apparently beyond the ability of some.

[@somebody9785]

THISSSSS is what a "it's Sunday and I'm bored" video looks like 😮

[@ed12345123]

Still watching because it’s Doug 👌

[@somebody9785]

​@@ed12345123 have to always show up for the epic "thissssssssss" 🎉 👏

[@Yeoldelole]

Only boring people get bored. Sorry.

[@franzhuber7361]

THISSSS is…. my Carrera GT 🥱

[@yaronsteinbuch3956]

The second before hearing “THISSSSSS” after clicking on a DDM video! You know it’s coming … and then it hits! 😊

[@kodywillnauer9422]

I think driving cross country is the truest sense to see America in all its shine and not. There is something wonderful about seeing the different geography and peoples that is hard to see at 37,000 feet.

[@descendency]

Having visited 42 states now, I would agree. There is something wild about getting to see the differences (both geographically and socially). Sometimes the pictures just don't do an area justice. Even some of the "boring areas" have some charm to them.

[@kodywillnauer9422]

@@descendency agreed. The good and the bad. The rich and the poor. The desolate and the lush. I love to drive to explore and hope to continue to do so for a long, long time.

[@JJFlores197]

I haven't quite done these types of trips in the USA, but my family would drive from Northern California down to Central Mexico. Its about 2000 miles. We drive just under 1000 miles in the USA to Nogales, AZ and another 1000 miles south into Mexico. Its amazing seeing how the scenery and weather changes in California, Arizona, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, and Michoacan.

[@kodywillnauer9422]

@@JJFlores197 that sounds awesome. I’m not sure how I’d do driving in another country for fear I would not understand the norms of that country. LH driving countries especially. The thought of the trans Canadian highway would be interesting one day. But still that whole out of my element situation.

[@spanieaj]

I did a round trip from eastern PA to central TX when I took my daughter to college for her freshman year. I took my Toyota Sienna to the dealer and told them to do a complete service plus a complete once over before we left. This past summer, I bought her a used Subaru Legacy to take to school for her senior year. After I bought the car, I took the car to a mechanic to get it checked and serviced. They said that the AC temp was a little high. I had them check the compressor and recharge the system. I did not want her to have her AC break in the heat of Texas. She and I shared the driving duties to Texas and I flew back home.

[@Blondul11]

I do these drives in Europe. UK to Romania and back in June every year since 2021 when the pandemic forced me to go by car. I love it, now every spring I get really excited about them.

[@cooperredmon3430]

As somebody who struggles with anxiety, my favorite thing about road trips (and driving in general) is that it’s one of the only times my mind feels at ease and I’m able to work through whatever’s bothering me. It’s also just the right amount of stimulating

[@vladc.134]

@@cooperredmon3430 I totally get that

[@frenchfreys]

I also feel like it’s one of the only times now where truly nothing is expected of me. I don’t have to reply to this or that or get this or that done, i have one thing I’m doing and it takes the time it takes and I can just sit back and enjoy doing it

[@MrRickulus]

As a 26 year old who has made the trip between WA and NC 6 or more times and various shorter drives (GA to MO, South Florida to Virginia, etc), I've never felt better about it than hearing that you enjoy it so much too!

[@ConnerAndFriends1]

I loved cross country driving when I was 17-22 (until I graduated college) but now that I’m working (I’m 25 now) and I have to be more conscious of how I use my PTO, it honestly just makes more sense to fly places rather than spend half of a weeklong vacation on the road. It’s a bit sad, but maybe once I’m in a situation where I’m traveling between two places for longer term stays, it would make more sense. Great video and great points as always!

[@lo1bo2]

YES! Regular working people have to think about whether it's worth burning up PTO driving to and from a far away destination. Of course, if you're purposely going on an epic road trip with many goals along the way, that's different.

[@julianc.6589]

@@lo1bo2 yep it's all about the road trips

[@jonathanmcfarland1407]

I love driving. I'm totally jealous of you, Doug. Not only do you get to drive fantastic cars. But to have the chance to drive them cross country is amazing to me. I love driving on rural roads. Sweeping and winding roads with beautiful scenery without worrying about being strapped for cash are the best days. And i have not experienced that for 15 to 20 years, unfortunately. Constantly being broke with vehicles that barely get you from point a to b is a headache.

[@hitchedtohorsepower]

I've done the cross country trip, mostly from the DC area to NV or CA and back, over 100 times both for personal and professional reasons. The biggest thing that gets to me is similar to what you said but the people that aren't used to being out there and they can't maintain speed. They slow way down then when you go to pass them they realize it and speed up. A few miles later it happens again! Craziest car I did the trip in was a 78 911SC Targa with a 3.6 conversation. Loved that car but it didn't have AC or a radio at the time. It was a summer trip from LA to DC. I decided to go up to I-70 to skip some of the really bad heat and I really wanted to do the section of 70 between I-15 in Utah and Denver. I think that is one of the best Interstate drives in the country!

[@zordox4672]

Thanks doug, I’m heading on a 10k mile cross-country trip in about five months, just the kinda video I needed!

[@ChadHargis]

I love driving and love doing road trips both in a car and on a motorcycle. For me, I go minimalist. Wallet, cellphone, and a few basic tools like a puncture kit and a mini air compressor (difficult to carry a spare tire on a bike...especially given the front and rear are different sizes). I do my own pre trip inspections and do an oil change before a long trip. I've had failures before. Never had a flat, but I've had the stator crap out on a bike once leaving me on the side of the road. I once crashed and broke my shifter lever and had to ride home in top gear. When I stopped I had to push the bike like a race pit crew to get it rolling so I could roast the clutch and get it moving. A good road trip isn't about where you're going, it's about the adventures that happen along the way. The band Rush said it perfectly, "The point of a journey is not to arrive".

[@Matt_Dagostino]

It's not that the traffic is moving slower. It's that it's moving at inconsistent speeds. If you are driving at 67 MPH in the right line and the person in front of you is going between 59 and 67 MPH, you will eventually catch up to them. Do you press your brakes and lose momentum OR go around and hope the person doesn't siddenly start to speed back up (HINT: they WILL)

[@Delicroix]

This is my biggest pet peeve. I am a RELIGIOUS cruise control user - so there is nothing more frustrating than passing the same mouth breather 5 times in 20 miles because they can't pick a speed. Then trying to pass them the 6th time only for them to speed up and match you. Fuming just typing about it, haha.

[@SylonHD]

While not across the country the long ways, I recently did my first ever road trip in my EV (MachE) from central FL to northern MI. It was a fun drive, cool experience, but I also split it up over 3 days just to make it easier. I’ve also done NE to FL in the past but that was in a Wrangler. It’s a different experience in an EV, especially a non-Tesla EV. Required a lot more planning & time than in an ICE vehicle, but I’m very glad I did it. Things that helped was definitely Blue Cruise self driving & a lot of audio books & podcasts.

[@jsclar]

Would love to see Doug review a train. THISSSSS is the Amtrak Acela, and today I’m going to show you the quirks and features.

[@ryancoffey8520]

Hearing Doug’s love for music, we need a video or podcast segment about his favorite song choices for his cross country drives! Maybe even a playlist he compiles and shares with us to listen along.

[@musabshuaib3407]

About 3 months ago, I drove my 20 year old, 200,000+ mile Camry from Oklahoma to Utah. I had some work done it before hand (head gasket replacement, oil pan replacement, new brakes and new spark plugs) but it handled the trip like a champ. I had never seen the Rocky Mountains before and I couldn’t stop saying “Oh My God” as I was driving through Colorado. I’m honestly amazed the car has lasted this long without any major issues. Even the A/C still works!

[@Sam-mw5hx]

Nice man! Keep driving it you’re definitely getting your money’s worth

[@srb2834]

I’ve made 12-16 hour trips a lot and one thing that sounds odd but works: when I had to bring my dog with me, I was much more alert and fresh when driving, and it really made the trips quicker and easier vs doing them alone, (I guess is the stopping more often at rest areas and walking around is the kicker here, but it’s not a benefit you naturally think of)

[@benpayano9761]

100% agree with the truckers. I ran into that same issue when it clearly says “No Trucks On Left Lane.” Many truckers do not care.

[@idris1446]

Many trucker come from overseas work in US as truck driver. Because the salary difference

[@Mr99Burns]

Third world culture. Most truckers are new immigrants

[@admranger]

@@Mr99Burns Mostly because the trucking industry doesn't pay well at all.

[@erikgarcia5140]

Just know that there's reasons truckers do certain things. Inform yourself before judging

[@benpayano9761]

@@erikgarcia5140 please explain yourself “oh wise trucking minister of information.”

[@vladimirgeorgiev8126]

I can agree with Doug for about everything, especially for the trucks. I have been doing 2000 mile trip across Europe( Isle of Man-Bulgaria)and in Germany is by far the worst driving experience. Try to imagine what is like to have the elephant race when there is no speed limit in 2 lane highway. The constant heavy braking and accelerating rotation is not something you enjoy when crossing Germany, around 6hrs of driving for me. I can go for more...15:49

[@Spillmansgarage]

I drive Texas to Ohio and Maryland and back every summer! I love my Expedition EL Limited. It just floats down the road. 🚢

[@m.akbart3840]

We've done the math, the difference is getting to a crucial fuel stop or shipper precisely in time. That 10 to 15 minutes or miles makes a world of difference. Newer trucks have smart pass that gives an extra 4 mph to prevent that.

[@UBERBENZ]

Doug is the kind of guy that claims he has crossed the country "millions of times in millions of different cars" 1:45

[@Aaronf187]

Right after stating 25 times

[@burnetthopkins9583]

Doug, I can totally relate to your reasons for enjoying cross-country road trips. For me, seeing cars on the road and scenery, even when traveling the same route time and again, is what it is all about. One time my son's mother-in-law was very curious as to why my wife and I would choose to drive from Utah to Kentucky, so visit my son and his family, when we could fly. Was it a fear of flying? Could we not afford tickets? Nope. I just enjoy the experience. I enjoy the drive. The scenery is so much better than the back of the seat in front of me.

[@Vinced4282]

Look out for those robber barons, Carnegie, Rockefeller, JP Morgan, the will get ya every time 😅

[@dofamily2002]

@@Vinced4282 I too chuckled at the misuse yet I feel we all knew what he meant. The Gilded Age of cross country road trips!

[@BMWEnjoyer]

I've been wanting this video for a while! I've been so curious about the cross country drives. So cool that you did it in all of those enthusiast cars. Doug is truly a car nut and I love it

[@AlarisOficial]

Thanks for your thoughts and advices... I find these are wise words; I've been working as a professional driver for the las 10 years now (I don't know how to properly say it in english, but basically I drive a school van for kids with special needs from far off rural areas to the city) and it really is annoying having to deal with other drivers everyday... I must admit that many times I've made mistakes too or even had slightly reckless behaviour, but I try to improve every single time I get behind the wheel... Cheers from Argentina 🙌🏻🇦🇷

[@650BRP]

Doug, the fact that you brought two spares inside a CTS-V on a trip with your wife and it smelled like rubber the whole time is the funniest detail I've ever heard on your channel. I'm just imagining her complaining and you explaining that it's all in the name of safety. Cheers from a fellow ATLien! I grew up on Harris Trail and used to rip around the same roads as in your early Ferrari video.

[@PremierAutoMan86]

6:59 also my pet peeve people a lot of times get personally offended when you pass them.

[@DavidWilson-kr5gt]

@@PremierAutoMan86 or accelerate as you are passing them, only to slow down once you do pass.

[@Objectified]

@@DavidWilson-kr5gt Some of that is probably related to passive speed matching, whereby people subconsciously start to adjust their speed to that of the passing traffic.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

I drove PA to Colorado and back in May. Got stuck in 2 tornado warnings and got PTSD from storms. 10/10 would do again.

[@alanhassall]

I think it has gotten better with smart phones and technology. I used to drive from Kansas City to central Iowa to visit my brother in the 90’s. When there were tornado warnings coming over the radio I never knew where the counties were. The tornado could be on top of me and I wouldn’t have known unless I saw it. Now, I can get the warnings that matter to me on my phone.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

@@alanhassall Oh for sure the 90s would be worse. My phone did one of those amber alert type alarms for tornadoes outside Columbus Ohio. I was torn between staying on the interstate to just leave the warning zone or find a shelter - but I don’t know where to even shelter. So I followed some semi-trucks thinking that they have radios and if they’re not getting off then it’s probably ok. Plus their tracks made hydroplaning less likely. Probably the sub-optimal decision.

[@Mk5.maniac]

I got that too in may, was driving from Iowa to stop in Colorado before going to San Diego, I got them coming back when in Oklahoma/kansas

[@davidp2888]

Doug's the kind of guy to make the "honk your horn" trucker move to every semi he passes.

[@falagarius]

And he's thrilled every time

[@ianprice3556]

I did the cross country drive once 16 years ago, exactly as Doug noted, moving across country for a job after graduating 😂 but I love road trips and appreciating how diverse this country is. Just don't have the job flexibility to add a week or more round trip to visit family back east. Only 28 years till retirement 😭

[@ilyad.6878]

Here is a tip: take a few more days to do it, and drive Route 50 all the way across. That is one heck of a drive. The West Virginia part of that route would be amazing in some sort of sports car.

[@dankirby5420]

I recently got a flat tire while towing a trailer across country-on Labor Day. Odds of getting help in a way that would allow us to keep towing were slim. Our car didn’t have a full-sized spare, so we couldn’t simply swap it out and tow the trailer to the nearest town and get a room for the night or something. I didn’t feel safe pulling the trailer with a spare, at all. Dangerous. Leaving an unattended trailer at a rest stop was just asking for it to get stolen. So, we dropped the trailer at the rest stop we were at (with a note) and drove the car to the next truck stop, hoping maybe one of the mechanics there could repair our tire. A trucker at the rest stop told us maybe that was our best bet. When we got there, they told us they can only service trucks (semis). As I hung my head low and prepared to spend the night at the rest stop on my way out, the guy at the counter stopped me and said, “Hey! I used to work at a tire shop. Just take one of these. This is what we use in the tire shop to repair tires anyway; they tend to hold better than an actual patch usually.” He sold me one of those plug kits that comes with a “reamer” that you use to clear out the hole and then use this other little tool like a sewing machine needle that you use to insert and then partially pull out a little plug of goopy, stringy stuff that plugs the hole. I gave it a try. With my multi-tool, I struggled a good while getting out what ended up being part of a screw that was lodged in the tire. Now to clear the hole with the reamer and seal the hole. Well, not so fast. The reamer thing it came with was not very sharp on its point. The hole that was made in my tire was just small enough that I had to fight against the steel radial wiring and some of the inner lining to clear it. It took me awhile, but eventually I figured out that I could press the tool in, rotate the tire and tool up against a curb, and then roll the tire toward it, effectively creating more leverage and pressing the reamer all the way in. I cleared the hole, followed the instructions on the package and applied the rubber cement and plug, and pulled it through. I filled the tire back up with the pump at the truck stop and poured water out of my water bottle to make sure I didn’t see bubbles escaping around the hole. Success! I plugged the hole. We kept the spare on for a bit while we drove back to our trailer before replacing the original tire, checking it again, and moving on with our trailer. That plug is still in that tire today, like nothing happened. So, what I learned was, if you can’t keep a full-sized spare, keep one of these kits with you. And maybe a better reamer than this one came with, as well as an assortment of other handy tools. Something better than a multi-tool. Funny thing is, I had tools with me. I did not, however, have a good pair of needle-nose pliers or any drill bits, for some reason. If I had those, it would have saved a lot of time. My girlfriend went from fully stressed-out to “my hero,” and that was way more worth it than trying to spend the night in our car at the rest stop and maybe get help the next day. A plug kit and some tools. That’s what I suggest.

[@frenchfreys]

You put my love for road trips into words perfectly!! I love just seeing what’s out there, what sorts of interesting places and people I’ll see. And you are really right, something about just moving in a car really scratches some itch in my brain. Also, spot on on the excitement leading up to it! Every time my college semester is starting/ending soon I’ll start really looking forward to the drive. It makes me really happy to relate so much to all this

[@Billie4404]

I drove my Tesla MYLR from South FL to DC and subscribed to full self driving. It was an absolute game changer. I've never turned it off since then. I love it so much and it gets better with each month. Oh, and I'm aware of being a left lane bandit. I stay in the right lane if I want to chill and only get in the left lane to pass.

[@pabloatig]

Hello I AM from Ecuador. I have the same feelings about driving long distances. Especially watch the geography (here in south américa we have the Andes), listen to good music and DJ, also looking cars and think about drivers why are there... Jejejeje. It is Nice to enjoy Cars. I drive most of the time a Frontier Nissan turbo diesel, and also a FJ Cruiser 2015... Have a Nice day

[@RC-wt7fr]

Great video and wholly agree with every point you made. ESPECIALLY when trucks cause chaos and block the passing lane uncecessarily for prolonged periods of time. Sadly, truck drivers are no longer "professionals" and the one's that drive with zero regard for others are typically cut from the same cloth.

[@AndyGaskin]

Agreed on the driver assist -- the self-steering & adaptive cruise make long journeys much more pleasant and less wearying.

[@Jimmerca]

I used to drive tractor-trailer in the 11 western states and that’s something I would never do is block the left lane. Nowadays, many of the drivers are much less professional in my opinion.🥴

[@Nathdood]

IRS: "Is is guy really writing off a 80k vehicle for business expenses?" Doug: "Crap, better make another video on it"

[@triplebasic]

I recently flew to Indianapolis, rented a fully loaded Hyundai Palisade, drove about 900 miles around the Midwest in the course of a few days and I can really vouch for Doug's point about the self driving assists. Its not that I wasn't vigilant, but just letting the car do some things for you helps so much with fatigue that in the moments you do have to react you're much more ready to do so. Me and the better three quarters bith drive older sedans, but the moment I want to take on a real big boy note and insurance payment, I'm buying something that will help me drive it.

[@ericcarabetta1161]

One of my favorite things about long drives is my music, because I like to listen to DJ sets that are usually over an hour long and I don’t otherwise normally get to listen straight through when I’m at home. Plus, I love the changing scenery and the geography of America and Canada, it really is beautiful.

[@joeprestera2239]

I'm from Canada and every summer drive from Ontario to Nova Scotia. The biggest difference in being tired at the end of the drive was the car. I had a 2008 Pontiac Vibe manual when we first started doing the drive. Got a new 2018 Toyota Highlander. Night and day difference. I can now comfortably do the drive in one day and be fine at the end of the 15Hrs.

[@NSUGS]

The stretch through NB is a slog, man

[@floridaman7]

Dougs flat tire looks like it was chewed on by a bear 🐻

[@dannymartial7997]

The only thing I hate is crossing the rocky mountains in the winter. But when there is no snow, it’s genuinely the most beautiful sight in America

[@SamAshkon1998]

This is my favourite type of doug content

[@grtshw]

This video speaks to me - glad I'm not the only one. People always think I am insane for voluntarily driving home to Texas from DC for the summer rather than flying but they don't understand that the driving itself is actually the main attraction. I'm already excited to do it again in December and that's fully 2 months away. No better intersection between the two immovable pillars in my life: geography and cars.

[@cidercreekranch]

Hawaii and Alaska are the two hardest plates to get when playing license plate bingo. Though when we lived in Seattle we saw Alaska more often.

[@miami33803]

Moving from Alaska to California next month, stopping in Seattle. Definitely going to have to keep an eye out lol.

[@stevensyrko7109]

I am in the same camp as you....I love the drive. I have gone from Syracuse, NY to Washington State several times, Beaumont, TX to Syracuse, NJ to TX, New Orleans to NY, PA to CA. and everything in-between. I have done the drives in the Summer which are relaxing and amazing; I have also done the drive in middle of winter (those are not very fun) through ND and CO. Driving is simply less stressful in my opinion. yes everyone has a rough timetable, but stuff happens and you turn a 3 day trip into 4 due to various unexpected events. My friends also think I am crazy, they would rather fly then drive. I have not had the experience of some of your higher end vehicles but I have driven in a 1995 Ford Ranger extended cab, 2 different dodge Durango's, Chevy caprice, Chevy 2500 4x4 (insanely huge but crazy comfortable). I haven't experienced Self-drive yet, but still do Dawn to Dusk drives.

[@housydoing]

I spent 3 years commuting every other week from Walla Walla to SF, sometimes in a crappy UHaul truck. I enjoyed these drives so much. Long distance driving is the closest to meditation or peace of mind i have ever experienced. Granted, hitting the 5/505/80 interchange at Vacaville always put me in a foul mood, but otherwise, perfection.

[@edwinhesse11]

For me driving across country, the most important thing is to have made reservations. While driving on the interstate, it seems like musical chairs when it comes time to find a hotel room. Everybody gets hungry they all get off the road and the next thing you know, there’s no place to stay. All the vacancy signs are turned out. when driving cross country make sure you figure out where you’re going to spend the night and have a reservation at a good hotel that has a restaurant. Otherwise, you may be sleeping in your car.

[@GraemeHein]

Depends if you're doing it during a major drive holiday. Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day absolutely. Otherwise not an issue on the interstate except for UT, WY, ID, WA, OR.

[@davidkrumwiede446]

I’ve driven cross country many times too and I’d say the worst part is the loneliness in some parts of the country. Far away from services, no familiar sites, you feel kind of vulnerable at times. My chariots for those drives have been varied too: 1989 Honda Accord, 1997 Honda Civic HX (CVT), a couple first gen Toyota Tacomas, Mercedes C240, Dodge Intrepid Police package, Mazda Protege5, Datsun Maxima diesel, 2007 Ford E350, Volvo C70 6-speed.

[@charlesflesch3232]

Hey Doug so as a truck driver I completely understand your position in the slow passing most trucks are governed at 65 and we wish we weren't governed but it is what it is I don't want to sit next to another truck for miles at a time so as a professional driver what I'll do is if someone has matched my speed I will slow down so they can pass

[@accordinglyryan]

Completely agree with your points. Traveling and seeing so many different things while being able to vibe to your favorite music is just awesome. I've only driven cross country a couple times cause I don't have a lot of time off work but it's been a blast every time! Except the semi truck drag races as you mentioned lol

[@bwmooney]

Another tip from someone who has cross-country driven multiple times. You're gonna need a place to sleep. For anyone other than car campers (which I've also done), that means hotel. Get a decent app to purchase hotel rooms last minute. You can often find really good deals within a few hours of bedtime. When it's getting late and you're pulling over for gas, check the map ahead and estimate about where you will be when you'd want to stop for the night. Pull up a city in that area in the hotel room app and look for the best deals/features and book a room and set your navigation app for that address. There's a bunch of these apps. Best areas to search for rooms are typically outskirts of big cities as well as cities in between two larger cities. Very rural areas also have few hotels and tend to be more expensive as are hotels inside the main city loop typically.

[@stevenpike7530]

Overlanding is a national pastime time in Australia…reliable car, quality tyres, correct tyre pressures, maintain fluids…watch gauges…proper spare, jumper leads, Roadside Assist…proper rest stops.

[@gjones9842]

The word I use when getting close to a road trip is “Giddy”

[@KasFromMass]

My father retired at 42, and we traveled a lot! Forgot about many trips, but always remembered our two cross country loops.

[@Beebeebobingee]

Thank you Doug. I drive from Seattle to Reno and back every fall and it’s about to happen next week. Thanks for the brush up!

[@adamhose9632]

I've been on 99.5% of all interstates throughout the country. I have been an over-the-road truck driver for almost 30 years and I travel from coast to coast border to border all year long. Sometime in the next year or two I will try taking some college courses and pursue a local office job because I'm pretty burnt out on Trucking. And I have traveled around the world but I will say a lot of people underestimate the diverse geographical beauty that we are lucky to have within the confines of one country. And I don't discourage people from international travel but I do encourage people to try to do a few cross-country trips within the lower 48 States and or the Canadian provinces. Now in regards to your comment about Trucking it would take me another page to write about it but let me just say that when you add those minutes up here and there over the course of a week it adds up how many extra hours you have to work that week for the same amount of pay. For an example a 10 mph difference equates to about an extra 8 hour a week or a day's shift extra for the same amount of pay. And in regards to the one or two mile per hour difference between trucks, that is a lot of times determined by the company governing the trucks top speed limit. Also there's kinetic energy gains and losses involved when going down and up hills as well as keeping your turbocharged spooled up for maximum power. Now it's not as bad today with the variable geometry turbochargers but still the kinetic energy plays a huge role in how a driver is operating the truck. And finally you have to keep in mind that a lot of newer trucks have adaptive cruise which also will cause the trucks to speed up and slow down seemingly sporadically. However, I do understand your frustration that the slightly slower driver should just slow down and let the other driver pass. A lot of new drivers are not being taught proper etiquette. But there's also a complete lack of education for regular car drivers in what is involved in driving semi trucks.

[@ionpostica7061]

@@adamhose9632 great explanation for elephant racing. Thanks.

[@erichollar5503]

I don't do a lot of interstate driving, but when I do drive them I pay attention to hills in relation to truck traffic, and do my best to stay attentive to speed changes with trucks in relation to slope, and give them the leeway they need. It kills me to see a driver move right in front of a truck just at the crest of a hill when they're about to pick up speed.

[@john6274]

Thank you for this. I agree with most things Doug said in this video. I also love long distance driving. But I find him tone deaf saying 15 miles a day is no big deal. Doug, if 15 miles is no big deal to the trucker (and you've explained it is a big deal), 15 min delay before we can pass on the left lane is also no big deal. The problem is the speed racers that squeeze in between the truckers with no following distance so we all suddenly brake hard whenever the lead vehicle slows down. Yes, it's one my biggest peeves of driving but root cause is not the truckers.

[@adamhose9632]

@@ionpostica7061 😅😅 you're welcome.

[@adamhose9632]

@@erichollar5503 thanks.

[@gregrhyne9409]

So I’m a truck driver. I haul oversized loads and a lot of trucks might be governed to a certain speed and running a fleet spec truck that doesn’t have a lot of power so when they hit hills they realllly slow down. I do my best to not pass and inconvenience others, but sometimes you just have to get by them so you’re not dropping your speed on the hills with them.

[@dennisphillips9756]

We've been through this s few times! I'd watch a dozen more videos about it 😊 It's always a good day when daddy Doug uploads.

[@ZwienerZ]

My wife and I are road tripping to Colorado next week with our dog from Dallas in my 2024 Tacoma. Not quite cross country, but decent distance.

[@lightlysaltedone]

Great pre-trip advice. Last cross country trip I decided to “wait and see” on a battery that was loosing charge slowly. Ended up stranded at a cabin Airbnb (on check out day no less) in the Catskills with no cell service…

[@tealion]

Totally agree about auto steering / lane centering and not being tired after a long drive. I don’t take alternate routes as much anymore because then I have to drive.

[@nekto34]

I absolutely love good road trips. The concept of "what's out there" always fascinated me. And driving is relaxing for me (to an extent :) )

[@Mk5.maniac]

I love the road too, I feel the exact same way. Every summer now I drive from Iowa to Coronado California in my golf R32. 4000 mile round trip and I love every bit of it. I saw your Carrera GT this year when I went to a car meet my friend suggested!

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

I too get it. I always enjoyed the trip from Metro Detroit to Nashville in my ‘01 TT. Last trip down in that car it had 220k miles and burned .5qt of oil. I now have a 13 TTRS that made that trip once. Its about the time on the road to really enjoy your car and see different areas of the country 😎🇺🇸🚙

[@husky2423]

I often travel from Chicago to Denver and back. I prefer it to flying

[@putigod5418]

@@husky2423 that is the worst trip I’ve had the pleasure of doing it’s such a bore

[@husky2423]

@@putigod5418 yeah it’s awful but I just watch Doug demuro videos and and let the Tesla do the work haha

[@idris1446]

Which flight do you recommend. I hate flying with American Airlines so many Karen. i seat beside me a mother & her 1 kids. Than comes this guy shouting with bad words about this mother & her children. Flight attendant just kick the mother for no reason, doesn't ask or questions the guy why this argue about? Worst flight ever experienced with American Airlines 1/10. But Delta 8/10 but ticket always sold out.

[@evan.435]

@@idris1446 Delta is easily the best. Just try to book tickets far out in advance to get your preferred seats. It's pricey but worth it.

[@evan.435]

@@husky2423 does it let you watch videos on the screen while driving?

[@matthewhenderson5070]

Agreed, love a good road trip. In the last year I’ve driven from Florida to Montana, Nova Scotia and Omaha and back to Florida. Three separate trips. A only annoyance, lack of exercise while stuck in a car for hours and hours.

[@knightwing4]

I drive cross country for a living. I’m a truck driver. I like it. My advice would be to drive a car that’s roomy and comfortable.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

As a trucker, I agree on how annoting it is to have another truck going maybe 1 or 2 mph faster than me take miles to pass. What ends up happening is the car right behind the truck that's passing will cut into the lane right in front of me. When I was a kid, my parents and I would go on road trips for two weeks. But, back then, the roads were pretty much empty compaired to today.

[@theinternets7516]

If I'm traveling more than 2 hours away from home I take a few basic tools and a wrench/ratchet set, a tire plug kit, mechanic gloves, a head lamp, and a small freestanding work light. Sounds like a lot but really doesn't take up much space.

[@jonkeefer6865]

i havent done cross country, but i have done north central MA to orlando a zillion times. i've done it so much that i have not stopped to sleep on the trip in a long time. its basically routine. these days, i rent a pacifica, load up everyones luggage, and head down or back, and they all fly. i used to drive my own vehicles, but not anymore. avg is 20-21 hours, my best is 17.5. 1300 miles if i go down I95, 1400 or so if i go I84-I81-I77-I95 (more scenic)

[@TucsonMuscle]

I'm a retired cross country over-the-road vehicle transporter using an enclosed trailer. With over 25 years doing this, here's a couple of points. Doug is absolutely right about trucks slowly passing other trucks. The problem is not only with the driver passing, but with the trucking companies that set top speeds on their trucks (which is done via a setting on the truck's CPU). My only other comment is Doug saying he's driving 12-14 hours a day. There is a reason why the DOT set a limit of 11 hours of driving for truck drivers -- fatigue. Personally, I never drover more than 10 hours in a day. Your reaction time after that amount of time behind the wheel is greatly reduced.

[@FacuGonz3]

Honestly, what truck drivers should do is slow down a little when being passed to allow the other truck to complete the pass and merge into the same lane. The issue isn't about top speeds; it's more that they seem to not care about anyone.

[@TucsonMuscle]

@@FacuGonz3 You're absolutely right about that. My truck was sent for 72 so I could pass a lot of trucks fairly easily, but if another truck was passing me, especially going uphill with a load, I'd always back off so they could get around and get in the right lane.

[@descendency]

I've done 14 hours in a day with ADAS. Even with it, it isn't safe. Honestly, the bigger issue isn't just reaction time, but also by that time you're likely driving when the sun is down. So you now have to deal with driving at night and being tired. I don't recommend it, but I know many people will do it anyways. I will say one thing the DOT recommends is short stops every few hours. As an EV driver, I completely agree. I drove a Dodge Dart cross country filling up every 5-6 hours. Then I took a Tesla Model Y cross country having to stop and charge every few 2-3 hours (usually 15-30 minutes). Those breaks do wonders for reducing fatigue. More frequent breaks are a big win if you ask me.

[@Isaiah_Keith]

At school in Lynchburg Virginia, we have cars from California, Alaska, Washington, and more. Crazy drives!

[@matthewsalek9432]

I have driven across country 4-5 times. I recommend starting early in the day (5-6am if possible) to avoid driving in the evening. I find that evening/night driving can be more dangerous because it is easier to get drowsy

[@yungrichnbroke5199]

Night driving is great because there’s less traffic but it is actually more dangerous due to your drowsiness, other drunk/drowsy drivers, and inability to see deer until you’re right on them.

[@polloqpolloq]

Houston to Cleveland, twice a year, for 30+ years. A mission from GOD, I miss it !!....My best time was 19 hrs.....STRAIGHT

[@survivetothrive21]

As a truck driver for 17 years, I 100% agree with your comments on other drivers and could add a LOT more reasons to why other drivers are the biggest annoyance on the road lol

[@mehmetakifersoy5810]

Doug is a type of guy who would do a cross country road trip and yap about it for 3 videos 😂❤

[@CharlesOlcott]

One of the drawbacks that I find when driving alone is that I can't just take time to look around while underway. If you aren't planning a stop somewhere, you can really miss out on some sights when you're being alert to others. I found myself driving through Washington DC a few years back on a detoured route home and hated that I couldn't take in the sights of the Washington Monument, and others as I passed because I didn't dare take my eyes off traffic.

[@michaelhatfield5808]

I’m the same way. Just love driving. Became a truck driver because of that. Driving cross-country is really enjoyable.

[@jackgreenstalk777]

Love road tripping in tesla model s. Autopilot takes some of mental load off monitoring speed/distance to car in front. Every 2 or 3 hours we charge 15 to 20 minutes nice to stretch legs hit bathroom, have a snack etc. People think itd be miserable in an ev but ive never been more comfortable and happy roadtripping. Free supercharging is also a great incentive.

[@marsgal42]

My last rental car (Texas in April for the eclipse) had adaptive cruise control (used it before) and lane assist (new to me). I liked it. I definitely see the attraction on a long freeway drive (Dallas-San Antonio-Houston-Dallas). My car (2016 VW Golf) has cruise control and I'm now kicking myself for not getting adaptive cruise control. It's not cost-effective to retrofit it.

[@britonkraemer7344]

I always get a thrill when I get on the on-ramp to the interstate!! Driving is awesome

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

12:48 I like having the car to have a map and use my phone as the second map. There are areas where there is no service. The phone or iPad will still keep you going for a while, but eventually the map will crash because it’s running without service. If you have the map as part of the car along with your smartphone (and of course having a regular paper map as a final backup) for any road trips is best. If your car doesn’t have navigation included, use 2 phones or a tablet and a phone, or actually get a navigation device. Most people dont think of this for road trips but it’s very helpful if you have it.

[@davinlaroche3029]

I love driving, too! Just for the ride, I drove an hour out of town to get a coffee. A cop pulled me over and asked what I was up to. I told him and he didn't believe me. Once in a while, I'll take a two hour drive just to go home... and home was my starting point!

[@Triptisim]

It’s too bad in the US we can’t have derestricted highways like Germany does out in the middle of nowhere to traverse our massive land mass bc so many drivers are just that bad and the gov refuses to have proper training. Also doesn’t help that smaller counties feed on hilarious bs speeding charges for revenue. Just sad.

[@Objectified]

It's sad that you're so obsessed with trashing other people that it rules your thoughts about cross-country driving.

[@VanlifevantoyzAmerica]

Thanks for the helpful tips Doug and I love to drive cross country

[@TndPnyRCofficial]

I’m planning on going on a cross country trip with my 97 Civic when I get back from the military. I’m currently rebuilding a JDM B series. I’m just waiting for a clutch

[@willcordell2300]

IN OKLAHOMA😭😭 mentioning oklahoma at least once in a video streak stays alive!