Road trips have been an American tradition since the birth of the Nation. From the time the pioneers set across the continent in pursuit of Manifest Destiny, to the anxious private about to take his first leave home since boot camp, road trips are a way of life for the modern troop. However, there is a way to take your adventures a step further by camping in your vehicle. It’s good for the environment, its good for the economy, and it’s good for your wallet by keeping lodging expenses low. Additionally, some people even make money from recording how they camp in their vehicles generating hundreds of thousands of dollars via a YouTube channel. Since troops, especially infantrymen, are in a way professional campers, it’s a road with many options. Even during the pandemic, it is a socially distant way to still enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the land we love.
Not every vehicle is suitable for extended life on the road, and the last thing anyone would want is a vehicle that cannot handle such an encounter. Pack light, freeze at night.
The best cars to take on a cross-country road trip should have plenty of room for your luggage, comfortable seats and numerous entertainment features. The following are the best vehicles you can trust to drive on a cross-country road trip.
Chevrolet Suburban
There is an open debate whether Chevy is still the all American choice of transportation. In one camp, people say the Chevy trucks are the only thing worth your time. In another camp you’ll find people vouching for Chevy across the board. If you are organizing to take your whole family on vacation, you might want to consider this vehicle. The Chevrolet Suburban is huge enough to fit large families and accommodate all the luggage you bring to the trip. Notably, the Chevrolet Suburban is most suitable for long road trips and has additional features such as trailer pulling abilities. Even though the gas mileage may not be favorable in this car, it is highly suitable for carrying numerous items. If you have the trailer, this vehicle will haul it. Save the tents for the field, camp in style because you earned it. When I was a single Marine my Impala was my steed, thirsty, but still a valiant war horse.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
This is among the best cars to drive on a cross-country road trip as it is a Chrysler. The great thing about Chryslers is that often they’re vehicles capable of punching above their weight. I remember when When I was in college I switched from an Impala to a Chrysler 300. It definitely felt like a luxury vehicle although it is not classified as such. Upgrading to a larger Chrysler that can accommodate your equipment and passengers will help for when you’ve had your fill of nature on your way back to the city.
One impressive feature of this vehicle is its good gas mileage, making it entirely ideal for extended road trips.
Ford F-150
Man, do troops love their trucks. If you already own a truck, specifically an F-150 or something similar, are the best recommended trucks for cross-country adventures. To give an an example of truck camping done right watch this video of Mav going snowboarding and field testing some new gear:
As stated in every safety brief, contingencies are key for survival. Always pack a secondary and even tertiary means of keeping warm in the wilderness.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
It may surprise why this vehicle made it to this list, mainly because it has a small trunk that can hardly provide enough space for a road trip. However, the good news is that there is an optional trunk rack that numerous aftermarket organizations sell solely for the Miata. Once you include that, you immediately have ample space for your gear.
With the most available good roads, you are most likely to have a lot of fun in a small convertible sports vehicle than a huge luxury SUV. If your cross-country road trip consists of twisty roads but does not need much luggage space, this is the most suitable vehicle. You can comfortably plan a weekend fishing getaway from life on base.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is an enigmatic roadster ideal for carving backroads or simply cruising around with the top down with the wind blowing on your face and hair – enhancing your experience of your cross-country road trip.
Dodge Charger
There is a reason law enforcement uses chargers and that’s because this vehicle is a boss. The Dodge Charger qualifies for vehicles suitable for cross-country road trips since they are very comfortable. Not only does the Dodge Charger contain safety features, but it is also preferred as the perfect car for your cross-country road trip, especially if you are traveling with 2 or 3 people. If you’re more keen to staying on the road most travelled and staying in places that provide lodging accommodations, this is it.
If you will be going to places where it snows heavily, it is best not to go with this car since they cannot navigate easily in areas with vast snow. Nevertheless, since they are very low, they can drive well in slippery conditions. So if you need to get from point A to point B and want to catch some sights along the way without dealing with mother nature very much then it is what you would want in warmer states.