The road trip wasn't invented in America, but it was perfected here. With rising energy costs, urban sprawl, and our hectic lives, the road trip is an endangered species. The day may come when most people won't be able to afford the time or fuel that it'll cost to drive 1,000, 2,000, or even 3,000 miles across our great country. And that's a crying shame, 'cause Mother Nature has a way of showing off in places that are far away from civilization and international airports. And for a lot of people, the best way to figure out how you fit into this world is to go out and see for yourself firsthand.
Diesel fuel is not going to get any cheaper. So, rule number 1: Save your money for fuel, not hotel rooms. A great road trip is spent on the road, not asleep in some swanky five-star hotel room alongside it. A cheap hotel room is fine. Life's too short to spend two nights in the same place anyway. | 
Rule number 2: Choosing the road less traveled is key. The U.S. interstate system is great if you're trying to get somewhere in a hurry. But a road trip isn't about getting somewhere fast; it's about going there. Take your time and take the scenic route. Pull over and stop whenever you see anything cool and make sure you have a camera with you. And don't speed! Tickets are expensive and you shouldn't be in a rush anyway. | 
Rule number 3: Drive something cool. Whatever you take should be safe, reliable, and diesel-powered. Our lifted F-250 gets horrible fuel economy at 75 mph with 40-inch tires and 5.38 axle gears. But it's a hit with the locals whenever we stop anywhere. Your ride gets bonus points if you can road trip in the spring or fall (when you don't need air conditioning). That way you can cruise with the windows down and get in touch with the road. |
Rule number 4: Go someplace where there are mountains. The views are amazing, the roads are always intricate and twisty, and the elevation change ensures you'll experience a completely different climate. Just make sure to pack for extreme temperatures. Flip-flops and snow banks don't go together well. Rule number 5: Take someone you don't mind spending 10 hours in the truck with. | 
Arches National Park
Rule number 7: Road trips west of the Mississippi River ensure big views, wide-open spaces, a "wild west feel," and plenty of room for parking RVs. Rule number 8: East Coast road trips are filled with historical markers, amazing bridges, a zillion little towns, and old Civil War battlefields. | 
Moab, UT
Driving a diesel-powered truck means you'll have the range to explore "the middle of nowhere" and make it back without running out of fuel. If an off-road road trip sounds like your thing, then follow rule number 10: You must always convoy with a second vehicle in case one of you runs into trouble. |