ditto <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Based on personal experience of having a good battery starting to fail suddenly (most likely an internal cell strap failure) while out in the boonies west of the Grand Tetons. I now have a second battery system in my vehicle.

Get one of the booster pacs that has a 17AH gel cell battery such as shown below.



These provide more than enough current to start Toyotas (whose starters are very efficient PM motors with a double reduction gear design).

I measured the starting current on my 3.4L V6 and it was only 70amps. Similar starters are used on the Ford 460 V8s used in some of the emergency generators that we service, takes only 80amps of current to start an engine this large.

These work so well I decided to use 4 in parallel as my second battery system shown below which gives me 68AH of capacity, This is slightly greater than the 56AH capacity of the Optima red top batteries.



We also carry an electric cooler, so we always have food and cold water with us. At the higher, cold altitudes, dehydration is a problem so keep plenty of water on conveniently on hand. And as mentioned pillows, blankets, etc. to be prepared to stay warm and sleep in the vehicle if circumstances require it..

Most of these items have already been mentioned, but here's a pic of my cross country essentials..



All the above stuff fits as shown below.. leaving lots of room for clothes for a variety to temperature extremes..


Might want to take a look at my website as I have outfitted my 4Runner for long distance cross country travel (and off roading of course! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )