On the synthetic, some higher mileage engines decide they want to leak; something you don't need right now. You didn't say WHEN (said where you were going); if you had a couple of months still, you could give it a try, I s'pose. I'm just one of those ppl who does my maintenance about a month ahead of a trip, so if something is glitchy, I can get it squared away. 2600 miles down the AlCan to my Dad's in Spokane is about the length of the continent E-W.
Coolant--best thing you can do is to test your system for what temp it's good down to. If mixing spare (AlCan is 2 gallons premixed for me)coolant, mix it per the instructions for whatever temps you anticipate. Being's you're not going that far north, 50/50 should be okay. I run 60/40 to 70/30 for -60*F here, to give you an idea.
Nuther thing I've learned about coolant READ THE BOTTLE. There are some brands out there now that are ALREADY premixed. Neighbor found out the hard way. Got coolant, did a 60/40 mix; froze up his truck. Reason? The coolant was already diluted in the bottle; he didn't catch it.
Block heater is a good deal; if you think the temps will drop past -20*F, then an oil pan heater is good too; helps the engine pick up oil a little faster.
Only other thing you *might* need is chains, esp if going over via Radium Springs. Coming from the east into there, the brakes get a little hot, and the [email]d@mned[/email] sheep are in the road from the tourists feeding them. I know some areas the RCMP won't let you through unless you've got 'em. I've been thru there in the summer; looks like quite the avalanche area.
The
www.bc4x4.com has a forum there where the RCMP chimes in to help; you might be able to get some insight as to the road conditions out west, plus some insight as to the 'chain up' issue. You ought to pop in over there and do a little networking anyway, so you've got a few contacts if you need them.
Whistler and Banff, huh? Have fun; I love it down there. Am saving up for a train ride vacation in a couple years. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
