Over the River and Through the Woods

We’re gearing up for a big road trip, and let’s just say the weather is keeping us on our toes. It’s pouring rain here in San Francisco, which likely means snow in the mountains. Meanwhile, my dad in Illinois tells me it’s already snowing there. He was curious how my electric truck would handle cold, snowy weather, and I was happy to reassure him—it’ll handle great! That said, we’ve taken a few extra steps to prepare for this wintery adventure.

First, we swapped out our 22-inch rims for 20s and upgraded to beefier all-weather tires. While the tires on our 22s were peak-rated for snow, we wanted the extra confidence of new tires and the cushier ride the 20s provide.

We also invested in Auto Socks as a backup plan for any chain controls we might encounter in the mountains. They’re compact, easy to use, and a great option for EVs since traditional chains aren’t always ideal for electric vehicles.

Planning ahead was crucial, so we used A Better Route Planner to map out our entire trip. This tool lets us account for charging stops and weather conditions. We even pinpointed some alternate charging stations, just in case our first choices are unavailable. Winter road trips with an EV require a little extra forethought, but the peace of mind is worth it!

Camping will be part of our adventure as we head east. We’re bringing our trusty Roofnest tent, along with a Campstream system and an electric blanket to stay warm through any cold nights. If the weather turns particularly challenging, we’re prepared to call an audible and find a motel for the night—it’s all part of the adventure.

So, why take on a 4,000-mile road trip across mountain ranges and the Great Plains in late November? Well, there’s a method to our madness. We’re making use of the Rivian’s impressive cargo space to bring tools for some family projects. Matthew plans to repair my sister’s 100-year-old butcherblock kitchen counter—a piece with so much history it’s worth the extra effort to save.

We’re also bringing along Matthew’s bike repair kit so he can install a specialized locking brake for my dad’s recumbent trike. Since he can only use his right side, all of the bike’s controls need to be operated with one hand. Matthew tracked down a lever system that not only controls the front and rear brakes but can also lock them in place to prevent the bike from rolling—a game-changer for my dad’s mobility.

And, of course, no road trip would be complete without a few indulgences. We’ve packed up a couple of cases of wine from our favorite local shop to share at Thanksgiving dinner. It might seem like a lot, but with at least 35 people expected for dinner, it’s sure to be appreciated!

What about you? Any exciting Thanksgiving plans or adventures? Bonus points if you’re using your Camp Kitchen to whip up something delicious for the holiday!