Road trip! What car to take?

[Idaho45guy]

Going to go visit my daughter and grandkids at Fort Lewis/McCord in Tacoma, WA Sunday. They live on base and it is 315 miles from my house to their place.

Daughter told me that I cannot bring any firearms with me since they live on base and it is not allowed. They don't own a gun. They are leftists. I was tempted to stash a pistol in my vehicle, but I suspect a military base has some sort of scanning technology to detect hidden weapons in a vehicle. Not going to risk it.

So, I have two vehicles to choose from. One, is my main vehicle. A 2019 Toyota 4Runner that is lifted and modified and has 24k miles on it. I did a 3600-mile road trip in it in February. It was fine, but got awful gas mileage. 15.7 mpg.

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The other car is a 2007 Chevy HHR that my dad gave me a couple of months ago after he deemed it worthless. He bought it new and used it to travel all over the US pulling a small Coleman pop-up camper to various rifle matches. It had 209k miles on it and I have been driving it as much as possible and it now has 210k miles. It runs great, the oil still looks like new, tires have 70% tread, and I have got it cleaned up, painted the wheels, and it looks sharp. It gets over 31 mpg.

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However, the tie rods I think are shot since it makes a weird rattling noise on bumps. Dad took it to a mechanic and they replaced all of the struts and shocks and no improvement. I suspect tie rods or ball joints or some other front suspension thing. Still drives fine. Transmission is getting soft. Little lag when shifting, but no major slipping.

I have been driving it for a couple of months and it starts easily, runs good, and no issues other than an engine temp sensor that was having connectivity issues. It resolved itself. I think it would make it there and back easily.

But, driving it rather than a super-reliable SUV on a road trip to a sketchy area completely unarmed makes me nervous.

I would save 650 miles on my nice car, and save about $75 in gas if I take the HHR.

Just on the fence as to which one I will go with.

[bakerjw]

When I travel more than 150 miles, I get a rental. It might cost me more than taking my own, but if it breaks any where along the way, I make a call and they take care of the problem.

And why in the world would left leaning people be in the military?

[rockrat]

How much will it cost you if the HHR leaves you stranded? I would take the 4 runner and use the HHR local. That way it won't be that far for the wrecker to tow the car home.:)

[Idaho45guy]

When I travel more than 150 miles, I get a rental. It might cost me more than taking my own, but if it breaks any where along the way, I make a call and they take care of the problem.

And why in the world would left leaning people be in the military?

As to the rental, the $75 in gas savings would be less than the rental cost, which due to Covid, is considerably more these days, if you can find a rental car.

As to leftists in the military... He's Air Force, so...

[Idaho45guy]

How much will it cost you if the HHR leaves you stranded? I would take the 4 runner and use the HHR local. That way it won't be that far for the wrecker to tow the car home.:)

I do have towing coverage on it... But, getting a rental is expensive. And I do have to drive the HHR with my head cocked to the side since it is tiny and I am 6'2". Not sure how that would feel after 5 hours of driving.

[cwtebay]

Left leaning military personnel.... interesting.
As far as the gun goes, I generally leave mine with the guard at the gate - but I do always call ahead prior to arrival. You can also park off base, there's usually a parking area right outside of the main gate.
I'd take the best gas mileage vehicle.

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[358429]

Find a competent mechanic and inspect that car!

Do you know what happens when a tie rod fails? You lose the ability to control the direction that the vehicle is traveling.

That happens on the freeway you could kill yourself and other people as well.

Yesterday I replaced a pitman arm that was getting ready to fall off.

*rant over sipping coffee*

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[358429]

Anyways a rattling noise over bumps is usually stabilizer bar end links. They connect the strut assembly to the vehicle body threw a giant torsion bar (anti roll bar).

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[rbuck351]

Jack up one front tire and wiggle it side to side as if you are turning, then in and out top and bottom. Side to side is tie rods or steering linkage, top to bottom is ball joints ( check both sides for this). If there is no looseness take the HHR.

My cars range from 1994 to 2001 and I take which ever one I want when going to visit my son in Salt Lake about 600 miles away. All have over 200,000 miles on them but as issues show up I track them down and fix them.

[DocSavage]

Can't believe the 4 Runner gets such bad gas mileage but I'd rather the Toyota than take the chance of breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Been. There done that and it wasn't fun.

[PhilC]

As to leftists in the military... He's Air Force, so...
And that means....?

[Handloader109]

just say 1000 miles round trip, one gets 17mpg, the other gets 35. At $5 a gallon, the difference is $150. And you are nowhere near that. probably $50 difference, I would much rather drive a much safer, newer, RELIABLE vehicle than a worn out ***. Oh, and if you can actually get a rental, it will cost you a pretty penny right now. Double to triple or more than a couple if years ago. Many places are well over $100 a day.

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[megasupermagnum]

When I travel more than 150 miles, I get a rental. It might cost me more than taking my own, but if it breaks any where along the way, I make a call and they take care of the problem.

And why in the world would left leaning people be in the military?

150 miles? Do you mean 1500 miles?

There's probably something wrong with your 4 runner (unless you drive like a mad man), but I'm not sure I'd worry about it too much until whatever it is fails. It could be something as simple as a temperature sensor, it could be an 02 sensor. It could even be bad sparkplug/wires (yes, even at 24,000 miles). Chances are slim it is anything that would leave you stranded.

You have problems with that HHR you shouldn't ignore. The rattling could be nothing. It could be something like loose exhaust. Failing ball joints or tie rod ends are not something to play around with, and there is no excuse for not knowing for sure. All you have to do is jack up a front tire, and rock the tire side to side, and up and down with your hands. If you have a bad ball joint, or bad tie rod end, you will feel the movement. If it is rock solid, you don't. My guess is if you had mechanics replace the struts, they would have to be brain dead not to notice a bad ball joint or tie rod end. That's a simple inspection done before every alignment. The more concerning problem I see you mention the transmission shifting funky. Transmissions do not "get soft". The fixes for extended shifting can vary widely, and may not be in your skill set. The very first thing I would do is make 100% it is full of fluid. If it is, I would change the fluid by dropping the pan, replacing the filter, and filling back with fluid. This only replaces around 1/3rd of the systems total fluid, but I have never seen flushing to do good, and plenty to do bad. It is not unheard of for the filter (more of a screen) to be clogged enough to impede fluid flow. Beyond that, fixes could vary, bad throttle position sensor, bad vacuum modulator (this year may not have one), or any number of failed internal parts.

For the transmission issue alone, it's an easy choice for me. Take the 4 runner.

[quilbilly]

Gas on my sales route around Western Washington is running about $3.80/gallon and is less at most Arco Stations.
Don't even think about "stashing" your firearm in your vehicle when you go on base. If you have any stickers on you car indicating that you might be a firearms owner, you could be searched on suspicion since we who support the 2A (and the rest of the Constitution) are now considered potential terrorists. We often shop in the exchange (PX) and commissary at Bangor Subbase so we know the rules.

[MUSTANG]

Left leaning military personnel.... interesting.
As far as the gun goes, I generally leave mine with the guard at the gate - but I do always call ahead prior to arrival. You can also park off base, there's usually a parking area right outside of the main gate.
I'd take the best gas mileage vehicle.

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:goodpost: Call the Base Military Police and explain that you will have a firearm and need to "Park It" while on base. This more common than man realize; as quite a few trucker travel with firearms and need to store them when entering a military base and other Federal facilities.

[375supermag]

When I travel more than 150 miles, I get a rental. It might cost me more than taking my own, but if it breaks any where along the way, I make a call and they take care of the problem.

And why in the world would left leaning people be in the military?

Left leaning in military???

You would have to check with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs on that...he is apparently a card carrying socialist himself.

[TyGuy]

Anyways a rattling noise over bumps is usually stabilizer bar end links. They connect the strut assembly to the vehicle body threw a giant torsion bar (anti roll bar).

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I second this sight-unseen diagnosis. Very common issue. I always recommend replacing the end links along with bar bushings. They are the rubber bushings that hold the stabilizer bar to the body/subframe.

As to what vehicle to take? Toyota without question.

[Thin Man]

If you get snubbed off by the guard shack personnel, why not locate a local FFL dealer and ask them to secure your firearm until you can recover it just before leaving the area. This way you will not let the local Po-Po you even brought such with you. One of our local dealers frequently stores firearms for active duty personnel when they exit the area under orders. The storage area is very secure and only you and he dealer know about the arrangement. Hope these ideas help you.

[Texas by God]

Kick the seat back, tilt the wheel on that HHR and go. If you turn up the radio the rattle won't bother you as much.
Have fun.[emoji16]

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[GregLaROCHE]

Consider repairing the one with the loose front end, if you have the time and cash to do it, before you go. Sounds like you are going to keep it, so why not repair it, so you can use it when you get back and not put more miles on your other vehicle. Just a thought, but best to take what is the most dependable on a road trip.

[Winger Ed.]

I'd take the Toyota.

Reliability trumps good gas mileage.

[Finster101]

I'd take the HHR to the end of my driveway and put a "FOR SALE" sign on it.

[Pete44mag]

Drive the one that your most comfortable in. Is it worth $50 or even $100 to be uncomfortable for the whole time it takes to go round trip?

[Traffer]

Anyways a rattling noise over bumps is usually stabilizer bar end links. They connect the strut assembly to the vehicle body threw a giant torsion bar (anti roll bar).

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^^^What he said^^^
My car has bad sway bar rubber bumpers. Been like that for years...BUT check them like rbuck351 says. You don't want to lose a tie rod end on the highway.

[JimB..]

Toyota. Maybe it’s an old wives tale, but I like to put some highway miles on a vehicle from time to time. Besides, more reliable and more comfortable.

I would have your hosts ask where their guest should store his personal weapon while on base. There is certainly a process.

[Idaho45guy]

I would have your hosts ask where their guest should store his personal weapon while on base. There is certainly a process.

I called the base visitor's center today and asked what the process was. They said there was no process for visiting civilians; retired/former military or not, to leave their guns with them or anyone else while visiting. They suggested I contact a gun shop in the area that might be willing to store it, or see if my daughter has any friends off-base that could hold onto it for me.

I was surprised there was no option for me.

[Scrounge]

How much will it cost you if the HHR leaves you stranded? I would take the 4 runner and use the HHR local. That way it won't be that far for the wrecker to tow the car home.:)

What he said, plus what you say about driving with your head cocked due to your height tells me you have exactly one choice. Drive the SUV. Yes, gas will be more expensive. Life is tough, and then you start Kindergarten. It gets worse from there. :bigsmyl2:

Bill

[country gent]

If you cant take your carry firearm along then make the vehicle your weapon drive the suv being bigger heavier and stronger and plan on running problems over or off the road :smile:

The clubs instructor once asked me how I would handle a road rage scenario. I grinned and told him I drive a 4 wheel drive diesel excursion Ill run them over or off the road,closest thing to a bull dozer with out tracks.

[megasupermagnum]

I called the base visitor's center today and asked what the process was. They said there was no process for visiting civilians; retired/former military or not, to leave their guns with them or anyone else while visiting. They suggested I contact a gun shop in the area that might be willing to store it, or see if my daughter has any friends off-base that could hold onto it for me.

I was surprised there was no option for me.

Unfortunately I think you will find even less success with the FFL's in the area. My brother had lived there in 2017-2018, and he got grief the entire time. He wasn't in the navy, only his wife was, and they lived right south of the base. The base was the most unfriendly place, and this was a direct contrast where they had come from before of Norfolk, Virgina, which was the most welcoming. He used to shoot trap on the VA base twice a week. WA base wouldn't even let him pick up his wife in his car half the time. Outside of the base he was met with the most elitist shooters in the country. He got on a waiting list for a range, and in 2 years, never let him in. He tried to buy a handgun at 21, and the FFL refused to do so, which is technically their right. I tried to sell my brother a handgun, and multiple FFL's flat out refused to even touch the deal.

All in all, Seattle is one of the most restrictive cities in the country, maybe not as bad as LA or New York, but as bad if not worse than Chicago. Where there is a will, there is a way, but I'd personally just go without a firearm. 315 miles isn't like you are crossing the country, and you'll be on a military base.

[Idaho45guy]

Where there is a will, there is a way, but I'd personally just go without a firearm. 315 miles isn't like you are crossing the country, and you'll be on a military base.

The other option is just to rent a hotel outside of the base. But, that's a lot of money and it's a couple of days before payday, so don't have the cash for another $300 of expenses right now.

Daughter wants us to go to a public beach and then a drive-thru zoo with free range animals; two prime spots for a need of a firearm against two-legged and four-legged threats, lol.

[rbuck351]

I leave my guns at home when visiting relatives in WA. I was born and lived in WA for about 35 years then moved to AK. I don't even like to go to WA. WA. has gone nuts with their politics. Wenatchee is as far west in WA. as I will go and I don't go there for tourist type things just to visit a sister and then leave. Only other place I will go in WA. is Walla Walla which is where my wife and I both have family. Won't take guns there either.

[cwtebay]

I leave my guns at home when visiting relatives in WA. I was born and lived in WA for about 35 years then moved to AK. I don't even like to go to WA. WA. has gone nuts with their politics. Wenatchee is as far west in WA. as I will go and I don't go there for tourist type things just to visit a sister and then leave. Only other place I will go in WA. is Walla Walla which is where my wife and I both have family. Won't take guns there either.Curious as to why?

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[Idaho45guy]

Decided on the 4Runner. Went to Wally World earlier today and bought an aluminum T-Ball bat to keep in the front seat area. Makes a handy little club, and is for my grandsons, until it isn't... ;)

Also, bought my dad a tactical sword cane that he refused to touch, so I will have it with me in public, since my left knee is sort of hurting.

So, won't be totally defenseless. And I'm still big and intimidating, so there's that...

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[richhodg66]

Haven't been to Lewis/McCord in a few years, but most military installations only really care about registration and insurance on the car, in the unlikely event they actually search one, it's never gone past opening all the doors, hood, trunk, glove box and someone looking in. Without going into details of how I know, it isn't difficult to stash a handgun on a vehicle where it won't be found. Keep it locked up wherever you're staying once you get on post. Did this for a week-long TDY a couple of times. Where I was going, I wouldn't be unarmed and then didn't leave the installation until time to go home, had no desire to.

Just for what it's worth, that sword cane would likely get the powers that be on an installation almost as excited as a handgun. Bat looks innocent enough, might want to have a ball and a couple of gloves with it to make it even more so.

As mentioned, leaving it home probably isn't a big deal, a public beach and drive through zoo isn't like you're going to Chicago.

[Combat Diver]

Typical they only put out information they want. Tell them you would like to utilze the base privately owned firearm range and to register a firearm.

All COVID-19 Restrictions related to weapons registration have been lifted. Any person requesting to transport a weapon onto JBLM for a legitimate purpose is authorized to register their firearm with the Provost Marshal's Office of the Directorate of Emergency Services.

Reminder:

Concealed Carry is not authorized on JBLM. State-issued Concealed Carry Permits are not valid on federal military installations.
Unregistered firearms are prohibited from being brought onto any part of JBLM.
Firearms may only be transported in a POV when engaged in an authorized activity.
When transporting a firearm it:

Must be in a case
Must be unloaded
Must not be located in the passenger compartment
Ammunition must be separate from the weapon
Must be registered with DES

Link also tells how to deregister when you leave.

https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php/my-Joint-Base-Lewis-Mcchord/all-services/vehicle-weapon-registration

CD
retired

[Thumbcocker]

Decided on the 4Runner. Went to Wally World earlier today and bought an aluminum T-Ball bat to keep in the front seat area. Makes a handy little club, and is for my grandsons, until it isn't... ;)

Also, bought my dad a tactical sword cane that he refused to touch, so I will have it with me in public, since my left knee is sort of hurting.

So, won't be totally defenseless. And I'm still big and intimidating, so there's that...

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Be very careful. What constitutes a concealed weapon in Washington? In MANY places a sword cane would be a felony.

[Idaho45guy]

Made it. And of course there was just a possible terrorist attack on the base. Just went in alert when a car rammed the gate I came through earlier and burst into flames. No idea if it hit the news yet, but it's a big deal here.

[Idaho45guy]

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