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There's a special kind of freedom in loading up the truck, hitching the caravan, and pointing the hood toward the open road. But anyone who's towed across a few states knows the truth: a great road trip is built in the driveway, not on the highway. Before you chase another sunrise, your diesel truck deserves a thorough pre-trip once-over, because nothing ends a family adventure faster than a check-engine light in the middle of nowhere.Whether you're running a Powerstroke, Cummins, or Duramax, here's the practical, mile-tested maintenance checklist I walk through before every long haul.
1. Start With Fluids — All of Them
Diesel engines work harder than their gas counterparts, especially when towing. That means fluids are your first line of defense.
* Engine oil: If you're within 1,000 miles of your service interval, change it now. Long trips and heavy loads accelerate wear.
* Coolant: Diesels run hot under load. Top off and check for the correct mixture — a 50/50 ratio protects against both boil-over and freeze.
* Transmission fluid: Towing generates serious heat here. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid is a red flag.
* Fuel filter: A clogged filter starves your engine right when you need power most. Swap it before, not during, the trip.
Clean fluids keep your powertrain happy, but they're only half the equation when you're asking your truck to pull thousands of pounds for days on end.
2. Inspect Tires and Brakes Under Load Conditions
Your tires carry the entire weight of your rig — truck, trailer, gear, and family. Check tread depth, look for sidewall cracks, and always set pressure to the towing spec, not the everyday number. Don't forget the trailer tires and the spare.
Brakes deserve equal attention. Towing dramatically increases stopping distance, so worn pads or glazed rotors aren't just inconvenient — they're dangerous. If your brake pedal feels soft or you hear grinding, get it sorted before departure.
3. Don't Overlook the Exhaust and Airflow System
Here's where a lot of drivers fall short. Your truck's ability to breathe directly affects power, fuel economy, and engine temperature on long climbs.
Before a big trip, inspect your exhaust for leaks, rust, and loose connections. If you've been thinking about improving how your truck performs under sustained load, this is the moment to look into performance exhaust upgrades that help your engine run cooler and pull stronger through mountain passes. A free-flowing setup reduces heat soak and keeps exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) in a safer range, which is exactly what you want when you're grinding up a grade with a loaded caravan behind you.
For a deeper breakdown of how these systems work together, EngineGo's guide on diesel truck exhaust systems is a genuinely useful read before you start wrenching.
4. Address Power and Towing Performance
Stock trucks tow just fine until you add weight, altitude, and a headwind. If your last trip left you flooring the pedal up every hill, your truck is telling you something.
This is where a lot of seasoned towers invest in real, lasting improvements. A quality tuner reshapes how your engine delivers power, unlocking smoother throttle response and extra torque exactly where towing demands it. If you want your rig to feel confident instead of strained, browse the diesel tuners and performance parts that match your specific engine platform.
And because every engine family has its own needs, it pays to shop by platform:
* Ford owners can explore Powerstroke performance components built for the 6.0L, 6.4L, and 6.7L.
* Ram and Dodge drivers will find Cummins performance upgrades for the 6.7L.
* GM truck owners can dial in their setup with the right Duramax performance parts across the LB7 through L5P range.
Matching parts to your exact engine isn't just about horsepower bragging rights — it's about reliability when you're 800 miles from home.
5. Check Electrical, Lights, and the Trailer Connection
A weak battery is the most common cause of a no-start morning. Diesels need strong cranking amps, often from dual batteries, so test both and clean any corroded terminals.
Then walk the full lighting circuit: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and the trailer harness. Plug in your caravan and confirm every light and the electric trailer brakes respond correctly. A frayed connector or blown fuse here is a roadside headache you can prevent in five minutes.
6. Pack a Diesel-Specific Emergency Kit
Even a perfectly maintained truck benefits from a smart backup plan. For diesel rigs, I always pack:
* Spare fuel filter and the tools to change it
* Extra coolant and oil
* A quality tire repair kit and portable compressor
* Diesel fuel additive
* Basic hand tools, gloves, and a headlamp
It's a small amount of cargo space for a huge amount of peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: A Confident Truck Makes a Better Trip
The best journeys are the ones where the vehicle simply disappears into the background — no warning lights, no straining engine, no anxious glances at the temperature gauge. That kind of reliability isn't luck. It comes from a careful pre-trip routine and from investing in high-quality diesel truck parts that are built to handle the demands of real towing.
So before your next adventure, give your truck the attention it gives you on every mile. Check the fluids, inspect the brakes, dial in the airflow and power, and hit the road knowing your rig is ready for whatever's around the bend.
*contributed post*
Today I am so excited to share seven of the most affordable and helpful supplements that I take for helping to heal my adrenal glands! As y'all know this has been a very difficult year and I knew that it was important to really work on healing and supporting my adrenal glands. A book that I turned to was one that I had used during and after my fight for my health, Adrenal Fatigue by James Wilson was one that I immediately re-purchased after I had been laid off from my job and as we were immediately approaching mom's radiation treatments. If you are interested in the book you can find it on Amazon HERE.
Like I mentioned, I had used this book as part of my healing journey from Lyme Disease (you can read the connection in a very detailed post I wrote between Lyme and Adrenal Glands HERE), and while this was different- I was the very classic case I knew after meeting with my doctors for Adrenal Fatigue not only from this year, the job, balancing caregiving and several additional jobs, and many other things behind the scenes. Depending on your case and your consultation with your doctors, it is a long road to repair the adrenals and it is something that needs to be considered as such. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away. They will come! I will say that now six weeks later- I am doing so well (obviously as I train for a marathon!)
Here in no particular order are 7 of my tops supplements that I use:
1. HAD Adrenal Drops
"HAD Adrenal Drops is a unique homeopathic organotherapy preparation synergistically formulated to restore and support normal adrenal and endocrine functions. Insufficient adrenal function can result in deficient muscular metabolism, lowered resistance to infections, and reproductive and endocrine dysfunctions. HAD Adrenal Drops is indicated for symptoms associated with adrenal disorders, including stress, fatigue, insomnia and adrenal atrophy; and for allergies, hypoglycemia, chronic infections, inflammation and mineralization disorders."
I listed this one first because this is a product that I have used and continue to use and have felt the most difference with. For those who are extremely sensitive to new products (like I was for a very long time) my doctor started me putting a drop on my skin every day and we worked up to the recommended drops before starting this internally.
It is available on Amazon HERE.
Vitamin B5, or commonly known as Pantothenic Acid is a an important part of healing your adrenal glands as it helps to produce co-enzyme A. Co-enzyme A contributes to cellular respiration and also helps in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Pantothenic Acid brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $8 on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Vitamin B6, is a an important part of restoring your adrenal glands as helps the functions of several pathways that are used to create adrenal hormones.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Vitamin B6 brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $8 (for a months supply!!) on Amazon by clicking HERE.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is not a supplement that we often consider important in the role of adrenal glands, but it is! Studies have shown that more than 75% of people are deficient in magnesium which is a HUGE issue for those struggling with adrenal fatigue and failure. Sadly, a lack of appropriate magnesium levels can result in fatigue symptoms. There are all different types of magnesium forms so you will want to consult with a doctor and research what is best for your specific case. Listed below are a few of the magnesium products that I have found to be the most helpful:
Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica
I started using this supplement in 2015 and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. I will note that this is something that I take daily at night but for this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed HUGE results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
I started using this supplement in 2015 and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. I will note that this is something that I take daily at night but for this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed HUGE results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
This is one of my favorite products, although as a disclaimer, it is also one of the more expensive supplements that I use. But it is fantastic and I find it the cheapest on Amazon. You can find it HERE.
Magnesium Malate is a product that was recommended to me by my acupuncturist years ago. I was really excited about this product at the time because as I had been reading a ton and discussing with medical professionals the benefits of the malate form of magnesium specifically. Interestingly, "Dr.Jay Goldstein, U.S. director of the CFS Institute, has endorsed the use of malic acid as a "valid therapeutic approach" for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
One of the things that I will say is that like most supplements this is one that it take me a couple of months when I first started to notice any difference with this magnesium so keep at it if you don't feel anything immediately! The integrative therapeutics brand is the one that was recommended to me and is what I have purchased to use. You can find it HERE on Amazon.
5. Licorice
Licorice is a key component for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for me who likes to keep supplements not mixed, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take and started taking it again right after the layoff of the job. On Amazon it retails for under $15 and is currently on sale! You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Licorice is a key component for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for me who likes to keep supplements not mixed, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take and started taking it again right after the layoff of the job. On Amazon it retails for under $15 and is currently on sale! You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
6.CoQ10
CoQ10 is important to the overall function of our body as it is used to produce energy for growing and maintaining our cells. Studies have shows that it can also help to increase endurance. My favorite brand of CoQ10 is the one by Researched Nutritionals above. Beyond helping with energy, I attribute the fact that I don't suffer as much from pain as other people do from Fibro issues to this supplement alone. It took a while to see a difference but it is a "must have" for me. It is expensive but after trying multiple other brands I found that this was just irreplaceable for me. You can find it HERE.
This supplement is used for a variety of different things but it does help to move the fatty acids into the mitochondria where we need them to help produce energy. It is also helpful for boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels!
You can find it on Amazon for less than $10 by clicking HERE.
Some Additional Helpful Information:
So as I mentioned above, This book, Adrenal Fatigue, by James Wilson, is one of the best resources that I would definitely recommend. Even if you are not dealing with Lyme it is a fantastic resource and one that I have in my library and have referred back to many times. You can find it on Amazon HERE.
There have been studies done over the years that show the importance and the benefits to the adrenal glands with using Himalayan salt. The above brand is the one that I have been using for years. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
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I hope that this product list is helpful for those who are interested in healing your adrenal glands! Let me know if you have any questions!
Please note as a disclaimer that the information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.
Happy Tuesday friends! I originally wrote this post in August 2024 and it has now been updated here in June 2026! I hope that you enjoy this!
Today I am excited to start sharing about a special travel section I am going to be adding to my travel journals and stories: creative reuse shop reviews from around the United States! We were first introduced to these shops when we traveled to Lancaster in 2022 after Christmas (you can read more about our trip HERE!) and quickly fell in love with these stores. Since Christmas 2022, mom and I have made it a point to search out these shops in every state and city that we have traveled in.
For us, in owning December Caravan, these shops have allowed us to use materials that are being rescued and are not being sent to landfills and are helping the environment, along with finding vintage treasures that we use in our journals. We love creating heirloom and legacy junk journals and also helping the planet!
These shops serve as a thrift store/secondhand store for arts and craft supplies along with a variety of "upcycled materials" that are great for projects for every type of artwork that you can imagine. Each store and shop has a variety of different offerings (which is why I am going to be reviewing everyone that we visit so that you can know the "pros and cons" of each) and are an amazing idea and creation for the community. Mom and I have already said that we would love to own one because they can be incredibly inspirational for anyone who enters- whether you consider yourself an artist or not.
For the past 13 years, in all of my travel posts my hope has been to inspire you and provides practical information for your travels, but I also hope that this listing of stores in the United States is helpful. You can scroll to the end of this post at any time for the map and list of the stores and I will update with any information that I have as time continues.
As I mentioned above I hope that this is a very helpful post for you. Finding shops and stores like this can be extremely difficult because while the organizational concept is similar (think of these like a thrift store for artists) the names of all of them are different and sometimes do not include the word "creative reuse". In addition to this all of them are very different. Some are large scale and are open 7 days a week, while others are smaller and are only open for a few hours on a few days of the week and finally some are open only during certain seasons (and closed during the Summer). So I hope that this information is helpful for starting your adventures! If you have other shops that I am not aware of- please let me know in the comments and I will update the map accordingly! Happy creative shopping friends!
a creative reuse shop near me map and reviews in the united states resource
*please remember that I will keep this list as updated as I can, but please double check before planning a trip to any listing by contacting the store/site to confirm details on shopping hours and locations*
Please note that ones that we have personally visited and reviewed will be listed and shared below the shop listing on this map! You can also find the complete list of reviews for these stores HERE!
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Idaho
Iowa
Illinois
Georgia
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
7. Sew What // Auburn, NY
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Review 2024: SCRAP RVA (Richmond, Virginia)
Washington
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