Originally Posted By: SilverC6
I'd change it now before the trip.
I know highway miles are easier than miles around town as far as oil contamination on a per mile basis.
However, trip/highway use introduces a new set of challenges for the vehicle as a whole.
You'll be running the engine at load for protracted periods of time.
You will stress the cooling system to the max.
You'll be pushing more air through the engine and using fuels that might be somewhat different from your normal fill up.
Any problems you might have can and will show up.
It's good insurance to just change your oil early.
And how will changing the oil early make any difference with regard to the potential problems/challenges that you've noted?
Besides, they're not really problems, as far as I can see. Yes, you're putting constant load on the engine, but it's a very light load that is needed just to cruise on the hwy.
You are not stressing the cooling system because you're running at light load. Besides, airflow at hwy speeds helps with the cooling process.