This is a great thing you are doing... Going for it! I've done it a dozen or more times. I've never had one of these trucks leave me on the road with anything I couldn't deal with. I figure such things add color to the picture. "I got in the truck and started driving West. I ate here, slept there. In three days I was home" Pretty boring, huh?
The father & son element is rich and will be a lasting memory. Be careful, don't push it, take it all in, and share all you can with us. Have a great trip!!