Road trip time -- what should I check before rollin' out?

Tjn182 · Post by **Tjn182** » Feb 23, 2005 2:37 PM

Here comes spring break! 1 week away!
We got me and my girlfriend http://www.partyapp.com/photos/fullsize/124605.jpg

Our friend erin http://www.geocities.com/missusamagicd/ ... ions4.html

and my best buddy alex ('yellow' on these forums) http://www.partyapp.com/photos/fullsize/89891.jpg

are headed down to tampa, fl for spring break. We're looking at going from Boone -> Charlotte -> Atlanta (to get Alex) -> Tampa, FL

The car of choice? Mine.

So -- What should I check, double check, and triple check on my car before we go?
My current oil has about 3500+ miles on it (Mobil1 Synthetic -- changed every 5k). And I haven't experienced any problems with radiator fluid leaks or loss of oil. And 2 weeks ago I ran into a problem w/ my adjustable rear shock losing it's perch and bottoming out (and possibly blowing the shock).

In the back of my car I have wrenches from 8mm-17mm, shallow sockets from 1/4-3/4" and 10mm to 19mm (i think). I huge MOFO pair of knuckle busters 1 pack a metric allen keys ranging from 2mm-10mm, 2 extra quarts of oil, 1 liter of water, 1 thing of powersteering fluid, 1 thing of brake fluid, 1 propane torch, and 2 jacks (stock bmw jack and cheap autozone jack).

I'm still using snow tires -- but we're going to swap wheels w/ the turbo car when we get to Atlanta to get some fresher all-season tires on the car.

Any other suggestions along with what I should check over?

Thanks --
Tj

BDK · Post by **BDK** » Feb 23, 2005 8:04 PM

from what I have seen.....More tape, twist- ties, roll of wire and easy connects........

sorry TJ, couldn't pass that up.....

RetiredDoc · Post by **RetiredDoc** » Feb 23, 2005 8:25 PM

A few spare fuses, a spare main relay and a fuel relay, alternator belt, radiator hose/heater hose repair kit or spares, can of WD40. lug wrench. flashlight, and make sure that your spare tire is in good shape and has good pressure. Hope you have a great trip!

RetiredDoc · Post by **RetiredDoc** » Feb 23, 2005 8:28 PM

Almost forgot - a spare key!

al525i · Post by **al525i** » Feb 23, 2005 8:42 PM

actually, i'm gonna go with brad on this one. and you should probably keep my cell number handy because i'll be coming down that way (miami) on fri, march 5 and i'll be around if you need me i guess :-) also, i'd ask some people around that area for some numbers for assistance if you need it and give your car a good once over (duh) just to make sure everything is alright..

and a new cd player would'nt hurt either.

seriously though, i doubt you'll run into any problem that you and alex together cant figure out, and if you do just add another alex to the bunch and i'm sure we can come up with something.

Tjn182 · Post by **Tjn182** » Feb 23, 2005 9:11 PM

More tape, twist- ties, roll of wire and easy connects........

and a new cd player would'nt hurt either.

Hahahaha the truth is painful

I don't think I'm going run into problems with radiator hoses -- but thats my biggest concern thus far.

Almost forgot - a spare key!

Always got one in my wallet

I def got a handful of spare relays -- including a main relay. I'm not too worried a/b the main relay since I just put a brand new one on about 2 months ago. I got a lug wrench. I don't have any extra alternator belts.... Maybe I should grab one.

JUST IN CASE (I'm really worrying too much a/b this -- I did just do a 12 hour road trip this past weekend... but without a bunch of passangers) -- Do any of you know a "backyard" fix for a radiator leak? Say one of the main front hoses pops -- how do I fix it? I read somewhere about a combination of shirts/rags and duct tape will patch it for a bit.

Alex I always have your number on speed dial

Any FL guys mind giving me your numbers just in case? Especially the cool cats in Tampa?

Tjn182 · Post by **Tjn182** » Feb 23, 2005 10:03 PM

And I'm not even too worried about the radiator hoses if you think about it. My car rarely gets CLOSE to 12oclock when driving. It usually stays only 1/4 on the temp gauge. Hell sometimes after hours of driving I can pop the hood and still touch the radiator hoses (for short amounts of time

) cause they never got all that hot. So if the hose is supple and never is exposed to super hot temps... it should last for a while right?

RetiredDoc · Post by **RetiredDoc** » Feb 23, 2005 10:32 PM

Emergency radiator hose repair kits like this one are widely available - Pep Boys, K Mart, Target, Walmart, AutoZone etc.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Prod ... 45/c-10101

Threeshifter · Post by **Threeshifter** » Feb 23, 2005 10:42 PM

Check your fuel level.
Make sure your friends are in the car before leaving.

BDK · Post by **BDK** » Feb 24, 2005 8:46 AM

Don't forget your Speedo, all the locals in Fla wear speedos....
Oh and black sox to wear with your sandals....

We have to make sure you fit right in........

Tjn182 · Post by **Tjn182** » Feb 24, 2005 11:26 AM

Hahaha I'm gonna be the one wearing almost NOTHING (shorts and maybe a shirt) when it's like 55 degrees at night -- The floridians will be walking around with jackets and gloves on haha. I'll be getting some weiiiird looks :~

Layton · Post by **Layton** » Feb 24, 2005 11:40 AM

And there is the 5er Fest Road Trip Guide. You might have some room left for your beach chair . . . . ..

tacm · Post by **tacm** » Feb 24, 2005 1:23 PM

If you need anyhing while you are here call me 407-221-1492....im 25 miles outside tampa have a good trip...Steve

Yellow2 · Post by **Yellow2** » Feb 24, 2005 3:02 PM

Mmmmmm spring break

2 more days and ill have the turbo bmw !!!!

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

Road trip time -- what should I check before rollin' out?