Roadtrip Preparation?

[Marcus Aurelius]

We're taking my explorer on an 800 mile roundtrip to PA on Wednesday. The location has alot higher elevation than NJ, but we're not doing it in one shot. We'll start Wednesday night and do 1/3 of the trip and finish in the late morning the next day.

Is their any preparations I should make for the truck on the trip other than checking the fluid levels, tire pressure, etc. I'm expecting it to be very hilly and wanted to make sure the truck was ready.

-Marc

 

[marragtop]

Make sure you have a good flashlight and a can of fix a flat.

 

[Blee1099]

Flashlight and AAA service. Umm no fix it flat.. I've broken down tires with it.. Didn't know it had it in there and it sucks. Honestly though, if your somewhat mechanically skilled get a basic toolset of sockets, screwdrivers, etc. Don't forget the essentials like a quart of oil, Mercon V, and antifreeze/water since you will be driving up hills in case you lose any..

 

[Joe Dirt]

I just carry a quart of oil, gallon of water/antifreeze mix, Mercon, and my cell. I've seen that Ex of yours, just fill 'er up and go.

I also keep a convertible screwdriver, pliers, crescent wrench, 8, 10, and 12mm sockets, a ratchet and extensions, and a small fire extinguisher- for myself and also for someone else that I may run into on the road. Anything I can't fix with those I'll need more than that anyway.

x2 on the Fix a Flat- it's a mess, and some shops around here won't touch the tires if it has been used. I'd much rather use a spare...

 

[TheJackal]

I've heard Fix a Flat is flammable and makes a real mess.

I've seen this other stuff called "Slime" that is supposed to be better. Its this green stuff that comes in a bottle. You'd have to have one of those 12 volt air compressors tho because it won't inflate the tire, only seals it. Never tried it but it claims to not be as hazardous.

 

[alohamonte]

The major causes of breakdown are.... electrical breakdown from battery/alternator failure, overheating, and flat tire. If you guard against that, you'll be fine.

Pack water/coolant, jumper cables, and a spare tire. Have fun.

 

[Marcus Aurelius]

Ok then, thanks for the posts guys.

-Marc

 

[parad1mg]

gas money, food money, a reliable GPS (if you dont know the roads), fast digital camera with a big memory stick on it and rechargable batteries for spare and AAA

Have fun on your roadtrip!

 

[Joe Dirt]

fast digital camera with a big memory stick on it and rechargable batteries for spare

Jeez- I forgot all about that- YES take a camera, because if something happens...

...you know you'll see it


:ttiwwp: