I hate to ask, but have to (road trip prep)

[SoundQ SVT]

sounds like most people have covered things pretty well. Might I suggest asking for a few CEG'ers along your intended route to share contact information just in case of emergency? It's always good to have local info when you need it.

What is your route? I will offer this tip to you if you're coming through the Chicago area... last week the Ill State Police turned on many stationary photo radar units (several mounted under bridges) that will send a ticket to your residence if you are doing more the 5 mph over the posted limit. Work zones are especially likely to have them.

 

[jamesmason1]

I'd take 70 to 15 south if at all possible, take 80w to 71s to 70w to 15s and that will take you all the way to vegas, I would say 80 all the way to 15 but there's a lot more open road on 80 to where if you break down it's gonna suck a lot worse than 70. I've done all of these routes at least 5 times a piece, and the long haul on 70 is more forgiving. and the colorado rockies are a blast going through the twisties.

 

[zorrex]

Sounds like personal experience! HAHAHAHA:laugh:

NO NO NO DEFINITELY NOT! Just read the package hehe

Did anyone mention it, yet?
Jumper cables?
Cell phone, charger, and spare (if any) batteries.
a SPARE KEY TO YOUR CAR!!!!!!!!!!! (don't get caught 2000 miles from home with NO KEY!!)

I have a spare key in my wallet. I have used it at LEAST 20 times, no effing lie. DO IT.

 

[frenchblueC2]

two-way radios to chat between the two cars.
(and extra batteries or battery charger for them).

One of the things that ruins a long road trip for me is all the tractor-trailers. I realize they're necessary for transporting goods/services, and I do appreciate all they do. I just would prefer to drive separate highways from them.

 

[Ray]

One of the things that ruins a long road trip for me is all the tractor-trailers. I realize they're necessary for transporting goods/services, and I do appreciate all they do. I just would prefer to drive separate highways from them.

On that note, if you have a small CB radio, they are a blast to talk on. Find a trucker going the OTHER way (ie, east bound, when you are westbound) and they will tell you where the last smokie, black and white, or unwrapped car was.


(thats: state patrol, city cop, and undercover car, fwiw)

 

[96MystiqueGS]

I have a small CB radio in my car and it has saved me more than once. Aside from letting me know where the cops are, as mentioned above, the tuckers have helped me out of traffic jams and completely avoid other traffic jams all together.

Also very helpful if you miss a turn and get somewhat lost, they can help get you back to where you need to be. Very helpful group of people.


Walmart has a CB for $35 and it has worked well for me in the past. They should also have a $10 CB which works ok, but I ordered a Cobra antenna from their site for $5 plus $3 shipping and it works much better.

 

[TourDeForce]

I actually bought a white impeller water pump & carry it around with me, right next to my tool box in the trunk. Might not be a bad idea for such a long road trip.

CB can be helpful. I have a handheld that I take with me. A pair of 2 way radios would be great too.

Most importantly, Kim had it pegged. If you get drowsey, pull over & SLEEP for 20 minute or so - that's what rest areas are for. That should be enough to keep you on the road for another couple hours - enough time to find a motel. Every person I've ever taken a road trip with has underestimated the effect a long drive can have on them. My little brother actually fell asleep and changed lanes while I was in the passenger seat. I grabbed the wheel, woke him & told him to remember the groggy feeling he had just before dozing off, and NEVER forget it.

A cool wet cloth on the back of your neck will help keep you awake, pepermint chewing gum helps (old truckers tricks) (yougest brother brushes his teeth while driving (weird)), and having somebody to talk to & scratch your back is the BEST.

 

[elraido]

last week the Ill State Police turned on many stationary photo radar units (several mounted under bridges) that will send a ticket to your residence if you are doing more the 5 mph over the posted limit. Work zones are especially likely to have them.

Nice to know that those are illegal in MN since they can't "prove" that the driver is the owner of the vehicle.

 

[SoundQ SVT]

Nice to know that those are illegal in MN since they can't "prove" that the driver is the owner of the vehicle.

Well, the tickets reportedly will contain a picture of the car, license plate, and a close-up of the driver. If the owner wasn't driving, I guess it will be up to the owner to prove it wasn't him/her based on the picture of the driver.

 

[qbcsvt]

Take some clothes, Caffeine!

A CAMERA and LAPTOP, so IF anything....happens, you can post it on CEG.

and remember... what happens in Vegas, STAYS IN VEGAS!!!!!

GOOD LUCK and have fun on your trip!

- AMYN

 

[TourEnvy]

Did anyone mention it, yet?
Jumper cables?
Cell phone, charger, and spare (if any) batteries.
a SPARE KEY TO YOUR CAR!!!!!!!!!!! (don't get caught 2000 miles from home with NO KEY!!)

spare keys are alway in my wallet. I have four spares for four different cars...I call it the George Costanza lol

The three of us have cell phones and charges. We are going to pick up some two way radios as well. Im also bringing jumper cables and my jump pack/converter/compressor.

sounds like most people have covered things pretty well. Might I suggest asking for a few CEG'ers along your intended route to share contact information just in case of emergency? It's always good to have local info when you need it.

What is your route? I will offer this tip to you if you're coming through the Chicago area... last week the Ill State Police turned on many stationary photo radar units (several mounted under bridges) that will send a ticket to your residence if you are doing more the 5 mph over the posted limit. Work zones are especially likely to have them.

I did think of this I might be doing a call out towards the end of the week. I dont know If im going through chicago or not. I will keep this in mind...along with Ohio's unforgiving law enforcement.

I'd take 70 to 15 south if at all possible, take 80w to 71s to 70w to 15s and that will take you all the way to vegas, I would say 80 all the way to 15 but there's a lot more open road on 80 to where if you break down it's gonna suck a lot worse than 70. I've done all of these routes at least 5 times a piece, and the long haul on 70 is more forgiving. and the colorado rockies are a blast going through the twisties.

I think the plan is to go 90 to 80 to ? to 40 (old route 66) this is the fastest. I dont know what we are taking to go south.

two-way radios to chat between the two cars.
(and extra batteries or battery charger for them).

One of the things that ruins a long road trip for me is all the tractor-trailers. I realize they're necessary for transporting goods/services, and I do appreciate all they do. I just would prefer to drive separate highways from them.

I would have to agree.