Tips/Tricks/Advice for long road trips?

[TXT]

This Friday I will be driving from Charlotte,NC to Northern New Jersey (Hudson County). This is between a 9 - 10 hour drive.

I've done this drive plenty of times. I would say about 20 times (round trip). I normally do the drive at night and more than 75% of the times of done the drive has been at night. Night vs Day driving isnt any more dangerous in my opinion but getting help if something goes wrong is more difficult. I'm doing the drive during the day, leaving around 7am.

I usually drive with the flow of traffic and avoid tickets in other states. I have never gotten a ticket in all of my trips because of my patience but if there is a convoy of vehicles that have gotten together and are just owning the interstate, I will join with no hesitation.

What do I do before I make a drive? Make sure I have at least 2 quarts of oil in the trunk. Make sure tire is inflated properly and have multiple ways of paying for anything that may arise on the trip there or back. The obvious, check tire pressure and don't drive if the car already has an issue. I'll be rotating my tires tomorrow before my trip.

What do you guys do? I don't eat too much because I would get tired. Plenty of rest before and being mentally prepared is key. Although I've done the trip plenty of times I would like to hear what some of you do. I'll be doing this trip again 2nd week of April.

I'll be by myself.

[06M4.5]

I'm in Jersey City, let me know if your around.

Freddie

[yomoms16]

Don't forget to Check the air pressure on your spare tire as well.......make sure its well inflated if its needed....

[Larz]

When I do treks into the north of the US, aside from what you posted, I also do the following.

I stop avery few hours at a rest area because I usually am desperate for a pee since I drink water constantly. While I am there, I walk or jog the length of the rest area car park and look for a tree with a branch that will allow me to do a few pull-ups, as well as a picnic table that allows me to do leg stretches. That keeps the body and mind alert.

Also, if you drive during daylight, I-95 is basically a stgraight line and as the sun lowers, sometimes it shines like a strobe through the tree line right into your side window. In that case, I use our wonderful double visor - pitching the main visor against the side window and fold the smaller visor down along the windscreen. That keeps the stobe light out of your peripheral vison and keeps your eyes from getting over stimulated and tired. I also use the radar cruise with medium distance setting and leave my legs free to move about as much as possible, flexing my toes, etc from time to time. I also play BPM on the sat radio and allow my upper body to dance about whilst driving. People laugh, but I'm fine with that. Also remember to use the seat fan so your back and bum don't 'shvety' and your shirt doesn't get mooshy.

I will be leaving for a trek from the bottom corner of the states near Miami, up to Virginia and Maryland.

I have the oil/filter changed at the dealer prior to departure so the car gets an inspection of suspension, brakes, hoses, belts, etc. When I return home, I get another oil/filter change at the dealer to get an after-trip inspection.
Typically, the trip adds about 3500 miles on the odometer so it's well near replacement mileage when I return home.

call me Dr Anal LOL

[TXT]

I'm in Jersey City, let me know if your around.

Freddie

I'll be a town over. I'll msg you. I know you have megan exhaust with midpipe but do you have any other mods that will alter the sound of the exhaust? I ask because that'll probably be my next mod and would like to hear one before i get it.

[TXT]

Don't forget to Check the air pressure on your spare tire as well.......make sure its well inflated if its needed....

Yea that's a good one. Completely forgot about it.

[TXT]

When I do treks into the north of the US, aside from what you posted, I also do the following.

I stop avery few hours at a rest area because I usually am desperate for a pee since I drink water constantly. While I am there, I walk or jog the length of the rest area car park and look for a tree with a branch that will allow me to do a few pull-ups, as well as a picnic table that allows me to do leg stretches. That keeps the body and mind alert.

Also, if you drive during daylight, I-95 is basically a stgraight line and as the sun lowers, sometimes it shines like a strobe through the tree line right into your side window. In that case, I use our wonderful double visor - pitching the main visor against the side window and fold the smaller visor down along the windscreen. That keeps the stobe light out of your peripheral vison and keeps your eyes from getting over stimulated and tired. I also use the radar cruise with medium distance setting and leave my legs free to move about as much as possible, flexing my toes, etc from time to time. I also play BPM on the sat radio and allow my upper body to dance about whilst driving. People laugh, but I'm fine with that. Also remember to use the seat fan so your back and bum don't 'shvety' and your shirt doesn't get mooshy.

I will be leaving for a trek from the bottom corner of the states near Miami, up to Virginia and Maryland.

I have the oil/filter changed at the dealer prior to departure so the car gets an inspection of suspension, brakes, hoses, belts, etc. When I return home, I get another oil/filter change at the dealer to get an after-trip inspection.
Typically, the trip adds about 3500 miles on the odometer so it's well near replacement mileage when I return home.

call me Dr Anal LOL

I do something similar. Usually I'll stop often at rest stops and take my sweet time. Splash some cold water on my face. I don't know about the running and jogging and doing pull ups on tree branches but I try move the body around.

Night time driving for me is ideal when schedule permits, this time I won't be able to. Roads are alone and not many cars, mostly trucks. I don't fight any sleepyness during an overnight drive for some reason, it's just very calm. This time I'm doing a day time drive which I have not done in years. I'll be putting up with traffic most likely and more cars on the road than im used to for a long period of time.

I'll be putting about 1300 miles on the car round trip. I'll just make sure oil level is good during the trip and get oil change when I come back.

The seat cooler will stay on the entire time....keeps everything cool down there.

[DoN_BLaZe34]

I don't have any tips but would be down for a mini meet as well if you get together with Freddie

[06M4.5]

I don't have any tips but would be down for a mini meet as well if you get together with Freddie

Sounds good to me

[robert_4.5_S]

I can come too

[06M4.5]

I can come too

Nice!!!

[White-Rush]

good luck on your trip, and watch for the non drivers..

My normal road trips go from South Eastern Virginia down to the Atlanta area (about 7.5 / 8 hours). Like you, I always try my best to travel late into the night / pre dawn hours. For me, I mainly ensure air pressure is gtg, all fluids are topped off, wheel lock in place, window's cleaned and freshly rain-x'd and lastly emergency cash. The only other advice that I can give you is to get as much information as possible on the weather for your trip and check for major road construction detours and etc. (Heads up, if your'e going thru the Northern Va area, there is still on going construction on I95,so you may want to plan your timing thru there, outside of morning and evening rush hour). As an alternate, you could probably use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge terminal and avoid DC all together. ($20 toll - i think- , but maybe worth the headache).

[M37owner]

I have not made the long drive (FL to NJ) in a couple of years now - but when I did, I would take a small tool box with some emergency items, (besides tools, such as flashlight, light sticks, flares/triangles, mini-air-compressor, spare set of wiper blades, cleaning wipes, TP, tire-plug kit, etc.). Some fluids (windshield wipers, oil, water, since buying this stuff on the interstate is expensive). How much you bring depends on how much room you have your trunk after you load up your travel cases - and how much you are capable of doing yourself (i.e. mechanical skills).
I also have a Road Side Assistance program/service with Allstate (AAA same thing).
Lastly, I would bring a small seat cushion - no matter how comfortable the seats are when I start out, I always want/need a little more padding (lower-back/butt) after 8 - 10 hours. However, I never made the trip in my M37 so maybe the cushion is not needed in this car.

[TXT]

I can come too

Nice!!!

Don Blaze, Robert, yea that'll be cool if you show up. We will all have 8 cylinders each!

[TXT]

good luck on your trip, and watch for the non drivers..

My normal road trips go from South Eastern Virginia down to the Atlanta area (about 7.5 / 8 hours). Like you, I always try my best to travel late into the night / pre dawn hours. For me, I mainly ensure air pressure is gtg, all fluids are topped off, wheel lock in place, window's cleaned and freshly rain-x'd and lastly emergency cash. The only other advice that I can give you is to get as much information as possible on the weather for your trip and check for major road construction detours and etc. (Heads up, if your'e going thru the Northern Va area, there is still on going construction on I95,so you may want to plan your timing thru there, outside of morning and evening rush hour). As an alternate, you could probably use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge terminal and avoid DC all together. ($20 toll - i think- , but maybe worth the headache).

White Rush,
Thanks for the tips. I will make sure all of this is done this week.

I always take 77-->81-->78.

I once used a new GPS a while back that I wasn't used to using and it made me go through baltimore and Wash DC. Took an extra hour and it was cool and all to actually have something to look at, but it felt like forever!

[TXT]

I have not made the long drive (FL to NJ) in a couple of years now - but when I did, I would take a small tool box with some emergency items, (besides tools, such as flashlight, light sticks, flares/triangles, mini-air-compressor, spare set of wiper blades, cleaning wipes, TP, tire-plug kit, etc.). Some fluids (windshield wipers, oil, water, since buying this stuff on the interstate is expensive). How much you bring depends on how much room you have your trunk after you load up your travel cases - and how much you are capable of doing yourself (i.e. mechanical skills).
I also have a Road Side Assistance program/service with Allstate (AAA same thing).
Lastly, I would bring a small seat cushion - no matter how comfortable the seats are when I start out, I always want/need a little more padding (lower-back/butt) after 8 - 10 hours. However, I never made the trip in my M37 so maybe the cushion is not needed in this car.

Yes I usually keep tools in the car, enough to help me fix any minor problems that come up. I'll keep the spare inflated to proper level. I'll make due without the air compressor. If my car didn't have the TPMS sensors, I would keep a can of that tire gunk to fill any holes, then I would add air via air compressor. since that tire gunk messes up the TPMS, I won't even look at the can at the store!

I just got new tires in December so I got some beefy tread on it.

Topping off fluids, that's another one I didn't think about! That stuff is usually good. Buying some antifreeze is probably a good idea to keep alongside the 2 quarts of oil I need.

And I won't use seat cushion because seat cooler will be obsolete! I normally take a pillow with me just in case I gotta snooze but normally keep it on my lap so I can rest my hands on it.

[GQM45s]

i wish i was in the east coast to meet you guys up, to personally thank you guys for all the tips you guys have brought in this forum!

[LouCast]

Make sure your fluids are all topped off, and that your tires are good, no nails or wide gaps within the grooves of the tires. Take a small tool box, and a good jack in case you need it.
As for me, I will be doing two major trip within the next month and a half, heading to jersey this coming friday for a week, then coming back, and heading to Florida for good on May 1st.
I'm up for a mini met in Jersey.
When you get into Northern VA, just watch out for all the construction that is going between exits 156-170 where I-495 and I-95 split.

[06M4.5]

i wish i was in the east coast to meet you guys up, to personally thank you guys for all the tips you guys have brought in this forum!

I always get a few M's passing by my house during the warm season.

But if you have plans to come up to the northeast in the near future keep an eye out for the M BBQ/meet, this year it will be hosted by Robert from Queens, NY

[06M4.5]

Make sure your fluids are all topped off, and that your tires are good, no nails or wide gaps within the grooves of the tires. Take a small tool box, and a good jack in case you need it.
As for me, I will be doing two major trip within the next month and a half, heading to jersey this coming friday for a week, then coming back, and heading to Florida for good on May 1st.
I'm up for a mini met in Jersey.
When you get into Northern VA, just watch out for all the construction that is going between exits 156-170 where I-495 and I-95 split.

What part of Jersey will you be at?

[LouCast]

I would go to the M BBQ meet, but like Lebron James said, this coming summer, I will be taking my talents to Florida, Im done with the cold and snow of the North East.

[beachbum718]

When is the mbbq meet?

I carry flares.tools.jack.and jump starter

[Ilya]

I've done Upstate, NY to South or Central, FL 3 times already. About 22hrs each way. I honestly HAUL a** the entire time and eat/drink constantly...keeping my body doing something other than staring at a road keeps me awake, as does the speed. Usually I'll stop in NC (Charlotte) or VA (Harrisonburg - relatives in both places) and spend the night...so I'm typically only doing 8-13hrs at a time (NY to VA is 8hrs, NC to FL is 13ish).

That being said, I'm the same way in joining a group.

A few years ago I was engaged to a girl in Harrisonburg, VA. I left there at 5pm on a Sunday and as soon as I got onto 81, a BMW blew my doors off so I caught up. Then, a older Porsche Boxter joined in, and finally a new Cadillac CTS-V. The four of us were averaging 110-120. Usually the state of Maryland (since you go through the tip of it) takes me about 30 minutes...I think we did it in like 10. Same for W.VA.

Needless to say, the trip from VA to NY is usually about 7:45...I got home in 6:10. lol.

I'll admit in all of my travels (I used to put 35kmi on my car a year as a wedding photographer and going to church conferences around the northeast) I have never broken down...so I'm a little lacking, admittedly, on the tools. I have the usual spare/jack in the trunk but not much else.

[TXT]

IlvaKol,
Yes I take same exact routes you take. Maryland is about 30 minutes and W.V is also fairly quick.

Maybe I'll stop by Cracker Barrel and eat something on the way there lol.

[TXT]

I left a day earlier. I'm here in NJ. Hopefully we can all meet up somewhere and chat for a bit on Saturday. I'll call Freddie up and see whats up.

[TDot]

Alignment, balance, jack & stand, top off, and most importantly radar detector...then I just tear down the highways...must leave 11pm for any long trips.

A few years ago I was engaged to a girl in Harrisonburg, VA. I left there at 5pm on a Sunday and as soon as I got onto 81, a BMW blew my doors off so I caught up. Then, a older Porsche Boxter joined in, and finally a new Cadillac CTS-V. The four of us were averaging 110-120. Usually the state of Maryland (since you go through the tip of it) takes me about 30 minutes...I think we did it in like 10. Same for W.VA.

That must have been fun. I can never find people to ride with like that, it's always me tearing down the highway by myself with a bunch of people flashing their high beams at me . Then again, I'm usually flying by people doing 110 . I have to admit, you're brave for doing that at 5pm...that I would never do.

[TXT]

Alignment, balance, jack & stand, top off, and most importantly radar detector...then I just tear down the highways...must leave 11pm for any long trips.

A few years ago I was engaged to a girl in Harrisonburg, VA. I left there at 5pm on a Sunday and as soon as I got onto 81, a BMW blew my doors off so I caught up. Then, a older Porsche Boxter joined in, and finally a new Cadillac CTS-V. The four of us were averaging 110-120. Usually the state of Maryland (since you go through the tip of it) takes me about 30 minutes...I think we did it in like 10. Same for W.VA.

That must have been fun. I can never find people to ride with like that, it's always me tearing down the highway by myself with a bunch of people flashing their high beams at me . Then again, I'm usually flying by people doing 110 . I have to admit, you're brave for doing that at 5pm...that I would never do.

That's how it was yesterday for me on the way here. Lot's of fun. Granted no one ever went past 100 but we were doing above 90 for a good 2 hours straight...It was me, a new jeep cherokee, hyundai sonata and chevy cruze. Very fun. There were cops everywhere but once I hit PA, they all disappeared for 4 hours.

I usually don't find people like that, they find me and I join in!

[atm0sphere]

where will you M45 guys be meeting?!

I know I have a 35, but I'd still be down for a mini meet coming from Suffolk County, NY.

[Ilya]

78 in PA is perfect. Only have to worry about on ramps and off ramps as there is no u-turns. That's where we really started to book it. Once we hit NJ, all of us split up.

[06M4.5]

where will you M45 guys be meeting?!

I know I have a 35, but I'd still be down for a mini meet coming from Suffolk County, NY.

My house in Jersey City at 1pm