Road Trip & Tool Kit

mikeylikesit5805 · Jan 19, 2022

Planning a Trip from NE Ohio to Naples Florida. ~1200 Miles. Bringing a 6 year old and 3 year old. Any Road Trip Hacks to help make the trip better?

As far as Maintenance goes:
I have Good Tires, Optima Battery, VCM Tuner II, Transmission 3x Drain and Fill, and Oil Change. I plan to check / top off all fluids, and air pressure as well as give the tank a shot of injector cleaner (lucas)

Tool Kit:
NOCO Jump Pack
12 Volt Air Compressor
Breaker bar, 22mm socket, bottle jack
Basic tool kit
Duct Tape / HVAC Tape / Electrical Tape
1qt of 0-W20 oil
AAA Membership

What else should I be thinking about doing? Just want to cover my basis.

WiiMaster · Jan 19, 2022

Inspect the suspension to make sure there's no problems there. If you plan on using A/C or heat make sure they're working.

Also make sure the spool valve above the alternator isn't leaking oil. You don't want a fried alternator.

mikeylikesit5805 · Jan 20, 2022

WiiMaster said:
Inspect the suspension to make sure there's no problems there. If you plan on using A/C or heat make sure they're working.

Also make sure the spool valve above the alternator isn't leaking oil. You don't want a fried alternator.

Great, Ill check that out. I am at about 60k, (Muzzled since about 40k) i didnt realize the spool valve leaking was a common problem.

CroMath · Jan 20, 2022

You may want to consider a tire plug kit. That 12V inflator won't do very much for you if you can't pull out the nail you ran over that flattened your tire in the first place. I'm guessing that the basic tool kit you mentioned contains a pair of pliers. A utility knife and a few zip ties are also worthwhile additions I've made to my in-car tool kit over the years.

I know you have an active AAA membership in your list of goodies and that's good, but if you can plug a leak well enough to get to a tire shop you can save yourself a lot of time sitting on the side of the road waiting for AAA to show up, and with little kids on board, that matters.

Edit: you'll also want to include a pair of mechanic's gloves or a few pairs of disposable nitrile rubber gloves in that kit. Being able to jump in the van after working on a problem and go without having to wash your hands will also make any emergency stops shorter and therefore easier to handle with two very young children.

surgeon · Jan 20, 2022

Wash/hose off engine bay, check your wipers, wiper fluid. Wipe the windshield, side mirrors with that RainX repellent stuff

Tools:
How about a 10mm wrench? (In glove box, leave n forget ... handy for battery issues)
Basic toolkit - w/ Small adjustable wrench, regular and nose pliers, Multi bit screwdriver
2-3 pair Nitrile or greasemonkey gloves
LED headlamp and spare AA batteries
1-2 large trash bag (or roll it and gloves, store where jack is)
Mini OBD reader if you have one. I keep in the glove box.
A spare towel/cloth
Good small 400-700 lumen spare flash light in glove box.

Sorry, scouts so used to also a small (minimal) firstaid kit w/ or w/o liquid bandaid spray

Btw, if any part of your basic toolkit is SAE, swap those with metric.

viper74656 · Jan 20, 2022

My go to always includes a Leatherman multitool (never know when I knife will be handy) and a good bright small flask light.

Also with my kids, a Costco package of band aids 🤣.

DanaH · Jan 20, 2022

You told us everything except the year and mileage of your ody ;-(….

mikeylikesit5805 said:
Planning a Trip from NE Ohio to Naples Florida. ~1200 Miles. Bringing a 6 year old and 3 year old. Any Road Trip Hacks to help make the trip better?

As far as Maintenance goes:
I have Good Tires, Optima Battery, VCM Tuner II, Transmission 3x Drain and Fill, and Oil Change. I plan to check / top off all fluids, and air pressure as well as give the tank a shot of injector cleaner (lucas)

Tool Kit:
NOCO Jump Pack
12 Volt Air Compressor
Breaker bar, 22mm socket, bottle jack
Basic tool kit
Duct Tape / HVAC Tape / Electrical Tape
1qt of 0-W20 oil
AAA Membership

What else should I be thinking about doing? Just want to cover my basis.

John U · Jan 20, 2022

Leatherman, tire plugs kit, gloves, small inflated, BlueDriver ob2 reader. In 268k miles I’ve used the plugs once.

nporwal · Jan 20, 2022

These suggestions above are really good. I just came back from a 2500mi trip, and had most of the above.
Just a few additional things:

I write down emergency contact details and saved it in the glove compartment. I also keep an extra copy of insurance and registration papers around, along with few pens and papers.

I used to have a travel bag, and since I now travel a lot with scouts, I have a larger emergency tote box with most of the above. That way I dont forget anything. We also include emergency blankets, trail mix bags, skin creams and extra water.

It's often a good idea to make a trip to the local library and borrow around 5 to 10 audio titles, and play them along the way. We let the kids pick a few, and they agree to let the parents pick some ;-)

We've got into the habit of downloading offline maps on my primary GPS app, and have a secondary GPS app on case my primary fails. We keep both open, and monitor when traffic turns red. And keep track of road hazards, speed traps, etc. We also have two phones sharing location with some of our family members. We also track weather along the way.

When my kids were younger, we would get a paper map and plot out all the rest areas, and have them estimate what 300mi would be, and pick out the places we would want to stop. That way they always knew where they were going to stop next, it wasn't one endless long journey.

After having had an issue with bad gas from Speedway, I started keeping Gumout Regane or Techron types of cleaner; then started using Gas Buddy to find top tier fuel providers. Now I just look for Costco or Sam's Club along the way.

I have a BlueDriver OBD2 scanner, but honestly have never been able to figure out what to monitor in these trips.

The most we've driven with our kids is just over 800 miles, and we made sure we kept swapping drivers and getting rest. I keep worrying maybe the transmission or engine will get too hot or something will fry, but the Ody has been very good.

Have fun on your trip, travel safe.

rmyoder · Jan 20, 2022

Duct tape, zip ties, a shovel, and a gun (gotta have protection from the wild pigs, in case you venture off the paved road).

Edit: as mentioned above, an OBD scanner is a good idea in case you get a check engine light. This way you will know whether it needs immediate attention or not. Also a cordless impact will speed up a wheel change.

Camelot · Jan 20, 2022

Agree with all that has been suggested. I also recommend a well stocked first aid kit like the kind sold at the big box stores. Add to that sunscreen and bug repellent plus any medication that you think you might need such as Imodium and pain relievers. I also keep a fire extinguisher and jumper cables in each of my cars.

phattyduck · Jan 20, 2022

nporwal said:
I keep worrying maybe the transmission or engine will get too hot or something will fry, but the Ody has been very good.

Highway driving is MUCH easier on a vehicle than most of the day-to-day city driving that most of use do with our Odysseys. For long trips, I make sure maintenance is up to date, check the tires and fluids and just hop in and go.

I wouldn't drive day-to-day in something that I don't think is reliable, just the same as I wouldn't on a road trip.

Thinking about it though, somebody should invent/sell a 10mm wrench that you can leave strapped to the battery hold-down strap (would need to be stainless) so it can always be there to disconnect the battery...

I do however take a full tool kit, parts, extra fluids, etc. when I'm going off road in the 4Runner. Same deal though if I'm going to take it on a simple road trip - check air and fluids and drive it.

-Charlie

surgeon · Jan 20, 2022

Yep 10mm super handy. The wrench also comes handy in case of stuck starter. Though I saw videos I never saw it. Then 2 yrs back (ie before covid started), my front neighbor came running to our house to ask for help with his stuck starter on a Ford? Small Cargo SUV that looks like a mini CRV (they own a small business). I got out the 10mm and spun loose negative cable and disconnected. Little things like that. And my recent battery terminal issue with AAA battery replacement until I got the post shims. Embarrassing no-start but power ok in random parking lots.

Seems kinda common though folks do not talk about it. I also saw this while back at the mechanic shop where BMW car had starter stuck too. And funny that mechanic also ran inside to get a 10mm vs having a set of wrenches next to car under repair.

And others things like @kaimanson that keep fire extinguisher handy to help others on the road.

John U · Jan 20, 2022

nporwal said:
I have a BlueDriver OBD2 scanner, but honestly have never been able to figure out what to monitor in these trips.

I've blown codes twice in ten years, both times on the road. Chances are it'll do me more good in the car then in the tool box.

RockyHondas · Jan 20, 2022

I’m going to man up, and admit here that we carry very little. Not proud of that. After watching the recent I-95 debacle where so many were stranded and struggling, it lit a fire under my seat. I don’t carry a scanner. I’d swear a dealership tech once said if the check engine light was flashing, pull over and stop, go no further. If it was solid, steady on, keep going and book an appointment ASAP. I’d really appreciate an after-market hatch cover that could secure the space the vacuum used to occupy.

Buddur · Jan 20, 2022

Barf bag and towels.

Ask me how I know.

Juggawut · Jan 20, 2022

Clorox wipes (they'll get a whole Hershey bar out of your upholstery, for real) paper towels, case of water bottles in the trunk, grocery bags for trash, and an actual bin to put garbage in while driving.

phattyduck · Jan 20, 2022

Juggawut said:
grocery bags for trash, and an actual bin to put garbage in while driving.

If you can trust the kids not to break it, there is a ring that flips out of the back of the center console to hold a plastic bag for trash.

-Charlie

mikeylikesit5805 · Jan 21, 2022

You Guys are Great! Thanks for all the input! As a former eagle scout you all reminded me of things that I already have but forgot. Thanks so much!

CroMath said:
may want to consider a tire plug kit. That 12V inflator won't do very much for you if you can't pull out the nail you ran over that flattened your tire in the first place. I'm guessing that the basic tool kit you mentioned contains a pair of pliers. A utility knife and a few zip ties are also worthwhile additions I've made to my in-car tool kit over the years

Great Idea, I actually do have a cheapo "slime" tire repair kit from walmart, I keep it with the inflator. I will have to check my zip ties! Thanks!

viper74656 said:
My go to always includes a Leatherman multitool (never know when I knife will be handy) and a good bright small flask light.

Also with my kids, a Costco package of band aids 🤣.

I love my leatherman! I typically always have a wave on me, but for road trips I keep my leatherman juice in my pocket. We use the scissors for everything!

DanaH said:
You told us everything except the year and mileage of your ody ;-(….

So Sorry! its a 2016 with ~66k

nporwal said:
These suggestions above are really good. I just came back from a 2500mi trip, and had most of the above.
Just a few additional things:

I write down emergency contact details and saved it in the glove compartment. I also keep an extra copy of insurance and registration papers around, along with few pens and papers.

I used to have a travel bag, and since I now travel a lot with scouts, I have a larger emergency tote box with most of the above. That way I dont forget anything. We also include emergency blankets, trail mix bags, skin creams and extra water.

It's often a good idea to make a trip to the local library and borrow around 5 to 10 audio titles, and play them along the way. We let the kids pick a few, and they agree to let the parents pick some ;-)

We've got into the habit of downloading offline maps on my primary GPS app, and have a secondary GPS app on case my primary fails. We keep both open, and monitor when traffic turns red. And keep track of road hazards, speed traps, etc. We also have two phones sharing location with some of our family members. We also track weather along the way.

When my kids were younger, we would get a paper map and plot out all the rest areas, and have them estimate what 300mi would be, and pick out the places we would want to stop. That way they always knew where they were going to stop next, it wasn't one endless long journey.

After having had an issue with bad gas from Speedway, I started keeping Gumout Regane or Techron types of cleaner; then started using Gas Buddy to find top tier fuel providers. Now I just look for Costco or Sam's Club along the way.

I have a BlueDriver OBD2 scanner, but honestly have never been able to figure out what to monitor in these trips.

The most we've driven with our kids is just over 800 miles, and we made sure we kept swapping drivers and getting rest. I keep worrying maybe the transmission or engine will get too hot or something will fry, but the Ody has been very good.

Have fun on your trip, travel safe.

Those are great tips!! Thanks so much!

rmyoder said:
Duct tape, zip ties, a shovel, and a gun (gotta have protection from the wild pigs, in case you venture off the paved road).

Edit: as mentioned above, an OBD scanner is a good idea in case you get a check engine light. This way you will know whether it needs immediate attention or not. Also a cordless impact will speed up a wheel change.

The Impact is a good idea, I will have to throw the M18 impact in the van. Do you use the Gun before or after the duct tape? Disney is not too Boom Stick Friendly so I think the 9 will be staying home :/

Camelot said:
Agree with all that has been suggested. I also recommend a well stocked first aid kit like the kind sold at the big box stores. Add to that sunscreen and bug repellent plus any medication that you think you might need such as Imodium and pain relievers. I also keep a fire extinguisher and jumper cables in each of my cars.

Good idea on the IFAK, I have a pretty good "boo-boo kit" (former eagle scout) and a trauma kit in the glove box.

phattyduck said:
Highway driving is MUCH easier on a vehicle than most of the day-to-day city driving that most of use do with our Odysseys. For long trips, I make sure maintenance is up to date, check the tires and fluids and just hop in and go.

I wouldn't drive day-to-day in something that I don't think is reliable, just the same as I wouldn't on a road trip.

Thinking about it though, somebody should invent/sell a 10mm wrench that you can leave strapped to the battery hold-down strap (would need to be stainless) so it can always be there to disconnect the battery...

I do however take a full tool kit, parts, extra fluids, etc. when I'm going off road in the 4Runner. Same deal though if I'm going to take it on a simple road trip - check air and fluids and drive it.

-Charlie

Buddur said:
Barf bag and towels.

Ask me how I know.

Oof - Good idea, but I dont think I need to ask

skeetie96 · Jan 21, 2022

Buddur said:
Barf bag and towels.

Ask me how I know.

We were parked in a shopping center waiting, My kid in the back seat. She looked at me funny and said her belly hurt all of a sudden. Not sick or anything at all before this. I had about 0.25 seconds to pass her something to puke in. Luckily we had a travel pop up trash can in front seat. Felt totally fine after that. It happens.

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Road Trip & Tool Kit

mikeylikesit5805

WiiMaster

mikeylikesit5805

CroMath

surgeon

viper74656

DanaH

John U

nporwal

rmyoder

Camelot

phattyduck

surgeon

John U

RockyHondas

Buddur

Juggawut

phattyduck

mikeylikesit5805

skeetie96

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