Taking A Trip

MerpsMom · Jan 29, 2002

We're taking a ten-day tour from here to Florida and back. This is a scary proposition since I'm the one who loves car travel but my SweetSpouse does not. However, he's agreed to try it, so...

Other than the usual stuff like books-on-tape, pillows, etc., any ideas for what to pack in the car for such an endeavor? E.G. I never would have thought of a fire extinguisher, but that's a good one. Any others? (P.S. When I travel with "girls" we have no problems with what to take, but what about 65-year-old little ones?)

Steve Pert · Jan 29, 2002

If you like to take food along in the car, how about one of those coolers that plugs into the 12v socket and stays cool? They have small compressors and don't need ice. I think you could find them at Wal-Mart, Target, camping stores, etc.

There's also music, like on CD or cassette.

Don't forget to take a cell phone and good maps, too.

donlibes · Jan 29, 2002

Bungee cords for the 65-year old. You do remember the Griswolds trip to Wally World, right?

hachiroku · Jan 29, 2002

Originally posted by donlibes:
Bungee cords for the 65-year old. You do remember the Griswolds trip to Wally World, right?

Ahhhhh....dear old Aunt Martha.Don't forget to unhook the dog from your rear bumper.

Seriously, how 'bout an entertainment system ?

------------------
-ROB-
'01 GG LX "Lagreat"(with lotsa stuff.S-T-U-F-F)

http://community.webshots.com/album/18601743AkjQIJiKqK

celler · Jan 29, 2002

There are basic tools that I take on every long trip. Even though you have a dependable vehicle, help can sometimes be a long way off in rural areas, a basic emergency kit should include:

fire extinuisher
duct tape
plastic wire ties
small air compressor
Leathermans tool
flashlight with extra batteries
white cloth to hang on antenna or use to flag down help
jug of water
safety flares
first aid kit

The most important item to take, although probably obvious to you, is a cell phone.

You will also find that a citizens band radio with a weather band feature makes the miles go faster and can alert you to adverse weather and traffic conditions. Plug and play models with a magnetic mount antenna are available.

Also go on the internet and find all the locations of truck stops like Flying J www.flyingj.com on your route. These are "one stop shops" for food, gas, books on tape, etc. and are open 24/7. These are also good to know about in case you decide to drive at night and want to make sure you have a safe place to stop for essentials.

Enjoy your trip to our State.

MerpsMom · Jan 29, 2002

All good suggestions: think I'll look into the cooler. The cell phone is a must and bungees, of course: who can forget Clark Griswold and leaving Aunt Edna in her lawn chair on the patio?

OR the dog: "Poor little fella: must have kept up for..." But why the wire ties?

I'll be visiting Sam's this afternoon for the 9"TV-VCP thingie, and some golf videos!

Steve Pert · Jan 29, 2002

Originally posted by MerpsMom:
I'll be visiting Sam's this afternoon for the 9"TV-VCP thingie, and some golf videos!

I know that there are very affordable TV-VCR combos available. But be careful about how you place it in your van. Think about having a 25+ pound loose projectile in the event of an accident.

Plus, since the screen faces horizontally, if it is placed on the floor it could be hard to view from above when seated.

We bought a nice unit from Best Buy made by Steelhorse. It is in a console-like housing, fits tightly between the front seats, and has an angled screen for easy viewing from the back seat. It is more expensive, however, than a regular TV-VCR combo unit.

[This message has been edited by Steve P (edited 01-29-2002).]

celler · Jan 29, 2002

Originally posted by MerpsMom:
(snip) But why the wire ties?(snip)
!

Duct tape and wire ties are the modern universal fix it. A thousand uses. I'm talking about the plastic zip lock versions, not wire bread ties. A wire tie will secure a loose sensor or hold a damaged body molding in place. They can be used in place of the plastic body clips holding the bumper cover in place in an emergency. And get this, they are way cheap! $9.99 for a box of 1000 at Home Depot.

J R Jensen · Jan 29, 2002

Don't forget a big pocket full of smiles and a good sense of humor. I always take them with me on trips and find them real useful.

soldbear · Jan 29, 2002

The codes for your Ody stereo and NAVI.

-- Hoa

moonatics · Jan 30, 2002

BABY WIPES. A whole bunch of them. I always have an extra box in the van. I didn't realize how fabulous and practical they were until I had kids. And don't forget your phone book with important numbers. And a nightlight - that always helps in strange places. Have a great trip!

cmt4 · Jan 30, 2002

An absolute MUST (with kids, anyway) is a book my wife bought a few years back. It contains a list of all the exits on major interstates and what amenities they have. Priceless! It lists ALL hotels, food joints and gas stations. Tells you what side of the interstate the building is on and even provides a small "map" of the section of road.

It was purchased at the local bookstore. The only "problem" is that is quickly out-dates itself because of constant building on the interstates. Still, it is worth the small price tag.

malakilaki · Jan 30, 2002

Have everybody buy one of those portable two-way radios (FRS - Family Radio Service).
They are a good communication tool when going to theme parks, shopping malls, camping, etc. as a group or as a couple. We use them most when we go camping or fishing.

Check out the link for comparisons of FRS:
http://www.gearreview.com/frsreview98.asp

Drive safe and have fun.

MerpsMom · Jan 30, 2002

With all this good advice, we should be safe. Now we just need to get it started, which may be the biggest challenge: right now we have two inches of solid ice throughout the metro area and it's inexorably getting thicker by the hour. I fell fast and hard on my knees in a parking lot, numbers of trees are down, but so far we have power. Now I'm thinking ice scrapers, flares, and extra blankies. Yuk.

malakilaki · Jan 30, 2002

Originally posted by MerpsMom:
I fell fast and hard on my knees in a parking lot,...

Add Advil or Tylenol to your list.

Sorry to hear about the fall.

Keep us posted about your trip.

MerpsMom · Feb 2, 2002

Tylenol added. We were powerless for two and something days. Our city looks like a war area with about 65% of the trees damaged. KC is a big place so that's a lot of trees. But now that we have electricity back, we can leave the house. Just hope the storm doesn't go to Florida!

Coleman_lot · Feb 2, 2002

Check out: http://www.eyike.com/ for long trip item. Make sure you take your Odyss. to the shop to have the dealer check it out before making the long trip. Good Luck.

sa9651 · Feb 2, 2002

Have a nice, safe trip! Don't forget the Windex and roll of paper towels!

Guest · Feb 3, 2002

The only break in you have to worry about is not using your cruise control for the first 1200 miles. Honda does not want you to run at any consistent speed for any great length of time. If your foot is like mine it will vary the speed for you. You may drive at normal speeds. Have a great trip.
jbp

Maugham · Feb 3, 2002

Originally posted by jbp:
The only break in you have to worry about is not using your cruise control for the first 1200 miles. Honda does not want you to run at any consistent speed for any great length of time. If your foot is like mine it will vary the speed for you. You may drive at normal speeds. Have a great trip.
jbp

I'm interested in validating this often-repeated concept. I can't find it in the owner's manual.

Can you provide a link to an authoritative source that says no consistent speed during break-in?

I'm wondering if this is something that possibly used to be true but is no longer valid, given the improvements in engine design and manufacture.

The owner's manual (pg. 232) does say: No hard braking for 200 miles; for 600 miles, no hard acceleration or full throttle starts; don't tow a trailer for the first 500 miles, and; don't change the oil until the recommended interval.

Regards,

Maugham

[This message has been edited by Maugham (edited 02-03-2002).]

Taking A Trip

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