Long Distance Trip

[mopar0166]

I'm planning on taking my 69 on a 4-5 hr ride NJ - VA, and i know once upon a time there was guidance or even a list of things to check and double check before a long distance trip.  Possibly even a spare parts list.  IF any one has any info for me I'd really appreicate it.   thanks in advance  M.B.

[Troy]

AAA

Man, I'm the worst for being prepared. I just hop in the car and go. If my car can't handle a 4 hour drive then it's useless. Things that have gone bad on me would have bee bad no matter what I had prepared for (brake booster, alternator, wiring short).

However, check your coolant, oil, and brake fluid levels, operation of lights and wipers, wiper blades, and air in the spare. Carry extra oil and water, a "known good" ballast resistor (if you have one), fuses, jumper cables, cell phone, and the AAA card.

Troy

[ChgrSteve67]

I thought by the title you were taking a trip not a cruise around the block. 

First and formost like Troy said is a AAA card. I have one that allows for a 250 mile tow.
Always take a small bag of tools, few screwdrivers, crecent wrenches, pliers, wire cuters and some spare wire.
A spare tire is nice but of course a AAA card and a tow to a tire shop will do instead.

-Steve

[NHCharger]

The only spare parts I carry at all times are the coil, ballast resistor and orange box.

[resq302]

AAA

Man, I'm the worst for being prepared. I just hop in the car and go. If my car can't handle a 4 hour drive then it's useless. Things that have gone bad on me would have bee bad no matter what I had prepared for (brake booster, alternator, wiring short).

However, check your coolant, oil, and brake fluid levels, operation of lights and wipers, wiper blades, and air in the spare. Carry extra oil and water, a "known good" ballast resistor (if you have one), fuses, jumper cables, cell phone, and the AAA card.

Troy

Troy mentioned some good stuff.  I like to carry a spare rebuilt caliper (if you have the 4 piston Bendix ones, they're known to leak), starter, alternator, V - belts, gal. of antifreeze, quart of oil, small container of brake fluid, quart of power steering fluid, quart of Auto trans fluid (if you have an auto), spare fuses, wire, solderless connectors, wire cutter, wire stripper, electrical tape, spare ballast resistor, ECU box (if you have this), variety of tools (vise grips, pliers, screw drivers, rachets, etc), cell phone (fully charged), battery booster ( jumper pack), and lastly I like to try and do a tune up to it prior to leaving to make sure I have good plugs and fresh oil as all this helps with getting more mpg's and less of a stain on you stopping for gas more often.  I would also check your brakes too before leaving.  It won't hurt!

[hemi68charger]

It's small enough,,, Fuel pump.............  don't forget your tools now........... 

[tan top]

AAA

Man, I'm the worst for being prepared. I just hop in the car and go. If my car can't handle a 4 hour drive then it's useless. Things that have gone bad on me would have bee bad no matter what I had prepared for (brake booster, alternator, wiring short).

However, check your coolant, oil, and brake fluid levels, operation of lights and wipers, wiper blades, and air in the spare. Carry extra oil and water, a "known good" ballast resistor (if you have one), fuses, jumper cables, cell phone, and the AAA card.

Troy

Troy mentioned some good stuff.  I like to carry a spare rebuilt caliper (if you have the 4 piston Bendix ones, they're known to leak), starter, alternator, V - belts, gal. of antifreeze, quart of oil, small container of brake fluid, quart of power steering fluid, quart of Auto trans fluid (if you have an auto), spare fuses, wire, solderless connectors, wire cutter, wire stripper, electrical tape, spare ballast resistor, ECU box (if you have this), variety of tools (vise grips, pliers, screw drivers, rachets, etc), cell phone (fully charged), battery booster ( jumper pack), and lastly I like to try and do a tune up to it prior to leaving to make sure I have good plugs and fresh oil as all this helps with getting more mpg's and less of a stain on you stopping for gas more often.  I would also check your brakes too before leaving.  It won't hurt!

It's small enough,,, Fuel pump.............  don't forget your tools now...........  

also
fire extingusher , fender covers /blankets , overalls  disposible laytex or vinyal cloves , plug leads

[bakerhillpins]

Forgot to mention the Kitchen Sink..   

Always made me wonder how the parents ever got us anywhere back then. 

[tan top]

Forgot to mention the Kitchen Sink..   

Always made me wonder how the parents ever got us anywhere back then. 

     

[maxwellwedge]

Wallet, cell, smokes and sunglasses.

[moparstuart]

Wallet, cell, smokes and sunglasses.

smokes are bad for you   

[ChgrSteve67]

Since its a 5 hour cruise you better rent a U-haul to carry everything including a tent, chairs, ice chest with a few days of food, BBQ grill and a TV.

[Khyron]

Since its a 5 hour cruise you better rent a U-haul to carry everything including a tent, chairs, ice chest with a few days of food, BBQ grill and a TV.

I can fit those all in the trunk of my 2nd gen ;-)

[mopar0166]

Thanks guys i really do appreicate all the reponses, any common things that i may over look as im getting the car ready ?

[68neverlate]

I haven't seen anyone chime in about a voltage regulator... especially if you're still running the old electro-mechanical style.  That and a ballast resistor for sure...     

[ChgrSteve67]

Its best to plan your stops along the way and perform some service inspections.

I usually check oil level and look for leaks when I stop for gas. Of course I keep an eye on my gauges and listen for any funny noises.

Before you start out for he day check your coolant, break fluid levels and make sure all of your lights and turn signals work.

If your running ten year old + tires I would consider replacing them.
Oh and check the torque on your lug nuts.
Take spare fuses with you.

Next weekend I will be heading up to OR for a car show. 500 miles and 9 hours of cruising.
I can't wait.

-Steve

[mauve66]

at the rate your going this year Steve, your going to put more miles on it this year than it had the first year it was born

[slamooo]

Better take a life persevere in case you drive off a bridge into a river!

Have a safe trip and don't get hung up on what might happen  

[ChgrSteve67]

at the rate your going this year Steve, your going to put more miles on it this year than it had the first year it was born

I'm shooting for 10K+ miles
I think I'm close to 8K and my Oregon trip will add another 1K.

P.S. I sold my tear drop trailer yesterday. I'm tired of doing 55mph going down the freeway in CA.

[Richard Cranium]

After reading the comments above, you might be better off hiring a ramp truck to follow you.   

[mauve66]

too bad Steve sold his trailer, would of fit all that stuff easily, and a generator also

[NHCharger]

We must all be getting old. Back when I was a teenager with my trusty but rusty 68 Dodge Dart the only tools I took on a road trip was a box of Trojans.

[Brock Samson]

a couple quarts of oil, a funnel, fire extinguisher, my tool kit, some tunes, frozen bottled water thermos of coffee and a full tank of gas. Good to go.

[tan top]

I haven't seen anyone chime in about a voltage regulator... especially if you're still running the old electro-mechanical style.  That and a ballast resistor for sure...     

yeah well reminded  i carry a spare voltage regulator !

After reading the comments above, you might be better off hiring a ramp truck to follow you.   

  hmmm

[gtx6970]

I carry nothing but a small floor jack and a 4 way. my cell phone and a AAA card.