Preparing for a road trip

[Falcon_LS]

I might have to a 6,000 km (3,750 mile) round trip, depending on whether or not a flight can be booked by tomorrow. So I've started to make preparations to be ready.

I'll be taking the Grand Marquis, considering it's equipped with cruise control and I feel more comfortable driving it. Going to be driving through a 1,200 km (750 miles) stretch of straight road through the desert in Saudi at one point, so the cruise control will definitely come in handy. I reckon it'll be mountainous terrain as I go through Jordan, Syria and into Turkey (where gas is almost $14 a gallon!).

I'm going to sort out a minor coolant leak I have from one of the intake manifold gaskets today, followed by a thorough flushing of the cooling system and replace all the radiator hoses (silicone ones found on police models if I can source them). Tires are also being replaced sooner than expected. The car's been very well maintained otherwise, but I will be taking a number of things with me just in case:

- 4 quarts of MMO (for fill ups)
- Serpentine belt
- 5L engine oil (Fuchs Titan SuperSyn LongLife 5w30)
- Oil filter (Motorcraft FL-820S)
- Air filter (Motorcraft FA-1032)
- 5 quarts Mercon V
- 3 quarts Axle lube (Motorcraft 80W-90)
- 1 quart brake fluid (Prestone DOT 3)
- 10L distilled water
- 2 gallons of G-05
- Set of wipers
- Light bulbs (headlight, turn signal, taillights)
- Jump starter (fully charged)
- Multimeter
- LED torch
- Toolbox
- 4 steel wheels
- GPS

I'm taking the steel wheels in case I have to drive through any snow. I cannot get snow tires here, so if push comes to shove, I'll buy a set of snow tires and keep the current set in the trunk (everything else I'm taking fits in the back seat). I hope that won't be the case though, this car's never seen snow and road salt, and I prefer to keep it that way. I'm also taking my ramps to drive up on, so I can wash the undercarriage if needed. Anything else I should consider taking?

Also, is there someway I can plug in my laptop adapter into the 12V power port? I have a laptop stand which mounts to the passenger seat bolt, but need something to power it on the trip. Thanks!

 

[Colt45ws]

Thats a lot of stuff. I usually just take a quart of oil and trans fluid, some jumper cables, and my jug of 50/50 G-05 which will have..whatever it has left in it. I have a bag of mixed bulbs too, I think. Oh! I also have a spare belt that I threw in since I replaced the OE one with a Gatorback.
I carry a multi-tool and flashlight on my person anyway, along with a 9mm USP...
I wouldnt worry about a one time snow and salt run. Yeah, its damaging, but with the way you detail it, it will never notice the difference from a one time fling in the snow.

You want an inverter. One rated 150W or so will suffice.

 

[Nick R]

Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Whenever I go on a roadtrip I take an extra quart of oil, and a set of jumper cables.

 

[charbaby]

Well, you can look at it this way here!

Are you ready for an OCI anyway, or did you just do one?

Change the oil/filter because your doing all of the maintenance such as IM gasket, tires etc.

How about the P/S, transmission and differential, or were they recently serviced?

Jordan, Syria, Turkey? I read the book now I want to see the movie!

Safe journey,
CB

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

I would carry a small air compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter and a tire plug kit.

 

[ProfPS]

What is the temperature range that you will have during the trip? A concern I have is the added weight and temp on your tires. Since the road surface is not heavily traveled that will provide it some cooling and not shaded, I can only image the road surface temp. Hopefully your travel day will be a cloudy day.

 

[ProfPS]

After thinking about your post, there are items I suggest that you not take with you or reduce the amount. I would purchase items as needed or restock if you use any items from your supplies for the return trip. The added weight from your list will also reduce your gas mileage. I edited your list with my comments:

not needed since you use it regularly - 4 quarts of MMO (for fill ups)

- Serpentine belt

take less unless the car burns oil - 5L engine oil (Fuchs Titan SuperSyn LongLife 5w30)

not needed, are you planning an OC during the trip?? - Oil filter (Motorcraft FL-820S)

use as an emergency backup, and shake/blow dust out of AF if you drive through heavy dust/sand - Air filter (Motorcraft FA-1032)

take less unless your trans leaks - 5 quarts Mercon V

take 1 qt if concerned but not needed, check level before trip - 3 quarts Axle lube (Motorcraft 80W-90)

- 1 quart brake fluid (Prestone DOT 3)

What is your cooling system capacity? Take less - 10L distilled water

- 2 gallons of G-05

not needed, clean wipers if you drive through heavy dust or sand - Set of wipers

- Light bulbs (headlight, turn signal, taillights)
- Jump starter (fully charged)
- Multimeter
- LED torch
- Toolbox

take less - 4 steel wheels

- GPS


Add: a collection of your favorite music CD's.

Have a safe trip.

 

[ChiTDI]

Small mirror, funnel, small candles, waterproof matches, flashlight, backup batteries, cylume sticks, portable water container, communications devices, chargers, meds, clothing for hostile terrain, parka/tarp, anything rubber on that vehicle- valve stem, belts, hoses, wiper blades(new), roll of duct tape.
Spare fuel cans? You'd know that better than me if that was a necessity...
Go get 'em.

 

[Kestas]

One thing I like to do before long trips is to remove the rear seat. The bottom piece is easy, the backrest is sometimes harder. You'd be amazed at how much more room you have in the car without the rear seat.

 

[duaneb9729]

That sounds like a very interesting drive!

In our work truck we have an adapter to recharge our lap top while driving. They work great and just plug into the cig lighter.

 

[JHZR2]

I dont know what kinds of oddities youll encounter crossing the middle east. Im sure you know what to expect better than us, but still it seems like what youre bringing is overkill.

While it is great that you dont want your car to see salt, I think bringing ramps to wash it off is overkill. The rustproofing is good enough that if you can get a source of water underneath, or even a car wash of some sort, youre OK. That seems like a LOT of space to take up. I would consider bringing 1-2 jackstands though as it seems that you anticipate the possible need to work on your car (oil filters, antifreeze, belt, etc), perhaps in case you hit something over the terrain? Your jack plus a jackstand or two will let that happen with far less space required than the ramps. Consider bringing 1-2 2x10 boards too, 1-2ft.

Now your list:
- 4 quarts of MMO (for fill ups)
Id lighten up on this requirement, either by dosing less or using somthing else. Could you get away with less if you went TCW-3?

- Serpentine belt
If in doubt, replace before departure. I dont see this as a huge concern.

- 5L engine oil (Fuchs Titan SuperSyn LongLife 5w30)
How much do you consume? Seems like overkill for a trip of that distance.

- Oil filter (Motorcraft FL-820S)
Are you anticipating knocking it and needing to replace? If not, why bring the supplies for an OC?

- Air filter (Motorcraft FA-1032)
OK.

- 5 quarts Mercon V
Leaky AT? Risk of busting your cooler hoses or pan? If not, why bring so much?

- 3 quarts Axle lube (Motorcraft 80W-90)
Even moreso... Is there a chance of busting it somhow? If not, repalce the fluid before leaving and be done with it.

- 1 quart brake fluid (Prestone DOT 3)
Id just flush before departure.

- 10L distilled water
Not a bad idea as it doubles for drinking which is key in the desert.

- 2 gallons of G-05
Is the car prone to overheating? If not, Id just have fresh in there. You can always use water in a pinch.

- Set of wipers
Are yours OK? Likely to get stolen?

- Light bulbs (headlight, turn signal, taillights)
OK I guess if you have concerns.

- Jump starter (fully charged)
OK

- Multimeter
Yes

- LED torch
Yes

- Toolbox
Yes

- 4 steel wheels
Really? are your tires summer only or incapable? Seems like a lot of weight to carry. Do you anticipate laws in some areas requiring snow tires?

- GPS
Yes

Other stuff:
2-way radio, like a CB in the US... not sure if there are open frequencies over there.

Flares

Blanket

Extra batteries for light

Inverter (check cig light port for A rating, may want to get one that clamps to the battery if your load is high enough)

12V cellphone charger

Extra cash

Non-perishable food

first aid kit

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks very much for all the input! I got the intake manifold gasket sorted, and flushed out the coolant this afternoon. Couldn't source the silicone hoses, so I just replaced them with the standard rubber ones.

As far as all the lubricants, etc. are concerned, all the fluids were changed in June. This included ATF (LubeGard Red added), PSF, brake fluid (along with the pads), engine coolant and rear axle lubricant (MoS2 added). I even did a full tune up back then - spark plugs, fuel filter, PCV valve, thermostat, radiator cap, serpentine belt, etc. The engine does not consume oil. As far as what I'm taking is concerned:

MMO
The reason I'm taking the MMO is because I use it regularly in the fuel (200 ml per fill up). Considering I get about 12-12.5 L/100 km, I would assume I will be refueling about 11-12 times. So I suppose 3 quarts would be enough.

Serpentine belt
I replaced the old one this afternoon, even though it was relatively new. I was thinking I would have one for backup, but I'm all set with the new one.

Engine oil, oil/air filters
I'm currently running a low SAPS oil, which I do not intend to run for more than 10,000 km (6,250 miles). Although the sulfur content of fuel is 500 ppm in Kuwait and significantly less at 150 ppm in Turkey and Jordan, it's 1,000 ppm in Saudi Arabia and Syria! So an oil change is in the works when I get to Turkey. I always change my air filter at every oil change as routine anyway, so I'm taking one along as well.

ATF
I have no A/T of P/S leaks. Taken off the list.

Axle lube and brake fluid
Overkill as others have mention, taken it off the list.

Distilled water and coolant
Taken the G-05 off the list, considering the system is all flushed out and clean. Distilled water, I will be taking. Will probably use it for washer fluid top ups, along with the wash concentrate I keep in the trunk.

Wipers
Replaced. Taken off the list.

Light bulbs
Never know when they may fail. Considering road lighting is not so good in some areas, the headlight bulbs are especially important.

Jump starter
Still taking, also throwing in a set of decent jumper cables.

Multimeter, torch and toolbox
Still on the list.

Steel wheels
Undecided. My new set of Pirelli P4 Four Seasons seems to have gotten "excellent" ratings for light (7.7/10) and deep snow (7.0/10) traction, and ice traction (7.1/10).

GPS
Still on the list.

Ramps
Removed.

New additions to the list:

Originally Posted By: Old Mustang Guy
I would carry a small air compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter and a tire plug kit.


Excellent idea, thanks very much!

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Blanket

Extra batteries for light

Inverter (check cig light port for A rating, may want to get one that clamps to the battery if your load is high enough)

12V cellphone charger

Extra cash

Non-perishable food

first aid kit


Thanks, completely forgot some of the most basic stuff!

Originally Posted By: ProfPS

Add: a collection of your favorite music CD's.


Got the iPod and auxiliary connector (from the laptop to the headunit). Also a couple of USBs with MP3s in case I can't use the iPod or laptop.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Originally Posted By: ProfPS
What is the temperature range that you will have during the trip? A concern I have is the added weight and temp on your tires. Since the road surface is not heavily traveled that will provide it some cooling and not shaded, I can only image the road surface temp. Hopefully your travel day will be a cloudy day.


It'll be mostly cold (probably an absolute maximum of 18 Celsius). I will be increasing the tire pressures slightly to make up for the added weight, although I hope the weather will be good.

Originally Posted By: Kestas
One thing I like to do before long trips is to remove the rear seat. The bottom piece is easy, the backrest is sometimes harder. You'd be amazed at how much more room you have in the car without the rear seat.


That's a great idea, except I probably will be needing the backseat at one point.

If the car had a feature where the backs of the rear seats can be folded, it would have really been great.

Originally Posted By: duaneb9729
That sounds like a very interesting drive!

In our work truck we have an adapter to recharge our lap top while driving. They work great and just plug into the cig lighter.


I will have to look into an inverter, like Colt45ws pointed out, thanks!

 

[ProfPS]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Originally Posted By: ProfPS
What is the temperature range that you will have during the trip? A concern I have is the added weight and temp on your tires. Since the road surface is not heavily traveled that will provide it some cooling and not shaded, I can only image the road surface temp. Hopefully your travel day will be a cloudy day.


It'll be mostly cold (probably an absolute maximum of 18 Celsius). I will be increasing the tire pressures slightly to make up for the added weight, although I hope the weather will be good.




Max of 68°F is nice traveling temps. Take pics alog the way and share with us. Many BITOG'ers are not familiar with how it looks out your way. Enjoy.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks, ProfPS! Definitely taking the camera along.

The chances of finding a flight are still looking rather slim, so I'm starting my other preparations tomorrow.