Driving the z06 to my grandparent's place for Christmas. Fortunately this year my grandparents live in Florida and not Pennsylvania, so the wife suggested we take the vette and have some fun. Any tips for prep?

I have all fresh fluids in her. Tires are brand new. I picked up a tire plug kit and a portable tire inflator. I also have AAA if I need. Anything else I should consider?

 

Radar detector?

 

Do all mechanical preparations needed for the trip.

Now the extras:

Satellite Radio
Radar Detector (Illegal in VA)
GPS (updated database)
Ipod or memory stick full of music
Two or more empty plastic bottles unless you want to stop for pit stops
Toolbox with favorite tools
Car washing gear

 

I really need a radar director.. was going to pick up a v1 but I didn't want to spend the money.

 

I've been using radar detectors daily since 2005. I've owned the GX65, and RX65.

They have saved me over $20,000.

If you don't want to spend the money drive the speed limit.

 

In addition to what has been stated above, I carry a quart of Mobil 1, jumper cables even though I have AAA membership. (In case cell signal does not go through). A fire extinguisher, T hook towing hooks and jacking pucks.

 

Pick up a BEL V995 (same company that makes Escort) at Amazon. I have a V955 I bought 5 years ago, I get false alarms at times but only on useless K & X bands. On the real threat Ka its awesome and it has saved me more times than I can count. Saved me from a Laser wielding Trooper couple days ago, got the back-scatter from cars in front of me. Under $200. Just stay from the cheapo brands like Cobra etc. The GX/RX65 mentioned above are also BEL units, in the low $300 range and very good.

GPS, I have a Tom Tom 1455 or something like that, has Lifetime Traffic, Lifetime Maps (new maps every quarter) Bluetooth speaker, customized display (I have a Yellow Vette on mine) and it was around $150. Love it, it always looks for the fastest route, even while your driving and conditions change.

I keep a good 20 microfiber towels in the trunk along with Quick Detailer (exterior) Quick Detailer (Interior) and Rain-X Glass Cleaner with Rain-X in it...it super cleans the glass and water beads and flys off...I rarely use my wipers.

 

That is one great idea. Which style do you use?

 

Don't harsh the mighty Cobra! I use one for my daily driver--it's saved me a couple times on the commute.

How about extra windshield washer fluid? Or a good flashlight?

 

Any smart phone should negate the need for a separate GPS unit. If you don't have one already, I really like the Peripheral aux-in that I put in my car. Using Pandora or any other streaming app, you'll never run out of music. Here's the link to Double D Mods:

http://shop.doubledmods.com/ZUNE-C5-...HGM4-pxdx4.htm

I use these to strap my car down to the trailer.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ct_43572_43572

 

Use the Cruse Control at 5 over. Having a radar detector in the car will get you no favors if you are stopped for speeding. Also sticking to the right lane except to pass helps.

Have a great time, and Merry Christmas.

Mark.

 

Mount the Detector up high next to the Mirror (rt side), no one can see it then due to the tint band, and it works better up there as well. I have never gotten a mention of my detector, and won a court case when the officer said he used a SMD (Speed Measuring Device) and I knew he was lying. Judge tossed it for lack of Proof on the officers side.

Detectors can be quite useful.

 

Snacks.

And make sure she puts her seatbelt back on before you pass any truckers....

 

Tighten all your suspension nuts and bolts for sure! wouldnt want to get a quarter of the way there and have some funky clogging in the ride. Have fun Drive "safe"!

 

Sounds like the car is pretty well set. The only other things would be check the serpentine and AC belts (Replace as needed), take some towels and Windex or other window cleaner to do periodic cleanings as needed, a pair of pliers to remove the embedded object in your tire if it won't hold air long enough to drive somewhere for a repair, and duct tape.

It is my opinion that if you feel the need to carry much more than the tire inflator, tire plugs, pliers, towels, window cleaner to clean off bugs, and a roll of duct tape to get the car to it's destination, you should consider trailering it there.

My car has 214,000 miles and the above is all the items I took on my 5,000 mile trip to Utah. The only repair I needed along the way was to replace a turn signal bulb. I've learned from my motorcycling days that if you carry too much "just in case" stuff, you're just wasting space for clothing or other necessary items for your trip. Maintain the vehicle and it will take care of you. You cannot protect for everything but you can watch and react to problems before they become so big they strand you. Monitor gages as you drive, check fluids and look at tires for bulges / unusual wear when fueling, etc.

As for you and you're wife, remember to take stretch breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and enjoy the trip! The C5 Zs are surprisingly comfortable for long trips.

 

Have a safe trip!

 

Thanks for the great tips everyone. Wife and I are fortunately roadtrip veterans, both on motorcycles and in cars. Sounds like I'm not the only one that's taken their z out for an extended drive. I appreciate all the advice :]

 

These are the ones I bought. Have not used them yet and mercifully will never have to.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...search=3309048

 

[QUOTE=Scooter70;1585701796]Any smart phone should negate the need for a separate GPS unit. If you don't have one already, I really like the Peripheral aux-in that I put in my car. Using Pandora or any other streaming app, you'll never run out of music. Here's the link to Double D Mods:

http://shop.doubledmods.com/ZUNE-C5-...HGM4-pxdx4.htm


Just make sure you have a cell tower close by next time you have an emergency. This summer I was happy to have satellite connection with GPS to indicate nearest gas stations as there was no cell signal.

 

Did 600 miles yesterday. Its been rainy the entire time unfortunately but the car is doing great! Averaging 27mpg too.