dfinkw

Hello - we are planning to take the vette (2007 standard coupe with air/auto) for a trip from Tampa area to the Grand Canyon (and back of course). Part of it will be on the old Route 66 (now I40) through Williams AZ. Vehicle has 98K but had new rubber, tranny oil, battery, and rear end service (to get rid of the "bump") as well as a coolant flush and a couple of end joints last year when we purchased it. It is at the shop now (SW FL) being checked over. We haven't had any issues and have only put a few K on it since purchase last year. A lot of small day trips here in SW FL without any issues. Any suggestions/cautions from folks who may have put that many miles (5K+) on a long trip going through the south? TIA for any helpful hints.

Turbo6TA

Your C6 will be fine ... Just fill it with gas and go.

So, I guess you won't be taking I-10 all the way to Arizona

J3TVETTE

My recommendation is to purchase a bra for the front of the car or tape it with blue tape to avoid all the rock chips. Carry a pump with you and a tire patch kit from walmart. Also, enjoy the trip it will be a blast!

dfinkw

We are considering the I10 route on the return. Map programs all seem to indicate leaving 10 in Mobile and taking the "northern" route through Dallas and up to 40W. We have to make a deadline to Williams AZ so don't want to take the longer I10 route all the way through TX, but would like to take it on the return and make other stops in TX and New Orleans, etc. No rush on the return.

07MontyRed

I have made an (almost) as long trip from Florida. My 2007 A6 loves to get out and get some exercise. I made no special precautions. The only hiccup was when I stupidly used 85-octane gas (the pump was not logical!) in Alabama (I did not even know they made 85 octane) ... car was fine, but she got 93 octane the rest of the trip! Enjoy your time on the road.

dfinkw

Thanks. Have run flats, good tow coverage and a can of "fix-a-flat" (I know I know -- but if it is a dire emergency, just as a last resort ). The bra idea sounds good.

Turbo6TA

If you take I-10 through Texas on your return trip, your going to find that it seems to take forever to cross Texas .... VERY BORING.

Be aware of the town of Van Horn while going through west Texas on I-10 .... Notorious speed trap in that area.

Enjoy the trip !

Unreal

Pack water, and basic roadside stuff. It is 115+ out here, and crazy hot in the grand canyon area, so be prepared if you break down somewhere, to deal with the extreme heat.

TxLefty

Meteor Crater in AZ is worth seeing, just west of Winslow. It's close to I40 so it doesn't take long. If you are in the Grand Canyon area, Lake Powell is worth the side trip. Dinner cruise on the river boat is very nice. Scenery is hard to describe. If you go from Flagstaff down to Phoenix going thru Oak Creek Canyon thru Sedona is a scenic and fun drive. Lots of red rock country. Plenty of really good auto museums in Phoenix, Penske, Barrett-Jackson, etc. Around Tuscon: Old Tuscon (movie set and tourist trap) Also in Tucson is the road up to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Pretty drive, with plenty of twists and turns. Traffic can be a little heavy at times. If you like airplanes there is also the Pima County Air Museum. The Kitt Peak observatory is about 30 miles west of Tucson. Very interesting tour and nice drive. Tombstone is worth seeing after you leave Tucson. If you haven't seen Carlsbad Caverns that is worth a stop/detour. You can go from El Paso to Carlsbad which is pretty drive and then back down to I10. That route also takes you by the entrance to Guadalupe Mtns. National Park as well as Carlsbad Caverns. Pecos and Fort Stockton are both interesting little towns. As far as major attractions after that it's the Alamo and River Walk in San Antonio. Not too much else on your route in Texas unless you want to see the San Jacinto Monument in La Porte (Houston area). Sorry to bore you. Have a great trip. We were in your part of the country back in March. Made a trip with 25 other Corvettes down to Key West. We had dinner with a Corvette Club down in Naples. Nice folks.

Vet Interested

I did a 4800 mile trip in mine. Just gas and go! I did have a clear bra installed to fight the rock chips & bugs. Instead of a bra, you can clean the nose every night and put a quick coat of Rejex on to make the bugs slide off. But it's up to you. If you drive FAST, a radar detector will help. Otherwise have fun. You will be amazed at the mileage you get. Take pictures to share with us. Remember, if you don't have pictures, it didn't happen!!

I just thought of something. One issue we had and it seemed to be the worst in Mississippi, Alabama, was pieces of semi tires (gatorbacks)laying on the highway. We almost nailed a few. Not sure why it was so bad there but it was. But obviously, they can appear anywhere.

LMB-Z

If you come thru Texarkana and plan on stopping, let me know. I will meet you. Have a safe and fun trip.

Ben101er

We just got back a couple of weeks ago from a 7400 mile road trip out that way. All the advice everyone has given is good. We didn't have the first minute of problem. That far south, you will be ok. When we went through the Iowa, and So Dakota, it was hard to find top tier gas, and very hard to find gas that was over 87 octane. Once we got to Williams, and headed east, it was no problem. Just keep an eye on your operating temps, since it is very hot. We were in Needles, CA and our thermometer read 120 degrees, and that was before noon. Enjoy your trip.

unclecookie

Also be aware that Monsoon season just started in Arizona. Rain and thunder storms could happen at any time, as well as flash floods.

dfinkw

Great Info - Thanks! I suspect the wife (as well as I) will enjoy all of it.

Vet Interested

Good point by the previous member. Carlsbad Caverans are something you will NEVER forget if you have the time. It's out of the way but awesome. Stick around for the bats leaving the cave at dusk if ya can. Have fun!

Allan

As previously stated, gas-and-go!

If you get close to Winslow, you gotta stop and stand on the corner. It's the law.

Going thru Oatman, AZ, the wild donkey's will exercise their right-of-way.

Vet Interested

I've see the donkeys in the middle of the road. They are a bunch of asses....

Johnathon59

A Radar Detector may come in handy on those long stretches of open road when you may exceed the speed limit as always check what states allow them but most do, have a great time.

klwehunt

Sounds like a great trip.I have been out in that area many times hauling classic cars for myself and friends,always made time to see the sights.Come to think of it i need to do it in my 08.

spuddeamore

Titan Missile Museum just South of Tucson. Underground tour of launching facilities. Last Titan Missile sitting in silo with hatch partly open. 50's tech.