>>All I need to do is settle on a good cargo box (holy crap are these things expensive)...

Maybe check craigslist? Or, maybe you have a friend who will loan you one.

 

im keepin my eyes on craigslist, most are super long for like suburbans haha. i dont have many friends actually i need to ask some of my family members

 

For wheels:
Don't know if these would be of help (they are in Florida), but they would be perfect for you. Likely you could get a deal on them...TMS that will work w/ your car, RFTs, All Seasons...less than a new set of all of that. Just need to figure out how to get them to your car... if you could swing by on your way through Florida, maybe your friend/family(?) could help with storing the 17"...Just thinkin'

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-tires&cat=46

 

Actually the Thule ski box fits (I have one for my MINI), just can't open the back hatch. If you know some one who skis...

BTY, I put 8' 2x4s in my MINI (passenger foot well to the back hatch.. If you take the seat out you should fit. Just need something to make it flat from front to back.

 

you must be psychic i just found this an hour from me!

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/pts/3429724506.html

oh man those are perfect.. thats almost directly west of my family in melbourne though.. hmm.

yeah id like to be able to open my hatch.. thats a great idea with 2x4s im almost positive im going to be pulling that seat out now

 

Any updates?

 

+1 one of my favorite places! Great roads for motoring, also hit up Spearfish Canyon.

 

I haven't read all of the posts in this thread but disagree with the early post to plan your trip carefully. If you have nowhere special to be at a particular time just plan day to day. Trying to keep a schedule takes the fun out if the journey. I don't see a need for the roof rack, pack light. A carry on size bag, tent, sleeping bag & pillow and a small cooler should be all you need, easy to fit in the Mini. Some of my destination suggestions: Key West is about 6 hours from Melbourne, California coast highway would be a must drive if I was out west, was there about 40 years ago.

 

Josh,

Tucson is great, someone already mentioned the Pima Air and Space Museum, I would also recommend the Sonoran Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon (if you like hiking). Also, if you want to come up North, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

South East of Tucson, are Kartchner Caverns- about 1.5 hours from Tucson. Also a great place to visit. A new MINI dealer is opening up in Tucson (currently they are only in Scottsdale and Tempe).

If you go to San Diego, I would go to Balboa Park, Coronado Island and tour the Midway.

We are in Phoenix, so if you are in the area let us know.

Safe travels and I look forward to seeing your posts.

 

If you're heading out I 90, drop down a few miles on I 29 past Sioux Falls then take rt 44 West. Fill up at Sioux Falls!! Rt 44 will take you thru wide open country thru the res. (We encountered 5 or 6 cars and heard of cattle the whole way) then take the left fork at rt. 377 and 240 which will take you thru the Bad Lands and into Wall. Gotta stop at Wall. The Spearfish or Nemo roads South out of Deadwood/Lead into the Keystone and Rushmore area will put you right in the middle of some great loop drives. Its worth spending a couple of days.

JoeM56 makes a good point. We all only have one or two chances in life for a great adventure, make the most of it.

 

+1

As you meet local people who are familiar with the relatively local sites they will give you many suggestions of what to see and where to go. That is usually the best source of info on the BEST places to see and visit.

 

Agreed. Just make have a general idea where you want to go and don't worry about the time at any point, it is very relaxing. I did something similar in 2010, bought an old subie and traveled from anchorage Alaska through Canada to San Diego, to El Paso and then through NM an CO to Salt Lake City where I met a girl and married her this summer .

Oh and if you're going down south and like caves, the Carlsbad caverns are a must! Not the biggest cave, but arguably the prettiest with their special lighting effects.

 

Josh4285,

.... your life may turn out to be just like the television show Route 66!

For what it's worth...

When one travels, it's the people they meet along the way that will be remembered more than anything else! As you zigzag your way across the land, be sure to attend the service at one of the local churches. You'll be surprised how fast you'll make friends and how many times someone will have you to dinner or ask you to stay with them overnight! Sometimes, you'll be offered a temporary job for a couple of days and perhaps given an address of a friend or relative in the next town. That's how a planned three week trip turns into a years adventure of a lifetime! The back roads of America are filled with very good people and all have a wonderful story to share with you - if you're willing to listen. You'll have a story to share with them too!