Hey everyone!

On Sept 7th, Ang, the two dogs and myself will be on our way north to Bar Harbor, Maine for about a week! (can't wait) But I wanted to see what everyone here does in preparation for a LONG (nearly 2,500 miles roundtrip!) Trip?

I just had my MINI in for oil change/service one pack the begining of July, so Oil should be find I'd think. The only other things I could think of were to check the fluid (coolant, windshield, etc) and the tire pressure. Am I forgetting anything??

 

Don't you have pretty good sized dogs? I know if I was travelling that far with my two dogs, I would have lots of window cleaner, interior cleaner, and rags to clean up the drool. I would also invest in a rainsuit for myself, because my one dog likes to stick his head next to the headrest and drool all over me.

One other thing that I will do on all future road trips is have maps of where we are going and not depend solely on GPS. We had some GPS issues in the Smokies and it made for some heated discussions between me and wifey about the reliability of the AT&T navigation system used on their phones.

 

Check the brakes and pads, too. Also, pack some moistened wipes -- they really come in handy. Have some music or books on CD. I also like to have a a few soft toss pillows and a lightweight blanket for those times when the navigator wants to nap. And trail mix, jerky, and hard candies are good to have on hand. Have fun!

 

So you're saying you have a B.A.D. dog?

 

On my recent road trip putting books and podcasts on my iPod really made the miles go by.
Having some window cleaner along helped too. I took off bugs at every rest stop.

 

I also recomend visiting each state that you will be traveling through's department of transportation web stie they tend to have construction information. AAA maps usually have the same info if you are a member.

 

Oh, that's a great suggestion! And have a good pile of microfiber towels!

Even though I have a Garmin Nuvi, I still like to get AAA maps/books or at least have a good road atlas tucked into the MINI.

 

I'm heading out myself with 2 dogs tomorrow - to upper lower Michigan. However, this is where the Subaru (recently serviced) comes in handy and not the MINI. I always keep some dog/human shampoo and a bottle of water around for when the little dears decide to roll in something and then want to get back in the car with me. And, lots of old towels for bedding and cleaning up car and dogs. Doggie breath mints can also keep the atmosphere happy for humans.

Have a great trip!

 

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

Hadn't thought about window wipes... will be a good thing to have, as one of the dogs is a boxer which has to snort about every 4 seconds.

Been trying to find construction details on each state's DOT websites, but not having a lot of luck just yet... still looking

Thanks again everyone, we can't wait to leave!

 

Carol and I just completed about 2500 in our MINI to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and home. I slapped on the GPS, topped up the oil which was down a quarter after 10000 miles, aired up the tires, and took off. No problems and we found it very comfortable (we find the MINI standard seats better than those in our X3 and Ford Fusion). Worst mileage on a tank was 36.8 driving in local NJ traffic. Best tank was 44.1 mpg with other tanks in low 40's. Fantastic experience.

Rob

07 MC CR/B 6speed

 

Hey Rob, long time no see. Did your daughter and son-in-law move to Cleveland already?

 

[QUOTE=B.A.D.;2441913]Hey Rob, long time no see. Did your daughter and son-in-law move to Cleveland already?[/QUOTE

Thanks for asking -- they did move to North Royalton and both have good jobs, Mike as a landscape architect and Erin working in administration for a material handling manufacturer. They still like their MINI and Erin's new VW Rabbit. Carol and I have been heading that direction so haven't been able to get down to Columbus much. And I have been playing with my newest toy, a BMW R1100RT to go with the HD Street Rod.

Rob McClure
Upper Sandusky, OH
2007 MC 6 speed CR/B

 

Greatest piece of advice from the Silverback I got in prep for first trip to Florida in 06... if you have a MC - drop the spare tire and make sure things are cool. Mine was just a tad salty/dirty. If no spare (MCS) - consider taking a spare tire, dogs might have to site on top of it. Tip from Crashton - btw.

 

oh yeah I also changed air filter...big giant bug graveyard.

Have fun!!! Post pics of trip!

 

I never thought about checking the spare tire before going on a long trip. Since Missy does so much driving for work, I might have to make a point of checking the spare for her car every once in awhile.

Last weekend my brother told me that it was okay that my car didn't have a spare because I'm starting to carry one around my waist

 

Those mighty Silverbacks thinks of everything. As for the comment by your brother.... hee hee hee.

 

Just think about all the wisdom that Marty is going to gain by going to college in the state that probably has the highest concentration of Silverbacks outside of the Congo.

 

I hate that place. Highest point in the state is Mount Dora, something like 100 feet above sea level. I'm a Mountain Gorilla I'll take Colorado.

 

If you had your car in for service and the shop had the wheels off for any reason, I would definitely re-torque the wheel bolts before you head out just to make sure. I had my MC in about a month ago when the dealership replaced a drive shaft under warranty. I began hearing a clicking sound (like the driveshaft did when it was going bad)....come to find out that my wheel bolts were not torqued properly and the wheel was just about ready to fall off of the car (literally). I could hand turn the bolts when I discovered it.

So, now I will check them after every time the car goes in to the shop....or any trip I take for that matter.

Have a great trip!

 

Great tip Fastlane. I also check the torque after the car has been in the shop.

 

After an experience yesterday, I suggest that you check the tightness of your spark plugs. Driving over in Indiana on I-70...BAM...sounds like someone shot at me and CHKMINI drops horsepower with engine miss. I pull over, open the hood and #1 plug wire is laying on top of the engine with the plug still in the wire end. Long story short....re-installed the plug and wire (had socket set with me) and all is fine. Looked at it later with camera scope, threads good...just came loose and worked itself out. Take a socket set with you!!

 

Paul had the same thing happen to him on his R53. He wasn't as lucky as you, thread threads on his head were MIA.

Go buy a lottery ticket Mark. You are having some good luck.

I've read about this happening more than a few times. At every oil change I re-torque the plugs.

 

ah, hadn't though about checking the torque on the wheels... Forgot about that. Spark plugs flying out of the motor?! That can't be a good thing! I'll have to check them. Thanks again for all the ideas, 7 days to get prepped!

 

Check the plugs when your engine is stone cold. Most likely they are fine, but it is such an easy check & will give you peace of mind.

Edit.... The torque spec for the plugs is 20 Ft/Lb.

 

Checked mine again first thing this morning...all is well Good luck on the trip, take some good pictures. Us Silverbacks luv to look at pictures