Alright, so I am relocating for work from Tampa to Los Angeles. I have already decided to go with the U-Pack Relocube (like a POD) for my home items...but shipping a car...all the quotes were just outrageous. So with that in mind, I've decided to just pack my car up and go for it. I have two full weeks to complete my move so time isn't an issue but I can't see myself wanting to dick around too long.

My car; 2001, all stock, 80k miles. The tires have less than 5k on them, all routine maintenance is up to date (fluids, plugs, alignment, etc).

Basically looking to draw from anyone else's experience in driving an SK2 for extensive road trips. Or road trip advice, regardless of vehicle type.

 

ALSO : I'm considering buying a decent radar detector (Valentine One, Escort Redline, etc) then selling it on eBay once the trip is over. Is this something you guys find invaluable for a road trip? I've never really put much value in them but then again, I usually fly if I'm going somewhere over 4 hours.

 

First tip on any road trip longer than 12 hours, is break up the driving. You should know your own limits, but me personally, I can't drive for more than 12 hours in a single day without it starting to impact my ability to make quick decisions and manuvers that might be required in the event of road debris or an accident. With me the affect is almost like motion sickness, the constant movement of the vehicle on the road and the sound of road noise starts to numb you and affects your reaction time. When you do stop, try to find a decent hotel where you can unwind and get plenty of rest. Sleep at least 8 hours if you can, I would take some sleeping pills with you as well since being away from home and the strain of driving that long can cause issues getting deep sleep. One thing that I enjoy and helps break up the monotony of long trips is having a couple of audiobooks to listen to. This usually allows me to stay alert and keep my mind occupied while not overly distracting me from my duties as a driver. Lastly, a radar detector is very helpful, I recommend a Valentine One, they are great and also have a great resale value.

 

No need for a radar detector. Anything over 80 and the S2000's fuel econmy suffers greatly. Which means more stops for fuel, no time savings. As for the actual trip. Just enjoy it!! Should be a fun trip. Couple months ago I went from Great Falls MT, to Boise, Salt Lake City, Vegas, and ended up in Phoenix for the "Wake the Dragon" group drive. There were AutoX and other events in the middle. By the end of the trip it was over 4000 miles in 11 days. If you get tired, don't be a tough guy. Just stop. Even if its for a 30 min power nap. Safe travels!

 

Are you making this trip now? You might want to check the weather and where the snow is because that will put a stop to your trip, even with snow tires. If you stay as far south as possible across the country and try to avoid high elevations you might be able to avoid icy or snowy conditions. I plotted a course like this when I thought I might have to drive my S across the country in late March early April. Fortunately, I made the trip in May and I took I80 the whole way. I prefer to stay in small hotels so I can park the S right outside my window, I find this to be the most stressful thing about long road trips Enjoy your trip because this country is awesome to drive through, especially in a convertible.

 

Make sure the Serpentine belt is in new condition, next be sure to check the oil at every fill up! Bring oil with you S2000 like oil and use it!!
With 80k miles and a road trip ahead of you I would be inspecting the radiator closely! Have it pressure checked. The factor radiator's plastic tanks stat to crap out with the miles and age of the car.

Good luck and enjoy the road

 

The trip will begin later this month. I plan to take I-10 pretty much the entire way, so that should avoid any serious elevations in the Southwest US. The way I have it mapped out, its about 10h per day for 3 days, then 5h on the fourth day into Los Angeles.

I can't believe people do this for a living.

 

I used to take long road trips a lot. So here is my advice.

I know my AP1 doesn't eat oil, (strange I know) but I would check all fluids every 500 miles at the very least (just did a road trip less than a month ago) as said before make sure you get plenty of rest. But be careful if you decide to use sleeping pills, as they could easily affect your driving the day after.

Also you will notice your car getting sluggish after a long drive (usually cars will start being sluggish after hour 7-8 in my experience sometimes earlier) the moment you notice this, it means your car needs rest as well. Find a place to stop and rest, you can use this for yourself, or just your car depending on how you feel, let your car idle when you first stop for about 5 minutes, and keep it off for at least an hour. Then check all of your fluids.

As for your radar detector, it won't help if you get laser gunned, it is better to just do the speed limit, I got lucky once in another car, and even though I keep a radar detector still, I really don't have a need for it.

Again I'm going to stress to do the speed limit, but cops usually camp around state boarders, in places that regularly have people that speed, on overpasses (not sure if a worded that right but on bridges that go over the interstate) and near larger towns/cities.

If you find yourself nodding off don't even try to look for a hotel, it could take longer and cause you to have an accident. Stop at the next exit that has a gas station. You need to take a 30min power nap so you can focus and find a real place to sleep. You should make sure this is OK with the gas station person who is working. If at night you should also ask if they will be open while you nap, and park under a lit area if possible. Lock your doors if you have to do this. Keep a knife or (if your a gun owner like me) keep your firearm nearby.

Keep your cellphone charged during your trip. It has an alarm clock on it too, if it doesn't, get an alarm app.

Sorry if my post is scattered but I hope this helps. Also if I think of anything else I'll be sure to post.

 

Okay this is a new one on me and I've been around for over half a century!!!!! I've never ever noticed this on my cars or motorcycles.

 

Haha, that was probably a bad choice of words, but I guess it happens when you pay extremely close attention to your cars like I do. I guess you could describe it as "the car is responding differently" or "responding out of the ordinary" etc etc. It all depends on how particular you are with your car I guess. I make it a point to notice every little thing about my cars is all im trying to say.