Long Road Trip - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Snibble · #1 06-23-2003, 05:51 PM

My friends and I have decided to go on a road trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Along the way, I am picking my friend up from the USMC base at Camp Lejeune, NC. So essentially I will have to drive from Columbus, Ohio to Camp Lejeune... and then from Camp Lejeune to Myrtle Beach. I have never been on a road trip this long before, but I am looking forward to it since it will be fun driving that far through all these states. I had my fuel filter and fuel pump replaced with new bosch units. Tomorrow I am having my front flex disc replaced since its in bad shape. The belts all look good and I don't see any fluid leaks anywhere. Since this is a long trip... should I worry that I am putting too much stress on the car? The car has 181,000 miles right now. Just looking for advice and tips.

Thanks

Aaron · #2 06-23-2003, 06:12 PM

Snibble,

Don't worry one bit about taking your car on that kind of trip. Remember that highway cruising is easiest on a car. Just pack some supplies like extra oil, a jug of water, duct tape (for radiator hose pinhole leaks, it works like magic), the cell phone and an AAA card. Of course this goes without saying when driving ANY car on a long trip. Better safe than sorry! Have fun!

jjrodger · #3 06-23-2003, 06:17 PM

Your car will be fine! Just drive sensibly and don't take any risks.

The best thing you can do is be sure of your route. Buy a good map and study it closely; make a list of junctions you need to take and stick it on the dash; and remember that signage might be different from state to state. If you know where you are going and take your time, you will minimise any stress and eliminate any dangerous panic decision making. You'll also get a load more out of the trip. Good luck!

BTW, what kind of distance is this trip?

Snibble · #4 06-23-2003, 06:37 PM

Thanks... here is some more info.

My friend is bringing his AAA gold membership card. Thank god he was with me in the car when my fuel pump died last week

I am leaving July 3rd.. early in the morning. Should be in the NC/SC area in the late after noon? My other friend is currently in S.O.I on base at Camp Lejeune and he gets several days off for the holiday... so I am secretly bringing down his girlfriend along too

We will be in Myrtle Beach for three nights. Then head back home.

Looking at the maps... seems to be just over 800 miles each way.

Thanks again...
Sharif

BenzOnline · #5 06-23-2003, 07:47 PM

Snibble...you posted a post I was just about to post LOL!

I am also going on a trip with my w126 this Canada day long weekend although not as a big distance as yours...(300km each way). Heading up on a camping trip on Georgian Bay 30,000 islands area here in Ontario....gonna be a blast....the 126 loves camping and doesnt mind the mosquito bites!

Its kinda funny, last yr me and my freinds did a camping trip and you walk around the campground and see mini vans and pickups and then you see a Mercedes!...it really is awkward.

Snibble · #6 07-02-2003, 07:18 PM

Alrighty folks... this should be my last time posting since I am leaving early tomorrow morning for the trip. I will bring back pics... they won't be good 'cuz they'll be scanned disposables. See ya all later!

Piotr · #7 07-04-2003, 12:57 AM

Snibble, have you thought this OUT??? what if you catch your friend with another woman?? of course, you may get a girlfriend outta this one!! :p
have fun!

blackmercedes · #8 07-04-2003, 06:44 PM

The most important thing of any long road trip is the music selection. Think that through before you consider ANYTHING else.

The next thing is road food. There are two kinds: from home and from the side of the road. You'll need both. Take along a cooler and some bags packed with stuff you'll need when nothing else is in sight. Then, buy stuff along the way, too. While on the road, you are not allowed to buy anything that is remotely healthy. A road trip is fun. Junk food only.

When overnighting, then you can enjoy a nice eatery budget permitting.

The next thing you need to worry about is what is the policy concerning hitchhikers of the opposite gender. If you were to see two nubile (or semi-nubile, or even 1% nubile) young women hitching, would you pick them up? Once (if) you were to spot such a thing, you don't have time to decide. Make sure you know ahead of time.

Next up is sleeping. Hotels? Motels? Camping? The ditch? All of them are fine, but require different equipment and budgets. Also, do the hitchers (if you checked YES above) go over-night? Decide now!

Okay, now we're getting close to go. Start thinking about your car. When was the last time it broke down? If it rarely breaks down, then it will on the trip, but no amount of preparations can be taken. It won't be ANYTHING you can fix roadside. If your car breaks down all the time, why are you worried? You're used to it by now.

Next is the route. Interstates are BORING. Gas stations are frequent, and often have clean washrooms and lack colourful characters that eye the members of your group with that "oh, the things we could do" look. Years back I was in a very remote area in a western US state where we stopped for gas. In the service bay was brand new Volvo 850 (just introduced that year) and the "mechanics" were busy removing the front fenders. Road trip memories like that are not to be found on the Interstates.

Your AAA card is good for jail bonding in most places, and as an extra you could use it for getting a tow too. How's about that?

Have fun!

RG5384 · #9 07-05-2003, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by blackmercedes
The most important thing of any long road trip is the music selection. Think that through before you consider ANYTHING else.

AMEN!!!!!!!