DC bound this weekend!! First ever road trip for the 300D...

[DubMutant]

Hello all!
Well great news all around here that now I must share!
My best friend had his first (a daughter, Maya) and named me the Godfather, so its off to Washington DC for the weekend!
Instead of flying, my fiancee and I have decided to take the 300D. We have owned the vechcle since August of last year and spent time and money making it road worthy once again.
I am very stoked to take the car for its first true road trip, I am estimating about 1000 miles for the round trip total. We are getting the Serious Sattelite radio for the trip and I hope to be able to replace a few speakers by the end of the week which is doubtful. (but that Becker must go)

So, any words of wisdom are appreciated for such a cool little trip. I have complete faith in the car but Id like to anticipate any surprises along the way. I had seen a thread a few months ago about what people use for a travel tool kit, but search was fruitless, so If anyone recalls the thread that would be great.
We are on the road this Friday afternoon from W.Mass to DC! Springtime in DC is always nice!

[rkohut]

Originally Posted by DubMutant

We are on the road Friday afternoon from W.Mass to DC! Springtime in DC is always nice!

It's been 40-45F with 30-55 mph winds for the last two days. Be thankful you weren't here.

It's supposed to be nice for the weekend though.

[tangofox007]

Just got back form DC last week. Fuel was cheaper in VA then MD.

[rkohut]

Check out Jersey on the way down, they usually have the cheapest fuel prices

http://www.newjerseygasprices.com/index.aspx?fuel=D

[DubMutant]

im looking on BioDiesel.org for easy places to fuel up

[SGT John]

All three replacement fuel filters (I use WVO and that has a separate filter.) hose clamps, JB weld, obviously a good set of wrenches and sockets, a 2.5 or 5 gallon jug of water.. something clean that you COULD drink out of, a thick blanket or mat to lay on the ground... and a can of gojo + wet wipes.. that's about all I can think of at the moment. I keep a fire extinguisher but it's not mounted like the ricers. Always keep a flashlight.

Always be sure to check your fluids before and during the trip. Also check out your belts and tires before you go. Now is also a good time to check out your spare tire and jack. I would bring some extra fuel line, but that's just for the sake of my setup.

[captainmonk]

new jersey turnpike is the cheapest fuel prices by far And the east coast storm was big enuf everyone was affected Lines on the boat busted and rails torn off in NJ Loss of power evacuation because the dam upriver broke in NH I'm going to see jimmy in Dallas But the SDL is running fine has crossed 4 flooded roads dont miss those gas engines that stall

[e300D97]

I will be makeing the opposite trip from you this weekend, heading from Baltimore area up to Western Mass. I prefer to take the route through Pennsylvania. For you it would be 84-81-83 down to Balto and jump on 95. I used to take 95 GSP, etc, but frankly could always manage to get in to a traffic jam somewhere along the way.. In Port Jervis, or right next to it is the cheapest fuel prices I have found. Its tecnically in NJ, and right off the interstate. Look for signs for Citgo around the Port Jervis area if you take that route. Where in WMass are you located? I am in Southern York County PA and heading up to Spfld area, and onto Wilmington Vt.

[DubMutant]

Originally Posted by e300D97

I will be makeing the opposite trip from you this weekend, heading from Baltimore area up to Western Mass. I prefer to take the route through Pennsylvania. For you it would be 84-81-83 down to Balto and jump on 95. I used to take 95 GSP, etc, but frankly could always manage to get in to a traffic jam somewhere along the way.. In Port Jervis, or right next to it is the cheapest fuel prices I have found. Its tecnically in NJ, and right off the interstate. Look for signs for Citgo around the Port Jervis area if you take that route. Where in WMass are you located? I am in Southern York County PA and heading up to Spfld area, and onto Wilmington Vt.

I am heading from Northampton, MA, just north of Springfield on I91.
The directoins I have suggest going I-91 to I-95 and thru NYC and the Jersy Turnpike.
Would this be a bad descision? Google maps (consistently unreliable) says that the travel time is about 7 hours, 400 miles.
Is your way better because there is less traffic?
We were planning to drive down late night/early morning- essentially an overnight drive to avoid any traffic snarls in NYC/Baltimore. I love driving during the dead of night.
Ben

[Dee8go]

Hope you have a good time, Ben. It seems to me Northern VA to Boston usually takes me about nine hours. Of course, time of day, day of the week, etc. makes a huge difference. Baltimore and Washington both have brutal rush hours.

[e300D97]

Ben,

If you are driving during the night, make sure to check CT, NY, NJ and MD for night construction zones. Another alternate is 91 south to 84 in CT, to 684 to Tappan Zee Br (this avoids NYC totally), to GSP to NJTP (95) Then 95 all the way down. Again, if you are travelling at night just be aware of Construction. My route through PA is much more scenic and not so much of a rat race, however, its pretty desolate on parts of 84 and 81. You might want to stick with your route if you have any concerns about the car. Personally I would avoid 95 in CT like the plague, unless 84 in CT has construction at night. I am sure some others here will pipe in with their opinions also. You can PM me with any detailed questions.

[Ken300D]

I'll be happy to take the Becker if you want to ship it to me in a flat-rate USPS Priority Mail Box. I'll round up the fee to the nearest $5 to cover your effort.



Ken300D

CarFax Request - How about lower prices for your product? Autocheck.

[e300D97]

Ben,

Wanted to add, if you are getting the Sirius radio, make sure you get the cassette adapter or a direct connect to the stereo. It gets annoying to change the stations for the FM transmitter all the time.

[DubMutant]

Well, my fiancee is leaning toward renting a car. She wants "windows and a sunroof that work, A/C that works, and heat that does not blow your face off". (Some people are so picky)
Renting puts our $$ farther away from fixing those problems and we should suck it up and take it...
She may have a point, the stereo currently sucks, the drivers seat is still broken and there is no sound insulation which makes these cars travel loud (can you tell and all i want is happy passenger?)
Looks like I have an uphill battle, especially since Enterprise has a weekend deal for $70.00

[e300D97]

When are you beginning your trip??