CT to Cinci to Chicago to CT

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 19, 2008

Looks like I will be logging at least 1700 miles in one week. doing an oil change beforehand and will be bringing a small toolkit, coolant and oil. wish me luck!

dieseldorf · Dec 19, 2008

Now that's a nice ride, in a diesel auto, Lex! Be safe.

Brasil · Dec 20, 2008

Why coolant? My kit has a spare fuel filter. I need to make up a more compact kit--I was carrying around the tools I used to change the filter plus odd and ends in a small rubbermaid tote.

I also have a folding lug nut remover, a mini compressor and some tire sealant.

What are some of the tools you all carry?

BrianCT · Dec 20, 2008

Brasil said:
What are some of the tools you all carry?

Lex4TDI4Life, GOOD LUCK and safe voyage on the drive.!

Brasil,

I have almost every kind of tool imaginable. I keep it all in a rather compact case bought from Home Depot.

Full Philips and Flat Head screw drivers
Metric wrench set sizes from 05 - 33 open and closed ends
Stanley tool set, metric and standard rachet 102 pc set
All Torx Handle size set from 04-30
Oil Filtre wrench
Serp Belt
Battery operated soldier gun w/soldier
Electrical wiring,
fuses all types,
Male/Female quick connects
every bulb at least one for an emergency replacement
Duct tape, three size widths
Open end adjustable wrenchs 1" to 3"
Vise Grips various needle to wide and clamp styles
Metal files, various sizes
Wire Bushes, various styles
Sand paper, various grades
Brake tool Metalnerd
Brake lubricant
Copper Anti-Seize Jar
Pad Lubricant anti squeal
Grease - tube high heat
Fuel Filtre, air filtre
Stanadyne 32 oz
Magnetic extendable handle to retrieve dropped objects
Standard hammer
Rubber hammer
Mini Crowbar
Breaker bar in extended version lengths
Oil plug and washer 2 sets

Here I'm able to have the door locks serviced

I have in the centre compartment a full Torque Wrench Set

This small craftsmen set fits on top of the torque wrench set in the middle compartment of the tool sack

I use a knee cushion which is stored to the rear of the sack in the compartment [trunk]

aja8888 · Dec 20, 2008

BrianCT said:
Lex4TDI4Life, GOOD LUCK and safe voyage on the drive.!

Brasil,

I have almost every kind of tool imaginable. I keep it all in a rather compact case bought from Home Depot.

Full Philips and Flat Head screw drivers
Metric wrench set sizes from 05 - 33 open and closed ends
Stanley tool set, metric and standard rachet 102 pc set
All Torx Handle size set from 04-30
Oil Filtre wrench
Serp Belt
Battery operated soldier gun w/soldier
Electrical wiring,
fuses all types,
Male/Female quick connects
every bulb at least one for an emergency replacement
Duct tape, three size widths
Open end adjustable wrenchs 1" to 3"
Vise Grips various needle to wide and clamp styles
Metal files, various sizes
Wire Bushes, various styles
Sand paper, various grades
Brake tool Metalnerd
Brake lubricant
Copper Anti-Seize Jar
Pad Lubricant anti squeal
Grease - tube high heat
Fuel Filtre, air filtre
Stanadyne 32 oz
Magnetic extendable handle to retrieve dropped objects
Standard hammer
Rubber hammer
Mini Crowbar
Breaker bar in extended version lengths
Oil plug and washer 2 sets

Here I'm able to have the door locks serviced

I have in the centre compartment a full Torque Wrench Set

This small craftsmen set fits on top of the torque wrench set in the middle compartment of the tool sack

I use a knee cushion which is stored to the rear of the sack in the compartment [trunk]

Brian: Wow! You must have been a Boy Scout when you were younger....

"Be Prepared.

That's the motto of the Boy Scouts.

"Be prepared for what?" someone once asked Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting,

"Why, for any old thing." said Baden-Powell.

The training you receive in your troop will help you live up to the Scout motto. When someone has an accident, you are prepared because of your first aid instruction. Because of lifesaving practice, you might be able to save a nonswimmer who has fallen into deep water.

But Baden-Powell wasn't thinking just of being ready for emergencies. His idea was that all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.

Be prepared for life - to live happily and without regret, knowing that you have done your best. That's what the Scout motto means."

BrianCT · Dec 20, 2008

aja8888 said:
Brian: Wow! You must have been a Boy Scout when you were younger....

"Be Prepared.

LOL

And I have a 45 lb medical bag ...but that comes with me all day long.

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 21, 2008

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. My sister, whom I am visiting in Cinci, remarked that because of this forum, I could always hunt down someone along my route to help if need be. That cannot be said of many communities either online or offline. I also count on the fact that my insurance includes roadside assistance in case things get particularly ugly.

Brian, it looks like you are prepared to completely rebuild your car on the road!

I am afraid I am not quite as prepared. I keep a small toolbox with most of the wrenches and sockets that one would need. There are some pretty common sizes that I make sure to have: 10mm, 13,mm, 15mm, 17mm and 18mm. A pair of band clamp pliers are essential in case an intake hose blows off. I need to dig out my mityvac as well.

I carry a bottle of pre-mixed coolant and duct tape in case a hose degrades. I can hopefully patch up the hose and get enough coolant in there to make it somplace safe. A liter and a half of oil also accompany me. Of course, a bottle of powerservice white will be joining me as well.

I forgot to pick up an extra CAT fuel filter, but I plan on passing a few truck supply places on the way and will snag one. I should also kick up a fuse kit.

sasouza76 · Dec 21, 2008

Myself, Wife and 2 Chihuahuas are making a trip from AZ. to NO. CA. tomorrow 22nd for Xmas week. 2009 Jetta/SW TDI with only 1100 miles on it. Will update on my adventure and milage.

BrianCT · Dec 21, 2008

sasouza76 said:
Myself, Wife and 2 Chihuahuas are making a trip from AZ. to NO. CA. tomorrow 22nd for Xmas week. 2009 Jetta/SW TDI with only 1100 miles on it. Will update on my adventure and milage.

Don't be easy on the rpms and use the least amount of steady throttle cruising as possible ..i.e. no cruise control.

Engine will break in nicely.

Good luck!

BrianCT

Brasil · Dec 22, 2008

AJ-- I'm not worthy! That's more complete than my home tools--maybe that's why I never made Eagle

BrianCT-- in my line I should carry a foldout couch, a cigar, and maybe some alprazolam

aja8888 · Dec 22, 2008

Brasil said:
AJ-- I'm not worthy! That's more complete than my home tools--maybe that's why I never made Eagle

BrianCT-- in my line I should carry a foldout couch, a cigar, and maybe some alprazolam

Brazil: even though I was a Boy Scout once upon a time, I am not nearly as prepared as Brian. On my trips, I generally take a cell phone, credit card, $20 in cash, my laptop, a 12 pack of Diet Pepsi, and my sunglasses. Oh, forgot my Power Service and a spray bottle of window cleaner...

bestmapman · Dec 23, 2008

Greetings from Cincinnati. If you need anything while in town PM me.

LRTDI · Dec 23, 2008

Take the tools out! The weight adversely affects MPG.
A snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bag, food and water will be more useful if bad weather strikes.

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 23, 2008

protein bars and water will also be in my bag o tricks

About to take off in 5. Thanks for the well wishes, everyone!

BrianCT · Dec 23, 2008

Brasil said:
BrianCT-- in my line I should carry a foldout couch, a cigar, and maybe some alprazolam

The foldout couch is nice. The cigar means you have time. But a schedule IV drug just put this post as being priceless.

LOL

You have to understand how that tool kit became what it is today.

When you talk friends into buying TDi's you can expect that the fear of dealerships grows quickly after visiting this site. So I'm always offering a free hand on standard maintenances... which has grown to brake jobs and... alot of other stuff too.

I started off with a small little tackle box in 2002.

aja8888 · Dec 23, 2008

BrianCT said:
The foldout couch is nice. The cigar means you have time. But a schedule IV drug just put this post as being priceless. LOL

You have to understand how that tool kit became what it is today. When you talk friends into buying TDi's you can expect that the fear of dealerships grows quickly after visiting this site. So I'm always offering a free hand on standard maintenances... which has grown to brake jobs and... alot of other stuff too. I started off with a small little tackle box in 2002.

Brian: pretty soon you are going to need a trailer..

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 23, 2008

1st leg complete:

694 miles
50.8 mpg
61 mph average

Didn't stop to take a break until 8 hours in

BrianCT · Dec 24, 2008

Lex4TDI4Life said:
1st leg complete:

694 miles
50.8 mpg
61 mph average

Didn't stop to take a break until 8 hours in

paramedick · Dec 24, 2008

Lex4TDI4Life said:
Didn't stop to take a break until 8 hours in

8 hours??? Do you have a passing acquaintence with Mr. Foley?

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 24, 2008

Nah, just a large bladder and some comfy seats.

paramedick said:
8 hours??? Do you have a passing acquaintence with Mr. Foley?

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 28, 2008

2nd Leg: Cinci to Chicago

380 miles
49.8 mpg
58 mph average

Stopped in West Lafayette, Indiana to get some Purdue paraphenalia for my mom.

Lex4TDI4Life · Dec 31, 2008

Last leg: Chicago to Stamford, CT

885 miles
69 mph average
41.8 mpg

I wasnt eager to spend too much time on I-80, so I kept the speed up around 85-90 for much of the trip.

Total trip data:
2190 miles
47.057 gallons of fuel
46.54 mpg

Not too bad for winter fuel, snow tires and some excessive speeding

BrianCT · Dec 31, 2008

Lex4TDI4Life said:
Last leg: Chicago to Stamford, CT

885 miles
69 mph average
41.8 mpg

I wasnt eager to spend too much time on I-80, so I kept the speed up around 85-90 for much of the trip.

Total trip data:
2190 miles
47.057 gallons of fuel
46.54 mpg

Not too bad for winter fuel, snow tires and some excessive speeding

Was it you that I met outside Starbucks on Boston Post Rd in Darien last month?

Rushing through the crowd ...body slamming to the rest rooms? LOL

Great driving, especially in this weather.

I bet your intake and exhaust is whistle clean.

You added life to the motor after that run. Peter at TDIParts always states that his cars run their best after a hard track day or rolling fast freeway ride... but more noticeable on a track day and then driving on the freeway...

BrianCT

CountryBoy · Jan 2, 2009

If anyone is looking for compact snow shovels for their car-kits REI has some good ones.

http://www.rei.com/category/4500674

CT to Cinci to Chicago to CT

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