2.2's Road Trip '09 US & Canada

So i'm planning to do a very long road trip in June '09 with a friend. i was hoping you guys could help with tips/advice on the subject. the reason it's going to be in '09 is because i need 2 years of living on the cheap and working a lot to make the money to fund the trip.

I'm planning to get an late '03 F-250 SuperCrew SuperDuty PowerStroke, diesel for fuel economy, big F-250 because it's roomy, and on a long trip i want lots of room.

The route as planned is below:

Florida - Miami – DeLand – Orlando St. Augustine - Tallahassee
Georgia - Atlanta
Alabama – Talladega - Birmingham
Mississippi - Driving Through
Arkansas – Little Rock
Missouri – Kansas City
Oklahoma - Tulsa - Locust Grove – Oklahoma City
Texas - Dallas - Houston - Richland Hills – Dallas
Oklahoma – Driving Through
Colorado – Denver - Vail
Arizona - Phoenix
Nevada - Las Vegas
California -Los Angeles - San Francisco
Oregon - Florence
Washington - Seattle
(into Canada)
Vancouver – Calgary – Edmonton – Saskatoon - Winnipeg
Ottawa – Toronto – Ottawa – Montreal
Québec - Repentigny
(into the US)
Maine – Driving Through
Massachusetts – Boston
New Hampshire – Driving Through
Connecticut - Hartford
New York - New York City
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
West Virginia – Driving Through
Virginia – Driving Through
North Carolina – Raleigh - Charlotte
South Carolina – Driving Through
Georgia - Atlanta
Alabama - Montgomery
Mississippi – Driving Through
Louisiana - New Orleans
Texas - Houston

I used Google Earth to get a rough estimate of the driving distance, without accounting getting lost and driving around places i'm visiting it's about 14,000 miles. i'm giving a 3,000 miles buffer for getting lost, driving around the cities i'm visiting etc..

The longest single leg without a major stop is Winnipeg to Toronto, at about 1,400 miles.

All the buffers i've set on the budget and distance are quite big, i'd rather expect to need a certain amount and use less, than assume i'll need a smaller amount and run out of money or something during the trip.

Stuff to go into/onto the truck:

Satellite Navigation
GPS
CB Radio
Radar detector (grille-mounted)
Satellite Radio (?)
Power Inverter
Dash-mount phone holder
Cool box (food & drinks)
mini portable gas cooker (like a camping cooker)
Jerry Cans for diesel (x6)
Steel Front bumper With bull bars
Spot/Fog/Driving lights (4 on the front, 4 on the roof)
Spare wheels (x2)
Jack (high-lift ratchet type)
Tools (general tools, sockets/wrenches/etc)
Oil (it's a diesel..)
Tow Straps
Winch in front bumper (?)
Locking hard tonneau cover

things with (?) after them mean i'm still deciding whether or not to get them. if you're wondering why i want a steel front bumper with bull bars, it's because i don't want to hit something and ruin my trip. if i'm going to hot something i want it to take the force of the hit, not my truck.

Fuel budget is going to be $6,000-$6,500 for the trip (may change with possible increase in fuel prices) budget for the truck is $25,000 and it may be sold at the end to reclaim some money. i haven't worked out the budget for accomodation yet. but i'm expecting it to be a lot. (we'll be sleeping in the truck a lot.)

prior to setting off i'll give the truck a good once-over and possibly and engine tear down and rebuild. don't want any engine trouble on the trip. no performance mods, don't want to hurt the fuel economy. maybe an exhaust brake though.

Anything i've missed, or anything tips/advice?

Thanks Guys.

Um yeah, don't forget to tell me when you get herethis time. I'm with ya on the Fla journey and we'll see from there.

I see you won't be making it through Nebraska. Not a whole lot to see here (especially in western NE) but it is about the easiest driving you can do, interstate and completely flat.

I don't really see the point of driving through the South. All they have is a BMW factory and fried snickers.

I don't really see the point of driving through the South. All they have is a BMW factory and fried snickers.

The south rocks, and BMW rocks.

How about a camcorder to record parts of the trip? Hell, you could even post video on the web with a blog or something similar. Or... you could "sell" the idea to a tv network to do a new reality show,(like there isn't enough of these already polluting the airwaves,) based on your trip and the experiences you encounter. They may pay enough to fund the trip with everything you want and then some. HMMM. I can see it now,"Road Trip '09- 2.2's Big Adventure"...coming to your tv screen June 2009!

How about a camcorder to record parts of the trip? Hell, you could even post video on the web with a blog or something similar. Or... you could "sell" the idea to a tv network to do a new reality show,(like there isn't enough of these already polluting the airwaves,) based on your trip and the experiences you encounter. They may pay enough to fund the trip with everything you want and then some. HMMM. I can see it now,"Road Trip '09- 2.2's Big Adventure"...coming to your tv screen June 2009!

my friend and i are thinking of filming and documenting the whole thing. we're hoping to have 3 cameras, one pointing out the windscreen, one pointing at the driver or both of us and one we'd move around, then doing a "fast-forward" movie and a cut-up documentary-type thing. we'd record the break downs and stuff. and well have my camera too.

i want to do a written/video blog of it. i don't really want to sell it and have it aired. i don't want any fame or anything. so i'd rather keep to to friends/family/AF.

Might I suggest a GM truck instead? Get a Suburban or a Silverado Diesel...they'll last you longer than a Ford and is more durable IMHO.

Also, I'd recommend getting a gun license and then buying a gun as some sort of protection. You're going to need it. There are a lot of strange and creepy things/people in this country.

Sounds like a kick ass trip. If I had my way, I'd take an 04 Range Rover though. But I know you'd be having trouble affording that one lol.

i was thinking about a 2002 Silverado 2500HD diesel. but i'm more of a Ford fan and i don't like the Silverado's steering wheel. i know it's nothing major, but if i'm spending 3 months in front of it, i want a nice wheel.

not a fan of rangeys, and i need a truck with a seperate cab/bed because i'm taking jerry cans of fuel with me.

i don't know if i could get a gun licence, not being a US resident or citizen, and not having a registered address in the US.

i was thinking about a 2002 Silverado 2500HD diesel. but i'm more of a Ford fan and i don't like the Silverado's steering wheel. i know it's nothing major, but if i'm spending 3 months in front of it, i want a nice wheel.

not a fan of rangeys, and i need a truck with a seperate cab/bed because i'm taking jerry cans of fuel with me.

i don't know if i could get a gun licence, not being a US resident or citizen, and not having a registered address in the US.

Lol Chris....you're not going to get the better truck because of a steering wheel...:lol:

Just buy a knew one. I just haven't heard any decent things about Ford trucks and each owner's history that I do hear about, the pattern of problems in which each owner has individually is more common than it is with a GM truck. i.e. my friend's company had a Ford F350 for grunt work and at around 39k miles it started falling apart.

About the gun thing though, try and find out what your options are. You're going to feel a lot safer with one when you drive around in this country. If not, just go to Harlem and pick one up off the black market. :icon16:

there are too many little things about the silverado that i don't like. the wheel, the centre-dash controls etc..

and like i said, more of a Ford fan. (that said, if i genuinely thought the Chevy was better, i'd get it instead.) and all manufacturers have trucks that go wrong. it's jsut that you only hear about the ones with problems. because if there's nothing wrong with it, you don't tend to talk about it so much.

can't buy a new one, i'm going to be working for 2 years to pay for this trip. i can't pay over $25,000 for the truck or i won't have the money for the rest of it.

i don't know about the gun. if i can do it legally, i might. but i really don't want to do anything illegal. i can't take that risk for various reasons. if i can get a licence and carry a handgun in the truck legally, i will. but if i can't do it legally, then i won't.

Thats a reallllly long and expensive road trip but sounds like it'll be a ton of fun. When you pass through Hartford pack some heat!

umm..

that's worrying. don't really want to have a gun on me. will have to look into this though.

If you visit Regina inbetween Saskatoon and Winnipeg, I'll show you guys around. I'll even escort you guys to Winnipeg.. I have some "unfinished business" there to take care of anyway :)

Should you pass through these states for any reason be careful

Kentucky - they love to hide in the trees on the highway
New Jersey - NJ Highway Patrol runs the state, seriously
Ohio - been pressing new stricter hwy patrol enforcement for the past few months
Slow down in general in northern states since your pickup truck will be one of the few on the roads and you'll stick out in traffic
Florida - crazy negro on the loose in Tallahassee

Oh yea, also forgot to mention that you should try not to drive through CT with the radar detector. They're illegal and if they find it they'll confiscate it...or worse, if they find it on your car they'll confiscate your car....Someone may have to verify that for me.

Having done a year and a half at a job driving medium duty commercial trucks around the country:

- I don't see why you would need a gun, unless you're planning on driving through the worst parts of Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New York or any other craptastic dump.
- All of the Power Stroke Fords I've driven have been good rigs. If you keep your foot out of it you might see a steady 17-20 mpg.
- That being said, why are you doing this in a big truck? There are plenty of cars that will offer as much or more comfort with better gas mileage. Are you taking your apartment with you or something?
- Skip Los Angles. There is nothing of redeeming value there.
- Won't need any navigation you can't fold up in stick in your glovebox, unless of course you're taking the back routes everywhere.
- Winch? Steel bumper? Jerry cans? Off roading much? 70,000 miles logged and I've yet to hit anything the truck didn't just run over
- Screw the tonneau cover and just get a shell. Toss some bags in the back and you don't have to worry about motel bills.
- If you buy any kind of decent truck, I'd probably skip the engine rebuild.

You're going from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA - this means you have to go through Greenville, SC - you had better have some sort of plan on stopping in Greenville and having a beer at my place!

...having a beer at my place!

What? Not a closet full of Cuervo instead?

Might I suggest a GM truck instead? Get a Suburban or a Silverado Diesel...they'll last you longer than a Ford and is more durable IMHO.

Also, I'd recommend getting a gun license and then buying a gun as some sort of protection. You're going to need it. There are a lot of strange and creepy things/people in this country.

Sounds like a kick ass trip. If I had my way, I'd take an 04 Range Rover though. But I know you'd be having trouble affording that one lol.

Hoepfully I'll have my concealed weapons license by then and my glock. Got a rifle licens. Hey, jut get the gun rack and we're set!

Oh yea, if you're going to NYC, half an hour away you can come and swim in my pool, sit in the hot tub and have a cocktail :biggrin:

Plans changed, I'm saving up and going with you on the whole thing so I can see ya'll you guys. Just make sure it's in the summer so school ain't an issue.

What?! No Chicago? Missin' out on a great city especially in the summer with that nice lake breeze.

As far as the gun thing goes the laws very greatly state to state...you can carry in TX and FL but you'd have to get a permit (which is nearly impossible to get unless you were a cop/gov. agent) in IL. Overall a gun really wouldn't be needed I wouldn't think.

Of course not, I wouldn't carry mine anyhow unless I stayed in Fla. Tallahasee man, craziness up in FSU.

awww chris is coming to visit me in ottawa? how sweet.

just a few things to warn you about canada:
-the drive through saskatoon and manitoba will look like this:
__________________________________________________ ______________
it's completely flat.
-watch out for quebec drivers, they tend to be crazy
-there's not a whole lot to see in calgary, saskatoon, or winnipeg, but it's good to stop by and check them out, not too many tourist attractions though.

also if you drop by on game night i'll take you to a hockey game, but you're paying for your own damn ticket.

If you visit Regina inbetween Saskatoon and Winnipeg, I'll show you guys around. I'll even escort you guys to Winnipeg.. I have some "unfinished business" there to take care of anyway

cool. that leg does need a major stop, being about 1,400 miles with bugger all in between. hurrah for sleeping in the truck at the side of the highway.

Should you pass through these states for any reason be careful

Kentucky - they love to hide in the trees on the highway
New Jersey - NJ Highway Patrol runs the state, seriously
Ohio - been pressing new stricter hwy patrol enforcement for the past few months
Slow down in general in northern states since your pickup truck will be one of the few on the roads and you'll stick out in traffic
Florida - crazy negro on the loose in Tallahassee

don't actually want to speed during the trip, there's no rush to get anywhere. i'm thining of getting the radar detector mounted in the grille, and the "head unit" or whatever you call it for the detector fitted in one of the pop-out compartments in the dash. so i can turn it on and it'll beep but won't be visible.

the truck will stick out everywhere. big steel bumper and bull bar, 4 lights on the front, 4 lights on the roof, flashing light bar (i just want one...) and covered in dirt. (don't plan on washing it the WHOLE trip.)

Oh yea, also forgot to mention that you should try not to drive through CT with the radar detector. They're illegal and if they find it they'll confiscate it...or worse, if they find it on your car they'll confiscate your car....Someone may have to verify that for me.

it'll be well hidden. fitted to the truck and completely out of sight when i want it to be.

Having done a year and a half at a job driving medium duty commercial trucks around the country:

- I don't see why you would need a gun, unless you're planning on driving through the worst parts of Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New York or any other craptastic dump.

Don't actually want a gun. might be a decent precaution, but don't plan on any ghetto cruisin' or getting into serious road rage.


- All of the Power Stroke Fords I've driven have been good rigs. If you keep your foot out of it you might see a steady 17-20 mpg.

sweet! i worked the fuel budget on the basis of the trip covering 17,000 miles, the truck getting 14mpg, diesel costing $3/gallon (i now know i'm way off on that.) and giving myself a $1,500 buffer. i've upped the budget to cover the larger cost, and will rework it close to the time.

- That being said, why are you doing this in a big truck? There are plenty of cars that will offer as much or more comfort with better gas mileage. Are you taking your apartment with you or something?

it's mostly about comfort and space. no, i don't need such a big truck. but considering the distance and length of the trip, i want a lot of space because i'm going to be in the truck all the time, will have to sleep in it etc.. i was considering a 2001 F-150 SuperCrew before. (still not that economical, i know.) but wanted as much space as possible without getting an SUV or commercial truck.

- Skip Los Angles. There is nothing of redeeming value there.

Going to visit John. make a scene at Beverly Hill Mercedes-Benz, piss everyone off. oh, and my friend wants to see HollyWood.

- Won't need any navigation you can't fold up in stick in your glovebox, unless of course you're taking the back routes everywhere.

again, not so much need as want. i can read a map pretty well, i'm good at navigating and making a new route when getting lost. but Sat Nav just makes it a bit easier, a little less tiring. and my friend won't complain when i turn the map upside-down.

- Winch? Steel bumper? Jerry cans? Off roading much? 70,000 miles logged and I've yet to hit anything the truck didn't just run over

again, precaution/want over need. probably not going to bother with the winch because it's like $1,600. still want the bumper because there's always the risk of hitting a deer or something and even if the truck could take that without problems, i don't want any damage done to it. i just want to be prepared for any issues. same with the jerry can, probably won't need them. but for the long legs without stops i want them. also i can fill them up when the diesel's cheap, and when passing through somewhere expensive i don't have to pay their price.

- Screw the tonneau cover and just get a shell. Toss some bags in the back and you don't have to worry about motel bills.

would do that, but i don't want to sleep in a compartment with cans of diesel. and there won't be space with the spare wheels, cooker, tools etc..

- If you buy any kind of decent truck, I'd probably skip the engine rebuild.

again, precaution over need. just want to maximise reliability, also good for getting to know the truck. so in the event of something going wrong i could fix it easier. (i will be getting AAA membership.)

You're going from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA - this means you have to go through Greenville, SC - you had better have some sort of plan on stopping in Greenville and having a beer at my place!

will do! but it won't be a beer for me, i don't drink. :smooch:

Oh yea, if you're going to NYC, half an hour away you can come and swim in my pool, sit in the hot tub and have a cocktail.

cool, i'll drop by. might be in NY for a couple weeks, know a few people there will be making a few stops though NY and NJ.

What?! No Chicago? Missin' out on a great city especially in the summer with that nice lake breeze

i did want to stop there, but it would've meant driving into/out of Canada 4 times. going up into the west, back out, across the north, up to the east, into Canada, out of Canada etc..

i want to do a cross-europe and around the states trip too, so i'll include Chicago in the one covering all 50 states. (that's quite a few years away though)

awww chris is coming to visit me in ottawa? how sweet.

also if you drop by on game night i'll take you to a hockey game, but you're paying for your own damn ticket.

yes, lover. just for you..:smooch:

wow, how generous. i'm hoping that there'll be a NASCAR race on in one of my stops while i'm there. might have to plan around the '09 schedule for that.

Thanks Guys!

i'll get a map of the journey up as soon as possible.

Could you give me a lift from Nevada? I'm in the middle of the desert, with no clothes. Long story, I'll explain it on the way back.

sorry, this is a hetrosexual trip. :smooch:

Philly is a DIRTY city. See Pittsburgh instead. ;)

By then, I'll probably be fully in the City limits rather than just in the city zip code. j/k... Philly is only 5 hours away, so a visit from tangie could happen. Muahahaha

Philly is a DIRTY city. See Pittsburgh instead. ;)

By then, I'll probably be fully in the City limits rather than just in the city zip code. j/k... Philly is only 5 hours away, so a visit from tangie could happen. Muahahaha

Ooh! i feels special.

i'll have to update the list as i continue planning.

With a major trip like this, good thing you're planning well in advance.

If you do come through Houston, we'll have to grab a beer man.:popcorn:

i'll definitely stop in Houston for a while, check out some places and meet up with people there. planning is definitely key here, and i need the time to make the money. might be pulling some 70-hour weeks so i make enough to fund the whole thing.

my friend mentioned a road trip last week and i just thought "road trip? i want to go on a road trip!" and the plan was hatched.

Philly is a DIRTY city. See Pittsburgh instead. ;)

By then, I'll probably be fully in the City limits rather than just in the city zip code. j/k... Philly is only 5 hours away, so a visit from tangie could happen. Muahahaha

Philly is dirty?

Pittsburgh was rated by Forbes as one of the top 10 Dirtiest cities in America.

http://www.forbes.com/logistics/2007/03/21/americas-dirtiest-cities-biz-logistics-cx_rm_0321amdirt_slide_6.html?thisSpeed=30000

Philly is dirty?

Pittsburgh was rated by Forbes as one of the top 10 Dirtiest cities in America.

http://www.forbes.com/logistics/2007/03/21/americas-dirtiest-cities-biz-logistics-cx_rm_0321amdirt_slide_6.html?thisSpeed=30000

Tangie got owned.

Radar detectors are legal in CT. The gun thing about Hartford was half a joke, you'll be fine if you keep the doors locked and the windows up. Parts of it are really nice and parts of it...you'll want to avoid. Not the worst city in CT by any means.

The law banning radar detectors in CT was replealed in '98. they're only illegal in passenger vehicles in Washington DC and Virginia.

The truck will be getting a top-spec alarm fitted when i get it.

The law banning radar detectors in CT was replealed in '98. they're only illegal in passenger vehicles in Washington DC and Virginia.

The truck will be getting a top-spec alarm fitted when i get it.

Ohhh...

In that case then, do not, DO NOT travel on the CT Turnpike or I-95 I think it is for these reasons:

1. the traffic is appalling, especially when it bottlenecks into 2 lanes.
2. They have radar blockers that are constantly sending out X-Band radio signals so that they jam radars, you can actually see the little boxes on lamp posts on the side of the highway.
3. You can't pass through CT without seeing Greenwich, absolutely beautiful area for the most part. Also, if you pass through CT in early June, like the first weekend, catch the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, a fantastic modern and classic car and boat show. Here are pics from last year that I took, will be going again this year: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=574834 And here's the site: http://www.greenwichconcours.com/
4. You also can't pass through CT without going on the Merritt Parkway when it's clear. I call it the Autobahn of the North. Below are some pics. It's a two lane highway where trucks (lorries in your terms) or buses aren't allowed, and as you can see in the pics there are guard rails or really small shoulders that line the Parkway for the most part which translates to NO COPS! Or at least very little. Every time I drive on the Merritt I open my car up a lot. you either open your car up or everyone else does. There's literally no place for cops to hide to catch speeders unless they hangout that the junctions and at the gas stations. So you can almost go as fast as you want, and there are some pretty sharp corners to that keep you smiling. It's seriously a lot of fun. And the gas stations are pretty cool too, they're like little pit stop areas. And on top of that, it's pretty in the summer too with the trees hanging over making like a tunnel in some areas, and pretty sick to drive in at night.
http://mryamamoto.50megs.com/ct-trip-1/merritt-bridge-2.jpg
http://mryamamoto.50megs.com/ct-trip-1/merritt-west-of-us7.jpg
http://mryamamoto.50megs.com/ct-trip-1/merrrit-bridge-3.jpg


some people might think I know more about CT than my home state, and I probably do!

Ok, been looking at stuff to go into/onto the truck. this'll probably change by the time i get going, but it gives us an idea of the stuff.

Satellite Navigation/GPS/Satellite Radio (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069681_369264980_tab=C,00.html?compName =PNA_V3_ProductDetailsComponent)
CB Radio (http://www.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/northamerica/en-us/public/functions/browseproduct/productdetailpage.aspx?navigationpath=id_803i/id_1387i/id_2353i/id_2824i)
Radar detector (grille-mounted) (http://www.beltronics.com/rx75.html)
Jerry Cans (http://www.awdirect.com/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=19254&secid=73&linkon=subsection&linkid=441)
Portable Gas Cooker (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunngas-Double-burner-camping-cooker/dp/B000Q6KR9C/ref=sr_1_3/202-9540199-1086209?ie=UTF8&s=outdoors&qid=1179606632&sr=1-3)
Steel Front Bumper (http://www.fabfours.com/Front%20Full%20Size%20Winch%20Bumpers%20Ford%20200 5%20Front%20Winch%20%20%20Pre-Runner%20A1252)
Spot/Fog/Driving lights (4 on the front, 4 on the roof) (http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaUSA/WebSite/Channels/Consumers/Products/Performance_Lighting/Rallye4000/Rallye4000_Chrome/Rallye4000_Chrome.jsp)
Spare wheels (x2) (might replace all wheels with these, money allowing) (http://www.cragarwheel.com/images/products/315.jpg)
Jack (high-lift ratchet type) (http://www.hi-lift.com/products/jacks.htm)
Tools (general tools, sockets/wrenches/etc) (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00946567000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Mechanics+Tool+Sets&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes)
Tow Straps (http://www.awdirect.com/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=23697&secid=92&linkon=subsection&linkid=414)
Flashing light bar (http://www.visionalert.co.uk/popups/new_lightbars/evolution/60inches/4mod_rot.html)

i haven't added up price yet. because i know there are things in that list i won't be able to afford. this is a best case scenario list. who knows, maybe i'll pull out lots of 70-hour weeks and will be able to take this from awesome trip to ideal awesome trip.

Don't forget a bed cover. Those really ad a huge bit of practicality to your truck, plus you'd have a place to sleep at night!

Sleeping in the cab. cans of diesel and 2 spare wheels in the bed. not safe and not comfy for sleeping. reclining seats on the other hand..

forgot to mention that traffic in toronto is atrocious (sp?) and that driving in montreal is retarded. montreal was rated the worst place to drive in canada, the city was probably designed by apes. there are so many one-ways, crazy traffic, rediculous roads, etc. it's a nightmare.

See if you can find a series called "American Highway." Was made by a kiwi as he travelled from NYC to some hick town somewhere to be with his missus. He documented the whole journey, very interesting.

This will be a helluva trip. You sure you want to sleep in the cab though? What about showers etc? You might as well just sleep in a backpackers, be a lot cheaper than a motel.

Lightbar's pretty funny, but hey, you might be able to use it to sneak through/around road works ;)

It's a well known fact that the Average American full size pick up truck has a cab the size of a 4 bedroom townhouse in Auckland. Jeezus.

Actually I believe CT radar detectors are legal. I think the one state that they are not legal in is VA and if it is not that then it is NJ. I used to sell the damn things but I can't even remember anymore, it is one of the two.

This will be a helluva trip. You sure you want to sleep in the cab though? What about showers etc? You might as well just sleep in a backpackers, be a lot cheaper than a motel.

Yes, we have to. (money.) Truck Stops and motels for showers, we'll be carrying a large jerry can full of water too for camping out.

Actually I believe CT radar detectors are legal. I think the one state that they are not legal in is VA and if it is not that then it is NJ. I used to sell the damn things but I can't even remember anymore, it is one of the two.

Yes, legal in CT. illegal in all of VA, and illegal is washington D.C.

If you're going to shower/eat at truck stops get a driver rewards payback card. Truckers use these (since you'll have a diesel truck you can too), basically for every 100 gallons of diesel fuel you purchase with the card you get free showers at the truck stops or free meals. Never thought of using one in a personal vehicle but if you look into it I'm sure you might get some use out of it to save a few bucks.

Sounds like a plan. i'll have to look into that. also getting a national park pass and a SunPass/E-Pass.

how much does it cost to use the showers in a truck stop?

Depends on the state/specific company. Its not a huge cost but showering everyday at even $5 can add up. Usually the prices range from $5-12, some charge more but thats only because some travelers don't pack soap and towels. Make sure you have a pair of flipflop type things to wear in the shower so you don't pick up athletes foot or anything.

*edit*
Noticed you're getting a SunPass? I'm pretty sure those only work in the state of Florida for their toll roads. Might want to check into an EZ-Pass that you can use in a lot more places.

are you going to visit the worlds biggest ball of yarn?

are you going to visit the worlds biggest ball of yarn?

umm... i don't think so.

how about the world's biggest rubber band ball?

Don't think so either.

um... world's biggest clam?

Nope.

Might drop by Bush's Texas ranch though, see the wolrd's biggest ego.

Donations/Sponsorships are welcome...

EZ pass is great, I got one in feb. for my trip to myrtle beach. Best states I found on the way for it were Delaware and Maryland. You just stay to the left and fly along. Here in NH its kinda retarded, slow down to 20mph and hope it reads the damn thing. I got one ticket from it already, said I didn't pay the toll but my account showed a hit on the ez pass.

Sun is for Fla EZ is about...a lot other places. Tolls roads are nice, might depends on where we're going is on whether you need it and whether it just as good paying the toll. Still though.

Maybe we should map out AFer's hometowns??

Oh right, no worries about VA. My place, I know where the cops hide and I have a CB. Yes yes, I'm from the south. As for tools, unless you wanna buy some, I got plenty. Anything else hit me up. My grandfather has 2 sheds full of...stuff. PLus there's plenty of time for yard saling. Be amazed at what ya can find.

Sun is for Fla EZ is about...a lot other places. Tolls roads are nice, might depends on where we're going is on whether you need it and whether it just as good paying the toll. Still though.

Maybe we should map out AFer's hometowns??

Oh right, no worries about VA. My place, I know where the cops hide and I have a CB. Yes yes, I'm from the south. As for tools, unless you wanna buy some, I got plenty. Anything else hit me up. My grandfather has 2 sheds full of...stuff. PLus there's plenty of time for yard saling. Be amazed at what ya can find.

Didn't AFers sign up for like, a member map version of something that worked with Google Earth?

Going to visit John. make a scene at Beverly Hill Mercedes-Benz, piss everyone off. oh, and my friend wants to see HollyWood.

Awesome. Our new shop should be done by then. Should be quite impressive. Later that night we'll grab some brews. Or, we could just sit on a corner of Sunset Blvd. and watch exotic cars and hot women all night. :cheers:

Awesome. Our new shop should be done by then. Should be quite impressive. Later that night we'll grab some brews. Or, we could just sit on a corner of Sunset Blvd. and watch exotic cars and hot women all night. :cheers:

Cool. brews for you, something without alcohol for me. :smooch:

Nate, the truck will have a CB fitted in the dash, and a HUGE antenna fitted to the roof bars.

Awesome....cause I wanted to put mine on my jeep anyways! :D

Yeah John, no alcohol for th youngin, but I'll be sure to grab a few.