Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:09:26 -0700
Reply-To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Cross Country Travel Tips Wanted
In-Reply-To: <1E7B5E68-2684-4997-A7B0-049218352120@mac.com>
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Slime seems to work but I've only use it in motorcycle tires (it is almost
universal practice in Baja with the off road Moto set) and in bicycle
tires. I think you'd have to put a lot into a van tire to have it do any
good.
I always have a can or two of Fix a flat in my van and sometimes it even
works. When it does, you can delay repairing the tire till you get
somewhere convenient or even try just leaving it in, if the tire is holding
air. I tend to use it as a back-up..Like if it's dark and freezing rain,
I'll try the Fix a Flat first...but if I am in a good spot and my spare is
good, I usually will put that on.
Not sure about how that stuff all reacts with alloy wheels..probably it's
ok, or they'd have been sued out of business long ago..I don't use alloy
wheels on my vehicles that go off road..I broke a wheel before I leaned.
Steel wheels, those I just bend if I hit a big chuck hole or a boulder and I
can (and have) beat them back into shape and continue on..
Don Hanson
On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 9:17 AM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com>wrote:
> Don,
>
> Good points, Question on the fix a flat type products.
>
> I have seen a product called Slime, looks like its a good product maybe
> better than fix a flat?
>
> I have the Aluminum 14" wheels, will any of that stuff corrode the
> Aluminum?
>
> Will it last for the trip or do I need to bring the tire to professional to
> repair it with a rubber plug afterwards?
>
> I was talking with some traveler in Walmart and he said when had used it he
> never re-plugged it, just drove on it without any problems ever.
>
> What's your thoughts?
>
> Robert
> NY
>
>
> On Apr 14, 2009, at 9:47 AM, Don Hanson wrote:
>
> Couple of further tips:
>> Keep your speed reasonable and you will save gas. The difference in gas
>> mileage between 55 and 75 (or so) is big on most vans.
>>
>> Take a spare waterpump belt and some of that Fix a flat in a can.
>>
>> I like to select the smaller highways or the back roads. Interstate
>> travel
>> is kinda 'seedy'...Those huge Travel Stops are usually crowded with
>> uptight
>> travelers and one in New York is much like one in South Dakota or one in
>> Texas...usually a bit dirty and "hard-used" I've found some of my
>> favorite
>> roads and places using those state Atlas books, like the DeLorme Topo
>> atlas'.
>>
>> Establish a routine for fuel stops. Follow the routine faithfully so as
>> to avoid mistakes. I like to take just a second, before I pull back onto
>> the road, and reveiw my stop to make sure I've 'done everything'...Saves
>> you
>> going back a long ways for your gas cap or your wallet that you left
>> sitting
>> on the gas pump, or maybe blowing up a motor cause you didn't check your
>> oil, or having a blow-out because you didn't see a bubble on one of your
>> tires, etc etc etc. Do a 'walk around' the van and check things visually
>> while filling up.
>> I didn't see, in this thread, any mention of Mall Wart parking lots as a
>> urban overnight possibility. They are places where many travelers "camp"
>> overnight. I've never been hasseled or run out of one in the West, I
>> sometimes use them as a late night 'sleep-over' when doing interstate
>> marathon drives.
>> Have fun and wave at the Vanagons you see. Plug your ears when you pass
>> all the Harleys.
>> Don Hanson
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 4:24 AM, Joy Hecht <jhecht@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 1:12 AM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com
>>>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>
>>> Joy,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for all the great insights.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
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