Date:         Thu, 1 Apr 1999 05:39:11 -0800
Reply-To:     ARKADY MIRVIS <HEATERMAN@NAC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         ARKADY MIRVIS <HEATERMAN@NAC.NET>
Subject:      Re: mom's USA trip: your advice (so far)
Comments: To: Karibel@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

You forgot the most important! THE TRIP PLAN. I will suggest to make one with
destination for each day. Give detailed plan to friends so they will be able to
contact you in case of need. Call back home or friends from the road. Use public
phones: wireless are good, but do not work everywhere.
And one tested advice: the urine of women is said by many experts is a very
strong deterrent. I am serious. Unfortunately little is adviced of how to use it.

Have a safe trip.   Ark.

Kari Williams wrote:

> wow! thanks everyone for coming through for me! i am jazzed about this trip!!
> this list is already a mile long but some of you have requested to see it so
> far. here goes:
>
> THINGS TO DO TO THE VANAGON BEFORE YOU LEAVE
> 1. tint the windows to keep it cooler
> 2. get coolant replaced
> 3. oil change/ filter replaced
> 4. brake fluid replaced
> 5. new front brake pads
> 6. new wiper blades
> 7. v-belts replaced
> 8. cv joints cleaned/regreased
> 9. check AC, check freon
> 10. check headlights
> 11. check spare tire-pump to max pressure
> 12. get new, 2-ply steel-belted tires
> 13. "install" a magnetic mount CB antennae
> 14. check battery water levels
> 15. pay for a "buyer's check" at VW dealer: mechanic looks over everything
> (belts, hoses, battery, etc) as if you are going to buy it. Costs maybe $100
> or so?
>
> OTHER STUFF TO DO PRIOR TO TRIP
> 1. AAA membership
> 2. Good Sam's Club membership
> 3. LIMBO membership
> 4. Post exact route of travel on vanagon mailing list to establish contacts
> along the way
> 5. AAA triptik service (they prepare maps with marked travel routes)
> 6. Read copies of Motorhome Magazine or Trailer Life Magazine for advice,
> check the ads
>
> THINGS TO CONSIDER PACKING
> 7. porta potti (to avoid nasty rest areas)
> 8. CB radio
> 9. Cell phone w/ nationwide coverage (AT&T WorldNet)
> 10. AAA card
> 11. Good Sam's Club card
> 12. Gasoline cards
> 13. Spare belts (small shops might not carry correct ones)
> 14. Spare fuses
> 15. Tire guage
> 16. Can of flat fixer
> 17. Windex/paper towels
> 18. Jack (and the know-how to use it…)
> 19. Don't pack junk under the left rear seat where fuel injection computer is
> (gets hot)
> 20. Hand gun??
> 21. Pepper spray
> 22. Flare gun and extra flares
> 23. Loud whistle or air horn in case you get lost/stranded
> 24. GPS
> 25. Pack of toilet paper: many rest stops/gas stations don't have any!
> 26. Maps!
> 27. Jumper cables
> 28. Hose clamps
> 29. Duct tape (fixes everything! Even shoes!)
> 30. Coolant (pre-mixed)
> 31. Oil
> 32. LIMBO membership (late Model Bus Organization) book of reliable VW shops
> nationwide
> 33. Mag lites (flashlights) and spare batteries
> 34. Medicine chest/first aid stuff
> 35. Cooler that plugs into cig lighter or ice chest
> 36. Moroso Ceramic Block Sealer to fix any leaks
> 37. Window screens if you plan to sleep in the vanagon
>
> THINGS TO DO DURING THE TRIP
> 1. refill gas every 200 miles at a brand name station like Mobil, Exxon
> (better quality gas)
> 2. change oil/filter every 3,000 miles at a VW dealer so you get the right
> filter
> 3. check fluids every time you get gas
> 4. set up regular contact w/ someone on the trip to check in
> 5. try to stay off busy interstates at rush hour
> 6. get to nightly destination (campground/motel) in daylight (for safety) and
> choose less secluded spot (close to office, not hidden from view)
>
> thanks everyone! keep 'em coming if you get more...
> ~kari