[glen e]

So in sept I'm planning a "gran tour " to see my daughter and brother up north. I'll run from ft laud to Columbus Ohio, 5 days later to Philadelphia and then a week later back to ft laud via the Carolina's....so I'm just starting to think about how to prep the car:
1. Swap my non runflat/cray wheels for my stock 18/19 base wheels and tires, I'll be in areas where I'll want the run flats. New TPMS monitors in base wheels.
2. Remove front splitter to allow novistretch bra some relief from stretch. The bra will really get a workout this trip. Will come off every night and rinsed in sink.
3. Windshield polished with a microfiber pad on an orbital and sealed with blackfire wet diamond, much better than rainX.
4. Cover side mirrors with 3m paint film or maybe clear plastdip, and maybe side skirts as well.
5. Load two windex bottles, one with rinseless and other with Poorboy's bug squash
6. Entire rinseless package, mf's and weave towels for parking lot washes with Aquawax.
7. Battery load tested.


Will update this as I add more items.....

 

[Milliwatt Rob]

Bring money/credit cards, and a cell phone with good range if you get stuck in the boonies.

 

[cutnout]

I have a 3 bottle portable bar. A nice drink after a long drive is somehow good(just one) for us. cutnout aka Charlie

 

[Z51Stingray]

Why not order the NovaStretch mirror covers too?

 

[glen e]

forgot about the mirror covers...good idea!

 

[mjw930]

I guess I'm a neophyte when it comes to all this paint protection prep. I spend most of my time prepping the mechanicals and usually just make sure I bring some good towels and basic wash and window cleaning supplies for when I can't find a quarter car wash. I may invest in the novistretch, that seems like a no brainer.

I do agree with swapping back to the run flats but I know the look will kill you

 

[glen e]

Mark, you got that right.....toying with taping off the face of the spokes and black plastidipping the rest of the wheel......

 

[Z51Stingray]

glen e... the NovaStretch mirror protectors work great! You'll love them.

 

[elegant]

Great thread! So many good ideas. I also travel with a tire pump (one sort or another), and quality tire pressure gauge. Got our car ready to travel on the Caravan (just 11 days), and been also been packing some basic tools, quality small LED flashlight and a highway safety vest.

For those who do not have permanently installed jacking pucks, suggest you at least take one with you.

 

[ronkh]

I usually carry a can of run flat, just in case

 

[glen e]

John, the vest is a great idea, have a inflator can, pump and small tools..also, huge fan of Surefire flashlights, .keep the ideas coming!

 

[jsvette]

As John and Ron suggest, I carry Slime's Safety Spair Flat Tire Repair System kit. A compact kit to throw in the back. It has a good air pump and a can of their Slime in-line with the pump so all you do is attach it and inflate to the appropriate pressure. I particularly like the fact that Slime doesn't screw up the TPM and, if necessary, when the tire is removed, can be rinsed out with water, plus it is non-flammable. Also carry some flares along with a collapsible high visibility safety triangle.

 

[Modshack]

I usually pack the Conti Comfort kit....and a set of various plug tools including a very simple Dyna-plug set-up for light punctures. Like the above description, you can use the pump with or without the sealant..

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38&category=Vehicle+Convenience+and+Safety

 

[Milliwatt Rob]

I usually pack the Conti Comfort kit....and a set of various plug tools including a very simple Dyna-plug set-up for light punctures. Like the above description, you can use the pump with or without the sealant..

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38&category=Vehicle+Convenience+and+Safety

This sounds like an absolute necessity for a car with no spare tire, and a puncture in the middle of nowhere.

When I first read the name, I thought it was some kind of portable urinal device.

 

[mjw930]

I hadn't thought about slime with the run flats, any idea if there's any down side?

I suppose using slime to seal the tire and keep some air pressure would maybe save the tire since I'm pretty sure if you run it the 50 miles they say you can you've pretty much toasted the tire. This might be the only way to save a $500 tire since I believe it's always considered appropriate to replace a run flat if it's been "run flat".

My father-in-law won't go anywhere without this kit.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Slime 70004 Power Spair 48 Piece Tire Repair Kit: Automotive

I think I've seen them at Wally World, Advance and Autozone too.

 

[Modshack]

I hadn't thought about slime with the run flats, any idea if there's any down side?

.

Most TPM sensors are not compatible with injected sealants. That's why I carry the Various plug tools. Slime, or the comfort kit injection would be my last resort..

 

[mjw930]

Most TPM sensors are not compatible with injected sealants. That's why I carry the Various plug tools. Slime, or the comfort kit injection would be my last resort..

Slime claims to have a specific version that's TPMS safe and marked on the label as such. I guess you can choose to believe them or not.

BTW, I'm not advocating for Slime, I've never owned any. I have runflats, tire insurance and an Allstate 800 number for towing..........

 

[Mark JD]

Glen...
Your list is very thorough.... but way over-kill!!
A cooler with some beers and rita's is all that is required for my road trip up to Carlisle, PA next week!!

Plus.... When the car gets dinged up.... it's time to order a new one! I will need that new car smell back anyway!

 

[Mark JD]

Why all the talk for flat tire repair stuff.....

Isn't that why we have the GM road service protection plan?

 

[53Vette]

Any ideas about excessive wear on the interior? Seats etc.