1st long road trip in 355--what should I do?

Seriously check your tow hook is all present and correct. I have been caught out a few years back when one of my Ferrari broke down and there was no tow hook present. I don't believe there is any other way of loading a 355 onto a winched truck with out one.

 

You should be fine. I keep X bar for the wheel nuts, a quart of engine and gearbox oil, some duct tape, zip ties. That should be it.

 

Good tunes for the CD player? Mechanically I would also get a set of assorted blade type fuses. Just in case, they are easy to replace and cheap insurance against Italian wiring...

BT

 

This is an interesting post since I've been thinking that hypothetically should I find my future f-car in, say Seattle for example, I'd just drive it home (190+ miles... south of PDX).
I'd just assume that the first trip I'd take it on would be the trip home!

Interesting that other folks seem to take a different approach to a road trip.

I figure if the thing broke down on me half way home I'd just call for a tow to take it right back to where I got it.... presuming a dealer. But then again you probably don't have that as an option if you already own it.

 

Bring Eugenio along in the pass. seat.

 

.......................... the 355 will do fine, its about time people start driving them..... its almost like having a super hot wife and not............ I mean they are both gonna get old weather you drive them or not...... !!!

 

I drove 2,X00 miles in my 348. It was easy. I thought I'd get bored or the ride would be too rough, but the scenery goes by so fast & the hum of the engine keeps me in a general state of euphoria...

 

LMAO !

+1

good one

 

A flat bed!! Just kidding. I have driven my 99 to the LA area three times in three months, 800 miles each time. No problems, just fun. I have done the same with my 360, I have gone to LA and back at least ten times, never had a problem except the police!!

I don't know what peaple are saving these cars for, I guess the next owner, ME.

 

I've a 348 with the CF race seats and a small pillow sure helps with the lumbar for a long journey.

Enjoy! I put 8000 km on mine thus past summer

 

Just smile and drive. I drove my 355 to Atlanta and back in a 24 hour period and it was amazing. As an aside you can tow a Ferrari 355 on a Flatbed without the tow hook. I am not a tow truck drivr so I don't know exactly what they are grabbing but I have had mine towed twice without the hook. Now make sure they have some ramps/boards to get you on the truck without scraping!

 

Damn police always ruin a good time!!

 

Have a great drive! This is a fun trip. Drive Hwy 1 only if you have the time. It is worth it at least once. The camper traffic is about nil now that summer is over. Bring duct tape, extra Redline, do not forget a fire extinguisher, the plastic ties are nice, tire gauge, detailer and some soft rags, preferably cotton diapers should fill out the list. I bring a nice outdoor car cover. You will still have enough room in the boot for a small overnight bag.

 

Torque those lug nuts before heading out!

I've done 100+ mile days, really didn't think twice about any problem happening. The cell phone is my lightweight spare tire...

 

+1 along with the spare that fits into the wallet.....Triple A Premier... !

 

I was able to drive my 355 up onto, (and off), the flatbed towtruck from an angled driveway...no problem!
As in my previous post, a small tool kit with pliers, electrical connectors, and a wire stripper may come in handy if the starter wire connector breaks like mine did.

 

Well you may meet someone nice along the way......

 

I drive my F355 to TX-OK and OK-TX almost every week. While my drive may not be as long as yours (200 miles each way so 400 miles a week) here's what I take.

-Box of assorted fuses

-Tire Pressure Gauge, I check the Tire Pressure everytime I get gas and before I begin each trip.

- Motor oil and transmission oil

-OBDII Reader, you can buy these at autozone for $30-60. Everytime I get a check engine light, I can use this tool to see what code it pulls up. A check engine light most of the time is nothing serious so you can reset it and continue driving or have the car towed to your independent shop/dealer if the problem is serious.

That's about it.

 

It is amazing how much stuff some of you guys take on seemingly short trips (just a few hundred miles). Does that much stuff actually brake with frequency on the F355, or is that a 'just in case' thing? Is there any room left over for actual luggage?

 

Don't take it as being fatalistic. After all if any of us blows a tire we are done not having a spare of any kind. Mind you I did see a guy who fabbed up a carrier in the front storage for a spare like a 360. Anyways, most of the stuff fits in a small tool box as a just in case. There are a lot of nagging little things that are easy roadside fixes (I keep a printout of billyfitness's starter issue in my box too) if you have the few items you need. Happy Motoring!!!

P.S. I second the fire extinguisher idea. I have a 5lb one mounted behind my passenger seat. Probably overkill but it makes me feel better.