Prepping for 2,000 mile roadtrip; what to check?

Check bank balance before starting off...!

Seriously though, usual checks of fluid levels and tire pressures (check the spare or if no spare ensure can of run-flat or whatever you call it is on board); basic tool set (especially tire wheel wrench and jack); make sure battery is good; spare fuel can?; cell phone;? spare set of "old" clothes in case you have to get down and dirty; etc.

When I go off on a long trip I try to give the car a good run locally and get a feel for everything (difficult to write and express this but I'm sure you know what I mean).

Enjoy the open road...!

 

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Check your AAA membership to make sure you have the Premier privilege.

200 miles of towing
FREE rental car with tow
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Sounds like a fun in a great touring car.

Keep some emergency snacks and drinks in the car. Stop often for the regular stuff.

I like to take a tire gauge and carry a BMW (costs less than Ferrari) 12v air pump.

I also keep some extra fuses in the tool kit. Maybe an extra alternator and water pump belt, if you kept your old ones.

I always carry Windex and some paper towels. I am a bit OCD about a clean windshield.

Keep us updated on your adventure. Come back with the same girlfriend.

Have a blast, stay safe, and enjoy,

Jerry

 

Sounds like fun. I also make sure I have a full set of tools in the tool roll, the jack kit, flashlight, extra coolant, and some duct tape.

 

The only thing that would slightly preoccupy me is the water pump; they may sometime give up without warning. But if you just have had your car serviced by a reputable shop, they must have checked it. If it gives up and you are able to stop in time, no worry; only an inconvenience and that's all.
Have a quart of your oil of choice in the trunk, as usual; it's not heavy and it might help.

Rgds

 

Two things that I would suggest that may not be on your list is duct tape and aluminum foil. Duct tape comes in handy if you spring a hole in a hose it should at least slow down a leak till you can get to a repair shop and of course it can temporarily fix many other things. Aluminum foil is good in the off chance you lose a cap to one of your fluids it will mold to the neck of wherever the cap was and get you to where you can get a replacement.
It would also be a good idea to map out a list of any Ferrari mechanics that are on your route in case you need some mechanical assistance.

 

Tools, flash light, floor mat and jack, 2 gallons of water for radiator, duct tape, towels, gloves, 2 qrts of oil, WD40 can, tire patch in a can, rain proof cover in case you break the soft top toggle, ad towing to insurance coverage, charged up cell phone ! Say your Hail Mary and have fun with the experience! Oh yeah, bring a nice camera to capture the moments or it never happened ! Last Fchatter who did this had a great time, PV Dirk:


[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3ixJp8PRQU[/ame]

Best

 

Being that it seats 4 can I go with?

 

I asked my mechanic at the time "if nothing unforseen occurs, will I most likely make it, I won't hold you to it?" He said probably. I asked what tools I should bring and he suggested I bring some extra wire, electrical tools and a roll of duct tape. Never needed either.

You will love how smoothly the car idles after hours on the highway. No flogging necessary, just a good long steady trip at highway speed. Bring extra quarts of oil with you, a funnel and a roll of paper towels for checking. Those are the only items I used regularly. The car will probably use less than average on the highway.

I purchased a mileage tracking book. I noted every fill up and where I was and any notes I had. A simple but fun diary to show where I'd been. Also noted oil fill ups so you can know how far you go on a quart.

Enjoy and share pictures with us as you go.

Oh yeah, floppy hat and sun screen. I wore a long sleeve shirt, white.

I keep thinking of other items. Bring a towel or use the paper towels in case you get a leak during rain. After replacing the top seal I had no leaks on my car so it wasn't a problem in the worst rainstorms. You'll also see how well these cars handle in the rain. It's a great car!

 

My biggest problem on my long trip was the hot start problem after a stop to buy gas or a meal or to take a pic or an occasional stall of the engine. It is the worst feeling in the world for you to be at a gas pump, with a line of people behind, and your fcar does nothing at the turn of the key. So for me, the biggest thing I could do was to put on the little starter relay wiring kit from Bosch. It has given me huge peace of mind and all the other basics of our cars are mostly so good, especially on a well maintained car, that you will never have a problem. It will just be the joy of the drive and the confidence in our mondi's road and driving performance.

 

cable ties, spare key, headlamp bulb

 

only one thing to add to all the excellent advice,
in addition to the 12V compressor, some tire sealant, green slime has worked well in emergencies, but there are plenty other good alternatives out there,

cheers

braq

 

This is a great and timely thread. I'm four days away from starting a 3,000 mile round trip from Calgary down to Monterey and back. I took several of the items others have already suggested when I did (a slightly longer version) of the same trip three years ago, and I'll take most of the same stuff. I'm going to supplement the tool roll with a 3/8 inch drive ratchet and a few sockets. Spare bulbs, fuses, and accessory belts. Spare oil & water. Duct tape for sure, a flashlight, tire gauge and 12V compressor.

If you do not have it yet, there is an adapter that can be bought for the 12V power supply from the glove compartment. I have found it useful on long trips for charging my cell phone.

Info on it in this thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/344077-mondial-cigarette-lighter-auxiliary-power.html

 

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+1 on the 12V power supply.

Knowing today's demand for extra charging outlets, I would splice an additional cigarette socket and hide it somewhere (either behind the dash, or in the glove box).

 

The adapter I ordered online from ascycles.com is actually a splitter as well, so I got two outlets out of the deal:

Accessory Plug Adapter - Powerlet-to-Dual Cigarette - by Powerlet - - A&S BMW Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

 

I used to work at A&S cycles in California. Many years ago. Fun.

 

You might wanna tow a fuel tanker too. Could prove useful. PMSL

 

He has a glove box? Really? That's not fair. I want one !