With a recent work to trans, engine, exhaust and suspension almost complete my 89 Electra Wagon is about to hit the road for the first time in a while. I can't wait! I have a wedding to attend in Illinois early next June and just for the sheer hell of it I have decided to drive from my home here in Belize which will be about a 7000 mile round trip. The whys and wherefores of driving through Mexico are not an issue for me personally, I'm willing to take my chances for the mind-expanding opportunity this trip is going to be. In planning what to take I got to wondering what my fellow forum members, as experienced drivers, would consider a vital piece of equipment for this trip?
Wow - that's a real long trip. - You are going to be driving in some hot climate areas, so I would make sure your cooling system is in tip-top shape. - Some roads might not be the best - particularly through Mexico. Make sure you are driving on good tires, including your spare. Take a fit-a-flat kit and a small 12v compressor/ tire inflator. - An extra fan belt for sure - 'Survival gear' in case you are stranded in the middle of nowhere. Extra water (1 gal or more for eash person. Plan for 3 days) - Good maps. Don't rely on GPS. - Watch our for your personal safety, particularly in remote areas. Try to avoid travelling at night. - A good tool kit. Look around your wagon and see what kinds of tools you would need to fix things. Don't forget the duct tape! HAVE FUN!
WOW! That sounds like an awesome trip. Did you say your not going until next June? That will give lots of time to make sure everything is perfect with your car. You'll bring us back pictures right? Really great tips KK.
Thanks Fannie, yeah it should be cool! Car will be thoroughly tested and modified for extra equipment before I leave. Trip will take about 3 months and there are a few friends and things to see enroute! Was planning on lots of video and photos; "one man and his dog drive north" lol Which reminds me, I need to book an appointment at the US embassy here for my dog to take his visa interview!
hmm, i with the fox 1 kel-tec .380 (fits in your pocket) 1 mossburg 12 gauge (preferably pump action) 2 boxes of 12 gauge shells 1 fully automatic of your choosing. i personally prefer the uzi its light fast and ..like a good Israeli made product...reliable! extra gas extra water extra fan belt i will add ..fuel filter (you dont know about those gas stations in the midldle of nowhere) tools military MRE's (freeze dried meal kits) a shovel... fold up is fine 2 spares (both can be thrown on the roof) make sure you have a good battery. obviously make sure all systems are a go. if it is a little worn...replace it. a note .. im with krash you dont know what the roads in mexico are like, i would run light truck tires. they stand up to abuse better than touring car tires.
With all that arsenal in tow I'm not going to have room for cocktails, minibar has to take priority gents. The roads of Belize are amongst the worst I've driven on, Mexico's are by and large good if you stick to main highways. I run on rough cross-country roads here, so far no issues. Another addition i just thought of was a CB radio, slotted between cocktail bar and ammo racks no doubt, just under the radar detector.
