Road Trip preps, and who's between Alabama and Colorado??

["Mad Max"]

Alrighty amigos -



So my buddy TJ (future TDR member!) wants a 1st gen real bad (I think he got the bombing bug from driving my '93), and thanks to Mopar Man 1 (you da Man Jimmy!) we found the exact truck TJ was wanting, even down to the color, down in Sweet home Alabama, about 1200 miles away. A deal was struck, and we're off next weekend on a one-way ticket to diesel nirvana (especially for TJ as I'm already there :-laf )



BUT, we have to drive the 1200 miles back, and while we're planning the logistics I'm just wonderin' about two things:



One: If you were flying one-way and driving long distance back in an 'unfamiliar' rig, what would you bring with you that'll be okay to put on an airplane? I'm thinking about things like, a 10mm wrench and allen wrench to adjust the TPS, a spare belt, tire pressure gauge, an electrical kit (for the 'loose' wires on the fuel solenoid), etc etc - tools or parts to repair those 'Murphy' things that may happen that hopefully won't happen at all.



Second: As we're cruising the rig back I wanted to poll y'all to see who lives near our route - if yer in the ball park we'd love to have your contact info for the 'just in case' things, or to just stop by for a cup of coffee??? Here's the majority of our route:



I-65 N out of Decatur, AL, straight up to Nashville,

I-24 W out of Nashville, past Metropolis,

I-57 N, South of Marion, past Benton

I-64 W towards St Louis (Left at Mount Vernon),

I-255 N (around St. Louis) and pick up I-270 W,

I-70 W (Long leg) - through Kansas City, Topeka, Salina, Hays, Colby, Burlington, and finally a left at Limon, CO onto SH-24, right past Peyton (my home), and right in to finish the trip in Colorado Springs.



Anybody live along the way that would like to offer their help, just in case, and who would lend their contact numbers so we can plug all of it into our trip planner? Any help would be very much appreciated. We're not worried at all about the rig going the distance, but s--t happens even to ole' Murphy, so that's why this call for 'buds in the ballpark'. I'm also a member of the TDR Travel Companion, so I have those contacts as well (very nice service).



As well, along those routes, anybody know of areas to aviod, major construction going on, detours, etc? Thanks in advance amigos - much appreciated!!



- Sam and TJ

 

[ARedetzke]

Good luck choosing what to take, there's too much for me to pick from, but it sounds like you've got a good start. As for your way back, I'm about 12 miles north of I-70, 2 hours west of Kansas City if you run into any trouble around those parts. Also have a trailer if something should go real wrong. Cell phone is 785-564-2612, home is 785-539-1824 call if you need anything. BTW, there is some pretty major construction on 70 right around Salina, goes down to 2 lanes, but no stops or detours.

AJ

 

[yogibear]

Sam & TJ, you've got the right route picked out, I deliver RV's to a dealer in Decatur Al. , so have made that trip often. I live 2 1/2 miles off of I-70 at exit#199 in Ks. , exit #193 is a pretty nice trk. stop and cafe. I probably won't be home, but my cell # 785-658-5734 if I can help. Exit #188 going east out of St. Louis is the cheapest fuel($1. 72 right now) coming this way. (Flying J) Oak Grove, Ky. Flying J at exit #186 on I-24 is $1. 73, right now. Your going to find a lot of construction anywhere in the country this time of yr. , or anytime. About when are you making the trip? Good luck!!



Larry.

 

[ndurbin]

Some part of I-70 is always under construction. The Chiefs are home next 2 weekends with Noon kickoff times and the Wildcats (Manhattan) are home on the 18th with 1:10 kickoff. Might try to avoid being in those areas from about 2 hours before kickoff. Traffic can get pretty backed up in spots on I-70.



And let me know how the route is from Nashville to Topeka. I'll be using that route at the end of the month.



Thanks

Nathan

 

[flightmedic]

From looking at your rigs and engineering enthusiasm, I don't think I can offer too much. I am probably about 4 hours north of your closest point (St. Louis), but have a flexible schedule (24on/48off) and am always looking for a excuse to drive somewhere... . Also I have a trailer and 1500 sq. ft of storage space if the need arises. Cell: 815/275-7911 Home: 815/336-9110



If for some reason you need to call, and my fiance answers, tell Her that it is of the greatest importance and that life and limb is at stake. She will immediately ask if it has anything to do with "Old Dodge trucks with those silly goats on the hood". Just say "yea" and she will pass the phone on to me... .

 

["Mad Max"]

... . silly goats on the hood... . oh damn that's funny!! :-laf (... hang on... my gut hurts... ).



That's great info fellas, and good catch on the Football games - man, haden't even thought about the season being back in. We really appreciate the info and contact info - please keep it coming. We're flying the 'Red-Eye' eeeeeearly on 24 Sep, and going hammer down that afternoon through the 26th. Should make for a nice, easy 2-day or so trip.

- S

 

[mudcat]

Good luck on your trip. I picked mine up in NC and drove it back to IN. I took a spare fuel filter, duct tape, tie wire and assortment of wrenches and sockets with ratchets. Not a lot but what I thought I would need if it was repairable on the side of the road. I didn't need anything. Me and the wife had a great trip out in the rental and back in the Ram.

If you have any trouble around IL or KY give me a holler I'm not too far away from Nashville to ST. Louis. I wouldn't want you guys sitting on the side of the road with no one to call. I'm a little far off the beaten path for a visit but if you have trouble don't hesitate, I have a trailer as well.





Greg Harris cell (812)431-4087



Enjoy your trip.

 

[ARedetzke]

There is a Dyno day in KC on the 26th, most of the KS guys should be there I think. You should swing by, check out the info in the regional events forum.

AJ

 

["Mad Max"]

... dyno day??. . dyno day?!!!..... hmmmmm (rifling through the papers... how far is KC... . from... . C. Springs... . ) oh man... you guys are a bad influence on us..... !! :{

 

[1stgen4evr]

How far from- -

KC to CSprings is 586. 7 but you won't notice the 7 tenths. Be safe in your travels. The advise on the games is VERY important if you plan to sleep in the area. I have driven more than one night because of ball games and no motels. Wish I were along the route but I am in Georgia. I expect it will be hard to flag you guys down for a chat. Sure like to get some ideas on your "project".



1stgen4evr

James

 

[jdurham]

Sam,



I'm in Huntsville which is VERY close to Decatur. PM me and maybe we can get together while you're out here!



Jim

 

[OCarney]

There is a Pilot station at the exit where you will get on I-65 north. When I was by there Sunday, diesel was 1. 66, so you may want to fuel there. I am in Cullman, about 30 miles south of Decatur, so you will be going away from me when you head back. I will PM you with my cell # if you all need help while in the area. Hope all goes well, and have a safe trip.

 

["Mad Max"]

The TDR is hands-down the best forum on the Net!

Wow - I'd just like to say from TJ and I both, a big THANK YOU to all of you that have offered your service, contact info, storage, trailers, fuel and eatin' tips, football, traffic, and construction intel, and the overall offer of 'call if you need us' from all of you. The PM's and above-and-beyond-call-at-any-time offers you have given have, well, plain and simply taken the stress of this trip away and turned it into one great adventure. We've gotten offers to meet for coffee along the way and we're definitely there! What a great group this is.

Since I have the computer I've been telling TJ all about this forum and about this post, and he's just blown away from the comradery and spirit in here, and I just want to add that from TJ and myself if ever anyone is in the Colorado Springs/Denver area you will always have a place to make repairs, stay overnight, get a hot meal and some hot coffee, park a rig or two, with all the air tools and welding gear you can handle. We're really looking forward to this trip, and it should make for some great stories - they always do, eh?! We'll have the camera all the way, and we'll probably be calling each of you, hopefully not in need of repairs, but rather to say thanks along the way.



We're stoked, we're ready, the rig is ready, and providing Ivan gets outta the way and everybody there is safe and sound, we'll be hammer-down a week from tomorrow.



Thanks again amigos - see you on the road!



- TJ, Sambo

 

[MFalkinham]

As far as taking tools along, on most airlines you can each check two bags up to 50# each, and they will allow you to check almost anything except explosives and dangerous liquids. Be prepared for TSA to do a search through them when carrying tools, so don't lock them closed. I have to fly on business quite often, and always check a bag full of hand tools that includes knives, screwdrivers, etc. A heavy military-type duffel bag inside of another nylon bag works great for hauling tools on trips!



I would take along a set of jumper cables, some screwdrivers, combination and adjustable wrenches, a knife, a pair of needlenose pliers, a vice-grip pliers, a flashlight, a small roll of piano wire, duct tape, tire pressure gauge, some shop rags, and above all else..... at least one cell phone with car charger. You can buy oil, water, transmission fluid, etc after you pick up the truck.



Good luck with your adventure!!!



- Mike

 

[CGauthier]

KC to CSprings is 586. 7 but you won't notice the 7 tenths.

LOL James, I have to admit, I like your stylish humor





Dammit, I'd like to be able to help once in awhile but I have a feeling being this far north it's not going to happen very often I have (well, will have in about a week) a nice gooseneck triple axle trailer that I could offer too. Looks like you guys are gonna have a ball Sam, hope you guys have a great time and tell TJ to sign up here now





Carl G (not D)

 

[dpuckett]

Ok, if you guys swing up to Memphis and hit I-55 up to StL, you will pass within an hour of my place, and 15 min of my girlfiriend's house. Jimmy told me you were buying his pickup. If you need anything, give me a call. I can fix most urgent stuff on the roadside in the dark (had to clean the TPS out this Sat nite on the way to Jackson) to get to the next exit. Hopefully, you wont need it, but give me a call and we might see if we can get together somewhere. 573/785-2097 I'm in the middle of rice harvest, but we're to the opint we load the trucks and sit them in line for several hours to unload, so the days aint quite so long.



Daniel

 

["Mad Max"]

Sounds good DP, thanks for the help! Not exactly sure when we'll be jammin' through your ballpark but hopefully sometime mid Saturday... don't really know for sure, but everything is lined up and we're ready to rock and roll!



We'll drop you a line either way when we get a better handle on timing.



Later amigo!

- Sam

 

[dpuckett]

Sounds good to me. Lemme know either way. I'll most likely be working Sat, but should be off sometime Sat PM- around 4:30-6 (?). I've made the trip from here to your neck of the woods more times than I care to recall (not a bad drive if you took out KS), and can help you out as for what can make it, and what needs done yesterday.



-DP

 

[ARedetzke]

(not a bad drive if you took out KS)



-DP

Hey, we resemble that remark!! At least we got better highways :-laf

AJ

 

["Mad Max"]

let the games begin!

Alrighty amigos - the road trip begins tonight! We're stoked, the rig is ready, our route is firm, and thanks to y'all we have every possible contingency covered. Should be a great trip with some good stories.



Thanks again to all who have offered services or a cup of coffee - really makes the trip that much more enjoyable when you know there's help just a phone call away. We leave Colorado Springs tonight at 9pm driving to Denver International Airport, fly to Altanta, rental car to Albertville... and transfer over to a big ole' 1st Gen! Then it's hammer down, pour on the #2, and listen to the 6-cylinder symphony :-laf



Alright - We're outta here. We're looking forward to meeting some of you and we're going to try to call each of you that offered numbers as we're passing through. We figure this way you wouldn't be wondering where we're at and we'd like to say thanks while we're in the ball park.



See y'all on the road - this is what the TDR is all about



- Sam, TJ