Packing with No Wrinkles???

Muchas Gracias on the complements... We usually get things done right and in a good time, and we like to hear about the good service, not just when it's bad.
And yes, a full size spare is a good investment. A dounut, while lighter, isn't much good as far as getting you on your way (you still have to stop at the next place and get the real tire repaired. With the full size, you can do that when you have time).
A good thing to do is to WD-40 or Dura-lube the spare tire's securing bolt and nut frequently, and take it off once in a while so that the threads don't rust or freeze up.
As far as the Mobile CB- I run a Midland Mini-mobile (i forget the type). You can order them online directly through midland or through a place like Fry's Electronics www.outpost.com
-Brad M.

Hey Gen,
Yeah, most of the rest of the world is a LOT different than the US re dressing up, isn't it? And I really HATE shopping. It's a chore, not a fun activity, imho. So shopping on vacation is at the bottom of my list.

I do the layer thing like you do. I will sometimes throw a dress (I have 2 that don't wrinkle even if abused while packing) and a pair of dress shoes into my bag, but usually I don't bother. I'm not into clubbing or going to fancy places much when roadtripping. My husband's job requires that we go to dressy functions a few times a month, at least, and I get real sick of them. So dressing up, while on vacation, just isn't my thing.

Several of my long-sleeve t-shirts are kinda dressy looking so, if I want to look a tad nicer for something, I wear them with a jean skirt while traveling. That's usually about as dressed up as I get. I also have a couple pair of flat sandals that are very comfortable for sightseeing/driving but look nice enough to wear in all but the dressiest of places, so I'll just wear one of those and call it good.

I've never had bad service form a AAA person yet. Sadly, we've used them more for dumb stuff like locking keys in cars, and two flat tire incidents, then anything major. Well, maybe that IS a good thing, isn't it? :-) But we've never had anyone respond who hasn't been friendly and courteous. And often willing to answer questions about local sights, good places to eat, etc. to boot.

Thanks for the CB-radio tip. I'll check it out!

Brad,

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Muchas Gracias on the complements... We usually get things done right and in a good time, and we like to hear about the good service, not just when it's bad.

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I required assistance both in the US and Canada and always had an excellent service, even in very remote areas. I ran out of gas in Phoenix once (the gauge wasn't working well) in a very bad neighborhood in the middle of the night and some bad guys parked their car right beside mine in an obvious attempt to scare me. The guy from AAA arrived just the next minute, I've never been so glad to meet one of your agents!:o) I thanked him a thousand times. He must've thought I was crazy:o)

Gen

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Originally Posted by Judy

Thanks for the CB-radio tip. I'll check it out!

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I use a Cobra hand-held several times a week:http://www.roadtripamerica.com/dashboarding/CB01.jpg and I wrote a short article about CBs here.

Mark

Hey... PHX is my area. I am the Administrative Assistant for the Automotive Services department. My work is primarily for the call center, assisting my bosses in making sure the call center in Phoenix is running smoothely... everything from making sure we have coffee and breakroom supplies, to keeping our internal internet up-to-date with the most critical information for our call receivers and dispatchers.
Thanks... glad to know we are living up to our promise!
-Brad M.

Don't forget to add the car adapter and atleast a magnet mount antenna. I added one to my midland 75-820 mini mobile, and I can get most of the Phoenix metro area!

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Originally Posted by Judy

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In my trunk, in one of those trunk organizers, ...

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We just bought a 2006 Subaru Forester to replace my ageing 1993 Ford Taurus (153,000 miles). I love the all-wheel drive, but I've lost my trunk.

The Taurus had a huge trunk and my huge trunk organizer won't due for the smaller space in back offered by the Forester.

If anyone has enjoyed success in "gearing up" their Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or other carlike SUV, I would appreciate knowing how you did it. I'm a bit at loose ends here.

-- Craig

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Originally Posted by Craig720

If anyone has enjoyed success in "gearing up" their Forester, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or other carlike SUV, I would appreciate knowing how you did it. I'm a bit at loose ends here.

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I have a very low tech suggestion -- the back of my S-10 Blazer is limited in size due to the presence of a full-size spare tire in the compartment and so I use a standard "banker's box" cardboard box to hold most of my roadtrip gear (it is crammed in between the spare tire and the sidewall of the compartment) -- it is easy to grab and remove for re-supply and use and will take the considerable abuse of being on roadtrips.

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

I have a very low tech suggestion -- the back of my S-10 Blazer is limited in size due to the presence of a full-size spare tire in the compartment and so I use a standard "banker's box" cardboard box to hold most of my roadtrip gear (it is crammed in between the spare tire and the sidewall of the compartment) -- it is easy to grab and remove for re-supply and use and will take the considerable abuse of being on roadtrips.

Mark

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Thanks, Mark. Low-tech is fine by me. Your idea is similar to one floated by a co-worker of mine. He suggested using a duffle bag. For the moment, I'll probably use a cardboard box to hold my spare coolant, windshield washer fluid, oil, four cans of Fix-A-Flat, flares, leather gloves, rags, air compressor, tire pressure gage, crowbar, funnel, Vise-Grip Pliers, X-shaped tire iron, hammer, and Lord-Knows-What-Else.

Right now I have only my two small shovels, a lightweight Sears Hardware garden shovel for snow and a heavy-duty East German army surplus folding shovel for ice, wrapped in an old fitted sheet, resting in the rear compartment.

-- Craig