Los Angeles to Minneapolis, MN

[Francis Geroni]

Heading for "the land of 10,000 lakes" this march making the 2000 mile journey the longest roadtrip I've ever taken by myself. Would really appreciate any info on

1. Need advice on the best emergency towing plan/insurance and what does it cover (just in case).

2. If the vehicle becomes inoperable for any reason when you are hundreds of miles from a major city, what is the next best course of action to get your vehicle to your goal destination.

3.What is a reasonable distance to drive per day (for a newer car), that won't strain the engine too much?

These questions may seem a bit paranoid, but I try to examine all posibilities of a roadtrip. Thanks everyone.

[ew]

1. Need advice on the best emergency towing plan/insurance and what does it cover (just in case).

You have a newer car, just do the oil, make sure the coolant is good and go. Don't sweat it. I drove a 93 accord back, granted it only had 35k and ran fine, it is cool out and will most likely keep your car nice and cool too.

2. If the vehicle becomes inoperable for any reason when you are hundreds of miles from a major city, what is the next best course of action to get your vehicle to your goal destination.

Don't worry cars will run, If you are worried keep an eye on things, (you know your car) and pull off in major cities. Also carry a cell phone, I have cingular and my service didn't stop the whole way through even through the Mojave and the mountains.

3.What is a reasonable distance to drive per day (for a newer car), that won't strain the engine too much?
You could drive straight through and your engine will be fine, If you want split it in to 13 hour days and with the right speed you will be their in 2.

Stop worrying and have fun.

[Robert Schaller]

I agree with Hugh. At normal driving speeds, you can't "stress" your engine. If it is running properly, it will handle highways with no stress or effort. That's what they're MADE to do.

If you break down hundreds of miles from home, you get your car fixed. Find a reputable local mechanic as best you can, and leave the car with them for repair. If you must leave it there, rather than wait, then you have to cover the costs of the travel involved. It's as simple as that.

In over 30 years of regular cross-country travel, including several years as a long-haul 48 state truck driver, I've had only two on-road break downs. One was 25 miles north of Monticello UT -- and involved towing back to Monticello and a repair at a local garage. The other was as many miles south of Shiprock, NM. Same result. The car was repaired, and I was on my way. Both were in the days before cell phones and I had no CB. In the first instance a highway patrolman stopped to assist and called a tow truck for us. In the second, a local gave me and my kids a ride to Shiprock to find a tow.

Maintain your vehicle in good order, and I doubt you'll ever have a problem.

I don't have a towing plan -- I just deal with the problem myself when the occasion warrants it. So I don't know which is the BEST. A lot of folks recommend AAA. Bob