3,200 mile road trip?

[promise5 17]

I'm thinking of taking on a 3,200 mile road trip. Last time I did it there were 5 drivers and 2 dogs. This time just me and my bulldog. Trying to get a realistic view on this. How many hours I could really drive in a day. Stops along the way,not doing the tourist thing at all. Safety is a big thing. Its not like I can take a tazer into Canada. The US part doesn't bother me but driving the AL-CAN and the long stretches of nothing is a big iffy. The other option is driving to Minot,ND possibly catching a military hop there if they'll allow my dog on board and then paying for my SUV to be shipped. Flying commercial and having my bulldog fly just scares me. Bulldogs cannot take the heat and I worry about her in the plane.
Anyone else take a solo trip like this??

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[quade 4]

Quote

...not doing the tourist thing at all.

What is the actual purpose of your trip then?

If you're simply trying to get from point A to point B, then driving yourself 3,200 miles seems to me like a horrible way to do it. On the other hand, if your intention is to do the Kerouac thing, then I don't understand why you'd be concerned about how long you'd drive per day.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[ryoder 1,590]

quade

On the other hand, if your intention is to do the Kerouac thing, then I don't understand why you'd be concerned about how long you'd drive per day.

Alternatively, if it is a "Fear and Loathing..." kind of trip, maybe I'll volunteer.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[ryoder 1,590]

promise5

Flying commercial and having my bulldog fly just scares me.

Has he has passed his commercial ticket?

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[quade 4]

ryoder

***On the other hand, if your intention is to do the Kerouac thing, then I don't understand why you'd be concerned about how long you'd drive per day.

Alternatively, if it is a "Fear and Loathing..." kind of trip, maybe I'll volunteer.

"We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold..."

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

Depends. I drive for a living. Regs say 11 hours behind the wheel, 10 hour break.

If I was doing a "car trip" I'd probably be able to push 12-14 hours, presuming a decent 8 hour sleep each night. Heavy traffic in big cities would take it's toll, but I don't think you are going to face that issue.
This time of year you have a lot of daylight, so that helps.

But the biggie is safety. Finding a reasonably safe spot to stop each night is going to be a challenge. Realistically, you will need at least 2 stops. Probably 3. Use a bit of common sense. Stop somewhere where if you blow your horn, someone will hear it, take a look and call for help if you need it.
There aren't a lot of hotels on that route, but what about truckstops? Their parking lots are usually pretty safe. Lock your doors and cover your windows. You should be ok as long as it's a place that is open and has a bunch of trucks in the lot. Although there are weirdos out there, most drivers are decent folks who would be willing to at least call for help if you needed it.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[promise5 17]

Its a matter of getting myself,my SUV and my dog all to the same spot. Finding places to stop this side of the Al/CAN isn't a big issue, its when you start on that thing that makes me wonder if I should. Just considering my options is all and seeing if anyones done it.

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[ryoder 1,590]

promise5

Its a matter of getting myself,my SUV and my dog all to the same spot. Finding places to stop this side of the Al/CAN isn't a big issue, its when you start on that thing that makes me wonder if I should. Just considering my options is all and seeing if anyones done it.

I had a co-worker do the Al/CAN about a year ago. After listening to his story, I'd take all the spare tires I could fit in the vehicle.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[skybytch 273]

Note: I've done several long road trips but have never driven north of Montana, so all of this may be useless to you.

I find that I do best with an 8-10 hour driving time limit. That doesn't include gas/food/pee stops. Usually works out to a 10-12 hour day. That leaves time to find a room and maybe do some food shopping and a bit of relaxing before sleep.

Speaking of food shopping, ice chests are your friend. It's cheaper and probably healthier to buy food at a store and make your meals on the road than it is to do restaurants and fast food.

Having a dog along makes it better, I think. "Bad guys" are less likely to bother you, and having to think about their bladder too makes the decision to stop much easier.

I've done the sleep in the car in the rest area thing a few times. Don't like it at all. At a minimum, I'd bring a tent and hit campgrounds; if you can budget for motel rooms even better.

[WickedWingsuits 0]

We have to drive a lot because of our dog also. Be sure to plan your stops enough hours in advance to get a hotel that will accept dogs. There are some useful websites like this one:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/

Summer Rental special, 5 weeks for the price of 4! That is $160 a month.

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[Muffie 0]

I'm currently in the midst of a 3,500 mile solo road trip. I'm not in a hurry to get somewhere, so I've been averaging about five to six hours of driving per day with a few longer days and a few shorter days. I've done shorter trips with more hours of driving per day, but I found that with a ten plus day trip that I just didn't want to be sitting in the car for ten hours every day.

Cruise control is your friend.

I've found it nice to break things up with a few shorter days and some hiking thrown in, but not sure if that would work on your route.

A cooler is definitely useful. Although, as a woman traveling alone, I tend to default to McDonald's or similar as a safe bathroom stop. I hesitate to use rest stops when I travel alone.

We've driven dogs and flown them. Neither option is very fun. Is your dog small enough to fly in the passenger compartment of a plane? That might be the best option if so.

[Amazon 7]

ryoder

***Its a matter of getting myself,my SUV and my dog all to the same spot. Finding places to stop this side of the Al/CAN isn't a big issue, its when you start on that thing that makes me wonder if I should. Just considering my options is all and seeing if anyones done it.

I had a co-worker do the Al/CAN about a year ago. After listening to his story, I'd take all the spare tires I could fit in the vehicle.


The Al Can is almost all paved and is not the problem.. side trips on the unpaved roads can be a huge problem.

One thing to do is buy a VERY good set of heavy duty tires.. load range E.. with lots of sidewall, but I still carry a couple spares just in case.. and have not had to change a tire in the north country in 20 years.

There are plenty of towns along all the roads up there.. so plenty of places to stay in safety. When I do go into the bush.. I carry a long gun.. since some of the places I love to go to put me in places where human beings are not necessarily at the top of the food chain by default.

[promise5 17]

Drove the Al/Can a year ago going out is Alaska. But that was with 5 drivers and 2 of them guys. We didn't have a problem with our tires or anything like that,maybe we were lucky. Also my dog is a 70+ pound bully so she defiantly won't fit in the compartment lol lol.

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[ryoder 1,590]

Amazon

There are plenty of towns along all the roads up there.. so plenty of places to stay in safety. When I do go into the bush.. I carry a long gun.. since some of the places I love to go to put me in places where human beings are not necessarily at the top of the food chain by default.

Any issues with Canadian law regarding the gun?

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[Amazon 7]

ryoder

***
There are plenty of towns along all the roads up there.. so plenty of places to stay in safety. When I do go into the bush.. I carry a long gun.. since some of the places I love to go to put me in places where human beings are not necessarily at the top of the food chain by default.

Any issues with Canadian law regarding the gun?


I make sure it is an approved type ie large caliber bolt action hunting weapon .. and I declare it and let them know I am going into the bush far north of the Arctic Circle.
Never a problem with the Canadian Border types for that at all

[ryoder 1,590]

promise5

Also my dog is a 70+ pound bully so she defiantly won't fit in the compartment lol lol.

Can she act obedient enough to disguise her with one of these?

http://www.servicedogvest.com/

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[davelepka 4]

Quote

Drove the Al/Can a year ago going out is Alaska. But that was with 5 drivers and 2 of them guys

So if all of your other alternatives are costly, like flying you and the dog, and shipping your SUV, why not 'buy' yourself a buddy to make the long stretches with you?

Get a friend to accompany you, either on the whole trip or just the leg you're concerned about. Pay for their airfare home from Alaska, and it's like a 'free' trip to Alaska for them and now you don't have to drive on your own.

[promise5 17]

Thats what I'll probably do,if I decide to drive the whole way. Still leaning toward drive part way and then fly the rest.

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[Amazon 7]

promise5

Thats what I'll probably do,if I decide to drive the whole way. Still leaning toward drive part way and then fly the rest.

Oh come on girlie girl... this is the most gorgeous time of year to drive across Canukiestan... Hit those northern roads and enjoy the scenery of the far north under the midnight sun

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

I've done 1600 Denver to Seattle for Sushi, then back. I usually do 12-14 hour days, but can push myself harder if I need to. Corvallis to Denver, I couldn't find a hotel or even a rest stop parking spot until I crossed into Wyoming. That sucked. Normally drive for 12-14 hours, sleep for 8, then get back on the road.

Depending on where you start I could probably hook you up with my parents. They're not really employed anywhere and that's the sort of thing I could see them doing. Mom doesn't like flying though, so if you were planning to come back, she'd probably just wait for you.

There used to be a train you could put your car on in addition to your passenger ticket, but I don't know if they still do that.

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[promise5 17]

Thanks!!!!!! I'll keep that in mind as long as they don't mind my bully.

No matter how slowly you say oranges it never sounds like gullible.
Believe me I tried.

[mrubin 0]

I did a solo road trip across the country and back plus moving from California to Oklahoma and back. I tried to limit myself to 8-10 hours of driving a day. After that I felt like I wasn't as safe a driver due to fatigue or boredom. If you can convince someone to go with you it would be a lot easier, but 3,200 miles solo is definitely doable.

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[FlyingRhenquest 1]

promise5

Thanks!!!!!! I'll keep that in mind as long as they don't mind my bully.

They didn't seem to mind my sister's dobie, so I reckon you're probably OK on that count.

I'm trying to teach myself how to set things on fire with my mind. Hey... is it hot in here?

[jcd11235 0]

I don't see what the big deal is. It's less than a 12 hour drive if you're willing to average 267 mph.

Math tutoring available. Only $6! per hour! First lesson: Factorials!

[msf 0]

I'd say "go for it!"

I've done 3,000+ mile drives several times (solo) and each time have thought it was amazing.

I've done New Orleans to Anchorage via the Al-Can, crossing the border in Montana. There are a few things to remember:

- there are large stretches of the ALCAN without services, so plan your stops. Get a copy of The Milepost a few weeks in advance (http://milepost.com/) - plan the drive, drive the plan!
- check out your car (or have your car checked out) before you go. I'd have it done a WEEK before you go, not the day before - you never know when you get a rookie mechanic that causes a problem (e.g. forgetting to tighten the drain plug). Change the fluids (when was the last time your transmission fluid was changed? if 4-wheel drive, change the diff oil. Check the brake fluid and brakes. Of course change the engine oil. Check Power-steering, belts, hoses, coolant, etc...)
- Buy the fluids you could possibly need and carry them in the car - I carried a gallon of coolant, 5 quarts of engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and two quarts of transmission fluid. It doesn't cost much and it's a lot of insurance.
- have a basic toolkit - screwdrivers, wrenches, and maybe a few radiator hose clamps. 80% of problems have a simple fix.
- PLAN your fuel stops. Know your fuel range. My mantra on the AL-Can was if my range was less than 150 miles, STOP FOR GAS WHEN YOU SEE IT. you might not think you need it, but if the next station is closed you are stuffed. I seem to remember one long stretch with more than 200 miles between stations - if you are planning using your Milepost, you will be good.
- I planned on driving at least 500 miles per day. I ended up between 450 and 500 most days. Don't plan to be on the road for more than 12 hours - not worth it.
- Don't plan to be on the road right at dawn - let the sun come up. There are less animals (but still watch out) in full light.
- if the worst happens and you have a breakdown, there will be another car along and someone will help you. It may take an hour or so if you are off-season, but it is still civilization. During season, there is a fair amount of traffic on the road.

ENJOY it. For all of the planning crap above, it was one of the most relaxing times I can remember. Lots of time to just enjoy the scenery, and get away from cell phones / TV / Internet, etc...

Whitehorse is a great place to stop. Tok is a good next stop from there.

It's a drive I would do again in a heartbeat given the time!