View Full Version : Long Distance Road Trip
Pokaroo Kris
03-12-2013, 11:22 AM
I'm gonna be making a long drive from Toronto to Edmonton (37 hours non-stop according to Google). This will be the first time I'm making a trip like this with my 2.3L Mazda3, so I had a few questions.
1. Although I use 87 octane gas for my day to day driving, is there a recommended octane to use for such a long distance?
2. I want to purchase a compressor for my tires. Is there a particular brand recommended? What type do you use and your experience with it.
3. Should I carry extra engine oil with me? How much do you think will burn out in the course of a 3500km trip like that?
I've already decided to leave my winter tires on in case of bad weather on the way. Any other car advice would be greatly appreciated. I already planned what route I'm taking, where to stop to sleep, emergency stuff (food, water, emergency pack, etc...).
P.S. To the mods, I didn't know what category to put this one since this would be covering more than one type of topic. Fell free to redirect it.
Jsquared
03-12-2013, 11:43 AM
Thank you for posting this and I hope the mods leave it up. Not to thread crap but I have a similar trip in terms of distance travelled planned for May and would love to see what others have to say.
Currently my only to do is take the car into Mazda for an inspection. Change oil before I leave and change as soon as I get back.
Pokaroo Kris
03-12-2013, 11:49 AM
I was thinking of the oil change too. But the last oil change I did was in December, I did less than 2k ever since, and I'm using Amsoil synthetic. Apparently Amsoil (supposedly) lasts more than double the distance and time compared to most other synthetics out there....should I still do it before I go?
ace_master
03-12-2013, 12:02 PM
After a lot of homework on air compressors, I purchased the Viair 85P (http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/85P.html). I bought mine off eBay, as I couldn't find it locally.
mazdabetty
03-12-2013, 12:07 PM
You should chat with Steely. He drives to Calgary pretty much every other weekend. lol
rajin929
03-12-2013, 12:13 PM
Since it's all highway driving, you'll get awesome gas mileage. Just stick to 87 octane. Are you going through Northern Ontario or through the US? I find the US interstate highways a little better for road travellers in terms of good access to rest stops, gas stations, etc. plus gas is cheaper in the states.
I'd suggest taking the car to a mechanic for a quick once over, if anything needs to be done better to get it done now than run the risk of getting stranded somewhere.
For peace of mind, change the oil, but since you've only done 2,000kms another 3,500-4,000km will put you where you need to be for an oil change when you get there anyway.
Carry 1 or 2 1L bottles of oil, some windshield washer fluid, work gloves, some basic tools. When you stop for a break/gas check your oil level, tire pressure do a walk around of the car and make sure everything is good before heading off again.
I bought a 12V mini air compressor from crappy tire for use on my last trip to North Carolina - never used it, but my buddies told me they are garbage. They take forever to build pressure.
That Vair one looks good!
If you don't have it already, a Basic CAA membership wouldn't hurt either.
SomeGuy
03-12-2013, 12:13 PM
Get CAA, any air compressor will do, stick with 87, you could have a quart of oil but doubt you'd need it cars shouldn't burn oil if they're working properly, and if you've only done 2k since your last service, schedule one for in edmonton. Bring extra washer fluid, check your tire pressure before you go, bring some basic tools, make sure your spare tire is ok, etc.
*edit*
LoL rajin929 we listed the same stuff :)
Pokaroo Kris
03-12-2013, 12:26 PM
Since it's all highway driving, you'll get awesome gas mileage. Just stick to 87 octane. Are you going through Northern Ontario or through the US? I find the US interstate highways a little better for road travellers in terms of good access to rest stops, gas stations, etc. plus gas is cheaper in the states.
I'd suggest taking the car to a mechanic for a quick once over, if anything needs to be done better to get it done now than run the risk of getting stranded somewhere.
For peace of mind, change the oil, but since you've only done 2,000kms another 3,500-4,000km will put you where you need to be for an oil change when you get there anyway.
Carry 1 or 2 1L bottles of oil, some windshield washer fluid, work gloves, some basic tools. When you stop for a break/gas check your oil level, tire pressure do a walk around of the car and make sure everything is good before heading off again.
I bought a 12V mini air compressor from crappy tire for use on my last trip to North Carolina - never used it, but my buddies told me they are garbage. They take forever to build pressure.
That Vair one looks good!
If you don't have it already, a Basic CAA membership wouldn't hurt either.
I was thinking that too. But last time I tried crossing the boarder they gave me a hassle and turned me back. They see a single brown guy and think he's a freakin terrorist
PearlM3
03-12-2013, 12:27 PM
The first thing you should do is not over think the trip. I've done Toronto to Nova scotia and back many times, toronto to florida and back. Use regular gas, as far as a compressor I wouldn't waste the money, just check your pressure at gas stations. And I would just check your oil every couple fill ups and buy oil if you need it, most likely you won't. Get the oil changed before the trip and you'll be good to go, the main thing I would worry about is getting crap to keep yourself happy and the car will follow suit.
rajin929
03-12-2013, 12:44 PM
I was thinking that too. But last time I tried crossing the boarder they gave me a hassle and turned me back. They see a single brown guy and think he's a freakin terrorist
haha
they don't want trinis in the US, setting up doubles stands and rum shops on every street corner, showing up 2 hours late for work and stuff.
bubba1983
03-12-2013, 01:00 PM
Hmmmm....*thinks about what i have in my trunk on a constant basis*....ahh ull be fine....
Pokaroo Kris
03-12-2013, 01:10 PM
haha
they don't want trinis in the US, setting up doubles stands and rum shops on every street corner, showing up 2 hours late for work and stuff.
"Reason for crossing the boarder sir?"
"AH WANT TUH STAT A ROTI STANN NAH! GO BUSS OUT SOME SOME CURRY CHICKEN AN TING!"
"Sorry bud, you gotta turn back" :chuckle
m_bisson
03-12-2013, 02:22 PM
I was thinking of the oil change too. But the last oil change I did was in December, I did less than 2k ever since, and I'm using Amsoil synthetic. Apparently Amsoil (supposedly) lasts more than double the distance and time compared to most other synthetics out there....should I still do it before I go?
The oil could easily last 16000km. The filter, however, will not. Stick with the 5000-8000km change schedule.
STeeLy
03-12-2013, 03:07 PM
My best advice is to stop worrying. Just drive like you normally would and you'll be fine.
You changed your oil less than 2k ago. Change your oil when you get there, your car will be fine. Over the course of your 3500km, you shouldn't burn enough oil that it'll do damage to your engine.
Don't worry about a compressor, just buy a tire pressure gauge, and if you REALLY want to be able to pump your tire up 1 or 2 PSI, get a bike pump, those will work fine.
rzapata
03-12-2013, 03:40 PM
Raijin and someguy pretty much summed it all up.
What I did is, get a full inspection and an oil change from Jimmy a week before the trip. Made sure I got all my stuff (tools, snacks, clothing separated for stop overs, water and drinkable fluids, some extra fluids for the car - WW, and other miscellaneous stuff). Take breaks if you need to, and don't drive when you're sleepy and tired. Carry some red bull or other energy drinks.
If you don't want a lot of stop overs, make sure you lessen water intake. Drink sweetened fluids.
Gas wise, just get whatever the car requires. Stick with it and don't over think it.
Personally, the US route is 10 times better than the Canada route. There's a lot more gas stations and hotels in the interstate so if you ever get tired, you can always just stop and take the night off.
Lastly, take it easy, be safe and take pictures of your trek. :)
Pokaroo Kris
03-12-2013, 10:05 PM
Lastly, take it easy, be safe and take pictures of your trek. :)
Will definitely do.
leecheefoto
03-12-2013, 10:37 PM
If you're thinking about getting a compressor, Viair ones are reliable, and are used for air suspension management.
You can get a spare battery just incase and wire it to the compressor. Double check for your breaker bar, flashlight (with batteries).
The essentials to bring are usually rope, washer fluid, plastic bags, and spare bulbs.
At some stops, check around and look for any errors such as lights, tire pressure, any leaks from engine bay.
After that you're all good!
murdaspeed
03-12-2013, 10:40 PM
Not sure if they're availabe in Canada but try and find Slime safety spair. I carry one in my car but I bought it at walmart in the US. I think some cars even come with this instead of a spair tire.
http://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/large/sli/70005_safety_spair.jpg
htc***
03-13-2013, 12:24 AM
Not sure if they're availabe in Canada but try and find Slime safety spair. I carry one in my car but I bought it at walmart in the US. I think some cars even come with this instead of a spair tire.
http://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/img/large/sli/70005_safety_spair.jpg
WM Canada have it.
peterm15
03-13-2013, 02:55 AM
Be careful of lot lizards. Lol
Best advice I can give is take your time and watch out for animals.
Depending on your route moose are a big concern. Around the melt, moose can often be seen by the road side licking accumulated salt off the roads. you DO NOT want to hit one.
I will get flamed for this one. BUT
during the day. Try and stay out from behind trucks.
At night. Stay behind trucks ( don't tailgate). They have much better lighting systems. And if they hit a large animal. Only the animal dies. If you hit one you could die. ( advice given to me by truckers when I made a trip last summer. )
Some other things.
Pocket knife or multi tool ( or a basic tool box)
Booster cables
Small compressor and tire patch ( fits in with the jack pretty nicely and you can't see it, the cheap ones work fine)
Spare fuses.
Flashlight
These are things that are usually in my car anyways. And all have been used numerous times.
1 more thing I brought with me for my drive to Newfoundland last summer.
12v cooler. The ones you plug in to the car aux port.
It just stayed in the back and kept my drinks frosty cold. A few bottles of Pepsi, some water and snacks. They felt like they had just left the fridge even after 27hrs. I will never go on a long trip without one again.
ThatGuy19
03-13-2013, 04:01 AM
Unless you've been having problems with your 3 I would just do a quick once over and go (top up fluids, check belts, tires). I did the toronto-calgary through the US last May and I wasn't too bad (split it into 3 days though of 8+12+16 hours). If you have CAA I wouldn't worry much especially if you're driving through Canada since the trans Canada will never be empty, there will always be other cars around. If you end up driving through the US try to plan out when/where to get gas. Driving through a side road in Montana I almost ran out of gas but luckily I got great mileage so I made it just in time.
silverstarmazda
03-13-2013, 05:19 AM
double post fail
silverstarmazda
03-13-2013, 05:20 AM
1. Although I use 87 octane gas for my day to day driving, is there a recommended octane to use for such a long distance?
2. I want to purchase a compressor for my tires. Is there a particular brand recommended? What type do you use and your experience with it.
3. Should I carry extra engine oil with me? How much do you think will burn out in the course of a 3500km trip like that?
1. i would stick to regular 87 since thats what the car is use to running now.
2. DO NOT buy one of those electric air compressors posted above(except the Viair 85P). they will not work and will just burn out. i suggest you get a foot pump and a can of slime quick spare. (i will post below)
3. depends on how much oil your car burns. but i suggest you carry a quart. to get you to a gas station since they carry engine oil for this reason.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoRepairAccessories/Adhesives/PRD~0095075P/Slime+Quick+Spair%2C+20+oz.jsp?locale=en
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8439895/Miscellaneous-Camping/Foot-Operated-Air-Pump
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8418089/Miscellaneous-Surplus/Twin-Foot-Pumps
http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/slime-heavy-duty-foot-pump/10045595?trail=SRCH%3Aslime&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=alldept&searchString=slime&startSearch=yes&fromSearchBox=true&addFacet=SRCH%3Aslime
also check all your fluids and tire pressures (including spare). conditions of tires, belts and hoses.
rajin929
03-14-2013, 10:14 AM
Be careful of lot lizards. Lol
one of these decals should take care of any unwanted interruptions....looking by the reflection in the glass, they attract the lizards alright!
http://a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/56/05b0100014bb47358a9570e9994083fa/l.jpg
Cab0oze
03-14-2013, 10:27 AM
2. DO NOT buy one of those electric air compressors posted above(except the Viair 85P). they will not work and will just burn out. i suggest you get a foot pump and a can of slime quick spare. (i will post below)I have a basic 20$ cantire air compressor, and have been using it probably once every month or two for the last 6 years. The plug finally shattered on a -20C day. I hot glue gunned it back together, and its back in business lol
My friends have all had similar good experiences with other cantire compressors.
Pretty much any one will do.
JaYson
03-14-2013, 10:47 AM
I went to Vancouver Island and back. over 31days (approx. 10,000KM)
87 Octane the whole way.
I bought a crappy canadian tire plug in inflator, the one with the light built in (light is dead btw.), just get whatever...it'll be fine.
Bring a jug of oil (just in case), maybe even coolant (i didnt bring coolant)
I stopped once in Vancouver to get an oil change, then got another when I got back to Toronto. most driving days, we would be doing about 8hours/day ( i think)
one word of advice; when you're in the prairies DO NOT deviate from the trans Canada more than your gas tank will let you. Don't think "oh...I have enough for at least another 150KM, surely there must be a gas station somewhere in the next 150KMs" .... Because there WONT be... I learned that the hard way. I had just under half a tank of gas, was going from the Grass lands national park to Cypress hills provincial park, Both of which are south of the trans Canada, so we figured "why go north if we dont have to"....well it was ALOT of farm land..and NO gas stations. thankfully some nice ladies picked up myself and my friend to get gas at the nearest station (which happened to be cypress hills provincial park)
bring lots of music if you're driving through northern Ontario, because many hours of it will be boring as hell. its just road and tress 30ft off the road. there's not much to see.
rzapata
03-14-2013, 10:57 AM
Honestly though, taking the transcanada route is probably the worst (my opinion). During my trip, I went through the US and then through transcanada. It's fair to say that the last day of driving towards my destination is probably the worst of all. It felt the longest and also the most boring drive I've ever had. There was a point when I think I was talking to myself. :chuckle
But yeah, whichever route you end up taking, keep focus and enjoy the ride. :thumbsup
silverstarmazda
03-14-2013, 11:29 AM
I have a basic 20$ cantire air compressor, and have been using it probably once every month or two for the last 6 years. The plug finally shattered on a -20C day. I hot glue gunned it back together, and its back in business lol
My friends have all had similar good experiences with other cantire compressors.
Pretty much any one will do.
which one did you get?? because all of the ones i bought are crap. they never fill up to what i need them to fill too. it takes half an hour to get 1 more psi. and by that time theres smoke coming from the damn thing. probably more effective if i use a bicycle pump.(which i have done too :chuckle)
TBH i got a can of slime quick spare where the scissor jack is. that will seal up the hole and inflate it enough to get me to a gas station to refill on air. i was thinking of removing the spare tire....then i thought "what about the damages i cant repair"
JaYson
03-14-2013, 12:02 PM
Honestly though, taking the transcanada route is probably the worst (my opinion). During my trip, I went through the US and then through transcanada. It's fair to say that the last day of driving towards my destination is probably the worst of all. It felt the longest and also the most boring drive I've ever had. There was a point when I think I was talking to myself. :chuckle
But yeah, whichever route you end up taking, keep focus and enjoy the ride. :thumbsup
Very true. If you're just trying to get to your destination, than definitely go through the US. It's faster and (likely) less boring.
I only went Trans Canada because I was doing a month long "Canadian" road trip seeing as many Provincial/National parks as possible and thought it didn't feel right to take a short cut through the US.
rajin929
03-14-2013, 12:11 PM
I don't leave for a long road trip without my CB Radio, I picked one up a while back for like $20 and another $20 for the magnetic whip antenna and it's awesome to just listen to the trucker channel for road conditions and there's an emergency channel as well.
Last year a bunch of us drove down to North Carolina for Import Alliance, we all had CB's in the cars; it was fun trolling each other all the way there and back, made the 15 hour or so drive feel like nothing
silverstarmazda
03-14-2013, 12:19 PM
I don't leave for a long road trip without my CB Radio, I picked one up a while back for like $20 and another $20 for the magnetic whip antenna and it's awesome to just listen to the trucker channel for road conditions and there's an emergency channel as well.
Last year a bunch of us drove down to North Carolina for Import Alliance, we all had CB's in the cars; it was fun trolling each other all the way there and back, made the 15 hour or so drive feel like nothing
here you go, in case you even wanna use it. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRwiAk2wjZo&feature=player_embedded
rajin929
03-14-2013, 12:24 PM
bwahahahahaha
Cab0oze
03-14-2013, 02:04 PM
which one did you get?? because all of the ones i bought are crap. they never fill up to what i need them to fill too. it takes half an hour to get 1 more psi. and by that time theres smoke coming from the damn thing. probably more effective if i use a bicycle pump.(which i have done too :chuckle)Those do sound mighty crappy lol... maybe you just had bad luck? They all have 1+ yr warranties though...
They don't have mine anymore cus its so old. I dont remember what brand it was. I bought my gf one for 30 bucks a couple months ago (the nice red metal one that lets you pre-set the final pressure, think its normally 60$) and that thing is awesome, it can top up a tire in seconds and doesn't sound ridiculously loud like mine. My friend has the justincase one, and it seems to work well for him, he uses it weekly because 3 of his 4 tires leak air slowly and he doesn't want to pay to get it fixed lol
Pokaroo Kris
03-14-2013, 02:42 PM
Very true. If you're just trying to get to your destination, than definitely go through the US. It's faster and (likely) less boring.
I only went Trans Canada because I was doing a month long "Canadian" road trip seeing as many Provincial/National parks as possible and thought it didn't feel right to take a short cut through the US.
I'm sure it is faster (google confirmed it too :) ). But for me personally, I rather not cross the boarder and get questioned to s*** about why I'm going and blah blah blah. I didn't have a pleasant time the last time I was at the boarder. Got turned around :( . At the time, although the insurance was under my name, my car was under my mom's name and I didn't have written notice stating she gave me permission to use the bloody thing. And, apparently, I gave "too much attitude", even though the d*** boarder guy was yelling at me 80% of the time.
peterm15
03-14-2013, 05:26 PM
I know what you mean. I choose not to cross the border. Id be the one to get pulled over or into the back room.
Hell I don't even have a passport.
bubba1983
03-15-2013, 02:14 PM
i preferr to see the great ontario north...
JaYson
03-15-2013, 02:55 PM
i preferr to see the great ontario north...
Agreed. As boring as it may be sometimes, Unless you're in a rush; I'd do Canada all the way
Pokaroo Kris
03-17-2013, 09:49 PM
What's the typical time for a lone driver taking Trans Canada?
r4mi5awi
03-18-2013, 12:15 AM
Make sure you update us with posts and pics during your journey. Have a safe trip!
STeeLy
03-18-2013, 07:36 AM
What's the typical time for a lone driver taking Trans Canada?
Depends on how comfortable you are with driving long hours, or how long you want to take.
Pokaroo Kris
03-18-2013, 07:46 AM
Depends on how comfortable you are with driving long hours, or how long you want to take.
Well, my goal is to leave here either evening of the 4th or the morning of the 5th (of April) and reach by the 7th
Pokaroo Kris
03-18-2013, 07:46 AM
Make sure you update us with posts and pics during your journey. Have a safe trip!
I'll even post some YouTube vids too :)
rzapata
03-18-2013, 09:20 AM
Personally, I'd start first thing in the morning. Night driving is good when you're in the city. But when driving in boony town, you'll need to be watchful wild animals crossing the highway. Plus, less chance of dozing off... :)
STeeLy
03-18-2013, 10:36 AM
Well, my goal is to leave here either evening of the 4th or the morning of the 5th (of April) and reach by the 7th
I would agree with rzapata, start early in the morning and go until night time.
When I did it from Calgary to Ottawa, I did it within 3 days, with stops in Winnipeg and Sault. Ste. Marie to sleep
Where are you planning on stopping?
Pokaroo Kris
03-18-2013, 01:21 PM
I was planning on starting no later than 5am on the 5th.
I would agree with rzapata, start early in the morning and go until night time.
When I did it from Calgary to Ottawa, I did it within 3 days, with stops in Winnipeg and Sault. Ste. Marie to sleep
Where are you planning on stopping?
Whatever good motel I see...unless you got a suggestion.
peterm15
03-18-2013, 01:56 PM
I was planning on starting no later than 5am on the 5th.
Whatever good motel I see...unless you got a suggestion.
Believe it or not. After driving 18 hrs even the back of the car feels good. Lol.
It all depends on how quickly you wanna get there and if you are in a rush. If your not rushing. Take your time and stop whenever you feel the need. What I suggest is do not short change yourself. Budget for double the time for breaks you think you will need that way if anything you get there early. If you think you'll need 30 min every 8 hrs. Make time for 30 min every 4 hrs.
If I were you I would leave at a time where I'm just getting through Barrie as the light is rising. That way it's full daylight when you hit the rural areas.
After your first leg of driving you'll be a lot more tired. Being in a car for that long is tedious. So if the first day you drive for 18 hrs. The second day you may only get 10 in.
ZeroChalk
03-18-2013, 02:00 PM
Personally, I'd start first thing in the morning. Night driving is good when you're in the city. But when driving in boony town, you'll need to be watchful wild animals crossing the highway. Plus, less chance of dozing off... :)
Good point - I'd be extra dilligent since it is spring! I hate night driving when you are in the boonies.
During the spring time, deer and moose congregate along side of roads to lick the salt applied during the winter months to control road ice.
peterm15
03-18-2013, 02:09 PM
Depending on your route moose are a big concern. Around the melt, moose can often be seen by the road side licking accumulated salt off the roads. you DO NOT want to hit one.
During the spring time, deer and moose congregate along side of roads to lick the salt applied during the winter months to control road ice.
Hey. That was my thing. Lol.
Glad im not the only one who knows this.
peterm15
03-18-2013, 02:15 PM
Oh and.
If your gonna hit a moose. Your better off hitting your gas and hope to jump the ditch.
Anything deer sized or smaller. If you don't have time to stop your better off hitting it.
STeeLy
03-18-2013, 03:17 PM
I was planning on starting no later than 5am on the 5th.
Whatever good motel I see...unless you got a suggestion.
5AM-6AM is a decent start time. You'll likely have at least one 15 hour day.
A nice bed and some sleep is pretty good after a nice drive.
Pokaroo Kris
04-02-2013, 11:47 AM
Two more days :)
fumoffu
04-02-2013, 12:02 PM
FYI
Edmonton got some serious pot holes issue. They are everywhere!!!!! They are killing rims and tires.
I got 2 by my house that is 4 inches deep and 20 inches wide.
Pokaroo Kris
04-02-2013, 12:06 PM
FYI
Edmonton got some serious pot holes issue. They are everywhere!!!!! They are killing rims and tires.
I got 2 by my house that is 4 inches deep and 20 inches wide.
Yeah, I noticed that when I was there in February:S Do they ever fix them, or are they left like that?
fumoffu
04-02-2013, 12:07 PM
they are doing the band aid method. They just patch it and hope it get better
STeeLy
04-02-2013, 01:21 PM
they are doing the band aid method. They just patch it and hope it get better
Isn't that pretty much standard practice until it gets REALLY out of hand?
mazdabetty
04-02-2013, 01:22 PM
That's standard practice in Ottawa lol
STeeLy
04-02-2013, 01:27 PM
That's standard practice in Ottawa lol
And pretty much every other city in Canada...
Pokaroo Kris
04-02-2013, 01:36 PM
And pretty much every other city in Canada...
Almost...not in Toronto...depending on the street.
But what I saw in Edmonton, all I kept thinking was "HOLY CRAP, WHAT WILL I BE PUTTING MY 3 INTO?!"
STeeLy
04-02-2013, 01:52 PM
Almost...not in Toronto...depending on the street.
But what I saw in Edmonton, all I kept thinking was "HOLY CRAP, WHAT WILL I BE PUTTING MY 3 INTO?!"
Toronto just waits until the road is not drivable... then they'll repave it.
stevenma188
04-02-2013, 01:58 PM
Oh man, I'll be doing the identical drive starting next Monday. I'm moving out to Edmonton.
Will be leaving the morning of the 8th. Driving through the states.
Will stop the first night in Madison, WI (~9hrs drive).
Spending the 2nd night in Grand Fork, ND, at a buddy's place.
Spending the 3rd night in Moose Jaw, SK (have some buddys training with the military there).
Planning on arriving on the 11th in Edmonton.
STeeLy
04-02-2013, 07:35 PM
Be glad you have a buddy in Grand Forks. Last time I wanted to stop in ND, there was no hotel room, I didn't book one since I figured it'd be easy to find one, and boy I was wrong!
Enjoy your trips guys!
Pokaroo Kris
04-03-2013, 10:12 AM
Oh man, I'll be doing the identical drive starting next Monday. I'm moving out to Edmonton.
Will be leaving the morning of the 8th. Driving through the states.
Will stop the first night in Madison, WI (~9hrs drive).
Spending the 2nd night in Grand Fork, ND, at a buddy's place.
Spending the 3rd night in Moose Jaw, SK (have some buddys training with the military there).
Planning on arriving on the 11th in Edmonton.
We gotta link up when you reach. Go for wings or something.
stevenma188
04-03-2013, 11:29 AM
For sure man! It'll be nice knowing a few people out there, since right now basically I don't know anyone out there...
rzapata
04-03-2013, 11:33 AM
Oh man, I'll be doing the identical drive starting next Monday. I'm moving out to Edmonton.
Will be leaving the morning of the 8th. Driving through the states.
Will stop the first night in Madison, WI (~9hrs drive).
Spending the 2nd night in Grand Fork, ND, at a buddy's place.
Spending the 3rd night in Moose Jaw, SK (have some buddys training with the military there).
Planning on arriving on the 11th in Edmonton.
Pretty much the same states I stopped over. In WI, I stopped at Janesville and in ND I stopped at Minot. Nice scenery and very quiet. :)
I have to agree with steely above, make sure you book in advance when stopping over at boony town.
Good luck on your trips and enjoy the drive! :)
STeeLy
04-03-2013, 12:04 PM
Pretty much the same states I stopped over. In WI, I stopped at Janesville and in ND I stopped at Minot. Nice scenery and very quiet. :)
I have to agree with steely above, make sure you book in advance when stopping over at boony town.
Good luck on your trips and enjoy the drive! :)
The second time through the US, I took a similar route. Stopped in Milwaukee, then Minot, before getting to Calgary. But, so much of ND was flooded, it was not fun.
Pokaroo Kris
04-03-2013, 12:39 PM
Ok, you guys convinced me. NEXT time i decide to drive that way, I'll take the US route.
rajin929
04-03-2013, 01:12 PM
must be getting stoked' for the trip. get lots of rest.
I know northern ontario is exiting and all....
lol
Pokaroo Kris
04-06-2013, 06:31 PM
Ok, so I've finally arrived to Edmonton. I left Toronto at 6am ( actually Newmarket. I stayed at my sisters house) Thursday morning. I arrived in Edmonton at 1am (Mountain time). So with one sleep in Ontario, and only stopping for gas, it took me 45 hours in total.
roachkillah
04-06-2013, 06:46 PM
45hrs total..
DAYAM....
i get sleepy driving to montreal, all the power to u!
Pokaroo Kris
04-06-2013, 07:05 PM
Lol. Before this, the longest drive I've ever done was 7 hours to NYC
rzapata
04-06-2013, 07:13 PM
Make sure you get the car checked.
Welcome to Alberta, the land of ice and snow. :chuckle
r4mi5awi
04-06-2013, 08:30 PM
Ok, so I've finally arrived to Edmonton. I left Toronto at 6am ( actually Newmarket. I stayed at my sisters house) Thursday morning. I arrived in Edmonton at 1am (Mountain time). So with one sleep in Ontario, and only stopping for gas, it took me 45 hours in total.
bravo bud! must've been a rough ride with no sleep. rest up and stay safe :)
JrCanuck
04-06-2013, 08:58 PM
Congrats on the safe trip kris, I'll be waiting for that "dude!" Text when that bumper arrives here haha!
Pokaroo Kris
04-06-2013, 10:47 PM
Make sure you get the car checked.
Welcome to Alberta, the land of ice and snow. :chuckle
Oh for sure. I'm almost do for a tune up so I'm getting my one, plus an in and out detailing.
Pokaroo Kris
04-06-2013, 10:48 PM
Make sure you get the car checked.
Welcome to Alberta, the land of ice and snow. :chuckle
Thanks bro. I'll come check you out for the stampede :)
STeeLy
04-06-2013, 11:04 PM
Nice to hear you got there, but man, I would not drive that long in one go. I need at least 2 overnight stops, so all the power to you that you managed it with just 1.
Pokaroo Kris
04-06-2013, 11:16 PM
15 hours drive in the first day, 20 hours the last. One night sleep, and two one hours naps.
r4mi5awi
04-07-2013, 12:01 AM
See any weird Sh!t on your way there?
Pokaroo Kris
04-07-2013, 12:34 AM
See any weird Sh!t on your way there?
Actually, in Saskatchewan, apparently I was the weird sh*t. It's like they've never seen a brown guy before. Lol.
I also saw a herd of deer on the side of the road eating grass. I honked at them and they didn't even flinch. That was weird to me.
JrCanuck
04-07-2013, 01:24 AM
Actually, in Saskatchewan, apparently I was the weird sh*t. It's like they've never seen a brown guy before. Lol.
I also saw a herd of deer on the side of the road eating grass. I honked at them and they didn't even flinch. That was weird to me.
Sounds like Beamsville.
STeeLy
04-07-2013, 02:04 AM
Sounds like Beamsville.
No, that's just typical Saskatchewan.
r4mi5awi
04-07-2013, 02:41 AM
lol
rzapata
04-07-2013, 03:15 AM
No, that's just typical Saskatchewan.
Yup, I remember stopping there for gas and food. I was the only Asian in the restaurant... People do stare discreetly and they all sound different. :chuckle
stevenma188
04-07-2013, 03:34 AM
2 more sleeps until my adventure begins!
Rob23
04-07-2013, 11:46 AM
DO NOT buy one of those electric air compressors posted above(except the Viair 85P). they will not work and will just burn out. i suggest you get a foot pump and a can of slime quick spare. (i will post below)
.
My dad has one of these that he got from my grandpa. Its a ghetto compressor pump probably from the 80s, and it works perfectly still... Its Loud as **** but surprisingly not that big. I use it quite often to check my tires and top them up.
Pokaroo Kris
04-07-2013, 12:30 PM
2 more sleeps until my adventure begins!
If I didn't have to be here for a certain time I would have made your trip with you
Tozer
04-07-2013, 01:00 PM
If I didn't have to be here for a certain time I would have made your trip with you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAj26rVWK14
juth kidding
i've got one of those electric plug in air compressors. bought it at canadian tire for $20, been working flawlessly for the past 2 years.
apparently if you use the slime quick spare stuff, you won't be able to repair the tire if you wanted to.
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