Tips for driving the Mustang across country?

Power4 · Sep 23, 2010

So I got a new job on the west coast and I'll be driving the Mustang from New York to California next week. Anyone have any tips for driving across the country or anything in specific I should check out along the way? I'm pretty excited to do an awesome road trip across the US in the 'Stang!

bigboss · Sep 23, 2010

Transcontinental

Good for you. You didn't say what part of CA, but when I got my first Mustang many years ago I drove NY (through Rochester, btw) to Seattle, then south through San Francisco, and back home the southern route. No matter what you're driving, or what road you take, sit back and think about how our pioneer forefathers crossed this continent at walking speed.

It's a hell of a country, and the people who founded it were giants.

I took my drive by myself, so I could stop where I wanted when I wanted. I, er, also did the NY to Seattle part non-stop. That may not work for everyone (...) Man, that was some trip...

Mr.Scott · Sep 23, 2010

Take breaks often. And once you get into farm land, if you have to go #2 or get gas, do it asap, as there are loooong stretches with absolutely nothing.

Also, don't try to ironman it and make the drive in one shot with no sleep. I drove from Dallas to Nashville and picked up a car and drove back to Dallas all in one shot with no sleep and it sucked. And this was in a nice big comfy Silverado. I can't imagine doing that kind of driving in a mustang.

darien87 · Sep 23, 2010

What part of CA are you moving to? I can't tell you too much about the rest of the country as I've lived in Cali pretty much my whole life, but I can give you tons of stuff to do once you get here.

Ltngdrvr · Sep 23, 2010

Fill the car with gas, point it west and go, stop before the gas runs out and put some more in. No matter which roads you take there will be plenty to see. Take camera, get pics.

Power4 · Sep 23, 2010

Mr.Scott said:
Take breaks often. And once you get into farm land, if you have to go #2 or get gas, do it asap, as there are loooong stretches with absolutely nothing.

I was afraid of that, should I take a jerry can full of gas Road Warrior style?

darien87 said:
What part of CA are you moving to? I can't tell you too much about the rest of the country as I've lived in Cali pretty much my whole life, but I can give you tons of stuff to do once you get here.

I'm moving to the San Francisco/San Jose area. What should I check out once I'm there?

derklug · Sep 24, 2010

OBEY the speed limit in Ohio.

Ltngdrvr · Sep 24, 2010

derklug said:
OBEY the speed limit in Ohio.

Just stay the hell out of Ohio, not much there to see anyway.

Take the southern route, better weather and roads.

And don't worry about gas and rest stops, plenty of both almost everywhere you might go. Just fill the gas tank as it gets close to 1/4 tank and you will have plenty of reserve.

302GTS · Sep 24, 2010

Enjoy it! I drove through Florida back in March while doing a 4 day camping trip with my girlfriend's family. It was only a 200 mile trip, but it was a blast in my Mustang. The weather was beautiful, so a/c was completely unnecessary, windows were down, music was going, and passing in between two trucks was music to my ears with that 2,500rpm exhaust note. My car had zero issues, and I couldn't be happier about that part! Just don't let the speed get carried away, be safe, and enjoy the sights.

dennisafrompa · Sep 24, 2010

Cross Country

..I've made 6 cross country trips over the last 10 years, I'm 68.

Gone to Seattle, San Diego and Palm Desert several times.

Each time we try to see a little Americana on the way out. Usually we take 9-10 days going out. Use google to find points of interest.

I agree that using I 81 though the Blue Ridge and Smokies, then 40 through TN, then 30 into Little Rock is the way though the East.

Texas will be Looooong that way but you gotta do it.

We stopped in Santa Fe one year and visited Toas....this is a great side trip.

Also Williams AZ to take the train to the Grand Canyon is something to consider.

This Winter we'll take the Bullitt to Palm Desert again. We stay for 2 mos. and have fun exploring CA and driving those great mountain roads.

Have fun....we do!

mycaptainchris · Sep 24, 2010

Go west young man, go west!!!!!!

Having completed the same trip but from Florida a number of times I have the following suggestions that work for me.

1: Set the cruise no more than 5 mph over the speed limit. You'll be driving for a long time and nobody can keep there wits about them looking for popo for that long. Being in a stang will also make you prime popo target.

2: Don't drink to much coffee. Sure in the mornings have a few, but don't forget that you'll want to sleep that night so you will be fresh the next day.

3: Don't drink to much grog. You don't want to do any road trip with a hangover.

4: Take a fiber supplement and drink lots of water. I won't go into to much detail, but sitting on your rear for so long isn't good for you internals.

5: Have fun

6: Have lots of great music, sat radio or internet radio also helps.

7: Change your oil before you go and check all other fluids and tires.

stanmckinney · Sep 24, 2010

Enjoy the ride. I went across country in my 2007 GT in April of last year. I joined Mustangs Across America in Las Vegas and from there went to Birmingham and then back home to Kentucky. Take side trips if you can to places such as the Grand Canyon. It's worth the time. Stay in unusual places such as a Wig Wam Village. Play YOUR music as loud as you want. Stay within the speed limit. Some states are really strict on such things. Pay attention to the weather. I narrowly missed a major dust storm in Arizona. Take lots of photos. Stand on a corner in Winslow, Ariz.
Above all, just enjoy. It can be the trip of a life time.

ill advised · Sep 24, 2010

Wow. I'm jealous...of the drive not the job. I've made the drive back and forth for L.A. to Texas/Louisiana many times but never cross country. I absolutely love being out on the open road and taking "detours" to explore areas slightly off course. This is especially nice if you're not in a rush to get to your destination, which I'm usually not.

mycaptainchris covered it pretty well. You definitely want to have a camera handy as well. There will be stretches where there's "nothing to see" (depending on who you ask) but who knows when you'll get to do this again.

Have fun!

SONIC02 · Sep 24, 2010

Put the hammer down an give it hell. Also if you go south get a bra... Some States have some big bugs.

save_HUTCH · Sep 28, 2010

SONIC02 said:
Put the hammer down an give it hell. Also if you go south get a bra... Some States have some big bugs.

Haha I just drove from El Paso to Lawton, OK and my car has a new paint job that consists of a million dead bugs.

mycaptainchris · Sep 28, 2010

Yep, our bugs are built by NASA.

gmantheman · Sep 28, 2010

I drove my mustang from San Diego, CA to Virginia Beach, VA to visit family and back. Just get plenty of sleep, don't eat too much while on the road, limit yourself to about 8-10 hrs of driving per.day and take naps at rest stops if needed. I enjoyed the experience but I wouldn't do it again. My dog buddy rode shotgun. Whenever I would fill-up for gas, I would take him out to go to the bathroom.

Tips for driving the Mustang across country?

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