by "Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
Published 08/13/2017 at 18:26
by "Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
Published 08/13/2017 at 18:26
No Tags
STARS: 0
Let’s assume all things being equal, like getting enough rest and not being tired.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
08/13/2017 at 18:31, STARS: 1
I’ve done it and further. Nothing wrong as long as you don’t get tired/fatigued by it.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
08/13/2017 at 18:33, STARS: 0
I drove my 4Runner for 16 hours straight once, it’s manageable, but terrible.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
08/13/2017 at 18:35, STARS: 1
Not great. I’ve done it. Wouldn’t do it again
"Birddog" (maintmgt)
08/13/2017 at 18:36, STARS: 1
12 hours has to be rough.
A buddy and I made a trip from Chicago to Dyer, Tn once. Nine and a half hours with stops and we were wiped at the end. I don’t think we said a word to each other in the last three hours of the trip.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
08/13/2017 at 18:37, STARS: 1
Doable but miserable.
"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
08/13/2017 at 18:38, STARS: 3
I’ve done it a number of times. Get a good podcast (Alice Isn’t Dead is a fantastic road trip podcast) or audiobook and some road snacks and it’s not bad.
...you’re not driving across Kansas are you?
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
08/13/2017 at 18:40, STARS: 2
Not that bad. I’ve done it multiple times with kids. Went from Phoenix to Big Sur in June with two kids, a wife and a dog in a two-door Wrangler. Took a bit over 11 hours with breaks and traffic. I also did San Diego to San Fran along the 1 a few years ago with two young kids which was a solid twelve hours..
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
08/13/2017 at 18:42, STARS: 1
18 hours straight once...I don’t recommend that. I used to have to drive to MI 3-4 times a year which was 9.5-10 hours. I found my tolerance started to wane after around 8 but always managed to finish the entire drive since my ex drove slow. It’s definitely more difficult at night, but I did usually do it because the traffic was lighter.
Did 14 hours on the bike a few times heading to the Dragon. I actually found that easier as staying alert is more easily done when the ride is as important as the destination...plus more frequent stops due to smaller gas tanks helps keep you loose and better rested. It’s still tough, but far better than doing it in a car.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
08/13/2017 at 18:43, STARS: 1
Depends where you are going.
Can be tolerable in some cases and brutal in others.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
08/13/2017 at 18:43, STARS: 2
In college, I’d drive just a smidge over 1000 miles (17hrs) in a day. I did this several times and had a routine of waking up at 2.30am and stopping every 330 miles- once for breakfast/gas, once for lunch/gas, and then I’d arrive by dinner. I’d go straight to bed after dinner. Now that I’m not 20 any longer, I’d shudder to think of driving 17 hours in a single day.
I’d say that 12 is do-able if you’re rested and in the correct mental state, and definitely reasonable if you split the driving with a copilot. My personal preference would be to leave early in the AM as I’d rather drive into the day than into darkness at night.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
08/13/2017 at 18:43, STARS: 4
It depends on traffic, how successful your rest stops are, the car, weather. I’ve had totally exhausting 3 hour drives, and I’ve gone for 11 hours and felt in the groove and ready for 4 or 5 more.
"MyJeepGetsStuckInTheSnow" (myjeepgetsstuckinthesnow)
08/13/2017 at 18:43, STARS: 1
I do it all the time. No issues. There are lots of rest stops if you need a nap just in case. Download an audio book.
"Little Black Coupe Turned Silver" (littleblackcoupe)
08/13/2017 at 18:44, STARS: 1
12 isn’t bad. That was my normal WI to NE trip. Beyond that it gets rough for one person.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
08/13/2017 at 18:48, STARS: 4
No big deal. Four 3 hour stints. Leave at sunrise, sip ice water all day, keep snacks handy, listen to audiobooks & podcasts, maybe have a long phone call with a family member or friend, get one good, but not too heavy, sit-down meal halfway through with a good walk/stretch after. Only resort to caffeine if necessary.
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
08/13/2017 at 18:55, STARS: 0
Thankfully, no. I have a friend who drove from a Boston to Texas and he thoroughly freaked me out with his fear of tornados.
"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
08/13/2017 at 19:08, STARS: 8
Statistically the odds of you happening to roll through a town at the same time as tornado is about zero. The real issue with Kansas is that it’s eight uninterrupted hours of this
"E90M3" (e90m3)
08/13/2017 at 19:10, STARS: 1
Did 16 hours in an explorer running on 5 cylinders, that was rough. I’ve done 12 in the M3 before, that wasn’t nearly as bad.
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
08/13/2017 at 19:11, STARS: 1
We do it often enough given our families are a third of a continent away from us. It’s not a bad idea so much as often the only alternative.
We do share the driving between the two of us every couple of hours and because we know the routes well we know the stops for fuel and food which takes the mystery out of it. These days it feels like more of a long commute...
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
08/13/2017 at 19:13, STARS: 2
I’m good until about 14 hours. 12 isn’t too bad. I split my drive a few weeks ago into 14/12 hour segments. The only thin I can’t emphasize enough is if you get tired, stop. I activated the satellite radio in the Tacoma just for that trip. Lots of listening choices then.
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
08/13/2017 at 19:14, STARS: 0
That’s what I assumed, but damn if that guy doesn’t freak out worrying about every time he does it.
"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
08/13/2017 at 19:20, STARS: 3
It really depends on your personal ability.
Myself, I really don’t like doing more than 8 hours in a day any more, especially when driving solo. (Even a passenger can help, though.)
I used to do 12 hour drives all the time, but I just can’t any more, and really, I couldn’t then, I was just younger and stupider.
Beef jerky is your friend as far as snacks - more work to eat it, which helps to control how quickly you eat it, as well as helps keep you awake.
Keeping your brain working is key - calling a friend is helpful, listening to engaging podcasts is helpful (and in my experience is better than music).
"yamahog" (yamahog)
08/13/2017 at 19:28, STARS: 2
I do it basically every time I go out to see family on the east coast. it’s not bad but as you hinted at, you have to be willing to find a place to stop and rest if you really need it. trying to force yourself to stay awake for the sake of scheduling is a bad plan.
"Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!!" (eurylokhos)
08/13/2017 at 19:35, STARS: 2
I’ve done Southeast NH to Orlando in one shot (and back a couple years later), and Southeast NH to Iowa (also the opposite way) in one shot multiple times. Both are right around 24 hours with fuels stops etc. Heck, once I did Baltimore to Des Moines in a 1990 Miata in one shot with the top down a lot do the way
It’s not nearly as brutal as it seems. That was all before podcasts, but audiobooks, music, and satellite radio keeps your mind engaged. Space out the caffeine, and have things to constantly snack on that takes work. Sunflower seeds are awesome for the purpose since it takes some work to open them in your mouth and then the fun of spitting the shells. The few times I did it with my dog (front seat lied all the way down to be flat) were the best since I could pet him.
Some of the trips I did without any sleep, a couple I would stop and take a 45 minute nap or so at a rest area or something the hours of 2am-5am were always the hardest to maintain concentration, opening a window (or top down!) really helped a lot.
I don’t know that I could do it now, though. I’m quite a bit older and get tired more easily, plus I’m not so poor that I can’t afford a hotel now. I always enjoyed my long cross country drives, someday I’m going to do another with my son in our sports car and head out to the west coast and back. You can bet I’ll be stopping for sleep then, though.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
08/13/2017 at 19:52, STARS: 1
Do a skype call in show like UCS!
"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain)
08/13/2017 at 20:08, STARS: 1
I did SLC to San Francisco in about 10.5. I could have gone another two. Not the worst ever but it was a comfortable vehicle (Nissan Armada with broken brakes).
"notsomethingstructural" (notsomethingstructural)
08/13/2017 at 20:24, STARS: 3
12 is doable, but I’d get two solid nights of sleep first. Best to take a break every 2-3 hours even if just to stretch. Don’t over-exert, once you do it’s hard to come back form it.
"Viggen" (viggen37)
08/13/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1
I did it alone in
March.
If you’ve got music and hands free, it’s easy.
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
08/13/2017 at 20:32, STARS: 0
That’s my one big concern, because I’ve never driven for that long before. I like any advice that involves beef jerky.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
08/13/2017 at 20:37, STARS: 2
I’ve done 12-14 hr drives several times. It is difficult but can be done safely. I stop at a minimum every two hours. I listen to books on tape, pod casts and catchy music. Start slowly on the stimulants so they are more effective as the day wears on. If you do get zoned out, just pull over and run around your car a few times.
"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats)
08/13/2017 at 21:01, STARS: 1
I was planning on two hour stops for gas (roughly half a tank). The rest is great advice too.
"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
08/13/2017 at 21:43, STARS: 0
What car, alone?
its doable. one thing is to keep hydrated. Dehydration has been linked in multiple studies as to why there are more accidents.
I used to try everything to avoid rest stops, but now I just incopoarte it into my pattern. drink a water/gatorade stop every 1.5 hours.
https://www.esurance.com/info/car/dangers-of-summer-driving
Also podcasts are amazing. King of kings, blueprint for armeegedon, prophets of doom, wraith of the khans
http://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/
"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura)
08/13/2017 at 22:09, STARS: 1
FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE MILES OF IT.
Never again.
"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura)
08/13/2017 at 22:12, STARS: 0
As others have said it’s mainly personal ability/desire. Im moving to AZ from NY this week and will be doing the trip in 3 days. I’ve driven completely cross country before and have had a couple 16 hour days. Take your breaks and just be intelligent, having someone else is a huge plus as well.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
08/13/2017 at 22:17, STARS: 0
I have a tornado magnet. I have never lived anywhere they usually occur and I’ve come close to being hit by 4 of them; more than 1 for every decade of my life. 3 of them touched down within a mile of me and two of those have come within a half a mile of me. Two of those weren’t even in states known for them.
"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
08/13/2017 at 22:23, STARS: 0
I’m never coming to your house for lunch
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
08/13/2017 at 22:23, STARS: 0
I did 16 in one day in an F450 with a trailer. That was when I was in my colleges FSAE racing team. I was pretty shot when we got back to school and then had to unload the trailer and then drive another hour just to get home. It was pretty dumb but I got through it.
" The Compromiser" (charger)
08/13/2017 at 22:59, STARS: 0
I did 21 hours straight last month. That is a very bad idea. As a truck driver I’ve done 10-12 hours without issue.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
08/13/2017 at 23:12, STARS: 0
I do not blame you. Meeting me in Kansas would be insanity.
Also note that I’ve spent no more than about a month of my life east of the Rockies in the US.
"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
08/14/2017 at 09:55, STARS: 1
I did 16 hours and 700 miles on Friday.... On a motorcycle. I didn’t (and usually don’t) do caffeine. As others have said, snacks are important. Give your body something to do. The better the snack the better for you. I use almonds or other nuts (in small amounts) and licorice if I need something sweet.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/14/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 1
Well recently I worked a 6 hour shift and then drove 15 hour to Denver, got there and 8am, laid down for an hour of rest, spent the whole day out and about like really out and about doing lots, slept 7 or 8 hours that night, got brunch, drove back 15 hour to CA got home showered and went to work for a full 9 hour day.
It was totally fine for me any way. Not my first time driving long distance. You just have to find the right mix of hydration and enough food to sustain you, keep you awake and alert without filling you up and making you tired.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
08/15/2017 at 08:19, STARS: 0
I’ve done 13h in a 24h period after 2h sleep the night before. But not in one chunk, I had a spare driver for about 7h in the middle of that... but even then I only got maybe a couple hours sleep at most on account of my back seat (at least, when the truck is full) being impossible to get comfortable in for any length of time unless you’re totally exhausted and it’s dark.
"RocketJsquirrel" (RocketJsquirrel)
08/15/2017 at 18:49, STARS: 0
Take it from someone who once fell asleep at the wheel with the cruise control set at 70 - The moment you feel sleepy find a place to take a nap. When you wake up continue driving. Repeat as often as needed. I have logged many 1000 mile days on motorcycles and in cars this way. Oh what happened when I fell asleep at the wheel - I died of course.
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
08/15/2017 at 18:57, STARS: 0
Cake. I can knock out 10 easy, but then I start getting a bit antsy. Free advice — change up the music a couple of times for an hour or so from what you usually listen to just to keep things a little interesting. Do not listen to talk radio — that leads to road rage! I’ve always found a snack that requires some work to be helpful — not something that you can just toss in the mouth, chew a couple of time, and swallow, but something that requires some effort. Jerky is my go to, but even gum is good. I also spend an extra few minutes walking around when getting gas or hitting the can. Have fun!
"nechronius" (nechronius)
08/15/2017 at 18:57, STARS: 1
Calling someone for a few minutes of light banter has been my advice for years. If I start feeling my mind wandering at all, I’ll dial a friend or co-worker for a few minutes of chit-chat.
Obviously you have to be wary about being a distracted driver. Hands free options are strongly encouraged and don’t engage in anything that requires deep concentration. Just a few quick words like what’s up, how’s your day been, etc. Don’t attempt to do long division over the phone.
"3point8isgreat" (3point8isgreatest)
08/15/2017 at 19:00, STARS: 0
That’s amazing. I’ve lived in Kansas for 19 years and never seen a single tornado.
"112358132134" (5589144)
08/15/2017 at 19:06, STARS: 0
My personal record was 17 hours straight, 1100 miles. And did 26 hours straight with a co-driver. No real issues. Have eye drops, and keep hydrated. Eat healthy road snacks. Make sure your seat is properly set (good upright posture). I find time out of the car to be more detrimental (having to go back to the same seat is brutal).
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
08/15/2017 at 19:07, STARS: 0
More like terrifying. The one that I always think of as the closest to getting me was there in Kansas. It slid the car I was in (stopped at the time) off the road into a ditch...