What to pack for a cross country drive?

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678) 10/16/2017 at 14:30 • Filed to: None

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So its looking more and more like I will be leaving next weekend for my cross country move across America! That means I need to hurry up and figure out what I am packing in the Miata for the journey. Obviously being in a Miata means I can’t fit much so I will not be moving many of my belongings. I am just looking to pack the essentials needed for about 7 days of driving in a car with 200k miles on it and tent camping the whole way. Here is a list of everything I have planned to bring so far:

Camping supplies

Backpacking tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow

Folding metal shovel, wood splitter, utility knife

Camping stove, pot, pan, cup, metal spork, can opener, aluminum foil, paper plates and plastic utensils

Matches, lots of dryer lint, flint/steel

Headlamp, flashlight, camp light, lots of AAA batteries

10 foot tarp. Also might just bring my 30 foot tarp if I can fit it somewhere.

Rain suit and warm clothing

Car Repair Tools

Floor jack, 2 jack stands, 2 foot breaker bar, deep impact metric set (10-24mm), 1500 in-lb electric impact

Tool box with assorted open end wrenches, extensions (1/4, 3/8, 1/2) and adapters, pliers, vice grips, screw drivers, 1/2 inch ratchet

Crafstman tool set with 3/8 and 1/4 sockets and a couple screw drivers and 3/8 ratchet- this is my main tool set

Liquid wrench penetrant

Rechargeable 15W work lamp (has a USB charger and wall charger), smaller 200 lumen magnetic work lamp (AAA battery)

Other stuff

20,000 mAh Anker power pack with 2 USB ports (2A each)

2 port 12VDC USB charger for the car (2A each)

Duct tape, zip ties, and bungee cords

Big 5 day cooler for the passenger seat

My plan is to just put all of the tools in the trunk and all of the camping stuff in my hiking backpack mounted to my luggage rack. Cooler in the passenger seat. Carryon suitcase and backpack in the passenger footwell. Anything else I bring will end up strapped to the roll bar.

I guess I could do this but Id like to be able to use the top if it rains

Any suggestions for other stuff you guys would recommend? Im sure theres stuff I will pack that I didnt bother mentioning like sunblock and a hat. Or toothpaste and soap. But im talking more specific stuff I can order on amazon or pick up locally that would be helpful for a trip like this and is worth the space.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:38

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What about getting a small hitch and trailer and selling them later once you settle in?

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:39

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Assorted fluids in case something decides to leak on you.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:39

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Twizzlers

itschrome > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:39

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all your missing is two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers... and also a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of Budweiser, a pint of raw ether and two dozen amyls. then you should be all set.

PartyPooper2012 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:39

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I’m no expert in these sort of shenanigans, but maybe dashboard?

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:40

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Toothbrush and condoms. And your cell phone.

I have another burner, try to guess it! > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:41

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Baby wipes. Suitable alternative to showering in cases like this.

Also download some podcasts or audio books. Music will get old relatively quick.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > I have another burner, try to guess it! 10/16/2017 at 14:46

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Music? Ive got the sounds of the road and my exhaust droning everything out to look forward to! Haha its not that bad, the roadstersport exhaust actually doesnt drone much. And Ill be avoiding the interstates most days so I will actually hear my music. Good point though, I should try podcasts.

And solid suggestion with the baby wipes. Im going to have showers in a couple of campgrounds and at least one night in an airbnb in there. But at least its not mid summer so I wont be that much of a sweaty mess.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:47

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Tire repair kit and a pump.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:47

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what part is most likely to break next on your car? bring one of those.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:48

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This, plus a fridge. I guess its different if you are off roading though.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 10/16/2017 at 14:50

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Yes, im bringing a 5 qt jug of mobil one oil, a gallon of coolant, bottle of brake fluid, and an extra alternator belt. I think I also have a cam position and crank position sensor that I will bring along in the glove box. For most problems I hope to be able to make it to a parts store or walmart parking lot for. But nothing is currently a problem with the car at least.

I could pack things like extra spark plugs and wires or other spares but I think its a waste of space. Most of that stuff Ive replaced preventatively in the last couple months to prepare for this.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:50

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Seriously though can I recommend a high density pad in addition to a low density pad? Something like this.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stansport-Pack-Lite-Camping-Pad/9856753

Under a regular open cell pad or thermarest will net you MUCH better nights sleep. Also if you have a down coat, save space no bringing a pillow and just stuff the down coat into a cotton t. More comfy and less wasted space.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 14:52

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A Miata? The smallest version of your house . Only the stuff you know you’re gonna need: “money, keys, comb, wallet, lighter, hanky, pen, smokes, rubber, and change...Well, only the stuff you hope you’re gonna need.”

Honestly though, that’s a huge amount of stuff, especially tools. The only things you didn’t mention that I might pick up are a compass and GPS unit that doesn’t depend on cell towers, like a Garmin. Otherwise, you have more than I would have planned.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 10/16/2017 at 14:53

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I had considered that but I dont really have much I need to bring with me. There is one box of stuff I am shipping. Everything else is out in California already or I will bring back over the holidays. More importantly, I will be going to places like the tail of the dragon and NW arkansas to hit twisty roads. So Id like to not deal with a trailer haha. Also why I dont want to strap too much crap to the roll bar.

functionoverfashion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 15:05

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I’d leave out the impact gun. It’s probably heavy and bulky, and realistically, it may save time but with a breaker bar you should be able to get anything done you might be able to do roadside anyway.

Same idea, I’d leave the pillow and just use a jacket/towel/bulky sweatshirt folded up or stuffed into a shirt. I hate pillows on road trips, they are so bulky and easily substituted.

BobintheMtns > HammerheadFistpunch 10/16/2017 at 15:05

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Get a “Paco-pad.” It’s some epic shit.

Ssfancyfresh > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 15:09

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Nutrition:

- Cigarettes

- Oreo cookies

- Water

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 15:11

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I didn’t realize you were camping the whole way. You’re crazy, good luck, and post updates every day.

I find that about 95% of the stuff I bring as repair items never gets used. Better safe than sorry though. And don’t forget water (usually I buy distilled and forgo bringing coolant as long as it’s not too cold out. Works for both drinking and cooling. )

someassemblyrequired > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 15:11

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If you haven’t done your coolant hoses yet, bring along some heater hose or swap them before you leave.

HammerheadFistpunch > BobintheMtns 10/16/2017 at 15:14

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$250?! pass. I will get a $12 closed cell foam jobber and a $70 Thermarest basecamp. I can sew a little cotton sleeve to they stay together if I want. In fact, I think thats exactly what I’m going to do this fall.

BobintheMtns > HammerheadFistpunch 10/16/2017 at 15:15

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I didn’t realize they were that expensive these days... zoiks...

But they also double as a nice raft if you’re by a river/lake....

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 15:20

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On long trips with questionable cars I’ll usually carry some fiberfix and rescuetape in case something bursts or breaks unexpectedly. Also maybe epoxy putty, depending. Also a tire pump.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > HammerheadFistpunch 10/16/2017 at 16:09

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Hmm you are talking about using two sleeping pads? I love my accordion style sleeping pad with my 20 degree sleeping bag. Has been plenty comfortable even on nights where it gets into the upper 20s. Plus they both pack down pretty well.

Definitely not giving up on the pillow though, that is always my one camping luxury item. I can cram it behind the passenger seat anyways since im not backpacking with the gear.

MarquetteLa > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:09

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Don’t forget there’s a bit of space between the trunk and cabin behind the trunk trim pieces. Might be able to stash a tarp or something in there.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > HammerheadFistpunch 10/16/2017 at 16:10

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Haha I think I might have trouble fitting all of that in my Miata

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 10/16/2017 at 16:11

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Dont need those, my girlfriend would be upset about that being my luggage on the road without her lol. Cell phone is my camera and map and emergency last resort flashlight so its certainly essential to have and keep charged.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:11

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Yeah, I use two pads. The accordian style is a closed cell, and that goes on the bottom for me, then a thermarest of open cell foam on top, depending on the mood I do all three. I like to sleep comfy in my car.

As for the pillow I actually prefer the down coat and T. Soft and supportive without being too big and heavy.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 10/16/2017 at 16:11

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Thats those cam and crank sensors and a belt for good measure.

HammerheadFistpunch > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:12

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The joys of a huge truck for 1 guy.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 10/16/2017 at 16:12

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The car isnt questionable but having key stuff like that would be useful, good idea! Tire pump is always in my trunk along with a pressure gauge. Thinking about bringing one of those patch kits since I have no spare anyways.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MarquetteLa 10/16/2017 at 16:13

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I do have wiring for an amp run through there and its difficult to pull the carpet back to access that cubby anyways. I shouldnt really be pressed for space and I think I will just put one tarp under the camping pack on the luggage rack and use the other to cover it on top.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > someassemblyrequired 10/16/2017 at 16:14

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I did my coolant hoses last year but it would be a good idea to bring along an extra length of hose. I already have one laying around in the trunk of the Neon for that purpose anyways.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/16/2017 at 16:15

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Ive got the pump but yeah with no spare tire the patch kit is a good idea.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > HammerheadFistpunch 10/16/2017 at 16:20

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I always have a terrible sleep without a regular pillow. Ive actually gone out to the store and bought one while camping just because I forgot one. But I also dont have a down coat so that might be why. Random clothing stuffed in there doesnt have the same effect. Ive never had comfort issues with the sleeping bag right on the ground, thin closed cell is already luxury as far as im concerned.

I have another burner, try to guess it! > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:20

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Also if you cave and get a hotel one night. Don’t be total cheapskate. When I was travelling w/ my Uncle in South Texas we stayed at an unbelievably sketch motel (Top last to describe it on mobile. The next day we drove past a La Quinta that was $10 more lol.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove 10/16/2017 at 16:22

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Well I gotta move that stuff anyways and I would feel stupid shipping my tools when I very well could need some of them on the way out there. But yeah I have plenty of space in my Miata since im not transporting suitcases full of clothing or furniture with me. Plus I havent driven the car in like a month so who knows what will go wrong lol.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > functionoverfashion 10/16/2017 at 16:24

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Its not just a road trip though. Im moving for good and that is just stuff Im taking with me anyways. Just figured I would point out that it was coming along for just about any repair I might face. I cant stand camping without a pillow. Im happy to sleep on the ground with just a sleeping pad and bag but pillow is the one luxury item i will not go without.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:24

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Oh, now I get it. Well yeah, then pile it on. Don’t pay for shipping if you can avoid it.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 10/16/2017 at 16:26

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Ive got a couple of camelback style water backpacks and will probably buy a gallon of water at the store every once in a while. Im relatively confident that none of the repair stuff will get used. But I am moving and need to transport the tools somehow anyways. Might as well at least be prepared for anything!

Haha and yeah camping is the only way I could have ever imagined doing it! Ive gone camping plenty of times with my Miata so Im well practiced for this.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/16/2017 at 16:28

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That would be a good snack that doesnt melt. My favorite snack of dark chocolate with almonds always seems to melt on camping trips. But I should be able to fill up the cooler with good stuff too. It keeps things cooler the more full it is anyways.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove 10/16/2017 at 16:31

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I should also be able to download maps to my phone and I dont want to follow a GPS much if ever along this trip. Some paper maps are an EXCELLENT idea though. I prefer to just plan out my route for the next day while at my campsite each night. Yeah I can mostly use google maps for that but a nice paper map could be highly practical.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > I have another burner, try to guess it! 10/16/2017 at 16:32

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Oh yeah im saving so much by camping most of the time that I will gladly stay at a normal hotel. Its easy to find plenty of quality budget hotels in the $80-$100 range. I could afford to just do that the whole way across anyways but that would take the fun out of it.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:35

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Paper maps are a great idea.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 16:37

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Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove 10/16/2017 at 17:00

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I gotta figure out what are actually good maps though. And if a map of the whole country is overly cumbersome. Id like highly detailed maps but I only really need like the AZ, NM, AR, and TN maps. The beginning parts before that ive driven before and in between there is just i-40 for 12 hours.

Mid Engine > itschrome 10/16/2017 at 17:13

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star for quoting Hunter S. Thompson

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 17:17

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Go to AAA for good travel maps.

DrDDay > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 17:24

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I have done dozens of cross country trips, and I generally don’t take much more than my backpack. I will admit though, my trips are more like rallies. I’m not usually going at leisure pace.

In my pack I always have:

Burt’s Bees Wax

Lighter

Cigarette charging plug with detachable USB cord

wall charger w/ USB plug

Extra USB cord

Point and Shoot camera

Bluetooth Headset

Battery pack

couple Clif Bars

trail mix

Resealable jerky

Bottled water

RedBull made in Austria

extra pair of socks

small-medium folding knife

cash in small bills (usually less than $50)

small paper map

I’ve pretty much traveled the world with that setup, and there are some things that I am expecting to replenish on refueling stops (water, snacks) and some things that I might also prepare and pack depending on the conditions. If I know I am going to be by myself and running on a very tight timeline, I might also pack a small cooler that I can place down on the passenger floorboard. A few sammies, and some refreshments can keep you focused. If you’ve never done long distance driving just remember to stay hydrated and not to over eat when you do eat. If you drink too much you’ll be needing a pee break and mentally fatiguing yourself until you’re able to relieve yourself. Food is very similar. If you eat bigger portions in the car you will get an energy boost at first, followed by a heavy lag from your body trying to process the food, which can get very dangerous in the evenings. If you pace yourself with clean food and water, you will find you can drive tremendous distance easily.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 17:31

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1 medium duffle bag with a range of clothing, 1 oil change, coolant, 1 set spark plugs, 1 iPod full of music, 1 small igloo cooler (with red bull, water, and juice box), chewable vitamin C, 2 full sized towels for personal use, 1 full sized towel for non human use, 4 micro fiber towels, 1 brake fluid, 1 flashlight, 1 pillow, 1 blanket, 1 sleeping bag, 1 small tent, 1 handheld tool box (with basic set of tools), random assortment of snacks (fruits and veggies if possible), and a AAA membership card.

Uh, I guess that is probably more than I would pack, but depends on the vehicle. That is my basic list I could think of.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > DrDDay 10/16/2017 at 17:54

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Yeah ive driven for 8-12 hours in the Miata before no problem. But then Ive had trouble driving like 2 hours just because I ate too much, its ridiculously late and im tired, or just its dark out. This is why I try to keep my driving to the day time and limit long long drives to about 8 hours in a day. Im trying to do as much “fun” driving off the interstate as possible though so that should keep me going!

Lots of snacks though in general is a good idea. And good point to eat light, clean meals.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CaptDale - is secretly British 10/16/2017 at 18:00

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Thats a good comprehensive list. Covers the essentials for sure. I need to also buy a book to read. I love relaxing at camp at night and reading with a head lamp. Perfect way to end the day without going to sleep as soon as it gets dark. I just make sure to use a red lamp so that I can still see afterwards.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 18:16

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Ah yes a book or two would be good too.

Definitely get the chewable vit C, helps with getting tired and helps quench thirst.

someassemblyrequired > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 18:57

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Yes - learn from my mistakes. Have fun, driving a Miata coast to coast is a blast.

gmctavish needs more space > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 20:10

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You’re already miles ahead of me when I drove most of the way across Canada. I still have no idea how that went so well....

someassemblyrequired > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/16/2017 at 22:12

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Oh and jumper cables, definitely bring jumper cables. That was the second coast to coast trip key item.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > gmctavish needs more space 10/16/2017 at 22:13

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Well miatas are pretty reliable so it doesn’t take much to survive a long trip like that. I once drove 2000 miles with a bad radiator. It waited all the way until I made it home to actually break. I’m prepared for the unexpected basically.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > someassemblyrequired 10/17/2017 at 09:13

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Good point! I actually dont have a set so I should get some. I have one of those portable jump packs which is way more convenient. But there are times where jumper cables are a good backup to have.