Don,

Good points, Question on the fix a flat type products.

I have seen a product called Slime, looks like its a good product
maybe better than fix a flat?

I have the Aluminum 14" wheels, will any of that stuff corrode the
Aluminum?

Will it last for the trip or do I need to bring the tire to
professional to repair it with a rubber plug afterwards?

I was talking with some traveler in Walmart and he said when had used
it he never re-plugged it, just drove on it without any problems ever.

What's your thoughts?

Robert
NY

On Apr 14, 2009, at 9:47 AM, Don Hanson wrote:

> Couple of further tips:
> Keep your speed reasonable and you will save gas.  The difference in
> gas
> mileage between 55 and 75 (or so) is big on most vans.
>
>  Take a spare waterpump belt and some of that Fix a flat in a can.
>
> I like to select the smaller highways or the back roads.  Interstate
> travel
> is kinda 'seedy'...Those huge Travel Stops are usually crowded with
> uptight
> travelers and one in New York is much like one in South Dakota or
> one in
> Texas...usually a bit dirty and "hard-used"  I've found some of my
> favorite
> roads and places using those state Atlas books, like the DeLorme Topo
> atlas'.
>
>   Establish a routine for fuel stops.  Follow the routine faithfully
> so as
> to avoid mistakes.  I like to take just a second, before I pull back
> onto
> the road, and reveiw my stop to make sure I've 'done
> everything'...Saves you
> going back a long ways for your gas cap or your wallet that you left
> sitting
> on the gas pump, or maybe blowing up a motor cause you didn't check
> your
> oil, or having a blow-out because you didn't see a bubble on one of
> your
> tires, etc etc etc. Do a 'walk around' the van and check things
> visually
> while filling up.
>  I didn't see, in this thread, any mention of  Mall Wart parking
> lots as a
> urban overnight possibility.  They are places where many travelers
> "camp"
> overnight.  I've never been hasseled or run out of one in the
> West,   I
> sometimes use them as a late night 'sleep-over' when doing interstate
> marathon drives.
>  Have fun and wave at the Vanagons you see.  Plug your ears when you
> pass
> all the Harleys.
>  Don Hanson
>
> On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 4:24 AM, Joy Hecht <jhecht@alum.mit.edu>
> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 1:12 AM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com
>>> wrote:
>>
>>> Joy,
>>>
>>> Thanks for all the great insights.
>>