3000 Miles! NYC-LA Gumball- pointers/tips?

[NYCS4Avant]

So I'm driving to LA in about 2 weeks in the S4 Avant. We are going to try and do the drive in about 3 days.
The convey is planning on taking the southern route.

-Depart NYC:
-181 S 526 Miles
-I-20W/US-278
-I-10 W/ Baton Rouge, 467
- I-10W/ US787 N/ El-Paso- 1,345

I was wondering if anyone has experience with the drive, and of course and all help is appreciated!

I've already started to compile the list of survival gear. Lets just say I like being prepared.
-full size spare
-fix a flat
- widow maker delete, bad ass jack install
-cigarette powered air compressor/ box of 12g Co2's
-warning triangle, flares, glow sticks
- 2 qts of Mobil 1
- first aid kid/space blanket/ MRE's (no b/s)
- fire extinguisher
- tow rope
- jumper cables
- mobile laptop stand
- police scanner
- walkie talkies (buddy is following in the "support car")
- cb radio
- valentine 1
- binoculars
- in car camera mount
- 3 gallon gas container (full)
- 1 Gallon water
- 5lbs Jack Links Beef Jerky (assorted flavors)
- Case of Starbucks Double Espresso Shots

[dreamcar=rs4]

have your buddy drive ahead and spot for cops lol

[akasch]

Try to beat 31 hrs and 4 minutes lol. check out Alex Roy's gumball http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels...urrentPage=all

[channad]

I've done the NYC to LA in 3 days...

We took the northern route, though. The 80, I think through Pennsylvania...we went along the north. Then went down the 15 through Vegas and then to LA.

Going from LA to NYC by way of the 10 freeway, then north, through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and made our way through Washington D.C. and onward to NYC. That took us 5 days.

Damn, sounds like it'll be a fun event! Take some pics and vids and post them up here afterward.

Best of luck!

[tileg]

- 5lbs Jack Links Beef Jerky (assorted flavors)

this is absolutely the most important part of your kit. sweet & hot preferably.

[$4c@b]

I did San Fran to Naples Fl. a few years ago. I-10 from LA all the way to Tallahassee. I think we did it in 3 days. I-10 is one of the best roads for testing your car. Get used to seeing this for hours:



Our longest stint was El Paso ---> West Louisiana in one day.

Take a cooler with ice, water, and cold cuts. The food on the road, especially if you are trying to make good time, is all garbage. Each morning, go to a grocery store and stock up again.

Sat. radio ftw!

PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN !

[2PUTT]

you just shared your route to everyone who does not need to know...i think that was not a smart move.

[$4c@b]

you just shared your route to everyone who does not need to know...i think that was not a smart move.

what do you think is going to happen?

[turbo4s]

Audi coolant, thats a deff.

[BGEDWN]

[covertS4driver]

I have driven across the country a couple of times. If it is for a purpose (moving, vacation, etc) I have done it with no prep. Just get in the Allroad and drive. If it is without purpose (rally, Gumball, Bullrun... hahah) there is ALOT of prep.
Is this actually part of a "rally" or just a recreational drive?

If its just recreational, you seem to be pretty well prepared. If its rally then here are a few quick things:
1. Laser shifter/jammer
2. At least one GPS, preferably more.
3. Mobile internet access

PM me for more in depth if needed.

[Liam@TheGallery]

I did Miami to Palm Springs alone twice in one week this Feb (it's about 50 miles shorter than NYC to LA). First run was 39hrs 10mins driving a 22ft Penske truck hauling the RS4 behind. Second run was in my Land Rover towing another trailer with the pups. Took us 49 hours on that run stopping for naps, food, gas and bodily functions. No supplies, just got in and drove.

[turbo4s]

I really want to drive down to Miami from NY. I always wanted to do that. Some day I will. Its just so much easier to hop in a plane.

[kloover]

Just curious...why are you bringing two cars (you said you have a friend following)? My longest road trip has been Rochester, NY to Melbourne, FL (about 20 hours) with 2 buddies...we did it in about 18 with 4 stops (gas/change driver).

When I had my C5A6 4.2L, I used to be able to do the 450 mile/7.5 hour trip from my college to my parents house nonstop (1 tank of gas!). With the S4 I have to stop at least once, sometimes twice if I don't fill up before I leave school :(

[Mooneywa]

Depends??? I don't think NYCS4AVANT is an Astronaut on the prowl..!

[Dodge2Dub]

I did an LA to Baltimore run in 41 hours with another driver swapping driving duties with me every 6 hours. We only stopped for gas (got food from the quickie marts) and managed to get one speeding ticket (not bad considering the speeds and lack of sleep) - in Texas of course. Oh, and we took the southern route.

[NYCS4Avant]

Work has me moving for a year, and while I could fly,ship the car, and get there in 7 hours, this is the only chance I'll ever have. I'm a part-time professional DJ and thus have a lot of equipment ($$$$) that must be moved. I'm just not comfortable shipping it so I'll deliver it by hand.

Why 2 cars? The avant is going to be literally stuffed to the top. The other car (TBD S60R or H2) is a buddy who is also moving out to LA. Each car will have a driver and a navigator

And no, I am not Lisa Nowak. Although I wonder how Alex Roy smoked carton of cigarettes, drank redbull and/or coffee, and never had to drop a deuce in a set of depends.

[S4B6Dave]

Better take out a loan for the gas bill!!! Check out gasbuddy.com for the cheapest states to buy gas, if you can make it across one on a tank with our cars!

[bavaria75]

I did a Boston - SF drive back in 2003. But I took the northern route I90/I80. Just got in the car with a Uhaul trailer and drove 8-10 hours a day. Took me 5 days.
Advice:
Take pictures
Take your time and make some stops and sightseeing. I still regrat some spots I properly will never be close in my life again.
Keep some water and crackers handy
You will be surprised how many cars and trucks pass you in the middle of nowhere. So no concerns on breakdowns.
Have fun

[ttr250]

coolant might be needed

[tatarin]

Money !!!

[Das General]

how about like a regular map? like the paper ones.

[Dodge2Dub]

how about like a regular map? like the paper ones.

What's that?

[Maverick]

give me a roast beef sandwich and a Dr.Pepper, I am in a rush

[Das General]

What's that?

the ones that fold up and shit. just in case your electronics fail at some point.

[$4c@b]

give me a roast beef sandwich and a Dr.Pepper, I am in a rush

maybe you meant "give me a diablo sandwich and a Dr. Pepper. I'm in a goddam hurry!" ?