Road Trip!

thecardoc3 · March 30

Electric vehicles have their place in the big picture today, but there are going to be cases where they just aren't designed for nor capable of meeting someone's needs. This past week was close to a record for travel when I spent time in six different cities during the week and traveled over 2300 miles in seven days. Flying was out of the question because some of the stops didn't allow enough time in-between to do the airport shuffle especially because I had to take way too much equipment for the various hands-on segments. At least the Mazda is doing pretty decent on the average fuel economy at just over 33 mpg.

xwesx · March 30

thecardoc3 said:
Electric vehicles have their place in the big picture today, but there are going to be cases where they just aren't designed for nor capable of meeting someone's needs. This past week was close to a record for travel when I spent time in six different cities during the week and traveled over 2300 miles in seven days. Flying was out of the question because some of the stops didn't allow enough time in-between to do the airport shuffle especially because I had to take way too much equipment for the various hands-on segments. At least the Mazda is doing pretty decent on the average fuel economy at just over 33 mpg.

Wow! That's pretty good time considering you clearly spent some time in each of the needed locations. I'll run that distance over a three day span criss-crossing the country, but I'm not spending much down time anywhere.

I am signed up for a Scout vehicle, if they end up coming to production, and I think that might be a great vehicle for my use case where I'd like to have an electric drivetrain, but I want a capable vehicle that can also travel long distances without either relying on charging infrastructure (largely unavailable on long stretches of my drives) or requiring the down time of a mid-day charge.

explorerx4 · April 27

Next weekend delivering a oiece of furniture to my kid in Madison, WI.
While in the shower this am, it occured to me that I didn't have an EZ Pass mounted in the truck.
Found a transponder from a previous vehicle and registered the truck and plate on my account.
That would have been an expensive trip without it. As it is, tolls will be $40 to $50 for the trip.

xwesx · April 27

Hah; no doubt! I intended to bring a transponder with me when we flew down for a quick trip to our Ohio place, but, of course, I forgot to pack it when the time came. Not too big of a deal, as I don't have toll roads in my immediate vicinity, but I do need to be cognizant of that to and from the Pittsburgh airport. For whatever reason, the routing apps *really* want to take me onto toll roads!

explorerx4 · April 28

Took a short trip to see if my newly activated EZ Pass is working.
Sign said Accepted when I drove through the toll booths.
Tolls with the EZ Pass discount are about $55 round trip.
Don't want to pay full price.

Sandman6472 · April 28

Hardly use my Sunpass anymore as I now live super close to home. I had to use it for those 6 years I worked at Hertz as the trip was 29 miles each way, a good part of it on a toll road. Besides going through a lot of $ in tolls, I put about 13K/year in mileage on my new vehicle I got in December of 2014. Thus being the reason I'm almost at 80K right now. Was thinking earlier that I'd have super low miles if I had the Enterprise gig then. Would've been under 40K right now on the clock! A real big difference there!

ab348 · April 28

Odd thing happened up here a couple of months ago. The recent re-election of the provincial (i.e. state) government came with a lot of promises. One thing that seemed to come out of the blue since it wasn't a burning issue was a promise to remove the tolls on the two Halifax harbor bridges. Those have always had tolls, being 25 cents back when I first started driving in the '70s, to being $1.25 cash/$1.00 pass most recently. Anyway, shortly after the election they stopped being collected, and around the end of March the toll plazas were demolished. I still think it was a bad idea, but I have already noticed that I am no longer so hesitant to drive across them where in the past I might have decided to shop somewhere on my side of the harbor.

xwesx · April 28

As long as they keep performing maintenance on the bridges!

ab348 · April 29

xwesx said:
As long as they keep performing maintenance on the bridges!

Based on the poor maintenance practices by the provincial govt on our roadways, that is my concern.

xwesx · May 1

The only times I have been overly annoyed with road tolls are when I have just paid a hefty tab... literally JUST gone through the tolling booth, and then I'm sitting at a dead standstill for hours waiting on construction that has snarled traffic. If they expect people to pay money to sit still, they should either build bypasses before they start the project or just shut it down altogether. The project would likely go five times faster, and drivers are always happier when they're moving (even if it is a lot slower than the toll road normally flows).

explorerx4 · May 1

@xwesx,
We're definitely going to hit some of that on our trip, especially travelling Friday and Monday.
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois all have highway projects in progress on our route.
First trip in the truck, so a lot to learn. I'll definitely be checking the odometer accuracy.
Biggest questions so far for me are seat comfort and getting use to no adaptive cruise.
Very heavy TV stand, a hand truck to move it, a couple of floor lamps and a sewing machine in a stand are loaded and ready to go.
On Saturday, some car browsing for our kid is on the agenda and Sunday we are headed to Milwaukee to see a Brewers/Cubs basball game.

xwesx · May 2

Good luck navigating the Chicago area! It's always fun, though they are pushing some major infrastructure upgrades around there, so once you get by the bottleneck at the bottom of the lake (near the state line area), it opens up a lot more than it did in previous decades.

explorerx4 · May 13

We saw a couple of planes doing stunts in the Toleo area on our way back from Chicago.
There are 2 planes near each other in the pic. Ignore the plane atthe top of the picture.

xwesx · May 14

It looks like they drew an outline of a Concorde with the contrails.

explorerx4 · May 14

@xwesx,
I'm not sure if that was intentional but it looked pretty cool.

explorerx4 · May 22

Not sure why it's taking so long, but most of the tolls from my last 2 trips(Madison, WI and Chicago, IL) haven't shown up on my EZ Pass yet.
A couple of charges from 5/9 in Illinois just got posted but so far nothing from 4/1 through 5/8.
Still had plenty of range left after 500 miles back from Wisconsin, so took a while before filling up.
Ended up going 661 miles and putting in 31.5 gallons(21 mpg average).

Sandman6472 · May 25

Rented a newer Kona for last weeks trek to St. Augustine and it drove really nicely. Didn't figure out the mileage as it really didn't matter but it was an AWD vehicle. I did all the driving and took us almost 5 hours each way which wasn't that bad. Traffic up around Daytona and where I-4 meets I-95 but that could be normal. Gotta feeling that we're going to end up somewhere near the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area though think I'd prefer to be closer to Orlando. Think our kid might be looking to buy a house within the next 6 to 8 months.

explorerx4 · May 29

Taking the pickup to CT this weekend, so another 1100 plus mile trip.
I'm thinking of taking I-90 across through NY, then Mass Pike and south in CT from there to the Hartford area.
Usually we go I-80/I-81/I-84. CT traffic through Danbury/Waterbury is pretty awful, so I;m trying to avoid it.
We will go back the usual way, though.

xwesx · May 29

So, speaking of I-90, I received the following notice from MassDOT:

"MassDOT is expecting heavy traffic along I-90 at I/95 Friday, May 30, 2025, 9 p.m. to Monday, June 2, 2025, 5 a.m. and Friday, June 20, 2025, 9 p.m. to Monday, June 23, 2025, 5 a.m.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

MassDOT will replace the I-90 bridge over the MBTA Worcester Commuter Rail in Newton, MA. Accelerated Bridge Construction methods will be used to replace the bridge over two weekends to minimize impacts to the public. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Exit 123 in Weston and Exit 125 in Newton.

TRAVEL TIPS

Drivers should expect significant delays on I-90 during these weekends. If possible, drivers should plan ahead, avoid the area, and seek an alternate route. Real-time messaging boards will be along the interstates providing travel times through the area."

REPLACING AN ENTIRE BRIDGE OVER TWO WEEKENDS?! Why can't all construction projects do that? Wow. The bridge project on I5 in southern Washington gummed up that highway for months (and, who knows... maybe longer!).

xwesx · May 29

If you feel like stretching your legs on the front end of the trip, stop by the Conneaut Township Park and walk the boardwalk along the lakeshore. It's a nice walk (and only a few minutes off I90 at exit 241)!

explorerx4 · May 29

@xwesx,
That's some great info. Luckily, we won't get east enough to be anywhere near I-95.
I still have to convince my wife to consider going the north route to CT.

stickguy · May 29

if you take 90 you will be real close to us. Even closer to our son! I don't blame you wanting to avoid 84. That road west of Hartford is never fun. 90 to 91 isn't bad.

Wes, I knew about that project because it impacts us. our daughter is getting married in Boston the weekend in June so it will mess up anyone coming in Saturday, or leaving Sunday. Unfortunate, but they did not check with us in advance!

we went through a couple of months ago and the interchange was a bit of a mess. They have been working on it for a long time, redoing ramps, stuff like that so 95 was all backed up. This is the last stage pretty much. They built all the buttresses and I think this is just dropping the beams onto them. Then however much work is left to finish up the roadbed.

xwesx · May 29

stickguy said:

we went through a couple of months ago and the interchange was a bit of a mess. They have been working on it for a long time, redoing ramps, stuff like that so 95 was all backed up. This is the last stage pretty much. They built all the buttresses and I think this is just dropping the beams onto them. Then however much work is left to finish up the roadbed.

Ah! I knew there must be more congestion there than the notice lead on.... Still, it sounds like the sheer volume of traffic through that interchange was at the top of the priority list when it came to the project. On I-5, I'm pretty sure the project managers were cackling with glee while they envisioned backing up traffic for a hundred miles in each direction.....

One thing that many folks don't appreciate about the eastern US versus the west is that the eastern US is literally woven with roads like a fine cloth. So, if your preferred route is choked by something, chances are there is another way to get where you're going (albeit more slowly sometimes). In the west, sometimes the road in the corridor you need is the ONLY one available within fifty miles or more. Such is true with I-5. If you want to travel that corridor by other means.... well.... good luck with that!

ab348 · May 29

I’ve seen a few time-lapse videos on YouTube of accelerated bridge replacement in just a couple of days and it is remarkable to watch. Lots of big cranes and pre-fabbed bridge decks being flown into place.

kyfdx · May 30

Our Ohio River interstate bridge was damaged by a fire underneath, last November. The fire was so intense, it melted the support beams. They had to manufacture seven (7) custom beams. They had it back open in about 4 months. A lot of that time was getting the steel beams made.

Really messed up the traffic patterns. Fortunately, it wasn't the I-75 bridge. That would have been so much worse.

explorerx4 · June 1

Back from our trip to CT.
Got the first tank over 700 miles, so far, 22.3 mpg, which included 100 miles of local driving.
Different route on the way back but haven't filled up yet. Looks to be about 20 mpg.
Went to one of my BIL's retirement party on Friday and then got invited to a Jack and Jill on Saturday.
I wasn't really family, so I basically did some setup, sold over 2K in 50/50 tickets and did some cleanup afterwards.
The guy who won the 50/50 kept a $100 bill gave the rest of his half back to the future bride and groom.
That night my right hand cramped up from tearing tickets apart into strips and then indiviual tickets that went into a bucket.

stickguy · June 1

what engine did you get in the F-150? 2.7, 3.5 or Coyote?

explorerx4 · June 1

@stickguy,
I've got the Coyote V8. Also have FX4, so all terrain tires.

xwesx · June 2

I've found that if you get the right AT tires, there's not necessarily an economy (or noise) penalty, but still noticeable benefits on softer surfaces.

explorerx4 · July 13

Leaving next Saturday for the OBX with a bunch of family.
Sister in law dropped off a bunch of stuff we are going to take for her, my niece and kids, since they are flying.
Yesterday, my SIL came by with his 17 Explorer.
The exhaust seemed louder than normal and was making a Putt Putt sound out the back.
Earlier last week, I happened to watch some YT video's about replacing the flex pipe on that gen Explorer.
After talking to him about what it might be, he is going to get it checked out this week.
A flex pipe leak is very dangerous.
The OEM part is rediculously expensive compared to aftermarket.
If he can't get it fixed, I'll give them my Explorer and my wife and I will take the pickup.

fintail · July 13

Speaking of road trips, in just over a week I'll be on the road for the annual jaunt out to the beach/coast (the actual coast, not the metro Seattle "coast" so many eastern Washingtonians call it), maybe a 1000 mile round trip, where I will see such exotic destinations as Soap Lake, Naches, and Hoquiam. Weather is looking good, should be a nice drive.

explorerx4 · July 14

Son in law is at a muffler shop and they are going to weld in a new flex section instead of replacing the whole pipe.

Sandman6472 · July 16

Just curious, is your Explorer just an extra vehicle since you do have a newer pickup truck? Or is it your wife's vehicle? Have driven a few Explorers at work and do like them. The Escape...not so much. My favorite is the Edge but heard that it's not going to be produced anymore. Shame as it seems to be the perfect size vehicle.

explorerx4 · July 16

@sandman6472,
I swap driving the Explorer and the truck so I don't put too many miles on either one.
On a daily basis, I don't drive much. My wife drives her Corsair every day in the morning and in the afternoon, so we don't usually take it on trips.
Saturday we are leaving for the OBX, which is about 800 miles one way and you have to add in some local driving. Taking the Explorer for that trip.
Next month, we are going to CT for 4 days or so. That's about 650 miles each way and we are taking the truck.

explorerx4 · July 18

Just about packed up for the OBX trip.
Everything fits, although not quite the way I remember from last year.
Took pics so I can see where things went on the way out.

xwesx · July 18

What is OBX? The internet says, "It's a common abbreviation for the string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina." Correct?

If so, that's a respectable road trip! Which way are you headed to get there?

And, as far as, "Everything fits, although not quite the way I remember from last year," that's exactly how I feel about my jeans.

explorerx4 · July 19

@xwesx,
Yes, islands off NC coast. Specifically, we are going to Hatteras Village.
I think the route is I-480, I-80, I-79, I-76, I-70, WV 522, I-81, I-64, NC 168 to NC 12.
Glad you lost some weight, you jeans will shink to fit.

ab348 · July 19

While I still have no actual idea where @explorerx4 is going or what those islands are called, at least I know he is traveling to an island on the East Coast somewhere between Maine and Florida, so that helps narrow it down.

I have never once heard that OBX acronym used until just now. Is that an airport code?

kyfdx · July 19

ab348 said:
While I still have no actual idea where @explorerx4 is going or what those islands are called, at least I know he is traveling to an island on the East Coast somewhere between Maine and Florida, so that helps narrow it down.

I have never once heard that OBX acronym used until just now. Is that an airport code?

North Carolina

fintail · July 19

One may see "OBX" oval stickers resembling old European country stickers as tourist items.

stickguy · July 19

Did an about 320 mile 7.5 hour trip today. Small by some poster standards! But tiring.

Long because we detoured to sightsee in our old area in NJ. then stopped to meet a dog we are possibly adopting.

My right knee hurts after that much driving.

Michaell · July 19

stickguy said:
My right knee hurts after that much driving.

OK, I'm glad I'm not the only one suffering from that. There are times when I can be in the car for just an hour or so, in stop and go traffic, and get soreness.

ab348 · July 19

Michaell said:

stickguy said:
My right knee hurts after that much driving.

OK, I'm glad I'm not the only one suffering from that. There are times when I can be in the car for just an hour or so, in stop and go traffic, and get soreness.

Welcome to my world. Getting old is a pain.

explorerx4 · July 27

Left Hatteras at 5 am yesterday and saw this. Didn't really know what is was and should have taken pictures a minute ealier. Turns out it was a SpaceX rocket launch.

fintail · July 30

Back from the road trip, of course I forgot to note the odometer reading when I left, but I suspect a little over 1000 miles. As the trip was in several legs I also didn't keep track of mpg, but I know the car claims around 31 on not too hilly ~65 mph 2 lane highways - maybe a little less with mountain passes or higher speed driving. Not too much annoyance on the road, but more than a few LLCs were out showing off stubbornness or oblivion, I passed on the right more than a couple times. Not too much WSP or speed trap presence, but did see one or two.

xwesx · July 30

Welcome home! I start my road trip tomorrow. I'll try to stay out of the left lane, even when there are multiple lanes in the same direction!

fintail · July 30

xwesx said:
Welcome home! I start my road trip tomorrow. I'll try to stay out of the left lane, even when there are multiple lanes in the same direction!

To or from Ohio?

explorerx4 · July 31

@xwesx,
There's a lot of construction on I-90 in Indiana and in the Cleveland area.
Cleveland area project goes into 2028!

xwesx · July 31

@explorerx4 Sounds wonderful!

@fintail To. We will head down through Oregon so I can pop in to visit my family for a brief spell, then across (apparently not on I-90) to Ohio. If all goes to plan, we should get there on the 10th.

explorerx4 · July 31

@xwesx,
I found this site for current traffic conditions on I-90 in Indiana with summary of travel time.
https://www.navbug.com/traffic_conditions_on/indiana/i-90.htm

In Ohio, the construction starts 2 towns west of Cleveland(Rocky River, Lakewood, Cleveland).
Using the same site, changing to Ohio.
https://www.navbug.com/traffic_conditions_on/ohio/i-90.htm

Road Trip!

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