When you hear your idler pulley on your truck chirping like a baby bird do not say to yourself "Hmmm... I better change that this weekend before it seizes" then attempt to drive 300 miles across PA. Go to NAPA immediately and get one.
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Feb. 23, 2011 8:21 a.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork
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Feb. 23, 2011 8:36 a.m. Raze Dork
Doh.
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Feb. 23, 2011 8:58 a.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher
I misjudged my gas gauge and ran dry in the middle of nowhere IL on one hideously cold night. (just outside of Gibson City) The temps were -15 without wind chill.
Being stuck in the cold, on the side of the road, late at night really makes the survival instinct start to tingle.
By the time help arrived I'd been shadow-boxing for 1/2 an hour just trying to keep warm. Even on a heated waterbed I was shivering hours later. Pretty sure I got minor hypothermia that night. Sure glad help came when it did.
It is always a good idea to have blankets in your car if you live up North. Not a bad idea down here either.........they come in handy at the beach!
Glad to hear you came out of it OK!
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Feb. 23, 2011 9:55 a.m. carzan HalfDork
When it's cold, I carry extra clothing and a cold weather rated sleeping bag, just in case.
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Feb. 23, 2011 10:01 a.m. iceracer Dork
People have laughed when they see the blanket in my car.
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Feb. 23, 2011 10:02 a.m. iceracer Dork
People have laughed when they see the blanket in my car.
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Feb. 23, 2011 10:17 a.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork
I lived. I keep a Navy P Coat, ski hat and zero gloves under the rear seat with a few other survival items. I'll be adding firewood and warmer pants to that list.
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Feb. 23, 2011 10:43 a.m. petegossett SuperDork
Joe Gearin wrote:
I misjudged my gas gauge and ran dry in the middle of nowhere IL on one hideously cold night. (just outside of Gibson City)
Next time you break down there get ahold of me, I'm only ~25mi from there.
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Feb. 23, 2011 10:53 a.m. 4cylndrfury SuperDork
I keep a wool blanket, a Mylar heat blanket (also makes a tent if need be), first aid kit, a candle, matches, a magnesium fire starter, a small pot, 2 cans of tuna, a mutlitool with pocketknife/some drivers/pliers/can opener, and a flare in a box in my trunk. I figure, worst case, I can make it a week on 2 cans of tuna and water ive boiled and filtered through my shirt. If I cant find help in a week, I shouldve never taken that road trip to the moon.
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Feb. 23, 2011 11:56 a.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher
petegossett wrote:
Thanks Pete!Joe Gearin wrote:
I misjudged my gas gauge and ran dry in the middle of nowhere IL on one hideously cold night. (just outside of Gibson City)
Next time you break down there get ahold of me, I'm only ~25mi from there.
I love the Midwest in the Spring Summer and Fall. I don't ever plan on returning there in the Winter!
I spent alot of time on Rt 47 between Crystal Lake IL, and Champaign back in the early 90s. Even rolled a car 5-6 times just North of Gibson City! Thankfully the corn was high!
