Winter Car Travel

[Deleted]

The thread about the family that was snowbound got me thinking about traveling in the winter. Living in Texas (and FL and AZ) I've never experiened anything like this.

Obviously, and RV fully stocked will be handy ;D But assuming you have the typical family car and space limitations, what do you take?

I have a small tool box(asst. auto tools, box cutter, bungee cords, duct tape etc.), jumper cables, a spare and jack and tire tool, 3 gallons of water, a jacket and flashlight in there all the time.

I've only traveled cross-country during the warmer months and this is what I had.
An ice chest with food/drinks (truck stop prices give me hives)
A little bit of cash incase I end up somewhere that Visa isn't
My cell phone, calling card and maps
Kiddo had a few toys, some dry snacks her blankies, pillows etc.
Full sized blanket and pillow for me
Extra clothes, towels, baby wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer (plus my personal care bag in the trunk with shampoo etc.)


It seems like I'm forgetting something, but I can't think of anything else. In the winter, I would probably have a sleeping bag instead of blanket and extra clothes/jackets for both of us.

I'm sure I'm missing some important stuff, probably wouldn't last 2 days!

[bbird]

I'd stay home. I'm half being funny here, and half serious. You mentioned having an RV full of stuff and you are right. I don't know if it made the national news along with the recent snowbound family but earlier a RV with a family got stuck in the snow in the same area the Kim family did. All were found safely in RV, but if I remember right were later arrested for manufacturing meth too. I didn't follow that story much, but the news was saying it was the same area as the Kim family was in.

I live in a area that requires chains or traction tires during the winter months, so having a car that is up to snuff is very important. I've also become lazy in throwing the Bob bags in with us lately and will if making longer trips. Having something on your head is of the most importance. That has been drilled into my head since I was young. I was told if nothing else put your underwear on your head, or wrap a shirt/ sweatshirt around your head. Much easier to get frostbitten, then get hyperthermia. It might be the difference of losing a life or losing fingers and toes instead.

Make sure someone is told of your plans. A fast rescue depends on someone notifying the rescue team with you don't show up at your destination. Stay with your car. The human body can cope a lot longer with starvation then dealing with the elements and starving.

A sack of snacks that can be rationed are important. Peanuts can go a long way, jerky, raisons, water. I applaud Mrs. Kim for breastfeeding her children...that alone saved her childrens lives. I have older cars, and we keep a gallon of water in each one because there is always a risk of a car overheating and that will get us somewhere to fix the problem but could be used for drinking as well.

Some sort of firestarter. I prefer a magnesium block, but a flair, matches, lighters and don't forget about your cigarette lighter in your car. There is a lot of material in cars, so a handy knife can take apart upholstry to burn, use as warmth or to cover yourself with.

Okay, don't laugh....remember CB radio's? Cell phones are chancy to work in offbeat areas but CB radios can come in very handy to attract attention.

I'm beat tonight, so will think more on this subject. It's an important one but wanted to write down what I have been thinking about.

[Deleted]

Also, the family in that RV were of the survivalist mindset, and it was stocked in Y2K fashion. So they were pretty much set.

As for me, I have a Subie wagon with one of those storage boxes on top. I always have camping gear in there, just in case I happen to feel like camping out at my property. At the very least, a good sleeping bag, tarps, rain jacket and...this time of year...chains. I also have a decent first aid kit, a mini survival kit (flashlight, firestarter with cotton balls/vaseline, space blanket, para cord, power bars, water packs, multitool, mirror, small fishing kit, wool cap, socks and gloves, handi-wipes). I also keep a portable power source for jumping batteries, light, and charging cell phones.

Might sound excessive, but believe me it comes in handy when you least expect it. An intrepid road-tripper, I have slid off lonely mountain highways (in a big 4x4 no less), have been stuck on unexpectedly snowed-in major mountain highways with no amenities in sight, or have simply been slowed down on my journey by bad weather. And having this stuff comes in handy for other reasons, too.

But like Deb mentioned, I'd rather stay home than risk driving unfamiliar and sketchy roads in bad weather.

Hey, remember that young family about 5 years ago that got lost in the snow on a road trip? Les Stroud (Survivorman kicks that british guy's arse) rehashed that. The Kims were right on with burning the tires, but Stroud also recommended (like Deb mentioned) using seat cushion foam for insulation. I believe he also used the car battery to start a fire.

Deb, a friend did loan me a handheld CB for that trip when I got stuck in the Siskyou Pass/I-5 a few years ago. At first I laughed at him, but it was really helpful to communicate with the truckers, and find out what was up a few miles down the road. Plus, if nothing else, for the five hours we were all stuck, it was fun to have people to chat with. I think a used handheld of my own would be a good thing to have on hand. Thanks for the idea! (Especially since cell reception's so bad out where the property is).

[moongazer]

Because I drive over mountain passes all the time
and due to living in both an earthquake and
a volcanic area my car always has the following in the trunk.
Change of clothes
Extra jacket
gal of water (except in winter due to freezing)
canned food (veggies and fruit and tuna)
blankets (I have lost many due to coming
across accidents and giving them out)
can opener
granola bars
flares
portable car charger

I do need to figure out fluids during winter time.
Should get one of those flare guns that shoot the
flare into the sky.
And I need to get my CB fixed
and I think I may add a couple rolls of wood with matches
(roll has kindlin and 2 cut pieces and 2 what I call
overnight logs)

[Deleted]

Lots of good points. I forget about the CB radio, doesn't sound silly to me. DH wants one in our car (the one in the truck went out and we never got around to replacing it).

I was wondering why they didn't try to burn trees, but I guess the wood would be too green/wet to burn.

Maybe throwing in some basic camping gear is the way to go.

[bergere]

Normally I have tons of stuff in my car....though sometimes hubby decides to clean it out. Living in the places I have...even though I do not drive much...you never know when a car is going to break down. So I always keep chains, flares, those space blankets, big first aide kit....son always brings tons of snacks and so on. Am very glad I have never needed it but it is nice to have it there.

Another thing we must alway remind people...exspecially city people....is don't trust Map Quest and the like. It "Never" shows the best way to get places. Reminded them if it doesn't have a double yellow line on the pavement...stay off that road in the winter.

What is very sad is Mr Kim did not have to die. He just needed to stay with his car. This whole thing was sooo very sad.

[bbird]

You can put water jugs in a styrofoam cooler, they are really cheap during the summer and store your water in them during the winter and it keeps them from freezing.

[Deleted]

CNN did another special on this and gave out some tips. Nothing more than what we've talked about. Though, they did say to use the 'Rule of 3' (something I've never heard of)

You can live without food for 3 weeks
You can live without water for 3 days
You can live without shelter for 3 hours

They stressed that staying warm was the most important thing to do.

I couldn't agree more about mapquest, being from the 'bottoms' they never get the maps accurate in rural settings. 'Low Water Bridges' aren't always printed on the maps and it never fails that some tourist who's looking to go fishing/canoeing/whatever gets stuck. Thankfully it's not a life threatening situation (well maybe during Spring floods), but during my 'wild youth' we made our partying money by pulling standed people out of the mud.

[hogflats]

We keep a small supply box. We live pretty close to town and do our major traveling by air. I always make sure to have a flashlight, toilet paper, matches, granola bars, roadside kit (flares, jumper cables). Good idea about the blankets, never would have thought of it.

[moongazer]

hogflats said:

roadside kit (flares, jumper cables). Good idea about the blankets, never would have thought of it.

I wouldn't worry about the jumper cables.
If no one is around to give you a jump
they won't help much.
We have this really cool jumper unit.
They run $29.99 to $39.99
and can be charged in the house.
They cables are attached and part of the unit.
I love them, one day they jumped my car 10 times
without a charge inbetween.
I was out of town and my battery was going.
Had several stops and each time had to jump the car.
And I feel better about allowing another to use them
when asked for help rather than have my car hooked up
to theirs.

Blankets, I can't begin to tell you how many over the years
I have gave away when I came across an accident.
You can get some nice, warm ones at Walmart
for $5. I'd have at least 2 to 3 in the car at all times.
One accident I came across a lady was standing out
in the cold rain with a child in her arms waiting
for the tow truck and police. I stopped and gave her
a blanket. I started carrying blankets when a man in front of me
ran off the road and climbed out of his over turned
car and was shivering in the cold drizzle and I stopped to see if he was ok. When he climbed up to the road, gave him my coat.
Now I keep blankets for that.

[Deleted]

I saw on one of the gadget shows a new 'jump' system that they have come up with. I try not to post 'ads' for products, but this one seems really neat. I haven't tried it yet, but it's one thing I wouldn't mind having. I think it's a perfect solution and really like being able to deal with car trouble without attracting attention (my luck I'd be in a not-so-nice place!)

www.smarthome.com/92801.html

I saw this on HGTV(I think) and figured it would be MUCH more expensive. $40 is cheaper than 1 tow!

[Deleted]

I made emergency kits for both of our vehicles. I went to WalMart and bought some space bags. In those bags I put wool mittens, caps, sweaters and gloves, 2 space blankets and two wool blankets. In a small cooler I have granola bars, fruit leathers, nuts and chocolate bars. I have some cans of sterno in a coffee can along with strike anywhere matches. We have two of the windup flashlights in each vehicle. I'm sure there are more items in there but right now I can't think of them.

This is a great thread.

[Kathy]

grannygardner said:

I made emergency kits for both of our vehicles. I went to WalMart and bought some space bags. In those bags I put wool mittens, caps, sweaters and gloves, 2 space blankets and two wool blankets. In a small cooler I have granola bars, fruit leathers, nuts and chocolate bars. I have some cans of sterno in a coffee can along with strike anywhere matches. We have two of the windup flashlights in each vehicle. I'm sure there are more items in there but right now I can't think of them.

This is a great thread.

I'd never thought of those space bags; I have everything in a large cooler that fits way back in my trunk. I'm lucky that Chevy Luminas have trunks like coffins so there's plenty of room for the emergency pack plus my normal stuff!

One thing to also be sure to pack any time you're going out in bad weather is any prescription meds that you would need in case you didn't get back in time for the next dose. This is especially important for diabetics and those on heart meds.

Note: I wouldn't keep any meds other than ibuprophen in the trunk all the time both due to safety issues and the heat variations that could destroy the effectiveness.

[georger]

I used to live in the north. Thompson, Manitoba.

Along the solitary highway that runs up to there are frequent warning signs to remember to prepare for winter emergency.

Up there along the highway, cell phones and radios do NOT work - you are far from anyone.

The things posted for winter preparedness by Manitoba's provincial government are available here:

www.gov.mb.ca/emo/pubinfo/winter.html

I remember just before I moved there, for 2 weeks solid they had windchills at -72*C.

[Deleted]

Just the other night, our local news channel ran a special about winter car travel and supplies. I was quite pleased! The special referred to some of the tragedies experienced this winter here in Oregon, and I'm glad that at least some good came out of the publicity surrounding these incidents.

It was also a good reminder for me to go through my car topper and re-organize my little emergency stash.