[Mogki]

Hey all, Pretty soon within the next few months I plan on moving pretty far, NJ to Texas for a new job.

I've never done such a massive drive before at all so I've been a little anxious about some parts of it, I am just gonna load up what I don't want to have to rebuy again into my car and take my pet rabbit with me but just selling the rest so I'm taking the F22 right the way down so I had some questions and I'm looking for advise how to best do it.

First off do I need to worry about taking brakes not for me but for the car should I worry about it overheating at all with the B48 engine or should I be good to just drive all day and not worry.

Second should I do anything like changing out oil before or after or any other maintenance things aside from a very good wash after 1400 miles in a few days.

I might just be overthinking the whole thing but such a big move on my own does have me anxious even months out in advance, does any one have any tips or tricks for a big drive or move that might be useful?

I appreciate you helping and reading

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Mogki

Hey all, Pretty soon within the next few months I plan on moving pretty far, NJ to Texas for a new job.

I've never done such a massive drive before at all so I've been a little anxious about some parts of it, I am just gonna load up what I don't want to have to rebuy again into my car and take my pet rabbit with me but just selling the rest so I'm taking the F22 right the way down so I had some questions and I'm looking for advise how to best do it.

First off do I need to worry about taking brakes not for me but for the car should I worry about it overheating at all with the B48 engine or should I be good to just drive all day and not worry.

Second should I do anything like changing out oil before or after or any other maintenance things aside from a very good wash after 1400 miles in a few days.

I might just be overthinking the whole thing but such a big move on my own does have me anxious even months out in advance, does any one have any tips or tricks for a big drive or move that might be useful?

I appreciate you helping and reading

Welcome to the Lone Star State.

If you recently had your car serviced, there should be no issue. A couple of things I would do prior to leaving is plan out the route and mark where BMW dealerships are along the way in case there is a problem. I would also prep my car by checking the oil level, tire pressure, and radiator fluid level. Also, have a note pad with tire size, oil type, and any other consumable information readily available so you know what you need quickly.

Other than snacks and a good playlist, have fun and be safe.

[Mogki]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Welcome to the Lone Star State.

If you recently had your car serviced, there should be no issue. A couple of things I would do prior to leaving is plan out the route and mark where BMW dealerships are along the way in case there is a problem. I would also prep my car by checking the oil level, tire pressure, and radiator fluid level. Also, have a note pad with tire size, oil type, and any other consumable information readily available so you know what you need quickly.

Other than snacks and a good playlist, have fun and be safe.

I might get it serviced a little before it's due then just to have that ticked off but those are good ideas, I look forward to the move thank you so much

[TAZ007]

By the way, Texas is a BIG state. Which city? Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, El Paso, Austin? The big 5 anyway.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Mogki

I might get it serviced a little before it's due then just to have that ticked off but those are good ideas, I look forward to the move thank you so much

No worries, happy to help. Just plan ahead and be safe.

[Mogki]

Gonna be near Houston for the job, where the head office is going a few of us are moving but from all different states.

I have some friends in San Antonio who've been trying to give me some info so far at least.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Mogki

Gonna be near Houston for the job, where the head office is going a few of us are moving but from all different states.

I have some friends in San Antonio who've been trying to give me some info so far at least.

Cool. Houston is about 3 hours East of San Antonio. It is also a huge city. I hope you already have accommodations as the housing market is tight currently. Be safe.

[Mogki]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Cool. Houston is about 3 hours East of San Antonio. It is also a huge city. I hope you already have accommodations as the housing market is tight currently. Be safe.

From what I've been looking at so far it's a whole different world in terms of housing and prices, I time to work it out for now but it is exciting, I've heard a lot of good things about Texas.

What are pests like what do you have to deal with down there.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Mogki

I am just gonna take my pet rabbit with me

If you haven't already, you'll need to figure out how to keep your pet from overheating in your car when you're not in it, say at a stop for gas where you get gas, go in to use the restroom, get a coffee, grab something else, and it takes a while.

My approach with my cat was to crack all the windows, ensure his cage was out of direct sunlight, and make sure I was gone the minimum time possible. All obvious, probably, but I thought I'd mention it.

Have fun on the trip; IMO, our cars were made for road trips! Oh, and if you have the time, take the scenic route, whatever that might be.

[Mogki]

Originally Posted by dradernh

If you haven't already, you'll need to figure out how to keep your pet from overheating in your car when you're not in it, say at a stop for gas where you get gas, go in to use the restroom, get a coffee, grab something else, and it takes a while.

My approach with my cat was to crack all the windows, ensure his cage was out of direct sunlight, and make sure I was gone the minimum time possible. All obvious, probably, but I thought I'd mention it.

Have fun on the trip; IMO, our cars were made for road trips! Oh, and if you have the time, take the scenic route, whatever that might be.

Yeah I might have to keep her on the floor then, thankfully rabbits sleep most of the day so once she calms down after getting in for the first bit it shouldn't be too bad until i get to where I'm going to stop overnight.

[p912guy]

Agree with @[dradernh], I'd worry about you and your pet - not the car. You're driving a modern well maintained BMW in 2021, not a Model T in 1921. It'll do way more miles of continuous operation without so much as a hiccup for longer than your butt or brain could ever conceive. If I couldn't jump into my daily driver at a moment's notice to do at least a 400-500 mile continuous drive, it wouldn't be my daily driver much longer, and that was case even 40 years ago, and today we all have cell phones in case sometime happens so no worries at all.

[Mogki]

Originally Posted by p912guy

Agree with @[dradernh], I'd worry about you and your pet - not the car. You're driving a modern well maintained BMW in 2021, not a Model T in 1921. It'll do way more miles of continuous operation without so much as a hiccup for longer than your butt or brain could ever conceive. If I couldn't jump into my daily driver at a moment's notice to do at least a 400-500 mile continuous drive, it wouldn't be my daily driver much longer, and that was case even 40 years ago, and today we all have cell phones in case sometime happens so no worries at all.

I guess you're true I am just overthinking a lot of it, just never did such a long drive without having someone else to tag in

[overcoil]

I'd take, or hit a WalMart while on the ride, for a good window cleaner like SprayWay Glass Cleaner and a microfiber towel in a baggie even with washer fluid and wipers. Hate looking through a bug splattered smeared windshield.

Do you have one of those Flemmish Giant Rabbits ?

[Sail Boat]

Get AAA.

I haven't had to call AAA with my F22, but lord have I used them when I had my E30. Mechanical issues are rare with our cars, but flat tires aren't.

[Ajowhan]

I remember a while back, I was worrying about the same thing and try to do my research on what to prep for road trip.

There was one that stood out to me although I didnt end up doing it. But, apparently some people (Those without PPF) put some temporary tape or bras over the front of their car for rock chip/bug protection. Just a food for thoughts.

[Mogki]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I'd take, or hit a WalMart while on the ride, for a good window cleaner like SprayWay Glass Cleaner and a microfiber towel in a baggie even with washer fluid and wipers. Hate looking through a bug splattered smeared windshield.

Do you have one of those Flemmish Giant Rabbits ?

She's a rex or sometimes a potato depending on the day and her mood; I think this might be the last long car ride I can take her on, I know they freak her out because she thinks she is getting given up because of her last house

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Mogki

She's a rex or sometimes a potato depending on the day and her mood; I think this might be the last long car ride I can take her on, I know they freak her out because she thinks she is getting given up because of her last house

EHHH! What's up Doc?

Still my favorite cartoon character.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Mogki

From what I've been looking at so far it's a whole different world in terms of housing and prices, I time to work it out for now but it is exciting, I've heard a lot of good things about Texas.

What are pests like what do you have to deal with down there.

I've lived here just over 20 years, but I was raised in Miami so the climate is the same.

The biggest pest is the weather. If you don't like it, wait 15 minutes and it will change. If you arrive here in July or August, DEFINITELY get your A/C checked and filled before taking the trip. That is unless you like 105 degree heat with 90% humidity. (That's top down weather for me. )

We got the normal sub-tropical insects here like roaches and mosquitos. The main difference you will notice is the harsh summers and light winters. Just to give you an idea, I can ride my Harley or vert with the top down about 10 months out of the year.

[msej449]

We regularly do a much more modest 500m trip form the UK to the Swiss Alps, through France in one go. Obviously, you're 1700 miles is in a different league, but we've found the following useful.

BMW 140Nm Preset Torque Wrench [71 12 6 769 683]
5L BMW Screenwash Concentrate
1L BMW Oil
12V Car refrigerator
Freezer Block
Picnic blanket
Short umbrella.

Her in the UK the torque wrench only costs £29 incl. taxes so it's seems a rare case of a useful but cheap BMW-specific tool which gives peace of mind if you have to tighten-up the lug nuts.

There's a long-running debate around the BMW screenwash but it's more concentrated than garage equivalents so is around 2x the $/pint but guaranteed to not gunk your washers. I imagine you'll be washing the windscreen a lot.

One or two spare 1L cans of the appropriate BMW oil could be useful.

We got a cheap 12V car refrigerator that runs off the lighter/rear/passenger sockets. Not stupendous at chillling anything warm but it will keep a chilled drink cool on a long drive. It helps if you can charge it up with a cool block first thing.

A waterproof blanket to sit on if you're stopping in some out-of-the-way location can help keep you dry/comfortable and moderate ground insect attacks.

We got a BMW 'M' umbrella a part of a service offer and it's proved surprisingly useful. Obvioiusly, when it's raining but also if it's very hot. Thinking of the rabbit here - if you want to take it out the car and keep cool in the shade

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Mogki

She's a rex or sometimes a potato depending on the day and her mood; I think this might be the last long car ride I can take her on, I know they freak her out because she thinks she is getting given up because of her last house

Wow – what a cutie!!!

I had a thought: if it works for you, why not take some photos of places or things you find interesting along the way and post them here along with your trip route after you're done and have settled-in.

BTW, whether by yourself or with traveling companions in the future, think of this as the first of many long road trips you'll be taking in the years to come.

[Rocky58]

Originally Posted by Mogki

What are pests like what do you have to deal with down there.

Fire ants. And not to freak you out, but when it flooded from the creek when we lived there, my next door neighbor found a water moccasin in his garage. And the occasional alligator. And of course Texans.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Fire ants. And not to freak you out, but when it flooded from the creek when we lived there, my next door neighbor found a water moccasin in his garage. And the occasional alligator. And of course Texans.

I know Texans are all over the place in Texas.