Help, AC is out and we are driving 28 hrs

[minkydog]

I personally would somehow find the $$ to get it fixed before the trip.

A 28 hour drive even under the best circumstances is no picnic. Doing it with windows down, road noises, etc. is brutal. What if you hit rain?

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If you hit rain that's a bonus!

We never owned a car with A/C when I was growing up in Mississippi. Every summer Mom & Dad drove "home" to Virginia, 1000 miles, with the 5 of us kids, our Saint Bernard dog, and the family cat. It was about a 24hr drive. We were hot & sweaty & cramped, but we had a great time. The trick is to drink a lot of water, take frequent breaks, leave early in the a.m., and pray for rain--it cools everything down. And we ALWAYS stopped for the night--my mom required a swimming pool(probably to remove the stench!) Then up at the crack of dawn and off we'd go again.

If you can afford to get the A/C fixed, do it. But if you can't then just pretend you're pioneers and take your vacation anyway. At least you can make more than 10 miles a day!

 

[langin]

Our van is in perfect condition since we had it thoroughly checked out by a mechanic when we were trying to fix the AC the first time, I can't worry about the what if's, I would drive myself crazy! And everyone around me!

We are definitely not cancelling our trip that we have been planning for the last 3 yrs just because of no AC. It's really only going to be for 1 day that we may find it uncomfortable, the last leg of our trip, once we are there we can use the Doubletree transportation if we choose.

We know it will be bad and we are all prepared for it, but we will survive it, there are worse things in life!

 

[RichNKatHolly]

That is a truly great attitude! I hope you really enjoy your vacation!

Growing up with had AC, but dad never put it on, I don't remember complaining too much. It is hard though to go without conveniences we have had for so long.

If you could borrow someone else's car (which would be great) terrific, if not, please let us know how the drive was when you get back!

 

[manning]

That is a truly great attitude! I hope you really enjoy your vacation!

Growing up with had AC, but dad never put it on, I don't remember complaining too much. It is hard though to go without conveniences we have had for so long.

If you could borrow someone else's car (which would be great) terrific, if not, please let us know how the drive was when you get back!

If you borrow someone else's car, get written permission from them and make sure of insurance coverage. Customs is getting more thorough these days.

I would just get in the van, roll down the windows and say "we are off on an adventure".

If you want to save some money on gas, fill up in Georgia BEFORE you enter Florida. I understand Hess on property is reasonable. To save money on food try Bob Evans on us 192 outside the gate. Good food at good prices.

 

[canwegosoon]

I think MYTH BUSTERS said you actually get better gas milage with the windows open and AC off...so think of it as you are saving $$$

 

[Poohs Pal]

DS's AC just konked out in his van. He purchased a small fan that plugs into the cigarette lighter and it works real well. He hangs it just behind his seat(driver) to cool off his little guy. He also make's sure his little guy always has his sippy cup full of water. Have a great time. Susan

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Not quite sure which resort you are staying at, but are you able to downgrade to a lower category resort to save some money? I'd suggest looking at flights, or even renting a van for the week, but I think they're kind of moot, seeing as the money would be better spent on the A/C itself, instead of being tacked on.

I think it would be a BRUTAL drive down... the whole east coast has been hit with a big time heat wave. Down here in Florida, my car thermometer has been in the mid to high 90's all week long. And don't forget the rain storms... with windows up and no A/C, your windows will be so foggy.

Renting a car is a great idea. Knowing a little about cars myself, the AC Belt can cause many more problems then just no a/c so I would aviod driving the vehicle for a long period of time like that....

 

[Lewisc]

The windshield defroster/defogger is designed to work with the AC. You may have to experiment with settings and even opening the window during the rain to keep your windshield clear.

 

[laurabelle]

Sorry to hear this, the timing is terrible! Another thought, other than the heat issue, I would think it would be hard to hold a conversation in a vehicle with the windows down on the highway, and the hair flying around would get on my nerves...
Onto the heat issue, we just returned last week. This is the thermometer in our mini-van showing the outside temp went we got back to the MGM parking lot that evening ...I just had to get a pic of it!

I hope at least when you get to FL you can take Disney Transportation.
Best Wishes!

 

[langin]

I know it will be a difficult trek but as I said in the OP, we just cannot afford to fix it right now, all our money is into this trip, can't borrow, rent or fly! We are stuck with the driving, so that being said what can I do to make it bearable, frequent stops in AC restaurants, lots of water, fan, neck coolers, misty fans. We are driving through the night (my DH will be coming off night shifts). We are driving 3 legs (day, night, day) and hope we get there that evening but if the heat is unbearable we will stop and get a hotel for the early evening and night so we can cool off then start up in the early morning!
We are very concerned about this but won't cancel for this! Once we are there we can use our hotel transportation (DD hotel, Doubletree) or use our van on days when we plan on leaving the park after lunch for a pool break!


14 days to go

 

[Lewisc]

The car may be bearable at highway speeds but unbearable in bumper to bumper traffic. I can't help you but you might want to check and make sure you're avoiding rush hour in the Baltimore and Washington DC area.

I don't think I'd make frequent stops unless the driver needs it. Going in and out of air conditioning might be worse than just bearing with it.

I'd be concerned that a broken AC may be a sign of other systems starting to fade. If you're not a member I'd joing the Canada equivalent of AAA. Do they have a road service agreement with AAA?

 

[Disney Deb]

I would somehow, someway find a way to get that A/C fixed. It's been in the 90's everyday for the past couple weeks, with no end in sight. And the afternoon storms have been terrible. I was driving in one yesterday, you couldn't see fifty feet in front of you, no possible way you could have the windows down in that.

Can you borrow a car from a friend or family member?

In all honesty, if I had no A/C, I would cancel the trip, and try again next year.

Anne

I second Anne's sentiments. The drive WILL BE BRUTAL. I would rather postpone........maybe you can get the a/c fixed and pay it off with a monthly payment plan?

 

[Mississippian]

I don't understand why a car rental would be so expensive for you.

I just checked expedia and found eight-day rentals from Burlington, VT for $357 for a full-size, and this was just a first search. I'm sure you could get the car for much less than this. How long are you staying?

I don't know the exact route of your trip, and just used Burlington because it seemed like it might be close.

I would think you would also save a lot of money on gas.

Just my thoughts....

 

[bdcp]

A/C going does not indicate anything else going. My minivan has 110k miles on it. A/C has been replaced once and it runs great. We just had a road check and only had to flush the transmission and the power steering fluids due to age. That was it. My DS19 drives a '92 Honda with no A/C because we don't want to spend the money to fix it since the car isn't worth much more than new a/c would cost. That car also runs great. Minor repairs in terms of age. How did we all survive childhood, no a/c in cars, homes, no dvd players, ipods, video games, etc? You'll be fine. Just don't push yourself, drink plenty of water, stop if windows fog up during rain and drive when temps aren't at their peak. You mentioned the vehicle is in good shape otherwise.

 

[gapere]

Hmmm, how about getting a cooler and loading it up with dry ice and leaving it without the lid on? With the windows open, you might get a nice cool breeze. You can refill the ice each time you stop for gas. It might work. Other than whats already been suggested, I can't think of anything else.

 

[gapere]

oops double post

 

[manning]

A/C going does not indicate anything else going. My minivan has 110k miles on it. A/C has been replaced once and it runs great. We just had a road check and only had to flush the transmission and the power steering fluids due to age. That was it. My DS19 drives a '92 Honda with no A/C because we don't want to spend the money to fix it since the car isn't worth much more than new a/c would cost. That car also runs great. Minor repairs in terms of age. How did we all survive childhood, no a/c in cars, homes, no dvd players, ipods, video games, etc? You'll be fine. Just don't push yourself, drink plenty of water, stop if windows fog up during rain and drive when temps aren't at their peak. You mentioned the vehicle is in good shape otherwise.

We were TOUGH!!!!!!!!!

 

[langin]

I appreciate EVERYONE'S advice, but I am nervous already about the long drive, making sure the kids are not too bored (or cranky!), no AC of course but we are still going! I have to have a positive attitude and know it will all be fine! Thanks to bdcp for informing us all about the AC not neccessarily being the beginning of the end for my van, I asked around and there are lots and lots of people whose AC goes out and choose not to fix it for whatever reasons, here in New Brunswick, Canada I only need it for about 3 months, LOL!
Imagine telling your 3 boys (age 12 and twins age 9 ) that 14 days before we are supposed to leave we have to cancel because of a minor car problem. I work in the school system so I am off till after Labor Day and the kids also don't return to school till after Labor Day and Hubbie has 23 vacation days booked off since January, this is our time to go!
I'll keep you up to date!
Can't wait to write the "Trip Report" Thanks everyone!
:thewave: This is my family when we get to the hotel!

 

[faindrops27]

Langin,

What a great Mother you are!!. You all are making the trek to Disneyworld! How exciting!! Your children will have memories for a lifetime, and so will you! I ?say go, and have the best time in the world!!

 

[manning]

I appreciate EVERYONE'S advice, but I am nervous already about the long drive, making sure the kids are not too bored (or cranky!), no AC of course but we are still going! I have to have a positive attitude and know it will all be fine! Thanks to bdcp for informing us all about the AC not neccessarily being the beginning of the end for my van, I asked around and there are lots and lots of people whose AC goes out and choose not to fix it for whatever reasons, here in New Brunswick, Canada I only need it for about 3 months, LOL!
Imagine telling your 3 boys (age 12 and twins age 9 ) that 14 days before we are supposed to leave we have to cancel because of a minor car problem. I work in the school system so I am off till after Labor Day and the kids also don't return to school till after Labor Day and Hubbie has 23 vacation days booked off since January, this is our time to go!
I'll keep you up to date!
Can't wait to write the "Trip Report" Thanks everyone!
:thewave: This is my family when we get to the hotel!

I'm driving around in a '93 town car with 157,000 plus miles on it. It got rear ended end of May. Had it fixed and the A/C control unit just broke.

It drives great. Only thing it does is blow a little smoke due to valve stem seals. Because it is over ten years old it is harder to find parts.

I'm going for over 200,000 miles. Also know a limo driver who sold his with over 300,000 miles.

They build them better today and the lubrication is better.

Don't worry, be happy, as the song says.