I just got home from an San Francisco to Las Vegas (and back.. for DefCon)
trip (about half the distance you plan on covering). Didn't get a chance
to take my brick for lots of reasons. Took a dodgy 87 Camry instead with
occasionally functioning A/C and stereo and a tempermental check engine
light.

Taking that car proved a few things. Basically if your car is reasonably
safe to drive around town, it will probably be okay.

Stuff I'd do before I leave:

Check everything (tire air pressure and wear, fluid levels and condition,
weird noises, usual quirks). Don't replace anything the day before the
trip. Something's bound to be put back wrong only to be noticed in the
middle of nowhere. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you have a few
days to fix something, go ahead and then drive the car around for a while.

Stuff I'd bring:

Fluids: drinking water and non perishable food for you, distilled water for the car, oil, etc.
Parts: anything small that you feel comfortable replacing yourself (timing belt maybe?, extra hoses and drive belts, fuses, etc).
Tools: anything needed to replace the above parts (actually even at home I find a nice 1/4" drive Craftsman metric set does what I want.. plus it's easy to stash in the glove box)
Other: AAA card, lots of music, cell phone (911 is completely useless on a cell phone, but it might be easier to call a tow truck with one) and/or CB radio, Bentley (or appropiate for the V70) manual

The Bentley will show you what to do, and most importantly will show you
how to read/decipher check engine codes (so you don't get scared silly
over something potentially minor).

I was annoyed I didn't take my brick because the full compliment of gauges
pretty much allow me to determine if there's a(n impending) catastrophic
failure, or if the problem is something I can ignore for a while. Well
that and the Camry is an underpowered car with AWFUL cruise control and a
really poorly designed tranny 'brain' and equally poor gearing.

The Camry kept setting the check engine light for the same problem
(21 - apparently O2 sensor failed/reading lean code at high altitude but
otherwise different conditions every @#!#! time).

But cloth seats + marginal A/C beats no A/C + black leather in Vegas every
time!

- alex

'85 244 Turbo (next year this thing is going to Vegas)

Isn't the V70 still under warranty?

--
1992 940 wagon, 75k
as well as others.

unless specified in the owners manual, premium fuel is a waste of money, and in some cases can actually decrease performance. check tire pressures, triple a doesn't hurt either

I overlooked my motor mounts before my last long trip and ALMOST paid the price in the middle of the appalachains.... Was able to change the busted mount in the hotel parking lot!

Matt

--
'82 240 - 144k; '87 760T 133k

Make sure all hoses and belts are either new or in good condition. I always carry a spare set of older or new. I also carry an number of things that may be considered overkill, but that includes a spare water pump. Duct tape, good 3m electrical tape, fuses, fuel pump relay (700 series), wiper blades, select tools and bulbs, spare coolant or water which can cool you or the beast, spare oils, brake fluid.

Also have had heater hose blow on me once, so make sure it is new or have some spare bulk along.

Are you going to have room to get in?? Seriously, most of that stuff can be stuck into spare nooks and crannies in the car. Any of the 'wear items' that are particular to Volvo and hard to get are nice to have along. Rotor and distributor cap too.

And, if you have problems along the way yell at the brickboard for a rescue.

Have fun,

dick

Kev,
Which car are you taking?
--
philvo