Free Services Across America - Please contribute your ideas

[UptownVibe]

So as I have mentioned in previous posts, I'm getting really close to leaving on my 7 month cross country adventure (I got delayed because of a death in the family but now its all engines Go!)That being said, I need to hear from my gen vibe peeps about all the free things of value that I should be going out of my way for throughout America. Car and non-car related suggestions are welcome."Caretaker" recently mentioned Costco in relation to free tire rotations and nitrogen (air refills for the tires). I'm not a mmeber so more details would be appreciated.Pls keep in mind that I'm not planning on being anywhere for more than a week so anything that requires a investment in time in a certain locality before the freebies start rolling in, probably won't work.Any other ideas?

[GMJAP]

Discount Tire will rotate tires and fill them for free. You don't have to show any proof of purchasing tires from them.(At least, last I knew. Call a local place to check the cost of rotation to be sure.)

[Caretaker]

Uptown: this is sooo exciting. First, can you tell us where you are starting and ending? The reason I ask is this. Harris Teeter grocery stores are famous for their samples in the store (yes, free). You can sample your way through a savory snack, and top it off with some sugar cookies on the way out the door. I just did a search of Harris Teeter stores along the I-70 corridor, and did not find many until you get to the eastern portion of the US. Nonetheless, think of stores along the way that also may offer similar samples as you travel.As for Costco, I swear some people do go there just to eat their meals, especially with the samples on the weekends. Yes, you do have to be a member unfortunately. I'll keep poking around for more ideas. I have a ton of "almost free" ideas, but few totally free ideas at this time. If lodging is also an issue let us know.

[Caretaker]

Lodging: here; try this website for starters:http://bicycletouringpro.com/b...ounds/ Ditch your car a few blocks away and pretend to be a bicyclist!! Or maybe just being a couch potato:http://www.necn.com/Boston/Sci....html

[Caretaker]

Transportation: you can look on some websites and find people that need you to drive their car to the other side of the country.

[star_deceiver]

http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htmThis site lists all the walmarx locations in Canada and the US. And which ones allow you overnight in their parking lot!If you get the opportunity: Drive the Las Vegas strip! Hwy 1/101 from Washington to SoCal! The Hoover dam, costs a few $ to go inside but parking is free on the Arizona side! Mcdonalds dollar menu! Subway $5 footlongs! Truckstops like Pilot and Flying J also allow you to overnight for free!

[UptownVibe]

GMJAP- Thanks for the advice. I can use as many free car services as possible... Oil changes with a good local meal would be great.  Ex. I've got a place that I go to Mo' Gridders in the Bronx that will give you an oil change and a pulled pork sandwich while you wait. Here is an excellent review of them.Caretaker - (Post A)Thanks for the enthusiasm! You should all check out my blog if you want more info on the trip.  The oldest posts have the original why and where info.  HERE is the map so far.            (Post B) The Ultimate Guide to Getting Free Lodging sounds like a great read, but he wants $47 to find out.  Do u by any chance have this yourself?  I know about couchsurfing.org.  I'm gonna get active on it soon. Thanks for reminding me!            (Post C) I have a Vibe silly! Its going to be my main transportation (I'm bringing a bike and hiking a lot too).Star Deciever - Thanks for the free lodging ideas. I'm not afraid to sleep in the car. Thats for sure!  With the fold down front passenger seat in the old vibes, I get a full length sleep on that side of the car.  However I'm pretty reluctant to enjoy the bright lights big city feel of truck stops and Walmarts.  I live in Manhattan now and could use as much middle of nowhere as I can get right now.  But truck stops will be used for the shower and laundry, I'm sure.Keep em coming

[UptownVibe]

Hey folks, I'm on my trip already. In DC now, going to Shenondoah in the AM for a few days, then continuing south.My blog is active. I'm updating it every few days.Here is the addess: masonsgreatadventure.blogspot.comBTW, my 03 is holding up great so far with the huge load I'm carrying. There are videos on the blog of how I have the cabin set up for cargo and sleeping when needed. Its just me an my dog for 6+ months