Transporting by car?

[Krimson]

Sometime in the near future I may be moving from Arizona to West Virginia. I've read about ways to transport my python (styrofoam cooler, pillowcase, heat pack, and thermometer.) But I have a few other questions.
First would be, how necessary is the heat pack considering the outside temperatures this time of year? I would assume that he wouldn't even need one since its summer and I know Arizona and West Virginia are pretty hot, but I don't know about the states in between and how the temperature might change during the trip.
Second, I read some things saying that you shouldn't feed them for about two weeks before the trip. If that is the case then how soon do I feed him again after the trip?
Also any other tips for transporting him would be great.

[VicShell]

I would not feed for at least a week prior and try and feed a day or 2 after you get your snake settled in. Heat i wouldn't worry about to much but be careful with your a/c on the trip can give your snake a RI. Otherwise he/she should be good to go. Have a safe trip.

[firemandan26]

My only concern would be the temps inside the car. As far as feeding, I personally don't think it would be a problem to feed them before your trip. Give them a few days to digest and they will be fine. I would pack them just like your were goi g to ship them. Box, styrofoam, heat pack, and some bedding for comfort. Good luck

[Skittles1101]

I'd hold off on feeding for at least a week or you might arrive with a snake covered in poo and urates

I'd say the hot pack might not be necessary unless you are cranking up the ac, then I'd probably transport them the way I would if I were shipping, so they have controlled temps inside their box and you can keep it as cool as you like.

I'd continue feeding as usual (if they take it) once you arrive.

[Vypyrz]

The last time that I made a trip with a snake, I put the snake, a hide, and some substrate in, I think it was a 20 quart tub, with a few air holes. I also took a water bowl, thermometer, thermostat, and small Under Tank Heat Pad. During the drive, I put the tub on the back seat and covered it with a towel so the sun wouldn't shine directly on the tub, and I just used the trucks a/c thermostat to keep the temperature about 75-77F. At night, I took the tub into my hotel room and set it on the counter top next to the sink, put in the water bowl for the night, set up the heat pad and thermostat, and again, I just set the room a/c to keep the temperature at around 75-77F.
However you decide to transport it, just remember to keep the container shielded from direct sunlight as much as possible, and if you have to put it on the floor of your car, it's a good idea to put a blanket or a couple of folded towels under it due to the potential heat from the transmission and exhaust pipe under the floor. Whenever you make meal and restroom stops, try to keep them fairly brief, and whenever possible, park the car in the shade. Good luck on your trip.

[PghBall]

Longest trip I made to transport a snake I purchased was 4 1/2 hours. Snake was in a bag and box with foam insulation (almost like being shipped but without the top taped). I Just drove with the windows cracked (no A/C). Since your most likely in for a much longer trip, taking a heat pad/pack may be a good idea. Have a safe trip!