Alaska and back????

p m

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Staff member
Apr 19, 2004
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La Jolla, CA
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I know it is totally my decision, just thought I would throw it out there and see how confident you guys are with your Rovers.
I'd take any of my Rovers on a trip to Alaska - and I think a lot of people here could do it as well.

It doesn't mean all of them are in tip-top shape - it is that the odds of a catastrophic failure that I'd have no means to get around are not that high. Lots of stuff that can break already did and was taken care of.
 

CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
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South
Are you on airbags or coil springs in the back? If you're still on air, I'd swap to coils before the trip. Add a spare rotoflex and bring enough rubber hose to replace the hard plastic lines that run to and from the throttle body heater.

No air, all steel baby!
 

CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
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South
Brake light switch is a good idea too, left me stranded in downtown Denver in my old Disco.

Could you elaborate on the brake light switch? How does a bad brake light switch leave you stranded? Do you mean that you just can't drive bc of no lights for fear of ticket in an urban area? Or that somehow the vehicle wouldn't be able to move?
 

CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
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F**K!! Then I will definitely need a spare for sure. Damn electronics!

Would it be possible to bypass that brake light switch in an emergency just to get you out of the woods to the highway? Or is it some damn stupid safety device that can't be overcome?
 
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CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
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South
I just want to say that the amount of feedback I'm getting from ya'll is flat out awesome. Thanks a ton!

I'm leaning towards taking Whitey now. My theory is that 95% of what could go wrong I have covered b/t preventive maintenance and my trail side mechanic ability. The chances of something immobilizing me completely has to be very low, even on a Disco II (Ha), especially since I won't be wheeling it hard. Knowing where to put your wheels and good risk management prevents a lot of shit from happening.

Besides, I will have a case of MRE's, 10 gal of water, several cans of OFF, my tool bag, spares, and rolls Duct Tape. I like my chances!!!
 

K-rover

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
2,179
69
Raleigh, NC
F**K!! Then I will definitely need a spare for sure. Damn electronics!

Not that I intend to do this, but wouldn't it be possible to bypass that brake light switch in an emergency just to get you out of the woods to the highway? Or is it some damn stupid safety device that can't be overcome?

Simple solution if it does go out. simply lift up the trim piece around the shifter and press in the small pin that locks the shifter while taking it out of park.

Mine went out during a LR event. I wheeled the rest of the weekend using the above method, then replaced the brake switch when I got home.
 

CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
0
South
Simple solution if it does go out. simply lift up the trim piece around the shifter and press in the small pin that locks the shifter while taking it out of park.

Mine went out during a LR event. I wheeled the rest of the weekend using the above method, then replaced the brake switch when I got home.

Excellent!!! I suspected as much. I'm writing that down in my notes. That is one less serious issue.

I'm leaving mid July, I would love to catch a LR event out west on my way up or back. I would like to do some wheeling, but with other people in case I need to be towed out. When you go Solo, you have to manage your risk more, you know?
 

nickm347

Well-known member
Dec 8, 2006
87
1
Where in Alaska are you going?

I rode my motorcycle from KY to Prudhoe Bay last year, and the total trip was over 10k miles. I'd check the condition of your brakes & tires. The road surfaces up north will wear out tires quicker.

I would also consider doing a compression test.
 

CRB357

Well-known member
May 10, 2015
399
0
South
Where in Alaska are you going?

I rode my motorcycle from KY to Prudhoe Bay last year, and the total trip was over 10k miles. I'd check the condition of your brakes & tires. The road surfaces up north will wear out tires quicker.

I would also consider doing a compression test.

For sure I'm going to Denali and Anchorage, and possible Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, although I may save that for next time. After that, which ever way the wind takes me. I will be spending about 1/2 my time in the Canadian Rockies with my family after I come down from Alaska. Picking them up in Calgary. I'm sort of using this trip as a scouting trip for next time I go up. Usually the way it works is that once I get to where I'm going, I discover all sorts of places that I want to go and don't have time for it all. So this trip I will hit the places I know about, then the next trip will be all the other stuff I uncover. I'll have more time next trip up, and hopefully more confidence in my Rover. I plan to spend about 3 months next time up, when I retire.

My brakes are being overhauled as we speak. Tires are fine, about 3/4 tread left.
 
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Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,763
564
Seattle
If your route takes you through Seattle then drop me a line. There's excellent coffee, beer, and seafood aplenty here. Also excellent scenic trails in the Cascades I'd be happy to show you if the timing works out.

Disco+descending.jpg


D90+ridge


Another tip: join the Birmabright Brotherhood. It's an informal network of Rover enthusiasts who are willing to help one another. Free to join, could be a good resource to reach out to if you find yourself in a pinch along the way.