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Andy
| | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:08 pm: | 
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My wife and I decided to go on an "expedition" with the disco. We are planning to drive from Salt Lake City Utah to Denali National Park in Alaska. We are going to drive straight north to Banff and go to the Northwestern Terriory of Canada, then head to Alaska from there. Our return leg we want to follow the coast from Anchorage, thur Britsh Colombia, down the US coast till about San Fransico then head home. We are planning on taking 3 weeks to do this and the drive should be about 6000 to 7000 miles. Most of the travel will be pavement, but I would like to check some fire roads and light off road trails, since we'll be solo I will limit the hardcore driving. My question is, what spare parts would you carry? What special tools, other than the typical would you carry? What would you service before you left? I want to carry jerry cans, I'll fill them as needed, where should I carry them? I own a 95 D1 with 95K. I just changed my plugs,wires,cap,rotor, and diffs(3) oil, ATF and filter, swivel pin oil to grease, thermo stat and professional flush of cooling system. I am going to change the oil, filter and air filter and lube all, right before I go. Also I am going to change the o2 sensor, and coil, and vacuum lines before I go. What did I miss? What else do I check? I do my own work and always carry tools, recovery gear. My wife and I are experienced hikers,climbers,mountaineers so back country exploration and being self relient doesn't scare me. The truck has an OME lift, bilstens, a kaymar rack, and I'll use 245-70 all terrain tires. Any suggestions on how to help my milage, other than get rid of the rack, not an option on this trip for gear. I get about 18 mpg highway currently. We decided instead of this year climbing a mountain or hiking trip, to do this big car camping trip. Any help, including must see sights would be greatly appreciated. |
M. K. Watson (Lrover94)
| | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:12 pm: |
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when are you leaving?
mike w |
Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith)
| | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:24 pm: |
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Jerry Cans:
Buy the real ones, like from Expedition Exchange, or Trek Outfitters.
Store them as far forward as possible. If you are only a group of two people, remove the rear seats and store them in the well behind the front seats. This will free up more load space in the rear, keep your vehicle balance unaffected, and keep exess weight off the rear springs and axel.
Carry one of those neat "super siphon" jiggle pumps, if you don't have a nozzel. Try to bring a nozzel, though, and an airtight bag to store it in after using.
Packing:
Pack only what you need, including recovery gear.
Pack cloths in large zip-loc bags, squeeze the air out of them when you get the cloths in, it really saves space.
Do not carry luggage, carry stackable tupperware containers that fit neatly in the cargo area.
Just a few tips, I may post later with some more detaied information if someone else dosn't do it for me. I am going to eat supper now.
Cheers,
Kenith |
Kyle
| | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:27 pm: |
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Take things that will stop you if they fail (Within reason ofcourse) U joints or Roto , belts , grease , wheel bearing kits , diff oil , swivel lube , crap along those lines. Also patch up crap like bailing wire and duct tape....Electric tape , fuses and bulbs , some sections of wire and a electrical kit.. Man we carry like 9 tons of shit and its probably over kill but I like to mostly stick to the things that will stop me if they fail..
Kyle |
Andy
| | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 05:28 pm: |
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We will be leaving the 26th of July this year. Sorry about the super long question post, just thought I needed the back ground information for it. The disco isn't really driven alot between trips and wheeling, so all the maintence thats been done to it was with in the last 1000 miles. I've been going slow so I don't feel like all I do is work on the disco, wait a minute, thats all I really seem to do ... lol
Andy |
chrisvonc
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 08:27 am: |
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Overkill? You Kyle. No. You at least rarely even have to put your rear seats forward.
Now me... I carry so much crap I think I damn near double the weight of my truck. I am to the point where I need a D110 support truck to follow me with all the "just in case" items I cram in there.
Chris von C |
Greg P. (Gparrish)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 08:56 am: |
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Speaking of which, have you found a D110 yet? |
chrisvonc
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 09:16 am: |
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Me? The one i was hawking over was not there when I went back to grab the VIN to see what the status of it was so I guess I'll never know.
Still hoping... LOL
Chris von C |
John Kruger (Johnnyk)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 10:19 am: |
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I agree with Kyle, (holly sh*t did I just type that). You do not have to be a super mechanic to change many of these things, but at least you have the parts to get it done quickly.
Be prepared to replace your shocks, lots of weight on those great northern washboards will shorten the life of most shocks.
Also check your brakes and rotors, you will be putting alot of wear and tear on them and you don't want them to fail when coming down a mountain.
I may think of more later...
John Kruger
www.teampb.com |
Axel Haakonsen (Axel)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 01:32 pm: |
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The only thing I dont' agree with here, is the gas cans inside the truck. I usually keep mine on the roof rack. I know there are different school of thoughts on this one, and I don't think there is one *right* answer. But, since I am a smoker, I want those cans as far away from me as possible.
Have good trip, and don't forget pics for Ho!
Axel |
Chris Merritt (Smokinbro)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 01:48 pm: |
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Andy -
Banff to Alaska via Northwest territories?
Thats a tall order.
You will have to travel through the Yukon Territory to get to Alaska. While you can drive to the Northwest Territory you will have to back track down to British Columbia, then back North to the Yukon, then Alaska.
The Alaska Hwy through the Yukon is all weather road and easy to travel on (notice the numerous RVs in front of you).
If you have any questions, lemme know |
Chris Merritt (Smokinbro)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 01:58 pm: |
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Also, if you want a change from the driving, there is an ferry from Prince Rupert in B.C. to Port Hardy on Vancouver island. Essentially a 'poor mans' cruise. |
BW
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 03:11 pm: |
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Be sure you do ALL of you maintenance about a month before you go. You don't want to find out 500 miles into your trip that you didn't tighten something secure enough or your replacement is faulty. Write down your itenerary and live it with a relative/friend and try to stick close to it.
Most importantly- take pictures and post the best when you get back.
BW |
Andy
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 04:25 pm: |
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I might need to rent a uhaul for film, I tend to take lots of pictures. I'll try to take a picture mounting a curb in a mall in the yukon...lol
The jerry cans, I need the back seat for the dogs, plus I want them on the outside. I'm not planning on filling them until I get to remote areas. So I need them outside mounted, probably on the roof, just looking for any ideas. A spihon, good idea total forgot about that.
I like the idea of the tupperware things. I already do this with climbing gear for easy storage at the house and then packing into the truck. I keep my dry food and cooking supplies except fuel, in storage boxes like that in the back next to the arb fridge. A good fit and idea.
Overkill on parts, I was worried that may happen. I want to try putting some remote offroad driving parts into this trip, so I want to be prepared. What "stopping parts" should be a priority? I like idea of brake pads, bearings for f&R, rotoflex,my old sparkplug wires, cap and rotor, air filter,belt, lubes and fuilds for all, Spare lengths of hoses for cooling,vac,whatever, wire and an electrical kit, misc patching supplies. Anything I'm missing? What else will stop a disco that could be easy to fix on the side of the road? I always carry my dealer repair manual and hayes manual.
Finally I will take it to a rover shop int this area, set that up over lunch, for a professional to check it out. Figured another person, in particular someone that works on rovers, would be good to have check out my truck. |
Andy
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 04:39 pm: |
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Chris,
What tips do you have I have been mapping the route, but the Yukon part I am wondering on. I want to go to Banff, what would you suggest for getting to Alaska from there? I want to go to out of the way places, I need to get some gazetteers (SP?) for the areas we're going to (this weekends project). I like the idea of the poor mans cruise, or is it cheap bastard?
I am going to try and map as much as possible before hand and put into the gps. I would like to go off the beaten path.
If you want to write me off board use [email protected]. Thats my work address and I'm afraid I don't surf dweb or get emails on weekends, I try to real wheel instead of virtually.
Thanks for any suggestions
Andy |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 05:46 pm: |
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consider things like a fuel filter, air filter, belts, spare fuel pump, axels,spare lug nuts and studs stuff like that |
Chris Merritt (Smokinbro)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 05:49 pm: |
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Andy;
I suggest the following:
Banff to Jasper through Kicking Horse Pass.
Jasper to Prince George, B.C.
Prince George, B.C. to Dawson Creek, B.C.
Dawson Creek, B.C. to Whitehorse, YK.
Whitehorse is relatively big - with every thing you woudl ever need (except for a LR dealership)
From Whitehorse you can drive to to Alaska. You can also head way North towards Inuvik (almost 70 degrees North)
Whitehorse is also the gateway to Fairbanks or Anchorage.
Unless you leave Alaska via boat or plane - you will have to drive towards home via Canada.
So back to Whitehorse. From thereabouts, you can take the Stewart Cassiar Highway towards Terrace, B.C. (different route than on the way up).
Terrace to Prince Rupert. From Prince Rupert you can take a large car ferry and do this inside passage thing to Port Hardy on Vancouver island.
You drive down island from Port hardy to Victoria. have tea, then head to Vancouver by another ferry. From Vancouver you go south to the border (20 minutes) get on I-5 and you are in california in about 18 hours.
Just so you know, the Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek, B.C. travels north to Whitehorse YK then to Alaska.
If you want to see the Northwest territories on this trip - you will be spending a lot of time backtracking.
I'd personally rather to a great big circle!! |
Erik Olson (Jon)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 06:07 pm: |
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Has anyone ever put together the top ten (or fifty) tools to bring? What would it take to swap the Roto or pull the half-shaft(s) on a trail, or swap a fuel pump / filter or 02 sensor etcetera?
For example:
Metric Socket Set (sp. 4mm - 18mm incl. spark plug socket)
Metric Box Wrenches
Torx Driver Set
Metric / SAE Hex Set
Hammer
Vice Grips
Crescent Wrench
Rubber Shock Absorber Wrench
I'd be really interested to see what everyone has in their "essential" tools kit for my trip in September!
Cheers and enjoy the weekend,
e |
Andy
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 06:30 pm: |
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Chris
Thats great, I'll check it out on the maps this weekend. I'll probably have more questions on monday. Thanks
Anonymous
I like the idea of lugs and studs, that would pretty hard to find away from a LR dealer, plus having a bad tire changed at a garage who never saw a LR lug before might mean I'd need one. Great idea, thanks. I was going to carry the filters and belts. I guess I'll need to see how far away from civilization I go before I carry to much. Hadn't contemplated the fuel pump or axles. How much should I worry about the pump? The axle ... hmm, I was contemplating lockers and axles for next year so I really don't want to spend the money right now. How much should I worry about the axles? I want some off road driving, but I'm not looking at going to moab. Besides, where I'm going I'll probably mostly on the road unless I can find something else.
Thanks for all the help
Andy |
p m
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 08:35 pm: |
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Erik,
a "set" is too vague for me.
For example, should a metric socket set go all the way to 28mm? Or standard socket set to 2 1/16"?
my toolbox's handle is pulling off (about 40lb of tools densely packed inside, including 4lb sledge), but i am still missing a few items here and there.
peter |
Erik Olson (Jon)
| | Posted on Friday, June 28, 2002 - 11:31 pm: |
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Exactly! My previous vehicle (unmentionable) had a comprehensive kit which included some special spanners (up to 30mm for timing chain) amoung other pieces collected over my ownership.
So, that said, what tools have you acquired over the time that you've owned your Disco that you would never be without on the trail? Like "set", "...40lbs. of tools" might include a 20lb. crowbar for opening your hood (LOL, another thread ref. here)!
Cheers,
e |
KJ
| | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 05:48 pm: |
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O.K., y'all know I know spit about this stuff, but does the DI have the same weakness as the DII vis-a-vis the brake sensor going bad and leaving you in park? If so, I'd pack one o' them, too.
And chocolate. I KNOW you need to pack LOTS of chocolate!
Karen |
jec
| | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 07:29 pm: |
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Andy:
In one direction, either coming or going, go through Dawson City, Yukon (not to be confused with Dawson Creek, BC). It's a neat old mining town, population 1,000 or so, looks very similar to what it did in 1898. It's 400 miles north from Whitehorse (nice drive along the Yukon). From Dawson, you take the Top of the World Highway (high alpine tundra at about 4,000 feet) west into Alaska and rejoin the Alcan near Tok. If you haven't gotten one yet, get "The Milepost" (www.themilepost.com). It will give you mile-by mile info on every road you're likely to travel, along with history, etc.
Next - you need far more than 3 weeks to enjoy this trip, so mortgage whatever you have to in order to take more time off for the trip. Otherwise, the only thing you'll see is the view through the windshield. Our trip out of Alaska was 4 weeks from Fairbanks to California (via Yellowknife) one-way, and we felt it was far too rushed (but we had to meet the moving van when it arrived).
Don't forget health certificate and proof of rabies vacination for the dog; we usually got asked for it at least once on each of our yearly trips into Canada from Alaska.
Free firewood in most of the Canadian campgrounds, but not so in Alaska. But big rounds, so take a splitting maul to make bite-sized pieces. You'll be the envy of the other campers that are trying to start a 12-inch log with a match.
Not sure what the current reservation system is to get on one of the shuttle buses into Denali (you can only drive private vehicle in 12 miles), but I think you can reserve some seats in advance - the Milepost should tell you. The bus is the only way to see farther into the park, and that's where most of the wildlife is. But ... you'll have to try to find a kennel to day-sit your dog while you take the bus. The Milepost may be able to clue you in on whether kennels exist, or at least give you phone numbers to call for information.
The Land Rover dealer in Anchorage has some good folks working there, but we'll hope you don't need them.
Have a fun trip!
John |
Wood
| | Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 12:09 am: |
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Don't forget about the batteries. Constant driving like your schedule calls for makes recharging easy but only if all is working properly. Electrics/computers are quite often the areas of weakness in long travels here in Oz. |
Roger Fastring
| | Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 02:08 am: |
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Recommend going through Hells Gate, great road. Chicken, Alaska on the Top of the World Highway was kinda cool. I drove from Louisiana to California, to Alaska and back for my honeymoon almost three years ago in a 1989 motorhome I purchased three weeks prior. No problems that were a real issue. Stuff is expensive in AK (Paid $85 for a well used tire...) but you can always find what you need. Recommend stopping at Muncho Lake and Liard Hot Springs, actually everyhotsprings. Meet cool folks just chilling in the hot water, its like the Starbucks of AK. If I was doing that trip in my D1, I'd skip out on the Gas cans, especially inside. If you need the range, then a sturdy hitch mount setup would work, though I'd get a swing away fabbed first. Fuel is expensive, I paid up to $3+/gallon at the time, at 6-7mpg in the motorhome, it was more of an issue then 15-18 in a disco. Good luck, stop alot and talk with the people you'll see. |
Andy
| | Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 12:05 pm: |
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Thanks for all the info. Yes chocolate will be part of the "emergency kit", I can see lots of "emergencys". I am now looking for more time to do this, don't want to sell the house, but I'm trying to add a week or two more. All the suggestions are great, Thanks for all te help. After wheeling this weekend I pulled my wheels and decided to replace my front rotors, bearings, hub seals and front pads. I'll also do the rear bearings to make me fell better. Funny I've taken just as large of trips in my wifes Jetta and never worried about the reliablity. But the rover always has me guessing.
Andy |
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