Leaving your comfort zone

[stonefox]

For those of you on the G&R forum this will be reputious.
So you are getting ready for an extended road trip out side your typical comfort zone . What tools , spares, gear, and kind of beer do you consider down right foolish to leave home without.

[leafsprung]

what type of distance?

[stonefox]

what type of distance?
Between 300 -400 miles each way.

[Apis Mellifera]

I routinely do 400 mile trips. All I take is a cell phone and a gun... and lots of money for gasoline.

[stonefox]

I routinely do 400 mile trips. All I take is a cell phone and a gun... and lots of money for gasoline.
Is the gun to shoot yourself or the rover when it breaks down.:eek:

[Rineheitzgabot]

For some reason, I picture this trip being in the summer, so I feel that a drier beer is most fitting. I say Modelo Especiale, or Pacifico Clara. Both Mexican, both refreshing and crisp, and deliciously thirst-quenching in hot weather.

Oh yeah, and a couple of tools and an Ipod.

[scott]

you said take with you, do you mean there will be no restocking of provisions? cuz i'm not sure i can carry enough beer to do 300 to 400 miles. the sankey has a 1500 lbs limit.

[stonefox]

you said take with you, do you mean there will be no restocking of provisions? cuz i'm not sure i can carry enough beer to do 300 to 400 miles. the sankey has a 1500 lbs limit.
I have a program installed on my flipup,handsfree,voice commanded, oh yah I forgot the bluetooth compatiable SAT NAV system that has every brewery and discount distributor in the continental US installed on it.It was a real hoot trying to get that installed in the metal dash.:D NOT..... but not a bad idea eh?

[scott]

i hear you can travel from kansas city to oregon on nothing but dirt roads. cross reverence that with micro breweries in the western half of the u.s. and you would have a nice 30 - 60 day vacation

[mongoswede]

i hear you can travel from kansas city to oregon on nothing but dirt roads. cross reverence that with micro breweries in the western half of the u.s. and you would have a nice 30 - 60 day vacation


There is a route called the Transamerica trail that is popular for offroad and adventure touring motorcycle Riders. The trail is 4800 miles long and 80% unpaved. You can pay about $200 and get all the maps, roll charts, and for some sections GPS waypoints. A land rover would be capable of doing most of the route...the highest pass is 13000 feet and there are some sections that may be too narrow for a truck. The route starts in Jellico Tennessee and finishes in Oregon.


I did a good chunk of the route back in 2005 on a KTM 950 Adventure. I ended up leaving the trail in Utah because I was just not skilled enough to handle the loaded big bike at the time in the terrain I was getting into. I'd still like to go back and finish. All pictures here from said trip with a few teasers:

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1455729_wuy2K#69392860_FmhLp


http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000001/69392860_FmhLp-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000072/69394820_8dYJ5-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000084/69394873_jxUnY-L.jpghttp://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000134/69761760_YL7fN-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000160/69761863_Qpc7P-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000173/69761879_WLhx6-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000193/69762008_JjPmb-L.jpg


Series drums brakes would be seriously dangerous on this pass: (California pass 13000 feet)

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000206/70387647_bXjUC-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000218/70732741_ya8tt-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000225/70732780_ypU9W-L.jpg

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000250/70732934_TreWE-L.jpg

I changed my route after this day. This photo is misleading but it had just rained and the road surface was all of that gumbo mud...gooey...sticks to every surface...and you have zero traction...riding on ice is easier because ice doesn't clog your fenders and stop your wheels from turning. This mud could be a serious issue even in a rover. I took over 400 photos on that trip and I'd recommend it to anyone even if you don't use a motorcycle. Most people on bikes do it in 4 to 6 weeks.

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1000278/77291003_Gi2ND-L.jpg

[RoverForm]

Mongo... You are my hero for the day.

[albersj51]

Mongo... You are my hero for the day.

+1

your pics make me want to dump tons more $$ into my Rover, leave my career and travel the world with my dogs and my Rover!

[Mercedesrover]

...All I take is a cell phone and a gun...

I like your thinking! Did two trips to Maine this year for which I have a carry permit. There's an AR7 that never leaves the truck. I also brought a long a 94 Trapper in 30-30 and a stubby SP101. I usually bring all this stuff (http://www.seriestrek.com/tools.html)too.

[NickDawson]

+1

your pics make me want to dump tons more $$ into my Rover, leave my career and travel the world with my dogs and my Rover!

ME TOO!

[mongoswede]

+1

your pics make me want to dump tons more $$ into my Rover, leave my career and travel the world with my dogs and my Rover!

My work here is done then :thumb-up:. I think it would be a fantastic trip in an old rover. The truck being so slow that you are forced to slow down and enjoy the countryside....it would sort of be like an old school expedition. Take two spare tires and enough tools to change oil and tune up items. spare axle shafts etc. Camp as much as possible, take photos, go hiking. etc etc.

[kevkon]

Mongo, if you were to do the trip again what would you do differently?
I really hope you can share more pics and info with everyone!

[mongoswede]

Mongo, if you were to do the trip again what would you do differently?
I really hope you can share more pics and info with everyone!

The rest of the photos are on my smugmug account here:

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Summer-2005-Transamtrail-43/1455729_wuy2K#69392860_FmhLp there are a lot on there that would take forever to post here given there is a limit on how many photos you can link to at one time.


If i were to do the trip again...which is likely I would do a few things differently. For one thing I would take a lot less stuff and I would not use hard luggage. I have a nice travel duffle that straps onto the back of the bike...its a lot lighter and a lot more compact. I would use a different bike as well. My current machine is a KTM 690...its fuel injected and a lot lighter then the big bike I used last time. The way the bike is setup now it carries about 24 litres of fuel giving it a range of between 250 and 300 miles.

http://crazyswede.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/KTM-690-How-To/IMG1325/921344184_Cq2HJ-L.jpg


its not a land rover but it goes places no land rover could ever think about going...at least not without a chain saw :D

[LR Max]

Which vehicle?

For my car, I just make sure maintenance is up. Do I need oil change? Brakes? Etc. Most of the time, I know if these items are in question. Also if my tires need to be balanced, I'll do that (Discount Tire unlimited rotate + Balance = :thumb-up: ). Then I carry 2 coolers: One in the trunk that has plenty of fluids and some food. Front cooler is basically a little cooler that I can easily get to. Clean up the car! Easier than having last weeks coke cans rolling around. Check spare tire pressure but even still, test and throw in the little crappy air compressor along with plug kit (good plug kits are worth their weight in gold!!). Lastly, update music, podcasts and make sure they are all good to go.

For the rover, top off fluids, make sure everything is in working order, tire pressure, make sure I've got all misc crap outta the back and extra batteries for the noise cancelling earphones.

Oh, one thing I forgot to add: I try to only travel during the day. Seems to take a lot of stress off driving.

[lrdukdog]

"your pics make me want to dump tons more $$ into my Rover, leave my career and travel the world with my dogs and my Rover!"

AMEN!!!!:thumb-up: makes my feet start to itch..what a trip for an old 1966 109 SW and the Tollers.
Jim Wolf

[KingSlug]

Joining and print the list from www.birmabrightbrotherhood.org (http://www.birmabrightbrotherhood.org)

Besides basic tools and cap/rotor/cond, oil and water (which should be in the rover at all times). Just go.

I bought my 2a ambulance after a 10 minute test drive, then drove it from north of Yosemite to San Clemente, about 400 miles. Sure it was a little slow especially over the Grapevine, but not too bad.

If you drive your rover regularly there is hardly anywhere I wouldnt go a a moments notice.

Jared

[amcordo]

Joining and print the list from www.birmabrightbrotherhood.org (http://www.birmabrightbrotherhood.org)

Besides basic tools and cap/rotor/cond, oil and water (which should be in the rover at all times). Just go.

I bought my 2a ambulance after a 10 minute test drive, then drove it from north of Yosemite to San Clemente, about 400 miles. Sure it was a little slow especially over the Grapevine, but not too bad.

If you drive your rover regularly there is hardly anywhere I wouldnt go a a moments notice.

Jared


I just sent an email to join this and it was returned undelivered - their mailbox is full. Is anyone still checking this?

[Mercedesrover]

Is anyone still checking this?

:rolleyes:

Eh, that would be me. Gotta get back on that. I know I have about six-months of emails to answer.

Truth be told, the only call I ever received was from a guy that wasn't even a member. I really like the idea of the group but I'm not sure how useful it really is. Maybe I should start a thread on a few of the boards asking if this is still something us Series truck drivers are interested in.....

[Cutter]

seems like a great idea to me, i'd sign up

[crankin]

To high jack this...
If the Brimabright Brotherhood thing is still catching on good...
I wouldn't mind getting a group order together for badges...similar to the "Bloody Knuckle Pub" badges...man, those things were nice. I saw one go on ebay for $100+ a while back.

[mongoswede]

seems like a great idea to me, i'd sign up

I spend a fair amount of time on the Advrider forum (motorcycle stuff). There is section there called "Tent space"....its just a spot where people can go in and find people on their intended route that are willing to let you camp in their back yard...maybe even let you stay in the guest room.

[RoverForm]

I usually bring all this stuff (http://www.seriestrek.com/tools.html)too.
thank you for this. extremely useful. i have that busketboss canvas tool bag. love it.

the following excerpt is from SteveH on the land rover addict forum. a lot of this stuff would be covered in your general maintenance, but obviously should be checked before you head out.


I would make sure I have such basic consumables as fan belt,radiator hoses,something to stop radiator leaks(most auto shops have stuff for this), spare water pump, spare fuel lift pump,( or kits to fix along the way if you need them, maybe you can do a buy to return if not needed with your supplier, not sure what the situation is there) check all your fluids, radiator , engine, gear & transfer boxes, diffs. Carry spare top up oils & water, check & regrease wheel bearings if need be. All standard stuff but easily overlooked in the muddle of getting ready for a big trip.

Check the condition of your drive shaft universals, maybe a good time to unbolt them & check for full & free movement, almost impossible to do in situ. Grease them up wiggle them around, grease them some more. Take along a wheel bearing kit & hub nut spanner, 53mm box spanner , I think that J33ps have/had the same size, not expensive & worth their weight in gold if you need it, save butchering nuts with cold chisels etc. Try & make sure you have every tool you could need, by 73 the Landies were a fair old mix of metric, imperial & still the odd whitworth, I'm not sure which is which, I've got most of these & used them on my SIIa when I had it (sob!) but can't remember which was which & some things had changed when S3s came along. I guess some plugs, points, condensor & leads wouldn't go astray either.
HTH, Cheers, Steve.

[albersj51]

:rolleyes:

Eh, that would be me. Gotta get back on that. I know I have about six-months of emails to answer.

Truth be told, the only call I ever received was from a guy that wasn't even a member. I really like the idea of the group but I'm not sure how useful it really is. Maybe I should start a thread on a few of the boards asking if this is still something us Series truck drivers are interested in.....

I think the concept is great! While the need may not be great, it's probably a thing were if it weren't there then the need would be. Maybe people just don't know about it...I know I didn't

[amcordo]

To high jack this...
If the Brimabright Brotherhood thing is still catching on good...
I wouldn't mind getting a group order together for badges...similar to the "Bloody Knuckle Pub" badges...man, those things were nice. I saw one go on ebay for $100+ a while back.


Agree. But instead of normal badges, I'd suggest Camel Trophy style plates that can be attached to roof racks or in front of the radiator. Way cooler and more roverish. Could even hold a design competition for the end product! http://www.google.com/images?q=camel%20trophy&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

[Escargo]

Anyone thinking of getting up to the All-Metal Dash weekend from the mid-Atlantic? How about you Virginia guys? Have not checked the mileage but it has to be 400plus miles from Norfolk.
Hans Gabler

[stonefox]

I just sent an email to join this and it was returned undelivered - their mailbox is full. Is anyone still checking this?
I had the same thing happen about a weekago .Mercedes Jim when the bugs are worked out could you leave us a post somewere.

[Cosmic88]

Mongo,

You mentioned that one could aquire the maps of the trail system you traveled... wanna post some coipes of them here for us scavengers? OR whats the source so we can buy em and plan/dream?

I'm ready when you guys are :cool:

[gudjeon]

Fluids check and give 'er. I used to travel 1000km's in a go. I just don't do something foolish as you know how far away your shop is.:thumb-up:

Perhaps some maps, no phone, no GPS. That is the point of going in a Landy-to step back in time.

[mongoswede]

Mongo,

You mentioned that one could aquire the maps of the trail system you traveled... wanna post some coipes of them here for us scavengers? OR whats the source so we can buy em and plan/dream?

I'm ready when you guys are :cool:

http://www.transamtrail.com/purchase/

[disco2hse]

Have a read through this thread on AULRO:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/trip-preparation-suggestions-ideas-advice/60749-suggested-recovery-gear-toolkits-first-aid-convoy-procedure-etc-remote-touring.html

No point in listing it all again :)

Alan

[Boddington]

Mongo, that trip on your bike reminded me of one of my favorite movies: Motorcycle Diaries, a Spanish film which is set in South America. Some beautiful shots you have.

[RoverForm]

There's an AR7 that never leaves the truck.
what are your thoughts on the AR-7?

[siii8873]

I do a 600mile round trip at times. The only things that I have needed so far are tools to open all the places to check fluids and gear oil. The overdrive always needs a little after about 400 miles. I always have a pretty good stocked tool kit, spare bulbs and fuses, gear oil, engine oil, brake fluid and a pad I use for crawling under the truck.

[Mercedesrover]

what are your thoughts on the AR-7?

I like it. Mine is a Henry. It's a single-purpose rifle that does what it is made for. It is a "survival" rifle meant to be used in a case of emergency for gathering food and/or defensive purposes. I bought it, shot a couple of boxes of ammo through it, cleaned and oiled it liberally and stashed it in the truck. I will take it out and shoot it every few years to make sure everything functions, clean it and put it right back.

But, it is not a plinker, it is not a range gun, it's not an everyday .22 like a Henry lever or Marlin, or whatever. Use it for its intended purpose. I like it because everything fits into the stock and is waterproof. The Marlin Papoose is another good example of a survival .22.

[JimCT]

One to look at would be a .357 carbine, particularly if you are carrying a .357 revolver.

[Mercedesrover]

One to look at would be a .357 carbine, particularly if you are carrying a .357 revolver.

Agreed. When I'm in states where I can carry, I usually wear a Ruger SP101 in .357, and there is almost always a Winchester Trapper (16" barrel) in 30-30 in my truck. I keep my eyes open for a Trapper or short-barrel Marlin in .357 but they seem to be few and far between. I also have a Trapper in .44 that I will match a revolver to some day.

You don't have such a .357 you'd like to part with, do you Jim?

[yorker]

But, it is not a plinker, it is not a range gun, it's not an everyday .22 like a Henry lever or Marlin, or whatever. Use it for its intended purpose. I like it because everything fits into the stock and is waterproof. The Marlin Papoose is another good example of a survival .22.

Don't forget the M6!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M6_Aircrew_Survival_Weapon

http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/v-shrake/182317-M61.jpg

I wish Springfield Armory was still selling those, when I last knew they were discontinued.

[yorker]

Agreed. When I'm in states where I can carry, I usually wear a Ruger SP101 in .357, and there is almost always a Winchester Trapper (16" barrel) in 30-30 in my truck. I keep my eyes open for a Trapper or short-barrel Marlin in .357 but they seem to be few and far between.


I still think you need to find one of those IMI Timberwolves:
http://www.remtek.com/arms/imi/timber/index.htm

http://www.gunslot.com/pictures/imi-timberwolf-pump-rifle-357-mag-new-box
:thumb-up:

[mrdoiron]

Agreed. When I'm in states where I can carry, I usually wear a Ruger SP101 in .357, and there is almost always a Winchester Trapper (16" barrel) in 30-30 in my truck. I keep my eyes open for a Trapper or short-barrel Marlin in .357 but they seem to be few and far between. I also have a Trapper in .44 that I will match a revolver to some day.

You don't have such a .357 you'd like to part with, do you Jim?

Nice Ruger - thought of getting one of those, still may...
In Texas my cars are protected by a Kimber Ultra RCP II with laser sights...smaller doesn't need to mean less powerful :)
- no gun rack...just quick draw holster...

m

[cgalpin]

Doing the TAT in a rover is on my bucket list!

[derekchace]

I like to take my Enfield No1 MK4 in the Rover and store her behind the seats. Then I carry my beretta Cougar, or PX4. Nothing says for King and Country like a .303.

[TeriAnn]

Am I the ONLY person who has never felt a need to carry a firearm in the Rover? I have never had an occasion to wish I had one in my gear in 35 years of Land Rover travel. They take up prime dry physical space inside the truck, add weight and take up mind space that could be used for more relevant thinking. With a single trip exception my guns have stayed home when I go out on Land Rover trips.

Though I do admit I would have felt safer sleeping in Glacier inside my thin sided Dormobile where I cook and my food is stored if I were loaded for grizzly.

[Terrys]

Am I the ONLY person who has never felt a need to carry a firearm in the Rover? I have never had an occasion to wish I had one in my gear in 35 years of Land Rover travel. They take up prime dry physical space inside the truck, add weight and take up mind space that could be used for more relevant thinking. With a single trip exception my guns have stayed home when I go out on Land Rover trips.

Though I do admit I would have felt safer sleeping in Glacier inside my thin sided Dormobile where I cook and my food is stored if I were loaded for grizzly.
It's a 'guy thing'. You're not supposed to understand. Kinda like a comfort-zone-extender. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford made room for their crank-up victrola (Victrola,Am I dating myself? Yeah, most on here weren't born when Out Of Africa came out.)
If you had a Jack Russel, instead of an Irish Wolfhound, you could take a grizzly gun, and ammo too.

[cgalpin]

Mmh... I'm a guy and feel no urge to carry a firearm at any time - should I be questioning my masculinity? :grin

I have no qualms with others carrying firearms of course.

[Cutter]

dDitto, think about getting a gun now and then, but never felt unsafe without one. I prefer a good dog. That M6 is pretty cool though...

[greenmeanie]

I like to take my Enfield No1 MK4 in the Rover and store her behind the seats. Then I carry my beretta Cougar, or PX4. Nothing says for King and Country like a .303.

It would be Queen and Country right now. If you're going .303 then the SMLE MKIII is a much nicer weapon than the MKIV which was the result of altering the design for cheaper, faster production.

Real men have flamethrowers.

[Terrys]

Mmh... I'm a guy and feel no urge to carry a firearm at any time - should I be questioning my masculinity? :grin

I have no qualms with others carrying firearms of course.
They are not mutually inclusive. I also have a perennial woodland garden, so one never knows if it's grease or good old soil beneath my nails. I don't fear for my masculinity. I even let my wife put wildflowers on our limited camp table space.

[Skookumchuck]

up here in the great white north it is always a good idea to carry a firearm when out in the bush. I had a grizzly charge me and had to shoot it at 15'. They cover 30' a second so it was pretty much shoot or be dinner. I have an old 303 but while it may be a good service rifle in its day I prefere a good old shotgun with slugs and SSG's for bear defence. The odds of having to use the gun are pretty small, but if the need ever arises it is comforting to have it a round.

[yorker]

It would be Queen and Country right now. If you're going .303 then the SMLE MKIII is a much nicer weapon than the MKIV which was the result of altering the design for cheaper, faster production.

Real men have flamethrowers.

Flamethrowers leave that crappy aftertaste though! ...and it took the #4 Mk2 before you really got a decent-consistant trigger on a Lee Enfield, plus the barrels and sights were definitely an upgrade over the old #1 Mk III.

I still DO like the SMLE better though I can't really tell why- maybe because the New York 27th Division used them in WW1.
http://dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/wwi/infantry/27thInfDiv/gfx_27thDiv/27thLivingInsignia800.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm386/gsmilligan/InfantryAdvancingWithTank.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm386/gsmilligan/SoldierWhoWonDistinctionAndTroopsIn.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm386/gsmilligan/CrossingtheLaSalleIntoSt-Souplet.jpg

[alaskajosh]

To say that one has driven X number of trips without need of a gun is like saying I've driven my whole life without need of a seatbelt or a fire extinguisher.. that's not to say I'd consider pulling out of the driveway without any of those three.
How dumb I'd feel if I needed any of those but, instead, sat helpless.

I don't understand this assertion that it's a sign of some sort of "compensation" or insecurity to want to possess the means to protect oneself and family. Seatbelt analogy applies again.

Love those M6 scouts!! I bought one for my son long before I knew if I'd be having children.

[mrdoiron]

up here in the great white north it is always a good idea to carry a firearm when out in the bush. I had a grizzly charge me and had to shoot it at 15'. They cover 30' a second so it was pretty much shoot or be dinner. I have an old 303 but while it may be a good service rifle in its day I prefere a good old shotgun with slugs and SSG's for bear defence. The odds of having to use the gun are pretty small, but if the need ever arises it is comforting to have it a round.
I also found a good Airhorn in the tent or quick access grab on my coat while in the bush always handy - bears are quite annoyed by the load blast and tend to wheel fairly fast in the other direction...at least Northern black bears.

mike

[Mercedesrover]

I'm just now back from 7 days in Canada. The order of things when I got home were, shovel the walk, empty the car, strap on a J-frame and light the wood stove.

Was I uncomfortable in Canada without a firearm? Not really. Am I more comfortable at home where I can carry one? You bet. It's like health insurance or a seatbelt...Hope never to put them to use, but darn glad I have them if something comes along.

[Skookumchuck]

I am in Canada and I carry a rifle or shotgun with me most of the time. or I might have the bow depends what is open for hunting. right now it is just cougars bobcats lynx, wolf, coyote, rabbits. So just packin the small stuff.