DII overland prep

[riverratrover]

I'm a few months away form my college graduation and my big post graduate plan is to take an overland trip to the tip of South America and depending on finances possible beyond. When an opportunity to purchase a 2000 DII at a unbeatable price came around I jumped on it even with the 83,000 on the odometer. It has served me very well with no major issues except for a sunroof failure. Because this is payed for I would like to prep it for the trip, unfortunately I just hit the 90,000 mile mark and will have at least 105,000 before I could depart. I'm a little concerned about the number of miles on it. Also I figure I need to make a few mods to make it comfortable and capable:
Roof Rack
ARB front bumper
Water tank
Extended fuel tank and/or jerry cans
OME suspension
snorkel
etc...

I would like to learn form your collective knowledge on what to do about the car and best ways to prepare it.

 

[Mercedesrover]

At the risk of bursting your bubble, that’s just not the truck I’d like to venture into Latin and South America with. First of all, you’re going to attract a LOT of attention with a new-style Land Rover. Second, it sounds like you’re doing this trip solo…Not a good idea if you’re drawing attention to yourself in Latin and South America. There are others on this board that have been there that can tell you stories first-hand, but from what I’ve read it’s not the safest place to be wandering alone looking like a gringo with too much money. Even Baja is becoming a dangerous place these days. Thirdly, the electronic nightmare that is a DII is not the kind of truck you want to be wandering around with down there. Gasoline is poor in quality and parts and repair facilities are all but not existent. Break down with that thing in Quito Ecuador and you’ll be in a world of hurt.

If you really want to do this trip you’ll be better off with something more discrete, with way less electronics and probably something that burns diesel fuel. I’d say an old Series Land Rover but then I’d sound bias. An old Chevy pickup truck with a diesel would be a better choice of vehicle.

jim

 

[Sharkman]

Riverratrover,

The DII is certainly a vehicle that is capable and designed for this type of trip.
The systems on these trucks are not as complicated or scary as most people think but, you’ll want to learn everything you can about the truck.
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance

Suspension: yes
Roof rack: only if you need the space
Bumper: only if you plan to add a winch
Snorkel: not high on the list (maintain your air filter)

Get a copy of the service manuals, figure out what spares are critical and learn as much as possible about the workings of the truck..
Do the obvious stuff….belts, hoses, fluids, water pump, consider replacing all four hubs, etc

Steve

 

[Desertoutpost]

Good for you, graduating and going out exploring! Congratulations.

I also own a 2000 Disco, and I feel with the correct amount of prep work and extras thrown in the back for good measure you will be fine. I would also get a lay of the land and have a few contacts/shops which could ship you parts down to certain parts of where you will be traveling through. Do research check with local independent shops to find the common failures and plan for those.

I would also become very familiar with the vehicle systems on the Disco before you leave. You should be capable of diagnosing your Disco pretty well. Keep common and not so common tools on board, might be hard to find a T-25 Security Torx in a South American village. Chances are you will be your own mechanic/trouble shooter so you need to know a few things about your Disco. I also agree as, Into the Wild as this sounds, don’t do it alone. Keep a couple books on your Disco for reference and get one in Spanish prior to leaving might come in handy.

Rack-I would go with a Hannibal with a RTT, I have had a few up on mine and this is the one I would run for expedition travel.

ARB-Great choice, go with a 10-12k winch because it will be about self recovery down there, get good at using it and very familiar in bad conditions.

Water Tanks-I would go collapsible water storage which would help you with room as you traveled.

There is a company in England/Oz that makes an extra tank for our Disco’s they are pricey but nice, I think they give you another 15 gal. I will try and locate the information.

OME-I have OME and love it.

Snorkel-Many debates on this one, your choice.

Security- I would also be looking at vehicle security very close also. Screen the rear side windows and rear door window. Cage the area between the rear cargo area and back seat. I would also black out or heavily tint the rears.

Lighting-Need to consider these options for travel at night and break down at night.

There is a ton more…

 

[Alaska Mike]

Fuel would be my biggest concern, since the Discos take premium (or whatever the not-cheap gas is) and Mexican gas is less than premium. That said, I think Scott Brady took his Disco II down to Mexico a few years back and might be a good resource. He could probably suggest a good route as well.

I agree a Chevy diesel would probably be a better choice, but we're not talking about a practical decision here. Carry a good manual and a scanner (if you can find one), make sure the maintenance is perfect, keep your wits about you, and go explore.

 

[riverratrover]

thanks guys I understand your concerns about the DII but it was a ride in a LR disco when I was 14 that got me hook on the idea of overland travel. There is great info on this site and I want to thank you all again for your help

 

[shartzer]

Well this group did SA and much more in a DII.

http://www.drivearoundtheworld.com/movie/DATW-LONGITUDE.wmv


Information about the vehicle:
http://www.drivearoundtheworld.com/vehicles/

 

[Alaska Mike]

Then a Disco it is.

I'd start out planning the journey. Where is it that you want to go and what do you want to see. The "Make Tacos Not War" thread was quite inspiring to me. Post up a thread in the Expedition Research area and pick your route.

Then, outfit your vehicle for the worst that route has to offer. Tires and recovery gear are key here, as are tools/spare parts. Once you get the vehicle needs taken care of (think sustainable travel), you can decide on your personal level of comfort and try to outfit the vehicle, keeping the various capacities in mind.

I'd suggest doing several shakedown runs to iron out any wrinkles. That's how you figure out if your sleeping arrangements are practical and if your supply calculations are correct.

I envy your journey. All I can suggest is doing the research before you go- gas prices are really killing the ability to wander aimlessly.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I agree something like a diesel Chevy might be a better vehicle for most of the reasons listed (fuel, inconspicuousness, repairs, etc...) but the suggestion of the "complexity" or "electronics" on the Disco are not one of them.

The Disco has an engine and trans computer, just like everything else out there today. It also has 2 other computers (body and brakes/traction control) which leads to the fear of electrickery, but the reality is a failure of any of these other 2 will not leave the vehicle stranded, save for one possibility... the body control unit runs the anti-theft system. But again... that's common for just about every other modern vehicle out there.

I burned a copy of the freely available Rave CD to disk and I actually carry a copy around with me in my truck always. So as long as I can get a computer, then I can read my manual. If I were going far, I'd be bringing my computer with me.

 

[FortyMileDesert]

I would suggest starting a bit smaller. You are biting off way too much for a "first timer".

If this is your first expedition and you are asking advise on how to basically equip a rig, this is way too big for a first step. Start out with a trek of about 500 miles first; all off-road and in the US. You can easily do this in Nevada. For a second trek try a long one in Mexico.

 

[Mercedesrover]

I would suggest starting a bit smaller. You are biting off way too much for a "first timer".

If this is your first expedition and you are asking advise on how to basically equip a rig, this is way too big for a first step. Start out with a trek of about 500 miles first; all off-road and in the US. You can easily do this in Nevada. For a second trek try a long one in Mexico.

Thank you!!!

This is waaaayyyyy too big of a trip for this kid. New college grad, 100k mile Disco II and a limited budget and we're all telling him to go for it? I don't think so. Imagine this guy wandering around Guatemala in a shiny Disco II? If the banditos didn't get him, the lawless lawmen would. I don't think he'd get through Mexico without being held up, robbed of everything but his shorts and call himself lucky to get away with that. That's not even to mention if there was trouble with the questionably reliable DII. (And don't try to call me out on that one.)

Fortymile is right on here. Take a trip to Nevada, to Colorado, to Utah. Hell, take a run up to northern Canada or Alaska. You'll have a great time and you'll come home to tell about it.

I applaud your enthusiasm and adventurous spirit but you need to use your head about this. And you guys encouraging this kid to skip off to Central America are a bit irresponsible in my opinion.

Call me a killjoy but call me rational.

jim

 

[riverratrover]

Again thanks for your advice,

I'll give you a little more details on my pre-posed trip. I'd be departing in early 2010 (working on exact date so weather is OK due to opposite seasons). I've already lived in South America and speak sufficient spanish, growing up in Grand Teton National Park Wyoming I've camped every month of the year (Yes that means lots of snow caves and winter tents). I've bin driving off road (and dealing with the problems faced with that) since I was 14. I've made a few good trips in the past with friends and family and am ready to tackle a big trip. Of course there will be plenty of shack down jaunts (who wouldn't want to do that) and I'll hopefully be as prepared as possible. The DII is bought and paid for so its the car!!! I'm finally at the time were I get to make some serious mods to the rig, I'm just stealing from your collective wisdom on what works, what doesn't and so on.

 

[Christian P.]

I would take the Disco no problem.

Disco II are not that complicated. They are actually easy to work on - I should know I replaced pretty much everything on mine.

Depending on the year, they may have issue with head gasket though...that could be a bit troublesome. And fuel consumption is going to hit you...

 

[Christian P.]

Thank you!!!

This is waaaayyyyy too big of a trip for this kid. New college grad, 100k mile Disco II and a limited budget and we're all telling him to go for it? I don't think so. Imagine this guy wandering around Guatemala in a shiny Disco II? If the banditos didn't get him, the lawless lawmen would. I don't think he'd get through Mexico without being held up, robbed of everything but his shorts and call himself lucky to get away with that. That's not even to mention if there was trouble with the questionably reliable DII. (And don't try to call me out on that one.)

Fortymile is right on here. Take a trip to Nevada, to Colorado, to Utah. Hell, take a run up to northern Canada or Alaska. You'll have a great time and you'll come home to tell about it.

I applaud your enthusiasm and adventurous spirit but you need to use your head about this. And you guys encouraging this kid to skip off to Central America are a bit irresponsible in my opinion.

Call me a killjoy but call me rational.

jim

sorry Jim but I disagree. There's plenty of nice shinny SUV in Central America - and even more in South America. They belong to both locals and gringos. With some good judgements, some spanish and hopefully some friends in the truck, he will be fine.

The areas that are dangerous will be dangerous no matter what you drive. I know of a backpacker kid who got shot (killed) on the bus when it got attacked/robbed and was trying to protect his gf. I am ready to bet she whished they were traveling in a nice Disco instead of the chicken bus.

okay time for a beer...and back to the Discovery modifications.

 

[stevenmd]

As to the poor quality of fuel available, take along some gas additives to add to every tank you fill up. Take along a funnel with a screen to keep anything from getting into the gas tank when you fuel up. Take along some fuel filters in your spare parts bin.

Seems like you have some experience behind your quest for adventure. You might be ready for a trip of this magnitude. However, how long have you owned your DII? Were you the only owner? Do you have a record of maintenance performed on it before you bought it? I ask these questions because it seems like if anything were to get in your way of success, it would be your truck. Like it has been stated before, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. KNOW THY TRUCK!

I would not hesitate to take my 1994 RRC to SA, but then, I have EVERY receipt EVER for it, including the original dealer invoice. I am the third owner and the PO was anal about everything.