Having just completed a 2000 mile loop of California that took us through Death Valley and then to the coastal Redwoods, I am glad I had the LR3 with the air suspension. I carry spares to take care of the air issues if they should arise. The comfort of the LR3 both on and off trail is one of its strengths. We did about 500 miles on trails. For what we do as a family the truck suits us perfectly. If it were just me, I would probably have a D1 or a Classic. I personally think that the LR3/4 is one of the most versatile overland vehicles out there and will cover at least 90% of what you may want to do in North America. The other 10% is divided into planning and a truck that is specifically suited to some of the more extreme places to go.
As for the unknown breakdowns that occur, I also believe that is part of the adventure. Having to find a new battery in Bishop was actually fun, installing it in the frigid cold, not as much. I can tell you though that no matter how much you research and how much you prepare a failure can always happen. I had researched my second battery choice for about a month. I ended up with a Sear Platinum marine battery. This is the same battery as the Odyssey. Failure of the battery occurred less than a year into ownership. A cell shorted out inside and I only had 10 volts. The lesson here is that no matter the amount of preparation and "good" equipment, breakdowns occur. Finding a fix for most is relatively easy. The ones that can't be fixed and could you leave you stranded alone in the middle of nowhere should tell you that you should not have been alone in the first place.
Carry a Spot or other device, go with family or firends, live it, explore it, break it, fix it, love it!
As for the unknown breakdowns that occur, I also believe that is part of the adventure. Having to find a new battery in Bishop was actually fun, installing it in the frigid cold, not as much. I can tell you though that no matter how much you research and how much you prepare a failure can always happen. I had researched my second battery choice for about a month. I ended up with a Sear Platinum marine battery. This is the same battery as the Odyssey. Failure of the battery occurred less than a year into ownership. A cell shorted out inside and I only had 10 volts. The lesson here is that no matter the amount of preparation and "good" equipment, breakdowns occur. Finding a fix for most is relatively easy. The ones that can't be fixed and could you leave you stranded alone in the middle of nowhere should tell you that you should not have been alone in the first place.
Carry a Spot or other device, go with family or firends, live it, explore it, break it, fix it, love it!
