Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

Next time you're coming out this way hit me up and we'll get out for a trail ride!

 

I've been trying to side load hemamaps on mine but hema won't let me. They are a cheap solution if someone has a decent app built for the fire. I'm sure you could root the fire and install CM or similar that would basically make it an Android again. I might cruise through the app store tonight to see what's available.

 

I use a Delorme gazetteer. Is that too old school?

 

Yeah, stuck up which was user error on my end really. My mattress in the back was putting pressure against the tailgate and I only had one hand free so I ended up putting too much pressure on the latch trying to get it open instead of pushing the gate in while trying to open the latch. I replaced the original with a pop and lock so I could lock up the back, looking into replacement parts now.

 

I just checked it out...

It's a 7" tablet with 8GB internal storage on sale for $33. Has SD Card slot for storage expansion...

It does not have a GPS receiver in it.

But you might be able to cobble together navigation with an external Bluetooth GPS receiver. Garmin makes one called the GLO for $99, which knocks the socks off most other receivers, as it has a 10Hz refresh cycle for location data vs. 1Hz for virtually all other internal GPS receivers.

I would really need to get my hands on one to say for sure if the above would work...

AFAIK you can still load Google Play onto it, to gain access to that market... Out of the box it places you in the Amazon Eco System.

Bottom line, I would not recommend this for navigation.

Great for kids to play on though...

 

Definitely!!!! My schedule on the next trip hopefully won't be so condensed.

 

Just checked the wifes and that is the problem. By the time you get a usb receiver and force it to work you could already have a nexus 10 shipped and running.

 

well shit... its a new play toy for me lol. Thanks for looking into this for me!

 

Loaded up the 80 series for a trip to mill hollow last weekend

 

Awesome drive! Plus Homer is beautiful!! I'll be heading down there soon.

 

Just got back from a whirlwind Vancouver to Yukon/Alaska trip with the family. Me, the wife, the dog, 5 yo son, and 3 yo daughter.
(they are amazing little travellers!)

Camping in the Pine Pass BC

Camping on Pink mountain BC

Road work along the Alaska highway YT

Dawson City YT. This was my favorite stop

Top of the world highway. YT to AK. This is the top of my list for drives. Amazing road on top of a ridge, huge scenery as far as you can see, not a building in site until the border.

Chicken AK. Had to check it out.

Arctic Circle via Dalton highway AK

Random FSR in YT

Provincial campground Carcross YT
Yukon has the nicest provincial campgrounds I've seen. $12 and firewood included.

On our was back home down the Cassiar highway BC

2 weeks is not enough time. Spent it all driving. 7600 kms round trip. Definitely worth it though. I love it up there. I'd move there if it wasn't winter for 6 months. We are already planing our 3 week trip to Yukon next year. I want to tackle the Dempster highway all the way to Tuk ( if the road is completed)

 

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

 

Awesome looking trip!!!

 

Awesome.

We are planning on a trip to Alaska sometime in the next 3 years.

 

Clever!

How much did that set you back for the storage?

 

I'm thinking about what spare parts would need to be carried for a multi day off road trip. I did some searching but didn't see much of a list that includes the must have items and what extra items to have just in case.

These are the items I think should be the minimum spare in the vehicle at all times.
Fan belt
Upper and lower radiator hoses
Normal fluids; oil, brake, trans, power steering, coolant
Tire plug/patch kit
Fuses

What is worth carrying for a trip that takes you away from civilization.

Heater hose
Vacuum hose
Flexible Brake line
Complete front CV axle
U-joints
Tie rod ends
Brake pads
Hub w/wheel bearing

What is really necessary to carry and what else should be added.

 

I roll with tools, fluids, a CV, and tie rod spares.

 

I carry Tire plug kit, air compressor hand tools to wrench all known fastener types on Tacoma., Only spare parts I carry are serpentine belt.

Tacoma is pretty reliable, not a pile like some other vehicles. As long as you're not beating on it, should be good.

As the vehicle ages, other factors come into play, so staying on top of maintenance is crucial.

 

I posted this on another site regarding the same question about what spare parts to bring.

_____________________________________________

Good preventive maintenance goes a LONG way when it comes to having to carry spare parts. Inspect, catch and replace worn/common components before hitting the trail. It's mind boggling how many people just drive their vehicles into the back-country without giving it a complete once over, spending time wrenching instead of wheeling because something simple and stupid.

Of course there is always going to be break downs that cannot be foreseen and stuff does happen, but I'd say 80-90% of issues can be prevented. I don't carry much in the form of spare parts. Basic fluids, spare belt, full electrical bag with testing equipment, tire patch kit, various nuts/bolts and the usual quick fixers like zip ties and duct tape.

Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Inspection:

• Engine: Check/replace oil & filter. Check for leaks. Check air filter. Check belt and for noise coming from pulleys. Verify that scheduled maintenance items are up to date. Inspect motor/transmission mounts.
• Cooling System: Never start a trip if vehicle has tendency to overheat. Check coolant level. Check for leaks. Check radiator cap. Insure hoses secure and not soft/spongy.
• Drive Train: Check for leaks. Verify that scheduled maintenance items are up to date. Check for play in u-joints. Check front and rear bearings for play, roughness and noise. Check front drive axle joints and boots. Grease all zerk fittings.
• Suspension & Steering: Check for play/stiffness in ball-joints, tie-rods, uniballs. Check leaf pack, shackle and mounting hardware. Check front coilovers/rear shocks for leakage and mounting points are secure. Grease all zerk fittings.
• Wheels, Tires & Brakes: Check and set tire pressure. Check for punctures, tears & gashes. Torque lug-nuts. Inspect pad/shoe linings. Inspect brake fluid level. Inspect brake lines for cracking and that they have enough slack and clearance for turning and suspension travel.
• Everything Else: Address any issues and/or concerns you had last trip. That thing on the back of your mind? Check it and fix it! Every vehicle has it's quirks and you should take care of them as needed.

The 6 P Rule by Explore Desert, on Flickr

 

^This!