Driving across Canada to live in NL. How to prepare?

[beenie]

Hello All,

New poster here. I have owned a Delica L400 for over a year now with 180k on the motor. I am moving to Newfoundland this fall and would like to get a major service done with some preemptive mods.

What can you guys recommend replacing now so that I reduce the risk of breakdown/wait-for-parts crises in the Rock? Or, if I were to assemble a box of parts to take with me, what would be in that box?

Besides a pyrometer, any other mods that would make sense for such a trip?

[bosc]

I just spent the winter in PEI, now back in BC. Quite the drive indeed. I didn't take too many spares with me as I felt good about my maintenance being up to date. I did take a spare thermometer, assorted metric bolts, wiring gear, and many many tools. I also brought some waxy cardboard and a jumpsuit for side of road repairs.
I recommend assuring all fluids up to date including differentials.
I took my beefy 4x4 tires off and replaced with highway tires.
The only problem I had was a sheared bolt on my alternator tensioner which I solved by removing the assembly and fastening directly.
Hard to know what you will need for spares unless something is on its way out.
Good luck.

[beenie]

Good Advice, Thanks!

Any must-see stops along the way?

[bosc]

It depends what your aspirations are, but I found myself unexpectedly impressed with the area just north of Nipigon on hwy 11.

[patriceboivin]

Not sure why but Google Maps advises people to drive south to the US, to Detroit, into Ontario and then east on the trans Canada highway.

It claims it takes 20 hours less.

But I looked at from Vancouver to St. John's

[beenie]

That's the route that my dad says he used to take when we lived in Ontario, but I might not get another chance to drive across CANADA again in my life. We intend to take the trans-canada, exept where it is quicker to take, for example, the coquihalla, all the way across from mile zero in Victoria to mile zero in St. John's.

Nipigon... That's a tough call, I would be passing up the drive along the shores of Lake Superior!

Update: Taking the van in to RJD for a pre-pre-trip service and inspection. The AC has been rattling and the turn signal has become sloppy, so I'll take care of those first... hopefully without breaking the bank


Ben