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Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 2:46 pm
by kamil
Hi all,
as you know we will spend one year travelling around Australia and that is why I have question for you.
Our next destination after Australia is Canada. Can you think of some modification which will be useful in Canada? I am asking, because it will be easier to do modifications in Australia then in Europe.
So far we have:
2'' JAOS lift kit
Dual batteries
Second fuel tank
Water tank+hot running water
Rear air locker
Snorkel
Bash plates
Rock sliders
Fridge
Eberspacher air heater
Water purifying system
Camping stuff is sorted and tested.
Thanks
Kamil+Helena
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 4:09 pm
by thedjjack
Awning, bug spray, and beer and you look good
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 5:28 pm
by sasquatch-hunter
Bear spray.
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 6:40 pm
by Pajero
A Tim Hortons coffee and donut holder...
I think that's all you will need, looks like you pretty much have everything else
Safe travels
Joe
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:06 am
by kamil
Thanks for tips. I am glad, that we do not need any big investments.
Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:07 am
by Firesong
Your more prepared than people living here short of hauling a 28ft + trailer that some stupid people call camping.
Have fun.
(Although you need a cooler or beer fridge separate from everything else ;) )
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:06 am
by kamil
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:53 am
by CREGAN
There are MANY great Delica.ca members that would be more than happy to share some beers if your stops are nearby. I like beer and I like visiting and checking out sweet Delicas so count me in.
Craig
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 9:23 am
by robbieg
No doubt!
I'd buy you guys a beer in/near Winnipeg in exchange for a few stories! Post up where you are, I'm sure people would love to meet you!
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:28 pm
by BCDelica
I have thoroughly been enjoying following your travels on Facebook, and if you drive the Alaskan Highway I'll buy you a beer when you 2 pass this way!
Thanks
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 4:28 pm
by kamil
Thank you in advance
We did not start planning yet, but when we are back from Australia, I am going to start new thread dedicated to our trip around Canada.
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:13 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
Although it's regarding a Starwagon and not a Space Gear ~ check out the threads regarding the "Mighty Yeti". She's has been modded out for extreme situations in Canada and might give you an idea for what to expect. Where are you planning to go in Canada (it's a big place) and how long/when is your tour going to take place? Another good thread to check is regarding the "Erebus": Inuvik or bust by expedition Delica. You have a Winter package Space Gear which is good but I'd think a block heater might be a good purchase. How much of Russia have you travelled? I would think that much of the environment would be similar.
If you're going into the toolies (bush or wilderness) then I'd recommend that you develop a policy of fuelling whenever you see a diesel station, as you don't necessarily know when the next one is going to be. Also if you are using active Forest Service Main Roads that have logging trucks (artics or lorries) or ore trucks then be advised that they usually cruise at around 90 to 100 KPH (unless there is a different posted speed). In fact, if you can get a VHF radio then you can monitor the posted radio frequencies which will inform you of which kilometre and what direction an ore truck or logging truck is travelling, with this information you can correlate to the kilometre sign markers you are passing on the side of the road. These trucks own the road and even though they don't want to hurt you if you don't give them right of way and you get hit or run off the road ~ it's your fault. I had a near hit up north in the Omineca: Little did I know I had a big ore truck behind me, I couldn't see him because of the dust trail I was generating, nor could he see me ~ he was just following the dust trail. I stopped briefly to determine whether I wanted to pull into a side road, then made my turn. As I turned this great shadow blew by ~ when it dawned on me what had just transpired I nearly s**t myself ~ my son and I would have not survived had we waited another two seconds. Also note that "Next Fuel Station In XXX Kilometre" signs could be outdated, don't take them for granted.
Don't take the wildlife too lightly, you must respect it. If you upset a grizzly bear then locking yourself into your van won't necessarily protect you as they know that the windows give way to their paws and their claws also double as can openers. Same with a bull moose, if he feels threatened in any way and charges your van ~ he'll probably win the challenge. I'd recommend researching wildlife habits.
Tyre repair kits are a good thing to have, along with spares; extra fuel containers is a must, 'though I imagine you already know these things.
Canada is a big beautiful place worth seeing. My experience that I write of has been primarily in the province of British Columbia.
You must let us know where you are going to so we can arrange a Delica mini meet in your honour.
Falco.
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:42 am
by kamil
Falco, BIG thank you for those info. I will read everything and I am making notes.
We did around 37000km in Russia, we have in total 110l of diesel in fuel tanks and I want to change standard Delica tank for bigger, so we should have something like 170l total of fuel, when we go to Canada.
We have tyre repair kit, tools/I am not a good mechanic/ and I am thinking to have two spare tyres/do you thing we need them??/
We would like to see whole Canada, nature is our main interest, so I will ask you Canadiens, how long we need to see your country. For example we spent 3 months in Japan, traveled 10000km there and I think we did not see everything. I understand, that Canada is big and we will not be able to drive everywhere, I have some guidebooks, but I have not read them, yet. I also think, that big limiting factor is weather as I am not sure, if we can survive winter time in the car. We like winter and snow but your winter is different than here in Europe.
Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:12 am
by Firesong
Canada is a great place and big. Distances between places is surprising to people who visit. But don't be too daunted. If your van is well maintained you will be fine. If you head north of British Columbia then a second spare tire is a good idea but I wouldn't worry about it otherwise.
Re: Modification for our trip to Canada
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:06 pm
by kamil
Firesong wrote:Canada is a great place and big. Distances between places is surprising to people who visit. But don't be too daunted. If your van is well maintained you will be fine. If you head north of British Columbia then a second spare tire is a good idea but I wouldn't worry about it otherwise.
We want drive as far north as possible, but I did not study guidebooks yet. We also want to go to Alaska.
