LR3 for Overland Travel

[antichrist]

Originally Posted by sideview

If someone were inclined for nostalgia, I don't see why not as long as there are still parts available.

That was my point, electronic parts, for many things, not just cars, are difficult to find after even 10 years. A lot of the electrical stuff for older land rovers is nearly impossible to find, but since so much of it wasn't proprietary in other than looks, you can find something that will work at your local Autozone.

[HOUM_WA]

The original premise was that RIGHT NOW if a person wanted to go on a long trek, say more than a week or 10 days, into very remote places....the LR3 would not be an appropriate vehicle because of the tendency for electricals to break down and the lack of an ability to do a field repair.

I think that what you say is true on its face. However, to resurrect this argument somewhat, I think there are too many caveats and "what ifs" to really just accept what you are saying. Currently, if one was to go off into the bush in a RRC, they'd pack along a lot of equipment for field repairs, right? I think I even heard you (or a like-poster) say that an axle (or something like that) can be repaired in the field.

Well....maybe it's not so much a function of the vehicle that makes it a worse choice for this overland trek as much as it is the inability for the lay-person to make an electronic repair in the field. Just like you'd have to pack the parts and tooling to change out an axle in the field; so you'd have to pack along a diagnostic computer and spare parts and tooling to make the repair.

So...new vehicle requires new tooling, parts and know-how. If those stipulations are followed, I see no reason why the LR3 couldn't be an outstanding vehicle for this hypothetical trek.

I still call BS on the thought that the "electronic aides" can get you into some spot and then fail and have you unable to get out. Those aides help a bit, but they can all be done without....except maybe the locker; that is kick-a$$. ...but traction control can be replicated with left-foot-braking. Hill Descent Control is nice but I often turn it off as it is not necessary at all. What else? At the end of the day it's a Land Rover.

So in conclusion...although I witnessed an L322 crapping out on the trail and that lent some credence to this thread, I also think that the evolution of the driver into one knowing how to field-repair electronics is as much the center of this argument as the LR3 itself. Without any changes to the state of availability of spares and tools and electronics knowledge the sentiments of this post are true. If we grow and learn to repair the newer rigs in the field; then the LR3 will be a fine choice.

[antichrist]

Originally Posted by HOUM_WA

so you'd have to pack along a diagnostic computer and spare parts and tooling to make the repair.

In addition to any spares you'd carry for a "normal" vehicle. Eventually you're going to run out of room/payload capacity.

So...new vehicle requires new tooling, parts and know-how.

Yep. Plus all the old tooling, parts and know-how. And given that professional mechanics are often stumped in a shop on electrical gremlins, how well is a lay person going to do?

I still call BS on the thought that the "electronic aides" can get you into some spot and then fail and have you unable to get out. Those aides help a bit, but they can all be done without....except maybe the locker

I like that, "BS except...."
As for people getting by without them, a much less drastic example is gearboxes. There are many people who grew up with automatics who haven't got a clue about operating a manual. How well do you think people who have come to rely on the electronic aids are going to fair when the are suddenly left to rely solely on their skill at driving off-road without any traction aids? Especially when they have the added stress of knowing their life may well depend on that ability, or lack thereof.
People have actually died because their spouse couldn't operate a manual transmission.

Don't forget that during Land Rover's Discovery III debut jungle trek in Central America they had to tow it out.
Even Land Rover's Pan American Highway trek had to have a Series brought in to break trail for the Range Rovers.
Never forget KISS.

[HOUM_WA]

I think you way overstate the use/need of these electronic aides. Really that's just about the only thing I disagree with you on. I think that over time electronic fixes will become more doable for the layperson and I don't think that electronic spares will take up all that much room; bad argument there.

...what's wrong with "BS Except.." ?? I am throwing you a bone on the locker because I think that's a bigger advantage but that the rest of the electronic aides that you've lumped together are subtle.

I'd like to read about the Disco3 that had to be towed out of Central America; I hadn't read about that. If you have a link to a story, I'd appreciate it.

[HOUM_WA]

I mean honestly, you're in a Discovery3 forum talking $hit about the vehicle.

Here, I'll close this argument: The older Rovers are better for LONG expeditions due to their simplicity and ease of fixing...and the LR3 and L322 are better for everything else.
QED.

[vman]

As somebody who is trying to purchase an LR3 now, I read the thread. Here is my n00b take on the issue.

No matter what vehicle you get, you have a chance of not bringing it back in one piece. If field repairs is the reason for going into a remote place, then by all means get something that can fit Ford and GM parts. You can find Dana 44 and Dana 66 axles at almost any junk yard and salvage them at least for some time. In fact, a Suburban is going to be a great choice since now they're dime a dozen.

I blew the front end of my Xterra by going uphill (well, it was some hill). I know numerous guys who had to replace Jeep parts and improvise with all sorts of crap while they were in the field. There is NO reason for not doing the same to LR3 but brining a different set of tools. Given the fact that the vehicle is packed with electronics it will make sense to find out how water retarder the parts and lean how to hack the system. Should not be a big deal for EE majors.

After weighting pros and cons, I think I am going to stick with an LR3.

[HOUM_WA]

vman, here is the breakdown:

If you are going on an expedition (over a week in remote areas) in the next 3-5 years, get yourself an RRC or D1. They'd indeed be easier to fix in the field and maybe less electronic wizzardry to worry about.

If you are looking for a good trail rig that can also carry you on long trips in comfort and is more modern and reliable for daily use, go ahead and get an LR3.

If you aren't planning on going offroad at all....get an X5.