Preparing a disco to travel.

**strangy** · 12th January 2018, 05:11 PM

Ditch the 4 to 6 spotlights
Do the water pump before you travel don’t carry one.
Don’t bother carrying VRS set or a head gasket.
Don’t carry shocks or spare wheel bearings either.
Any of these things are either due NOW or just dead weight and space takers.

DiscoMick · 12th January 2018, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by strangy

Ditch the 4 to 6 spotlights

Yep, I agree. Just get one lightbar - about 20 inches should do it. Frees up a lot of airflow for cooling the engine.

**Hunt family** · 12th January 2018, 07:05 PM

So many great replies!!

Any opinions on whether head gasket is needed as a pre emptive measure?

Apparently water pump is not too old.

For peace of mind I will carry gasket kit, water pump and belt.
The trip is for a minimum of 12 months, 2 dogs, 2 adults, 2 children 10 & 5 and will be predominantly free camp... Including off road, van free travels.... So the assurance is definitely worth the space.

Will replace all hoses and keep old for spares.

What's the verdict on the silicon hoses on eBay? There's a set with a metal bleeder screw and would appreciate advice..

Will replace fan hub.

Coolant alarm is a definite.
Will operate 2 hid spotties for highway driving and a roof mounted, light bar for slower driving.. A cover for the light bar, due to different laws for different states.

Will get an inspection before departure..

If tie rods, bushes, bearings, shocks, ball joints are in good condition, do they need pre emptive replacement?

DiscoMick · 12th January 2018, 07:28 PM

If you are towing, is your suspension OK for the towball weight? Plus your vehicle will be heavily loaded.
Silicone hoses are a good idea.

**Tins** · 12th January 2018, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by snowgum

A low coolant alarm is absolutely essential.

X2. Do NOT trust the temp gauge, it is USELESS.

**Tins** · 12th January 2018, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Batteries - if they're more than two years old, replace them.

Not if they are Optimas.

**Bluetoes** · 12th January 2018, 07:42 PM

And just a reminder everybody loves pictures show us your rig

enjoy your trip

DiscoMick · 12th January 2018, 07:44 PM

Actually, if you're in the Kimberleys mid 2019, I might even see you on the road.

**V8Ian** · 12th January 2018, 07:56 PM

Help your mates help you.

Enginesaver

**Tins** · 12th January 2018, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by strangy

Ditch the 4 to 6 spotlights

Yep. Really, you don't want to be doing much night driving in the outback. A big 'roo or worse, a camel, can ruin your trip. Most of the critters move at night.

Originally Posted by strangy

Do the water pump before you travel don’t carry one.

Make sure it is a good one. Mario ( Roverlord Offroad Spares on this forum ) will see you right there.

Originally Posted by strangy

Don’t bother carrying VRS set or a head gasket.
Don’t carry shocks or spare wheel bearings either.
Any of these things are either due NOW or just dead weight and space takers.

Yep. You are unlikely to be able to fix a head gasket on a TD5 on the side of the road. If it worries you, get it done now. It will cost a bit. Dampers and bearings should be a part of any prep for a major trip, regardless of whether it's a Land Rover or a Toyota.

Make sure you take contact details for Mario, who I mentioned. His service to stranded LR owners is the stuff of legend. It seems that the parts arrive before you know you need them.

Now, my pet hobbyhorse. It's a TD5. Spend the $300 odd it costs and do the oil pump bolt. It is an absolute show stopper if it fails. Unless you have firm documentation that it has been done you are mad to ignore it. Some folk say that it was only overlooked through a certain period of manufacture, but I don't believe it is worth the risk, when it is such a simple thing to fix.

One more thing from me. As you are towing, I would consider fitting an oil cooler for the gearbox. It's a relatively simple mod, and it increases the oil capacity of the R380 by a reasonable margin. They don't hold enough oil, IMO. You just need one of these

20160203_200429.jpg

a cooler and some bright spark to make up some hoses.

However, I am probably overthinking this. Don't be put off. As someone else said, make sure you enjoy.

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