Gearing up for an Arctic Expedition
.....lol
12-18-2009, 03:49 PM
#83
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Well I got the tires today, look damn good. However I'm now a little concerned about mounting them on the 16" stock rims and if they'll rub. Chances are they will, but only at full lock, and really, do you need full lock? So I'll get them mounted tomorrow and see how she does.
Roof rack design is coming along, went and check out a place with a break and a waterjet place, so I've got some ideas floating around now. Hopefully I'll get 'er designed up this weekend.
We're debating over our start date, Mid Feb was the original plan, but we might push it back to the last week in February or the last two in March, which would give us more prep time, sunlight, and slightly better temperatures. I assume all the ice roads will still be running at the end of March but I'd better check. Anyone know? We'll have our start date hammered out by the end of the weekend so we can book some vacation time.
Roof rack design is coming along, went and check out a place with a break and a waterjet place, so I've got some ideas floating around now. Hopefully I'll get 'er designed up this weekend.
We're debating over our start date, Mid Feb was the original plan, but we might push it back to the last week in February or the last two in March, which would give us more prep time, sunlight, and slightly better temperatures. I assume all the ice roads will still be running at the end of March but I'd better check. Anyone know? We'll have our start date hammered out by the end of the weekend so we can book some vacation time.
12-18-2009, 03:58 PM
#84
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12-18-2009, 06:51 PM
#85
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12-18-2009, 11:26 PM
#87
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have a look to these guys, they have been preparing trucks for artics conditions for a couple of years.
They donīt prepare jeeps, but perhaps you could find some ideas for your trip
http://www.arctictrucks.com/
They donīt prepare jeeps, but perhaps you could find some ideas for your trip
http://www.arctictrucks.com/
12-18-2009, 11:47 PM
#88
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ice bridges
We're debating over our start date, Mid Feb was the original plan, but we might push it back to the last week in February or the last two in March, which would give us more prep time, sunlight, and slightly better temperatures. I assume all the ice roads will still be running at the end of March but I'd better check. Anyone know? We'll have our start date hammered out by the end of the weekend so we can book some vacation time.[/QUOTE]
Winter solstice is this weekend so we start gaining daylight (yippee). By late February we gain about 6 minutes a day... adds up fast. Later is better for light but the roads start to deteriorate because of mid-day sun. But they aren't likely to be meltwater...
Ice bridges are closing by mid April. I think the Peel River crossing is currently rated at 45000 kg. ... by April that weight will drop to 20000 kg then they close the road and wait for break-up. Worst of all is you can't depend on the date to guarantee just how warm or cold the weather will be. We have been sitting at -3 C for days while Edmonton has been stuck in the freezer. Weather is fickle. Pick you dates, roll the dice and hit the gas.
Me? I'd vote for the march date and bring sunglasses otherwise you just spend a whole lot of time driving in the dark.
Cheers.
Winter solstice is this weekend so we start gaining daylight (yippee). By late February we gain about 6 minutes a day... adds up fast. Later is better for light but the roads start to deteriorate because of mid-day sun. But they aren't likely to be meltwater...
Ice bridges are closing by mid April. I think the Peel River crossing is currently rated at 45000 kg. ... by April that weight will drop to 20000 kg then they close the road and wait for break-up. Worst of all is you can't depend on the date to guarantee just how warm or cold the weather will be. We have been sitting at -3 C for days while Edmonton has been stuck in the freezer. Weather is fickle. Pick you dates, roll the dice and hit the gas.
Me? I'd vote for the march date and bring sunglasses otherwise you just spend a whole lot of time driving in the dark.
Cheers.
12-18-2009, 11:50 PM
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12-19-2009, 12:37 AM
#90
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Don't forget food. I pack MREs with me where ever I go, just in case I get stuck somewhere far away...
These aren't the gross old C-rations... they are actually very good. Even my picky wife loved them. You can even get water activated heaters to heat them up.
These aren't the gross old C-rations... they are actually very good. Even my picky wife loved them. You can even get water activated heaters to heat them up.