A spare front and rear air spring, bypass kit, and air compressor will get you out of most EAS problems.

I think your second main problem is that you haven't had any problems yet! It's bound to happen soon.

Right off the top of my head, this is what I would do based on your mileage (and it's by no means a complete list);

New radiator hoses throughout.
New oil and trans cooler lines. (Or carry spares.)
The EAS provisions I mentioned above.
Spare crankshaft position sensor. (Maybe some other key sensors as well.)
New water pump
Make sure radiator is clear and not clogging
Usual assortment of relays and fuses
Check/replace brakes/rotors
Rebuild brake calipers?
Spare fuel filter(s)

It's an odd list I know, but these are the things I am focusing on for my truck. Kind of the higher failure rate items, yet aren't too expensive. (Except oil and trans cooler lines, and rotors if you need them.)

The best thing you should bring is a list of Range Rover owners from California to Argetina, including their cell phone numbers.

Scott

 

I'd prbably change your heater matrix 'O' rings too if they haven't been done recently

 

I don't know where Ja Jolla, CA is :lol: , so I don't know how familiar/unfamiliar you are with mexican customs laws. DO NOT have any guns, ammo, etc. in your car, unless all the documentation is in order (and even then...) because México's laws in this matter are very strict and a single bullet, even without a gun, means jail time and an indefinite postponement to your trip.
Also, stay on the main roads, as there is a lesser chance of you being "interfered" with.
On one ocassion, I was driving a brand new van and when I got to Matehuala, San Luis Potosí I was curteously informed by a local man that I was very lucky, that he had heard me get to the gas station where I was and the noise from the rear differential was telling his experienced ear that there were major problems with it and that if I didn't let he change it out for me I wouldn't get 30 miles out before it gave out on me. Of course I didn't, it didn't and that thing was good for at least another 50,000 miles (when I traded it in).

 

Darrin,

Would you mind keeping us updated on your trip? Maybe such info as proposed route, timetables and places to stay? It sounds like an amazing trip.

Here is everything I can think of (please excuse if too obvious)
I would suggest a convoy if possible, satellite phone/GSM global (can be rented), a LR mechanic expert notified in the US that could give you info over the phone on your trip (possibly a doctor and lawyer as well). I would also suggest two full size spare tires, a hand winch or come along, full tool box with wd 40 and duct tape. Two GPSs (handheld/installed), full maps, personal supply of water/or purifier (if not used to local water), full first aid kit, 2 bottles of good tequilla (to ease "interferrence"), and a secondary heat alarm to attach to engine bay as LR supplied one is quite useless/look at engine temperature alot.

several bottles Fuel Octane Booster and engine flushers, and informed people at home who know of your route regularly updated. 50/50 antifreeze engine coolant-- to top off. Thick low gauge jumper cables, and a battery jumper/backup system, aircompressor, and multiple flash lights. Sleeping bag (for emergencies), lighter, pocket knife, and of course a humidor to keep those cubans fresh!


Is this a round trip or one-way?

Sounds like a great trip that I'm sure many of us would like to do one day.

Please post pictures if at all possible? Are you going through the darian Gap or taking a ferry of some sort?

 

Thanks all who replied.

I will keep a web site of my travels. We are looking forward to it and it is probably the last road this magnitude before we move back to Colorado and by our first home in the Golden area.

We figure that when we quit our jobs here in La Jolla and sell everything we own, that we would then pack of the RR and start our drive from San Diego CA. We figure it will be several months before we do a complete trip.

We have even thought of selling the RR and getting a LandCruiser, but that was just a thought.

This trip will more than likely start this fall.
I understand that we would have to take a ferry through that part, but I hear that is real tricky also.

Cheers

 

maybe it's just me being risk-averse, but I have friends from mexico and south america who would warn greatly against making that trip these days, especially in a range rover. Don't get me wrong, I know a number of people who have driven safely from the US through mexico and s. america on surf trips with no problem, but they were in beat-up old vans, sold the van at the end of the trip, and flew back on the $ they had left after surfing...

just my two-cents...

 

Were all on here cos we love our RR's faults and all, but i don't think anyone on here would kid themselves that these are 'reliable' cars. There is a reason most outback/desert vehicle hire firms and owners switched from landrovers to landcruisers.

And i can see the attraction of using something beat-up or even a series 1-2 landrover, kinda less of a theft target too. Just make sure you take plenty of spare bits

 

Step 1: Make sure you speak at least rudimentary Spanish.

Step 2: Read this.

Step 3: Read at least the Central/South America sections here and here. Look through these.

Step 3: Spend some time with your doctor.

Step 4: Sell the Rangie and get a 300 Tdi Defender 110 :shock: . I know, Rangies are cool, but they are 100 times harder to service in the boonies than a Defender. Land Bruisers are great, but with a Defender, you are still in a Rover. Here is a great explanation as to why the Defender is superior for trips like this... If you are determined to do it in your Rangie, make arrangements with a dealer in the US that is willing to help you out over the phone and ship you parts anywhere that you might need them. There are Land Rover dealers all over the world, but in many places they might not be much help with a Range Rover. Spring for a Rovacom Lite with at least the modules necessary to keep things running. While I am a HUGE fan of EAS, for a trip South, I'd replace the air springs with coils. Don't tear anything out but the bags, just disable the EAS ECU. That way, when you get back, it isn't tough to convert back to EAS.

Step 5: Do everything else that the good folks of this forum suggest.

Step 6: Have a ball, and take lots of pictues!

 

Personally I believe a Range Rover would be better than a Defender 110 because of better on road manners, who wants to spend 12 hours a day in a Defender in mexico! Not me thats for sure.


I do worry about theft and such, that is why I haven't taken such a trip. But I'm sure if you can take along local guides here and there for the rough parts and ride with enough people it will be fine. Its also important to note that every great adventure is an adventure because people don't do it every day, there are dangers, and a bunch of people telling you that "you can't do it."

If you get a convoy I would definately say, "go for it," you may also consider writing a book or magazine article about such a feat, infact LR may even sponsor you with trip planning services, money, etc. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Also you may want to circumvent the crush cans for the bumper and perhaps replace it with an alan bates one, so that you could ram into things effectively (aim for the back 3/4th of a car, if needed).

My 2 cents.

P.S. Obtain Malaria pills and take them retroactively, they are just as effective at the first signs of milaria. They aren't fun to take as the side effects can be terrible--i.e. incredible paranoia in the jungle with howler monkeys, not fun.

 

It just get getting better!

It will be a hard trip, and I know we are going to run into problems, but if life did not have problems, what would life be (boaring)!

Yesterday I found my RR with a bunch of key marks on it! I guess someone did not like the shiny paint job. I knida like the marks. It makes it look foomugly! Well I thought I would get it reparied, but I am sure there will be more to follow.

 

Darrin,

I wished I had the guts, time, energy and money to do what you are planning. I also would need to be at least twenty years younger.
I wish you the best of luck and the best of adventures. Please keep us all updated on your trip so that some of us can have a little taste of something I suspect most on here would love to do.

You are indeed a true adventurer and I am jealous.

Good luck my friend!! 8)

Mac

 

I also like to carry a can of fix-a-flat and I would recommend a portable, battery powered jump starter. This item has been great on camping trips as it is a source of 12v power and is also a backup if there is a problem with the battery.

Do you have a safari roof rack for an extra spare?

Digital camera to keep your friends in this forum updated.

 

And a print out of most of this site. And a rave cd with you, if you have to make the repairs above.

Good luck.

 

All,

If you would like to join us on this trip, just let me know!


I would never forget the laptop with the Rave Cd burned in on the desktop!

 

Hi Darrin,

It will be the adventure of your life. I have not traveled to Central nor South America, but I have spent two years in Mexico. It is my favorite country on the planet. Few countries can duplicate it's cultural richness, diversity and beauty.

Someone suggested that learning some Spanish would be a good idea. I would agree with that. I am fluent and it has saved my life, I believe, on a number of occasions. Mexico can be a very dangerous place to drive. Law enforcement officials are not anything like they are in the states, plus you'll be driving a Range Rover. I've never driven any vehicle that will attract that kind of attention and have still have had my fair share of police and army encounters. Personally, I think you must have big cajones to drive a RR south of the border, and since you are....

NEVER drive at night. That is the easiest way to get robbed. It was a mistake I made on a bus once.

Don't leave your rover for any long periods of time alone.

Stay on the toll roads. They are much better quality and have services.

Although there are speed limit signs, no local obeys them. You certainly should. Police will pull you over just because they feel like it.

Rules of the road are grey. Be very aware of your surroundings. There is a saying, regarding driving, "si no vez nada, adelante" "if you don't see anything, go forward" :shock:

Bribes to officials are a way of life. The last time I was there it was 100 pesos or US$10.

If you are pulled over, don't be surprised if the officer draws his weapon. This is more common than you'd think and it is certainly used to get the information they want.

I know this sounds all like "doom and gloom", but these notes are based on many miles of travel in Mexico over two years time.

I could go on and on. Please contact me if you want to talk more. I wish you all the best,

John

 

I have spent much time talking about this trip at the local bars and have found that very few people have attempted it. One person I did talk was completely stoked about the idea and said that he to had also been planning such a trip. He has spent some time traveling the lower parts of Central America. He says his worst experience was getting his surfboards and shoes stolen from his truck and having to sneak across a boarder because the permit on his vehicle had expired. He also has said that you can get anywhere with a bribe.

I am so excited about this trip and think that taking the RR will make this trip even more adventurous.

 

If you haven't already, take a look at the following sites: http://www.expeditionoverland.com and http://www.drivearoundtheworld.com. These sites are trip reports of "drive-around-the-world" expeditions. It is especially interesting since they make the journey driving Land Rovers. The first site is especially helpful since it provides a checklist of "must have" items to take and any negative encounters they experienced during their trip. Reading their journals for South American countries will provide you with much needed information.

I admire your courage and sense of adventure. Good luck and please keep us posted.

Colin

 

Thank you, more information for me to enjoy! The second recomended site is not working.

I am so ready just to pack up and go!

I have so much planning to do.

 

Love the 6 wheel drive they built in the first link! Fantastic layout and efficiency. Gotta get me one of those...

The second link is also quite interesting (take the extra period out of the link). Both are informative.

Darrin - great models for documenting the journey.

Good luck!