List of things to do to take Defender on long road trips

Someone asked me recently how I have the confidence (courage, really) to take a rare, 24-year old, hard-to-repair-in-the-field vehicle on 14,000-mile road trips.   Excellent question. While I never made a list before, I have subconsciously been following some rules of thumb to bolster that confidence. So, I sat down and made a list of the things I am or should be doing to bolster that confidence, and below is that list.  In looking over this list,  have to say that I can give myself an A in most categories, but not all. The proof that I must be doing something right is illustrated by my continuing to take these trips and making it home, with the Defender. The proof also is in the stack of invoices I have showing all the work (and money) I have put into it over the years.

 

Guide for long-life and hassle-free road trips for Defender

At home: Find reliable mechanic who knows Defenders; believes that there is a solution for every problem; and can provide remote "help desk" assistance on the road.

At home: Maintain journal of problems and fixes for recall when needed

At home: Maintain log of when parts were replaced

At home: Maintain Pre-trip Checklist

At home: Maintain vehicle regularly: replace parts needing replacing or anticipated to fail

At home: Prepare and update Pre-trip Checklist

At home: Prepare and update Spare Parts list

At home: Treat Defender well: service regularly (oil and filter change), use best gas and oil.

Before trip: Have mechanic check out thoroughly

Before trip: Run down Pre-trip checklist

Before trip Take: Take container of spare parts, e.g, those likely to fail or difficult to get.

Before trip Take: Take Defender Workshop Manual (and Parts Manual)

Before trip Take: Take recovery equipment

Before trip Take: Take satellite phone.

Before trip Take:  Take Adequate tools and repair kit

Before trip: List worst-case scenarios and prepare logistically, financially and mentally for  them

Before trip: Prepare Daily Defender Checklist for use on the road

Before trip: Replace parts likely to fail or take them as spare parts.

Before trip: Run down Pre-trip Checklist.

Before trip:  Consider replacing hoses, belts, plugs, tires, windshield wipers, etc.

Before trip:  Get two emergency towing auto insurance companies just in case

On the Road: Be prepared for the Defender to break down in even the most remote places and have to have it towed. And then, be prepared to (A) stay until the Defender is back on the road;  (B) have to ship the Defender back home or to some distant garage, (C) leave it where it is until you can return to retrieve it, or (D) abandon (sell) it where it broke down and get home some other way.

On the Road: Go through On the Road Daily Checklist every day

On the Road: Have Defender serviced on schedule and treat it well (gas)