Suggestions for a cross-country road trip vehicle

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv) 08/26/2019 at 19:25 • Filed to: Road Trip, CANADA

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I thought up an idea so crazy it just might work, or just might explode in my face. I need Oppo’s help to make sure the latter doesn’t happen.

This idea involves driving a car continuously for a long distance. Last time I did something like this was when I explored Eastern Canada in a rental Elantra for a total one-way mileage of about 2,600 km.

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This time I want to head west and north to the Arctic Circle. And I’d also like to make it back home. There are over 15,000 kms to cover in this journey and although it’s at least a year out I want to gather some preliminary information to understand the feasibility of this endeavour.

The Route

From Toronto I’ll head to the northern part of the province, around Lake Superior, and continue west through the prairies. At some point I’ll turn north once again and go through Edmonton before cutting through interior BC and ending up in Dawson City, Yukon. There lies the start of the Dempster Highway which is a scenic, unpaved road to small communities in the Northwest Territories.

In total there is nearly 6,000 km of highway between me and Dawson City, and 900 km of gravel road to Tuktoyaktuk.

Ha there’s a place called Chicken in Alaska

And a similar distance to cover back home.

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It’ll be me and my soon wife-to-be. We like travelling together, and we love hiking. She enjoys camping, which means I’ll be forced to camp. Realistically I think this trip takes ~3 weeks (there won’t be as many stops on the way back).

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This is where you come in, Oppo. I’m currently leaning towards purchasing a car here in Ontario, spending some time and money making it road-trip ready, and going on this adventure. Rentals are possible but I think the costs will be absolutely staggering, plus I want something well-equipped for that last stretch into the Northwest Territories. Once the trip is over I might try to sell the car, or perhaps keep it so that it becomes the household vehicle.

85% of the route is on paved roads. I do not need a bro-truck or even a Jeep. I do, however, want something that sits higher off the ground than a sedan to have some more clearance and minimize rock chips. I would also order some uprated wheels and tires to a destination near Dawson City and get them put on there - no need hauling them from Toronto or putting all those highway miles onto an aggressive tread.

At this point I can’t really tell you my budget because this could end up being an older car used just for this trip (keep costs low), or a newer vehicle that ends up being something that stays with us (keep costs reasonably moderate). Neither of us drive much right now, but eventually we’ll need something more family-friendly than my G35x (which is reliable when it’s sitting in my parking spot, but tends to have problems when it’s driven).

For this reason I’m open to pretty much all suggestions. ‘97 CR-V? Sure. New Subaru Forester? Yea maybe. CX-5? Could do the trick.

Whatever it is, I will value fuel economy and it needs some after-market support for light-duty offroading mods: bull bar, skid plate, etc. Might end up spending a night in the car if things go south.

Any other feedback, like overall timeline or past experiences are also appreciated!

Captain of the Enterprise > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:28

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An Outback with the 3.6 would do nicely. 

CB > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:29

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I will second an Outback.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:32

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I would do that trip in my Honda Fit. So I recommend a Honda Fit.

And for even better fuel economy, but less fun, get a Prius.

As long as you’re on nothing worse than regular dirt roads, either one will be fine.

If you’re buying a cheaper car, who cares about a few extra rock chips you’ll get?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:36

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Now....I’m not saying you *need* a Quigley 4x4 conversion van......but I’m saying you really really *want* a Quigley 4x4 Conversion van.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:37

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PT Cruiser. It cruises!

RutRut > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:40

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Any year Silverado with the V8 and a cap for the bed.

Reasoning: It is more capable than anything you will likely run into, including inclement weather. Can sleep in the bed if necessary. Not the worst fuel economy, not the best, but doesn’t require anything special. More importantly: parts are cheap and super common just about anywhere. If I were going to put on some serious miles into remote areas, I’d want something that I can fix almost anywhere.

wafflesnfalafel > CB 08/26/2019 at 19:41

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yeah, I like that idea - not new since it’s going to get beat on up there , but maybe a few year old lease return Outback. Probably the NA 4cyl just for the mileage. Man that is a long drive...

CB > RutRut 08/26/2019 at 19:43

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As someone who cruises the grids all the time, a decent pickup is also an excellent choice.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 08/26/2019 at 19:51

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From what I’ve read the Dempster Highway can be prone to some big holes, so something with more ground clearance  is preferable.

BeaterGT > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 19:56

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I’ve been looking for the same thing.  Honda Pilot and Element came up but they’re not terrific on fuel economy.  Really comes down to how much room you think you and your companion will need.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/26/2019 at 19:59

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If I sell my house maybe I can afford this!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 20:01

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Forrester XT turbo awd safe space comfortable 

For Sweden > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 20:06

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Just buy the best four wheel drive pickup within your budget.

The best suggestion  is a Cessna 170 with fat tires.

Poor_Sh > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 20:13

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Early Cayenne for that luxury experience?

SiennaMan > RutRut 08/26/2019 at 20:24

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I was going to suggest an old minivan, since it'd be less distressed in his price and can be comfortable to sleep in,  but your argument about parts in remote places has persuaded me.  Get an full size Chevy or Ford pickup.  

RutRut > SiennaMan 08/26/2019 at 20:27

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I really liked the Outback/Forester suggestions for better fuel economy and being a bit more comfortable , but finding Subaru parts may be tricky. Half ton Chevy/Ford parts for anything relatively late model are everywhere and generally cheap. 

SiennaMan > RutRut 08/26/2019 at 20:34

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 Those were my thoughts about something like a Town & Country, better fuel economy and a bit more comfortable than a pickup, but you know there will be truck parts and probably people to do the fixing if need be.  A Chrysler minivan with be harder to find parts for up north and a Subu as bad or worse I'd imagine..

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Poor_Sh 08/26/2019 at 20:43

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That would be cool. But reliability and maintenance are concerns, especially in that area.

IdleInCA > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 20:48

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You’ll want a vehicle that uses regular fuel. Premium might be difficult to find up there.

Volvo Cross Country from a few years ago? If you’re planning a summer trip, budget for a new windshield.

I'm planning the same trip, but in February 2020.

vicali > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 21:07

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A)Buy Tacoma

B)Drive 15,000km

C) sell Tacoma

D) Profit.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > vicali 08/26/2019 at 21:17

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Ain't that the truth. Not a bad idea at all.

f86sabre > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 21:25

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We all know what the answer is. It’s what the answer always is.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 22:15

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Rally 914.

Or maybe an outback or tacoma.

In either vehicle I would want regular grade gas or diesel. And a jerrycan as a bit of safety range. 

Longtime Lurker > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/26/2019 at 23:13

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I suggest a minivan, comfortable, good fuel economy and range.

I think your time estimate is wrong. As I’m currently on my second 5000+ km roadtrip this yea, it’s going to take 2 weeks to do 5000km and that’s without any hiking. Your trip is going to take like 6-8 weeks, depending how much hiking and tourist  stuff you want to do.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/27/2019 at 11:07

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I’ve taken my Fit/Jazz camping and cottages... and have driven on some gnarly roads as a result. On the rougher parts, you just need to slow down and pick your path and you’ll be fine.

At most, keep a shovel and some wood blocks in the trun k.

But I haven’t had a problem on potholed dirt roads. As long as you don’t put on stupid low-profile tires on oversized rims, you’ll be fine. If anything, stick to a lower trim with 14" wheels that will have more tire sidewall.

It’s the stupid low profile tires that are so common on cars these days that limits their ability to handle dirt roads and potholes.

Remember that the Fit is sold in great numbers in poorer countries where the roads aren’t the greatest.

Watch this:

vicali > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/27/2019 at 12:05

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My friend Alex did it twice;

And then again ;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYQ8yG678KMbIWDjl39ghQ/videos

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 08/27/2019 at 13:12

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Looks like an awesome trip!

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 08/27/2019 at 16:56

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Ok that's actually pretty impressive. Gives me something to think about.