You are on a hypothetical road trip to the arctic circle...what car to take?

"cuts_off_prius" (cutsoffprius) 01/06/2014 at 22:04 • Filed to: None

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A lot of us from the Midwest and elsewhere in the US got a taste of real arctic weather today. This hypothetical trip is from the Midwest of the US to the arctic circle in Alaska, tomorrow. Assume not all roads along the way will be readily plowed. List any possible mods to the vehicle, if any. I'm pretty sure there won't be many gas stations along the way, so factor in space for jerry cans (where ever there's room) in addition to room for food, clothes, and personal hygiene stuff for a few days.

Sure, a Merc G-class SUV would be an easy answer, but to keep it slightly interesting I would say this setup right here with: Body cladding so the paint doesn't get too bad. A pair of Hella rally-type fogs up on the grill. XT Limited swap, so it has the turbocharged 224 hp WRX motor (more power in the cold!?). For the most important part, Bridgestone Blizzak tires. All set!

2nd option would be a modern Land Rover Defender... IF WE HAD ONE IN THE US!!1

What would you take?

Brian Silvestro > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:06

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Land Rover LR4. I love the design.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:09

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Snow tires (possible 37"), put the front shocks on the mid or top perch and give it a giant gas tank and this thing should take you there in comfort, style and ease. Locking rear diff, Torsen front diff and heated seats. What more could an arctic exploration vehicle need?

Aaron James > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:10

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Well, this, of course.

or in blue if you prefer

Lazzris > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:11

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sportsmobile with 4x4 and balloon tires.

AM3R > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:11

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Landrover LR4
G-wagon
Land cruiser/LX570(idk if that's right)

All with a lift kit, best tires I can buy, extra insulation, winch, survival kit.

wizkashifa > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:11

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It wasn't easy. But the vehicle that actually went there.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Aaron James 01/06/2014 at 22:11

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I prefer the second one, the tires are beefier.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:12

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THIS..

cuts_off_prius > Brian Silvestro 01/06/2014 at 22:12

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I didn't know they still made those. Don't hear too much about them these days.

Tom McParland > Aaron James 01/06/2014 at 22:12

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That's my pick as well. I'm not a truck guy but have a soft-spot for the Hilux

Aaron James > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:14

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How about a nice 6x6. I'd get this, with one of those earthcruiser type RV backs. that would be sweet.

Arctictrucks.com

drunkenup4 > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:15

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FFS I was going to say G-Wagen before reading up the article.. if not a G63, then I say Ford Raptor.. seems like the most likely candidate

Aaron James > Aaron James 01/06/2014 at 22:16

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This on the back, or similar.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:17

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Something with Mattracks

Brian Silvestro > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:17

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It's because they get 3 mpg and you can get a slightly used Range Rover sport for the same price.

Milky > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:19

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Umm it doesn't look all that difficult to get there, I'd take what they drove.

ttyymmnn > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:20

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Drive? No thanks, I'll fly.

C-130D Hercules
The C-130D was the only ski-wheel equipped C-130s built for the Air Force. They were, and still are, the largest aircraft to be equipped with skis. The modification involved installation of a nose and two main skis fitted around conventional landing gear. The nose ski measured 10 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide. The main skis were 20 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide. They had an 8 degree nose-up and 15 degree nose down pitch to enable them to follow uneven surfaces. The undersides were coated with Teflon to reduce surface friction and resist adhesion to ice and snow. The installations and their associated hydraulic systems causes some unique maintenance problems. One problem caused normal time to change a tire to be increased from 45 minutes to 10 hours. Because of the long distances the aircraft was expected to fly, two 450-gallon underwing pylon fuel tanks were installed, and provisions were made for two 500-gallon cargo compartment tanks. Later, in 1966, two 450-gallon tanks were installed in the inboard wing dry-bay area. JATO tanks could also be fitted for short takeoffs. (via Firebirds.org )

Textured Soy Protein > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:21

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Toyota Land Cruiser 100, front & rear lockers, bumpers, armor, winch, lights, snorkel, big all retain tires, etc etc.

I guess you could go with the gigantic balloon tires too depending on how much snow we're exactly talking about.

cuts_off_prius > Lazzris 01/06/2014 at 22:22

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YES! Whenever I see these they make me day dream about camping up in Alaska.

Aaron James > Tom McParland 01/06/2014 at 22:27

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yeah, I've always liked them too.

Aaron James > Lazzris 01/06/2014 at 22:30

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This would be good

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 22:35

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Winterized Baja bug, with a HUGE gas tank, and a heater the size of texas

Lazzris > Lazzris 01/06/2014 at 22:36

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Or the one on the right.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 23:16

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This would be fun

gmctavish needs more space > cuts_off_prius 01/06/2014 at 23:33

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60 Series LandCruiser, with bigger tires, a bed in back, all the roof rackage and front bars you can imagine just because, jerry cans on the back, spare tires on top and it's gotta have the decals like the one pictured. Also 3B diesel for extra unkillableness

911e46z06 > cuts_off_prius 01/07/2014 at 02:17

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Somethin with a Chevy 350. Probably a heavily modded 2-door Tahoe.

TheOnelectronic > Brian Silvestro 01/07/2014 at 10:21

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I mean, the Range Rover Sport is literally the same truck with less cargo room, so...

Brian Silvestro > TheOnelectronic 01/07/2014 at 12:18

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Buy if you get the RR you get that "ooh they might be a famous person" factor that I don't care for.

TA4K > ttyymmnn 01/07/2014 at 16:35

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Or just have a normal one with no skids and a ballsy New Zealand pilot.

TheOnelectronic > Brian Silvestro 01/07/2014 at 18:41

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Only from people who can't tell the difference between the Range Rover and the RR Sport.

We don't listen to those people.

*nose up*

Brian Silvestro > TheOnelectronic 01/07/2014 at 19:04

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How much would it cost to move up the waiting list for the new RR? Never mind, don't breathe on me, here's a blank check, write the amount. I'll have you shot if you steal from me.

-how I picture every RR driver

TheOnelectronic > Brian Silvestro 01/07/2014 at 19:59

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Accurate.

that waiting list is ridiculous.