Alpine Road Trip - Any tips.
Alpine Road Trip - Any tips.
Author
Discussion

ilaishley

Original Poster:

167 posts

265 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
I dont think there are too many car drivers that look forward to driving to the alps as much as I am. I drive down at least once a year and have done it in various cars, last year in the D2, but this year I am taking the FFRR TDV8. I have charged my jump pack as i have had issues with starting in the cold, namely because of the park heating device fitted, however RR have put in a new battery under warranty. The only thing I dont have is snow tyres but I think I shall be OK as I am driving to Courchevel, which doesn't tend to have road problems.

My main question is light beam changing. Am I right in thinking I can change the beam offset under the bonnet or did I dream that.

Insurance upgraded
RAC = European

Looks like I am set to go :-)

I will publish economy figures when I get back. Last year I only managed 22mpg in the TD5 which was very poor on that long run. I am hoping to get 27mpg in the TDV8.

Cheers

Ian

ilaishley

Original Poster:

167 posts

265 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Forgot to mention, I have the High Viz , fire extinguisher and triangle, kit.

RedLeicester

6,869 posts

269 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
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I know the roads to 1850 are usually clear, but if they do get a dump as you're on your way there, then the Gendarmerie could well roadblock it and only allow vehicles with chains through - I'm going to Val d'Isere in a few weeks time and taking our Disco3 and will be looking into hiring chains for the same reason...

ilaishley

Original Poster:

167 posts

265 months

Thursday 11th February 2010
quotequote all
Are you hiring UK or france? I have chains but not for the RR unfortunately

Bee_Jay

2,599 posts

272 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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To change the beams there is a little lever on the back of the headlight, but you have to take the back covers off to get to it - see my posting (jbaguley) here: http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2...

Something to do while sitting on the eurotunnel I find...

RedLeicester

6,869 posts

269 months

Friday 12th February 2010
quotequote all
ilaishley said:
Are you hiring UK or france? I have chains but not for the RR unfortunately
Would assume UK...

Syd knee

3,496 posts

229 months

Friday 12th February 2010
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Do practice fitting them before you go, on the side of the road in a blizzard is no time to find you dont understand. I have to fit mine to the rear as they catch the brake lines on the front. They were needed to get in to Zures last year.

Bee_Jay

2,599 posts

272 months

Saturday 13th February 2010
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I have chains that I fit to all 4 wheels of my L322, as they have the necessary clearance on the front wheels (slimmer) - very useful and competent with 4 chains on...

Thorny

1,076 posts

234 months

Monday 15th February 2010
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Just came back from Val d'isere in the Disco 3. Absolutely amazing out there - roads dreadful, disco had no issues, 6 up with ski kit, deep snow etc. Had chains in boot but never needed them. Started fine and it got down to minus 15. Lovely and comfy too, left at 7.10am and arrived home (London) at 4.45pm. Driving is the best option... My friends flew and it took me 2 hrs longer but so much more pleasant.

Jem0911

4,415 posts

225 months

Monday 15th February 2010
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I love that drive.
It's what FFRR's are made for.

ilaishley

Original Poster:

167 posts

265 months

Friday 19th February 2010
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Left Courchevel at 10:00am CET and got back exactly 13 hours later to Southampton. Over the whole 1500 miles I averaged 25.4 mpg. Not great but not bad as i was taking advantage of the french 130 kph all the way except for paris which was a bit congested !
One point worth noting is that when retrieving the car from the snow bound car park it wouldnt move out of its space in the snow mode of the terrain response, so i put it back to normal and it came straight out.

I drove the entire journey non stop except for a fuel stop of about 20 mins and i did not fel in he slightest bit tired. It is the perfect car for this trip.

One bad point though is the smell of natural gas when getting out of the car. A quick internet search reveals this to be a tell tale sign of overheated diff oil resulting in diff failure. So dealer trip on Monday !


Jem0911

4,415 posts

225 months

Saturday 20th February 2010
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I thought they had fixed that woe?