using a 75 in the arctic circle

[macafee2]

I want to take my caravan to the arctic circle and join the blue nose club. I may never get there but i'd like to do some home work on it anyway.

what engine oil should be used? 2L CDT
should I replace the coolant with neat antifreeze or is there a recommended coolant to use? I will be towing a caravan from the south of the uk so will need the coolant to be able to handle this. I will change coolant before and after the trip.

what about brake fluid? is the standard brake fluid already in our cars up to the job?

would I be better to try and get studded tyres or use snow chains

any other recommendations or advice?

thanks

macafee2

[t5tart]

Originally Posted by macafee2

I want to take my caravan to the arctic circle and join the blue nose club. I may never get there but i'd like to do some home work on it anyway.

what engine oil should be used? 2L CDT
should I replace the coolant with neat antifreeze or is there a recommended coolant to use? I will be towing a caravan from the south of the uk so will need the coolant to be able to handle this. I will change coolant before and after the trip.

what about brake fluid? is the standard brake fluid already in our cars up to the job?

would I be better to try and get studded tyres or use snow chains

any other recommendations or advice?

thanks

macafee2

neat antifreeze will cause more harm than good I think 75-80% is the MAX concentration

[T-Cut]

The overriding question is what are the lowest temperatures you're likely to encounter during the season you're there. Standard 50/50 antifreeze mix is good down to -30°C. The engine oil might be better down a notch on viscosity, but depends on what you use now. The brake fluid (DOT4) should be OK as they sell it in Alaska. But more pragmatically, any travel agent for caravanning holidays in the Arctic should be able to advise you. From my brief experience of arctic Finland, things aren't that different really.

Be sure to fit an in-line thermostat!
TC

[murphyv310]

Hi.
A good friend of mine (sadly passed) did a good few trips to northern Norway (Nordkapp) towing a caravan behind a Skoda 110LS then a 120LS later on. He drove from Livingston via the channel then up.
Conditions could be bad but rear engined cars grip better than FWD if your climbing hills.
He always carried chains but rarely had to use them. The weather can plummet very quickly and can catch you out with frozen brakes, doors that refuse to open, stiff gearchanges and of course a cold cabin.
Make sure you have an undertray, snow and ice can accumulate in areas you don't see, it can get into wiring looms and cause havoc.
If you are going to change the coolant and increase its antifreeze mix I'd be inclined to use the blue stuff as there is some thought that high percentages of OAT can be damaging. Make sure you're matrix is clear, it the outside temperature is -15c or below a blocked matrix will have you shivering in no time.
Lubricate all the door locks, hinges and make sure the drain holes are clear in the doors, lubricate the door seals with glycerine to stop them sticking to the door in icy weather.

Most of the other stuff is common sense.
Enjoy your trip.

[podge]

We did a road trip..hired car..from Tromso in January 2013,that time of year all cars must have studded tyres up there.I was amazed the roads were not salted,they let the ice pack down hard and with those tyres you almost drive normally,it took a lot of getting used to.We went via Oslo and that was far colder than Northern Norway,the Gulf Stream keeps it "warm".Great place but VERY expensive.

[T16]

I hope to god you have an FBH fitted for those temperatures!