Bought the following items for the Subie to get it where I want it:
- Raingler full ceiling net webbing
- Rocky Mounts switch hitter roof bike rack fork mount (in blue!)
- Seat covers for front and back
Right now I am heavily debating how I am going to have two recovery points in the front end. I do not like the Cusco mount. I think it is hella over priced and it misses out on the driver side for a recovery point. I was thinking of getting the Primitive Racing front winch mount, but not getting the winch and somehow having someone fab up recovery points on either side of it. Cutting holes in the stock bumper to make room for them.
Description of the product from their website:
Primitive OB Winch & Mount
Outback hidden
- Replaces front bumper beam.
- Made from rugged 3/16" steel plate.
- Bolts directly to the frame of the car.
- Hides up to a 4500lb Winch behind bumper skin.
- Fits 2015-2017 Outback 25i (confirmed).
- Choose to buy Mount, Winch or Both (recommended).
I have not found much in the way of front recovery points for the Subaru Outback. Or Subarus in general. A challenge! Love me a challenge!
At least I have the tires. The was the worst part. My mpg's have not lost a lot from them. Down about 3mpg. But when you consider I was basically getting 10-12 mpg in the Jeep, 26mpg is hella exciting, even if it is at the low end for a Subie. :-)
I am trying so hard to keep the Subie as aerodynamic as possible. Hence not putting a roof rack or basket up there unless I actually need to use them. Spare stuff will go in the Subie. I am hoping with the ceiling cargo net, that will help with storage stuff.
I priced out trailer hitches. The one that does not lose you the most clearance in the back is, of course, the most expensive. Hellaciously so. EcoHitch Class III (2") is $293!! Fuck balls. And it looks like a PITA to install. That project may have to wait. But without front or rear recovery points, I am not going to wheel anywhere hard or somewhat hard solo.
Also considering getting my HAM radio operator's license. Guess I may have to get a CB radio. I very rarely used the one I had in the Xterra or Jeep, so I am having a hard time justifying that purchase. Maybe it can be a last minute install before my planned Canada trip next year?
Found some more threads on the Dempster Highway on ExPo forum:
The Road chose me- Dempster Hwy
Average weather for Inuvik, NWT. Since it is near the Arctic Circle, they also have polar sun influence. Quote from website:
Temperature
The warm season lasts for 3.2 months, from May 29 to September 4, with an average daily high temperature above 53°F. The hottest day of the year is July 5, with an average high of 69°F and low of 50°F.
The cold season lasts for 4.6 months, from November 9 to March 28, with an average daily high temperature below 7°F. The coldest day of the year is January 21, with an average low of -20°F and high of -8°F.
Sun
Due to its extreme latitude, Inuvik experiences polar day (also known as the midnight Sun) during the summer and polar night during the winter. These are periods of time in which the sun is continuously above or below the horizon for more than one day. The precise start and end dates of polar day and night vary from year to year and depend on the precise location and elevation of the observer, and the local topography.
In the summer in Inuvik during 2018, the Sun is continuously above the horizon for 1.9 months, rising at 3:00 AM on May 24, and not setting again until 2:31 AM on July 20.
In the winter in Inuvik during 2018, the Sun is continuously below the horizon for 1.0 months, setting at 1:57 PM on December 5, and not rising again until 1:45 PM on January 6.
Some very good advice regarding purchasing gas along the route from a fellow ExPo member:
"A detail I overlooked when I did the trip was variation in fuel price. Don't fill up at the most convenient service station. Keep an eye out for AFD Cardlock fuel stations while in YT and Northern BC. Their prices tend to be much better than the "in town" or big name service stations. The stations are unmanned and you pay at the pump or kiosk with your credit/debit card. Bring fuel cans and fill up at the one at the junction of the Klondike and Dempster highways so you don't have to get ripped off at Eagle Plains.
Same goes for Inuvik. Bypass the esso/chevron, and hit up the cardlock right around from Stanton's grocery as you head out towards Tuk. The savings add up."
Wagon of Doom 2015 Subie build thread. It is a bit overkill for what I want, but there is decent info in there from someone who has torn apart his 2015 outback and rebuilt lots of stuff.
