Preparing for Nordic Winter
Morning All,
I will be heading to Nordkapp via Latvia, Estonia and Finland in January 2026. Over the coming year I want to start making modifications to our vehicle (300tdi 110 Defender with Alucab style roof) to prepare it for this journey.
My main concern is starting and running the engine, the main habitation side is less of a worry. So to that end I am thinking of the following:
- Fitting diesel powered coolant preheater (looks like you can modify ones from D3s' to work
- Changing to a thinner more temperature stable oil (I have been advised Shell Rotella T6 5W-30 synthetic)
- Changing out EP90 to synthetic 75W-90
- Changing out both leisure and starter batteries to AGM from lead acid
- I have been planning on fitting a spot light bar to the roof for a while, but I will do this and fit standard halogen lights so the heat will melt any snow (the rest of my lights are non heated LEDs)
- Change the coolant & brake fluid
- Fit a radiator muffler (I have fitted a full width inter-cooler, so not 100% sure how this will work out on the road)
- We have a diesel heater fitted, but just making sure its serviced and working
Habitation wise I think we are fairly set, but I want to improve on some of the insulation and possibly look at insulating the canvas of the Alucab. I think the intention will to have the roof up to 'live' but to sleep we will sleep downstairs with the roof closed.
I am really looking for advice please, anyone who has done a similar trip or trips where the temperature has been similar.
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