....be able to handle Arctic conditions.

Hello from the non white Great White North.

Am also interested in hearing what mods someone would do to this vehicle. Son is the owner (a newly convocated geologist) who is working up North of Edmonton. He will eventually run into temps in the -40's to -50's, deep snow, sheer ice, Moose, bears (hopefully neither up close and personal), and god awful Alberta mud come spring thaw.

Canada's winter is non-existent this year but he will have to get good all round tires eventually.

Would love to know if there is a Canadian supplier of items like a deer catcher (are there different models out there???...only one we've seen in town on a 4Runner would let a deer go right through it. Also a clear plastic safety shield that goes from the roof right down past the back seat....he carries lots of supplies as well as a month's worth of food.

Thank you for your suggestions and son will eventually take over this account.
******Must say he really really enjoys the heated seats, lumbar support (he often does a 12 hour drive to site), and the NAV (he'd never driven through Calgary or Edmonton before).

2012 Limited, Premium package, Sirius, Remote Start

Tell him congrats! I too am a wellsite geologist in Alberta and also have a 2010 4runner! He'll be quite the fancy pants out there in his LIMITED EDITION ;)

As for tires, I have a set of Duratrac 265's Class E that are studded. Fortunately or unfortunately, we've had f*ck all for snow and the studs are worn almost all off. I'm in Calgary and have about 900kms to site. Would I do that over again for winter tires? We have some offroading, crap roads to deal with but a majority is highway and I'd likely get a stiff winter tire rather than a mud terrain. However, those tires I just mentioned will be nice when the lease starts to thaw and the place is an absolute mess.

As far as I know, there are not specific deer cages for the 2010+ 4runners, yet. There is a cage that could work as such from Shrockworks.

ShrockWorks 2010 + 5th Gen 4Runner Winch Bumper, Bull Bar, Front Bumper

Not sure what you mean by "clear plastic safety shield ". Maybe something else will be able to jump in. Would STRONGLY suggest getting the front 3M'd. I've had my fair share of crap thrown at me, just take a look at my windshield as evidence haha. I'm going to get the whole front 3M'd when I'm back in town.

If he needs any help of geo supplies to bring up, just send me a PM and I can try to help. Also quite surprised he has to bring so much food, a grocery store is less than an hour away for most. What area is he working in?

So happy to have a reply from another Geo! :o) LOL re Fancy Pants ... the riggers saw him driving my 97 Rav4 for the first 6 jobs so have cut him slack there. He was bugged however for being seen plugging it in (temps weren't that cold) and for having clean, non stained, working overalls ;o). His rigger high school buds named it the GeoWagon when he purchased it so it passed their inspection. Other geos under the same headhunter have Hummers, fancy Jeeps or Highlander Toyotas so his isn't that different. If he had an apartment $$$$ in your city however I'm sure he'd be driving an older one (what he needs to find is 3 other geos to rent with...since the apartment would hardly ever be occupied).

Thank you for the info re your tires and the deer catcher link.

Wasn't sure how to describe the plastic shield. My husband carries a lot of work supplies and his employer had it installed a few years ago. It was similar to a net but was clear plastic which I really liked it since it was attached to the roof and went down to the floor effectively stopping any items from flying forward.

He does get food from a town not far away (but does carry it on those roads that often have site workers vehicles in the ditch). He has been buying tin food in bulk prior to the job but will buy fresh when he gets a chance to escape. He's been without a night geo more than a few times so brings more with him in case he can't get to town. All I was thinking of was the amount of stuff you fellows have in your vehicles that can become flying projectiles (esp on those more dangerous Northern roads).

Thank you for your offer and I'll show him your post re supplies next time I see him. He does get them shipped from Calgary to here (Moose Jaw) but.....

BTW re 3M'ing it I'm sure he will have that done very soon (thank you ever so much for a heads up re that)...he was heartbroken that the first miniscule chip happened to his windshield (my Rav's is still chipless...it had a new one installed prior to his first job).

Did you have yours lifted?

Definitely look around more with the deer cage, I just haven't come across one yet. Regarding the lift, no I don't and don't plan on it. Plenty of guys have lifted vehicles out here with this perception it makes them fit in and be cool. The reality is they never see moderate/heavy offroad use and mainly drive on the highway. The huge semis need to get onto the leases, and sometimes do get stuck, but for the most part the roads aren't these treacherous obstacles. Going out to your secret fishing spot requires far more offroading gear and skill!

One thing I'm kind of considering are upgraded skid plates and heavy duty undercoating in the wheel wells for when the deep mud comes around to make cleaning easier - It's can be a real b*tch to clean off. A little bit of rain and the lease gets absolutely destroyed.

Just for an idea....

A normal lease road...


A crappy lease...


One thing I wish I knew about was that the full-size spare is a steel rim, otherwise I would have ordered an OEM rim and TPS sensor from the dealer to compliment the rest. I was hoping to be able to rotate the tire in but found out about this AFTER I had them shipped and on their way. Live and learn. If he is getting an AT/MT or winter tire I would encourage him to get 5 but that opinion changes among owners.

They mean the clear plastic shields used to divide the front seat from the rear, like police cars and taxis. In thiscase I guess it would be between the back seat and cargo area.

Maybe I am not thinking and if it is clear I apologize in advance. I read and re-read your posts and cannot tell if you are the Dad, Mom or Wife? I am all confused.

Mom, I'm thinking.

@OP - there are those dog cages for between the seats that would work. Someone will chime in on that.

I'm his Mom (who else would be annoying enough to do this). :S I am of the type that likes collecting info prior to items being needed at the last minute and thought you fellows would certainly have the knowledge of whats out there and, in some cases, where to find it. He, I'm sure, has spoken to others up there but none have the vehicle he has (that I'm aware of).

Must say his (my son's) perception of what the roads up there are like and mine is different. My memory of Northern driving was of my father hitting deer (on a couple of trips) that suddenly came out of the bush or running into a herd that appeared after going around a bend (views of what lies ahead are much better on the Southern prairie since it does have an endless view of what is up ahead ;)...except when it is dark). I've also looked at some of the videos that show logging trucks, narrow bridges, steep inclines in some areas that he has been sent to (or could possibly be sent). And then there are the workers who decided to celebrate end of job prior to hitting the road.

He hasn't voiced any interest in lifting his vehicle so that ? was mine (I wondered if it had enough clearance, in a normal winter/spring, for conditions that might be faced). I had noted at a number of sites that trucks were suggested to riggers because of the clearance that they have.

He did have some of the work re painting something or other under the vehicle and putting a plate under it, requested when he ordered it, so I know he did some ?ing of others there.

He did have a life threatening condition in University (that has been dealt with) so I think the above vehicle was his way of spoiling himself plus making the drive much more comfortable and safer.

1engineer your description of the shield/netting is about right on. The plastic went right up to the roof and across the full width of the back seat.

Lifting isn't just for looks or heavy duty off-roadi use. Some 4Runner owners complain about nose dive under heavy braking. Also, adding an after-market bumper like SchrockWorks (great product) or any front end gear adds weight which drops the front end and makes nose dive worse. Lifting corrects for both of these.

For the cold weather, he should consider a dual battery system that uses full size/spec batteries (not Odyssey PC1200s). A permanent mount battery charger that can be plugged in when he parks it for the night would be worth considering as well.

If the deer threat is as you say, I'd want some kick-butt driving lights.

Will make sure he had the undercoating done (I was at work when I made my quick reply above).

will also make sure he is aware of the above re tires.

Thank you for your suggestions.

If he decides to go for the catcher/guard/bumper I'll make sure he reads the above and thank you.

Here's a news article from the area he is currently working near.

Community Events
Cougars killed

Cougars and wolves continue to be a problem in the Whitecourt area. Fish and wildlife officers in the area have been working with hungers and trappers to reduce the predator population.
Cougars killed
Wildlife officers euthanize two cougars believed to be responsible for killing dog
By Brigette Jobin
Posted 1 day ago

Fish and wildlife officers shot two cougars last week along the McLeod River — one of which they believed killed a dog just days before.

Greg Gilbertson, district fish and wildlife officer in Whitecourt, said his office has received an increase in calls regarding cougar sightings and incidents over the years. This year is no different.

Most recently, on Feb. 12 a dog was killed by cougars in the West Mountain area along the McLeod River. As a result, Gilbertson said a cougar houndsman and wildlife officer from Hinton came to Whitecourt to try and track the cougar.

They were successful and killed two cougars, believed to be responsible for killing the dog.

“Cougar hunting season has been very successful,” said Gilbertson.

Gilbertson said it is believed that higher-than-normal cougar and wolf occurrences are happening in the area due to a high population of both.

One of the theories, says Gilbertson, is that last winter’s large snowfall kept deer out of the deep bushes, giving the predators more food to eat.

“When they are healthy and fed more, they produce more,” said Gilbertson of the population increase.

Meanwhile, the local fish and wildlife office has also received much higher than normal calls regarding wolves. The wolves have been preying on sheep, cattle, horses and llamas.

“Many wolves have been harvested in the area by hunters and trappers,” said Gilbertson. “Which we feel may help reduce with the problems we have had with livestock predation.”

The increase in calls for cougar and wolf sightings and incidents can also be credited to the fact that there are more acreages being created around Whitecourt.

“There are a lot more people living in rural area then what there used to be,” added Gilbertson.

If you live in a rural area, Gilbertson said there are many tactics one can undertake to keep predators away and keep yourself and family members safe.

Don’t keep your pet food outside. If you feed your animals outside, after you finish feeding them bring dishes inside. Food left outside will attract cougars and wolves.

Eliminate attractants. Don’t attract deer into yard – put bird feeders high and a feed catcher so feed doesn’t fall on the ground, which deer like to eat.

Having good yard lights in country is a bonus for the safety for everyone.

Having motion detector lights on garages, decks and entries into buildings is also a very good idea. When it goes off, you know something is there.

Proper garbage management – behind locked doors,

Remove underbrush from along driveways and yard sites to create good visibility. Have conversations with kids and establish safe play areas away from bushed areas

If going for walks or walking a dog, carry bear spray, air horn, walking stick and a cell phone to defend yourself or scare away predators. The cell phone is to call for help incase something bad happens.

When out for a walk, do not wear any device that takes away your senses. For example, listening to an iPod takes away your hearing.

If you live in country and have children that walk to a bus stop, put a mail box at the end of the driveway. Give the children an air horn when they leave the house and have them put it in the mail box before getting on the bus. At the end of the school day, the children grab the air horn from the mail box and walk back to the house with it. The children can use the air horn to scare off predators or to alert others that something is wrong.

Make sure your neighbours know if they hear an air horn, that they know kids are in trouble.

When out for a walk don’t carry the air horn and bear spray in a back pack. It needs to be available for immediate use.

Gilbertson said more educational material is available at the local fish and wildlife office (located in the Provincial Building downtown).

Serious incidents with wildlife, including cougars and wolves, should be reported to fish and wildlife officers. During regular businesses hours residents can call the Whitecourt fish and wildlife office at 780-778-7112 or to report serious wildlife incidents after hours call 1-800-642-3800.

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My worry has more been the Moose though (my original idea re lift came from a Fort Mac site where I saw postings about the Moose and roads). Fellows there said that they chose trucks with catchers/guards because they thought it would be safer should they hit a Moose (Moose easily clear the hoods of many vehicles so the windshield is often demolished by their weight). http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7460641 http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7460498

Deer are spotted much easier outside of the boreal forest http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5099988 http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5099986 http://www.panoramio.com/photo/5263245

I can say from driving some of those roads myself...being from Edmonton and enjoying many outdoor activities, the first thing your son will want to do is get rid of those 20'' wheels. They look nice in the city but will let you down for sure on a lease. A 17'' wheel with a nice LT spec tire, many on here have either Goodyear Duratrac's, Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor, and BF Goodrich all terrains. They LT (light truck) tires have thicker sidewalls and the 17'' wheel will give you more sidewall to protect the rims from rocks and such. The stock rubber simply can't cope with the harsh conditions of backroads driving. Hope this helps a bit.

thanks will keep an eye open for those too :o)

Thank you for that ... he'll have lots to research when he comes home.