Anyone use a Satellite Phone when in the boonies?

[danrhiggins]

I'll be spending a fair bit of time outside cell coverage with a brand new LR4 and by myself this summer. I'm thinking of picking up a sat phone with a prepaid card for an emergency. Anyone have recent experience with these things? Recommendations?

 

[bushway9172]

I'll be spending a fair bit of time outside cell coverage with a brand new LR4 and by myself this summer. I'm thinking of picking up a sat phone with a prepaid card for an emergency. Anyone have recent experience with these things? Recommendations?

Not a bad idea. I have a CB radio, but it is more to communicate with other trucks in my group than to call for help.

 

[umbertob]

I have a Spot Connect with me at all times, with a spare set of fresh AA lithium batteries stored in the center console, just in case. Haven't had to use it yet for a real emergency, knock on wood... But the texts I've sent friends and family while away from cell phone signal on multi-day off-roading excursions have always reached them quickly and pointed out my location quite accurately. A sat phone would be better, but it's still not cheap, and it is of course fairly bulky... The Spot Connect is enough peace of mind for me. Also, it fits in the little cubby on the center console of the LR4 to perfection (although that cubby is going away in 2014, I think.)

 

[danrhiggins]

I have a Spot Connect with me at all times, with a spare set of batteries in the center console just in case. Haven't had to use it yet for a real emergency, knock on wood... But the texts I've sent friends and family while away from cell phone signal on multi-day off-roading excursions have always reached them quickly and pointed out my location quite accurately. A sat phone would be better, but it's still not cheap, and it is of course fairly bulky... The Spot Connect is enough peace of mind for me. Also, it fits in the little cubby on the center console of the LR4 to perfection (although that cubby is going away in 2014, I think.)

Alas, the cubby is gone. :-(

But I want to know if you have ever used the Spot's SAS button by accident. ;-)

If I do a Sat phone I would do a short term rental. Looks like I can do a one month rental for $150 with 25 mins. There are also 1 and 2 week options.

The Spot does look fun, though.

 

[danrhiggins]

I have a Spot Connect with me at all times, with a spare set of batteries in the center console just in case. Haven't had to use it yet for a real emergency, knock on wood... But the texts I've sent friends and family while away from cell phone signal on multi-day off-roading excursions have always reached them quickly and pointed out my location quite accurately. A sat phone would be better, but it's still not cheap, and it is of course fairly bulky... The Spot Connect is enough peace of mind for me. Also, it fits in the little cubby on the center console of the LR4 to perfection (although that cubby is going away in 2014, I think.)

Just ordered a Spot Gen 3. ;-)

 

[umbertob]

But I want to know if you have ever used the Spot's SAS button by accident. ;-)

It's almost impossible to use the SOS button by accident, both the protected button on the device itself and the one of the Connect app on your smartphone.

Nice going Dan, by the time your LR4 shows up you'll be a busy guy with all the goodies and accessories sitting in your garage waiting for it.

 

[danrhiggins]

Nice going Dan, by the time your LR4 shows up you'll be a busy guy with all the goodies and accessories sitting in your garage waiting for it.

Ha ha! Already true. I do need to save a few things for next year though! So no bumpers or sliders or under-armor or winches or lights or ... ;-)

BTW, I was in SoCal this past week. SD (actually Rancho Bernardo). Nice weather. But I understand it may get hot with Santa Anna's moving in. Hopefully there won't be fires.

 

[Finlayforprez]

I have a Spot Connect as well - very important safety device. You know, I actually noticed the cubby going away for 2014. I stopped by the dealership yesterday after I picked up my 50 quart ARB fridge/freezer (works awesome with my ArkPak) and the GM, sale manager, and sales associate came running outside to admire my LR4. They were so into it, taking pictures with their cell phone and showing the people at the dealership.

The GM asked if he could have it professionally detailed and then have a photographer take photos so they could hang them up in the dealership showroom. I told him sure!

 

[danrhiggins]

The GM asked if he could have it professionally detailed and then have a photographer take photos so they could hang them up in the dealership showroom. I told him sure!

That's very cool. Maybe they'll put you on some LR website. In fact, they ought to post your truck on the LRNA FB page. ;-)

You mentioned your refrigerator. I started do took at that but as I shared with umberto I need to save something for next year.

 

[epiclr4]

I have a Spot Connect as well - very important safety device. You know, I actually noticed the cubby going away for 2014. I stopped by the dealership yesterday after I picked up my 50 quart ARB fridge/freezer (works awesome with my ArkPak) and the GM, sale manager, and sales associate came running outside to admire my LR4. They were so into it, taking pictures with their cell phone and showing the people at the dealership.

The GM asked if he could have it professionally detailed and then have a photographer take photos so they could hang them up in the dealership showroom. I told him sure!

David:

Can you post some pictures of how that fits in the back of your LR4? Maybe even over in my Fridge Thread? We are looking at getting the same model for our long commutes to cut down on throwing away soo much food.

Thanks!