Driving the ALCAN in Feb with a diesel.
 

Hello everyone. Quite a few questions for ya. I lived in Anchorage from 1997 to 2001 and loved it. I now have a job opportunity and will be coming back to Anchorage in Feb. :-jammin

Any advice for driving the Alcan in Feb with my 2005 4x4 F250 6.0 towing a trailer with a couple of four-wheelers? Anyone else done this with a trailer? I have driven it in the spring but not the winter.

Plans for the truck before I leave:
DIY stuff:
-fuel filters
-full syn oil change
-install cord for block heater
-order and install winter front from Alaska Tent and Tarp
-check anti-freeze to make sure it's good to -60
-anti freeze windshield wiper fluid
-buy set of chains
-anti-gel for the fuel
-10 gal of extra diesel

Dealer:
-tranny flush
-check brakes and general look over

I plan on having survival gear, propane, stove, sleeping bag, blankets, etc. Also I might buy the SPOT http://findmespot.com.

Thanks for any feedback or advice!

Mike

Sounds like your planning well dont for get the extra water and food should you need it. And good luck.

Might want to add a cb to the list.
Chains for the trailer if you bring one.
Good luck.

Chains for the trailer...good idea. I will check on the prices.

I have a HAM radio but not a CB so that is also a good idea. Thanks!

Ive drove it twice in feb and once in jan. It was surprisingly uneventfull all three times. I have had worse luck in march and april. Good luck and safe travels

should be a cake walk just take your time and enjoy the drive. dont over do it.

Not really trying to hijack the thread, but I'm doing the same trip in two weeks in my '92 F150. I'll make the same preps as Mike for the most part, but should I look into a winter front/grill cover for my 4.9L? Could I get away with sliding a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator?

cardboard is much better!! just cut a diamond out of the center and fold it back and put directly onfront of radiator core.

Ray

From the research that I have done cardboard could work in a pinch. Covering up the grill does more than just keep the engine warmer. It also keeps the cold air from hitting all of the other stuff in there like the power steering pump, master cylinder, etc. When the temps can be -20 or lower any little thing could make a difference. :eek:

With my diesel I want to TRY and make sure the operating temps stay above 180 degrees (I have a digital gauge). Normal for my truck here in Las Vegas is 184 to 210. I also want to keep as much heat in the engine area for as long as possible after shutting it off.

get thick cardboard from a appliance box!

I may be using the cardboard trick. I have the job and will be driving up before the end of Feb! WOO HOO!

i got some cardboard so when you get here let me know.

Thanks, b-uno. I am going to have to find some before I leave. I want to have it in the Yukon as I am coming up.

you can always strap pine tree branches to the raditor in emergency, they smell good too.

Hey, I don't need no scented pine tree hanging from my mirrors! I have the real thing strapped to the grill! WOO HOO! :)