Moving to Alaska Update
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Moving to Alaska Update
Well this truck rocks. I have been pulling a trailer and a full loaded bed for a total weight of 15,500 lbs. I got some bad fuel in IN and had to stop to change filters took 20 mins. My thermostat went out.. I was getting no heat and my ECT was 185 and EOT was 205. After change now I'm at 10-15 spreads while doing 65-70 MPH. I also changed oil outside in Moose Jaw. Took a wooping 15 mins. I have about 1500 more miles to go just letting the kids take a break and swim and enjoy Christmas. All I have to say to people that are worried about their rig is to learn your maintance and enjoy. Thanks for the help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Hey,
Since you are heading into the great freeze...
Check out the hot new Petro Canada 0w-40 weight synthetic oil...
If you don't want to take a chance, use 5w-40
I am going to put that in at the next oil change.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...announced.html
You are actually having not bad luck --- moderately easy to solve problems on the road.
Merry Christmas, and Godspeed!
Please keep Powerservice 911 with you to clear congealed fuel, and cetane boost to help a tank of bad fuel.
As you are heading north --- I would buy fuel in half tanks to get the local weather adjusted batches (and eat the higher cost of buying fuel in Canada.
Since you are heading into the great freeze...
Check out the hot new Petro Canada 0w-40 weight synthetic oil...
If you don't want to take a chance, use 5w-40
I am going to put that in at the next oil change.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...announced.html
You are actually having not bad luck --- moderately easy to solve problems on the road.
Merry Christmas, and Godspeed!
Please keep Powerservice 911 with you to clear congealed fuel, and cetane boost to help a tank of bad fuel.
As you are heading north --- I would buy fuel in half tanks to get the local weather adjusted batches (and eat the higher cost of buying fuel in Canada.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Denison, Tx
Just wondering what kind of weather you might get into? Alaska in December makes me think snow blizzards, below zero etc..Never been to Alaska but sure would like to some day..but in the summer time for sure
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Alaska weather January:
Anchorage, Alaska Climate, Temperature, Average Weather History, Rainfall/ Precipitation, Sunshine
10F to 0F is not uncommon.
A lot depends on where they are --- much colder inland and up north.
Anchorage, Alaska Climate, Temperature, Average Weather History, Rainfall/ Precipitation, Sunshine
10F to 0F is not uncommon.
A lot depends on where they are --- much colder inland and up north.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Denison, Tx
I would suspect you might want the block heater working also for those cold nights..Sounds like a great adventure
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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When it really gets cold... it wouldn't do.
Not much a 600 watt job can do against that cold.
Many people in the real cold places (-40 and lower) never turn the motor off.
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From: Eagle River AK.
Welcome to the greatest state in the nation; hope your trip goes safe. A few tips for your travel.
1. Be sure to use an anti-gel, power service is one that is readily available, I use the white bottle, but keep a red 911 bottle handy just in case.
2. Half tank idea as listed above is a good idea BUT, you will find fuel stations open along the way are few and far between in the winter, so make sure you plan accordingly.
3. Watch for animals at all times, you will find the critters up here are much bigger than the lower 48, they will destroy the biggest of trucks. Moose, Buffalo, Caribou. They seem to love the roads to get out of the deep snow.
4. Get yourself an "Alaska Milepost" the best map, trip planner you can have, it will list everything you need to include fuel stations that are open in the winter. http://www.themilepost.com/
5. Block heater, you will find on your trip most hotels will have outlets in the parking lots for plugging in your vehicle, use them, your truck will thank you for it.
6. Not sure where you are headed? Anchorage is at about 4 degrees right now, with an overnight low of around –13 last night. Fairbanks is at –13 with an overnight low of –30 or so.
1. Be sure to use an anti-gel, power service is one that is readily available, I use the white bottle, but keep a red 911 bottle handy just in case.
2. Half tank idea as listed above is a good idea BUT, you will find fuel stations open along the way are few and far between in the winter, so make sure you plan accordingly.
3. Watch for animals at all times, you will find the critters up here are much bigger than the lower 48, they will destroy the biggest of trucks. Moose, Buffalo, Caribou. They seem to love the roads to get out of the deep snow.
4. Get yourself an "Alaska Milepost" the best map, trip planner you can have, it will list everything you need to include fuel stations that are open in the winter. http://www.themilepost.com/
5. Block heater, you will find on your trip most hotels will have outlets in the parking lots for plugging in your vehicle, use them, your truck will thank you for it.
6. Not sure where you are headed? Anchorage is at about 4 degrees right now, with an overnight low of around –13 last night. Fairbanks is at –13 with an overnight low of –30 or so.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Technically, it is not so good for the 6.0 to idle.
Not so technically, when it gets really cold (-40F/C) everyone does it.
Roughly 1.5 gallons an hour at low idle (not high idle).
If you see a weather forecast for -35 or below F... ask yourself... if your batteries / etc. can be trusted to start.
Or... you pay $5 an hour or thereabouts for the constant idle, and get into a warm cab and it works?
If you do leave it running.. remember to do WOT for at least 10 min or more to clean out the crud buildup.
Best,
PS... I concur re the half tank --- and planning your fuel stops.
Don't risk an empty tank once you get beyond Canada... it can be fatal to run out of fuel if you are stranded.
I would amend my comment above to top up once you are onto Alaska proper.
Not so technically, when it gets really cold (-40F/C) everyone does it.
Roughly 1.5 gallons an hour at low idle (not high idle).
If you see a weather forecast for -35 or below F... ask yourself... if your batteries / etc. can be trusted to start.
Or... you pay $5 an hour or thereabouts for the constant idle, and get into a warm cab and it works?
If you do leave it running.. remember to do WOT for at least 10 min or more to clean out the crud buildup.
Best,
PS... I concur re the half tank --- and planning your fuel stops.
Don't risk an empty tank once you get beyond Canada... it can be fatal to run out of fuel if you are stranded.
I would amend my comment above to top up once you are onto Alaska proper.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
I've lived in Fairbanks all my life (50 years) and have some suggestions if you are coming here or someplace else as cold.
1. In the extreme cold a block heater is not enough, the parts stores have pad heaters in varying wattage that glue on to both your oil pan and transmission pan with rtv silicone. These are a must.
2. Get a self regulating trickle charger that mounts under the hood to keep the batteries charged and make sure you have good quality batteries. They sell battery heaters, but I recommend against these and use the charger instead.
Company just showed up for dinner, I'll post more later.
1. In the extreme cold a block heater is not enough, the parts stores have pad heaters in varying wattage that glue on to both your oil pan and transmission pan with rtv silicone. These are a must.
2. Get a self regulating trickle charger that mounts under the hood to keep the batteries charged and make sure you have good quality batteries. They sell battery heaters, but I recommend against these and use the charger instead.
Company just showed up for dinner, I'll post more later.
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Well I start the Alcan in the morning! Thanks for all the replies. Other than those two small issues, the roads have been very clear. I have been adding Diesel Kleen every fill up. I also have a transfer tank so I really only need to fill up twice. I also put the pad heater on down south so the truck warms quickly! I'm heading back home to Richardson. I also put in two new Interstate batteries. We are stopping off at Ft. Nelson tommarrow then hit the pass at daylight then onto Fairbanks for a late Christmas diner. This is my third trip but the first in a PSD. Pulling this weight with this truck has been easy I have zero mods but an Insight and I'm very content. I wish I put on new shocks but it is not that bad. I have an 04 with a 03 build date. I'll reply more later but eyes are tired and need some rest.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
1500 miles from the start of the alcan at Dawson Creek to Fairbanks and 1200 miles from Fort Nelson to Fairbanks. If you get there at the right time of day stop and eat at the Northern Rockies Lodge at Muncho Lake,(about 200 miles past Fort Nelson) the food is excellent. If you are coming home then you know what to expect and it sounds as if you are prepared.
The only other thing I can suggest is having a heated garage at home.
Merry Christmas, have a safe trip and welcome home.
The only other thing I can suggest is having a heated garage at home.
Merry Christmas, have a safe trip and welcome home.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Ohio
I don't mind the Ohio winters but -40 at night just sounds insane for everyday living. Occasionally the jet stream pulls down an Alberta Clipper sending temperatures into the minus digits for a period of days. It is near impossible to get anything done outside in a reasonable time.
Wouldn't mind visiting Alaska in the Summer though.
Wouldn't mind visiting Alaska in the Summer though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
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I don't mind the Ohio winters but -40 at night just sounds insane for everyday living. Occasionally the jet stream pulls down an Alberta Clipper sending temperatures into the minus digits for a period of days. It is near impossible to get anything done outside in a reasonable time.
Wouldn't mind visiting Alaska in the Summer though.
Wouldn't mind visiting Alaska in the Summer though.
Most of coastal Alaska in the south is actually pretty mild.
Go inland, up north, and it really gets cold.
At -40F, you are talking of air preheaters (to heat the air the diesel ingests), special Arctic blend fuel, 0W-30 oil, special cab heaters / insulation, and basically keeping the motor running permanently.
These days, airplanes routinely fly the "polar route" where they cut a few hours off flight time compared to flying the great circle route.
Amazing the special prep / equipment that the planes carry.
Aero 16 - Polar Route Operations
There is a great discussion of what happens to fuel when it get cold above.
