Howdy-

I am heading to Alaska on the Alcan. I just purchased my F350 and camper.
Looking to the experts here to find out what preparations are needed for a safe trip north...
Do I need....
* Headlight covers?
* Radiator cover?

I am going to bring a spare serpentine belt. What else?

I will be going Full Time in my rig starting in January. So all recommendations are very much appreciated! Tks, Z

 

You also need to bring radiator hoses and anti freeze if you loose a hose or spring a leak. and anything else you can think of. Some people bring extra tires also. Have a great trip. I was going to do this also this year but gas prices put me off on the trip. Maybe next year with my new truck.

Ron W

 

bajaron- tks. I just ordered the hoses. I hear what your saying about gas$$$...but I look at it like I need to go NOW before gas is $4-5.00 a gal. (as in Europe) Tks, Zgirl

 

Zgril.
On my last trip i got from a low of 5 1/2 to 9 (gas) towing a 30 ft fifth from New York to So Cal. My new Truck will be diesel and hoping for better milage than
good luck on your trip

Ron W

 

What type of camper are you bringing and will it be this summer or in January?

I would suggest the above mention items, some fix-a-flat or tire plug kit and maybe a 12v compressor. I would also suggest getting permatex windshield repair kit. That way if (when) you get a crack/chip you can minimize the amount of spread on the spot. Usually in the summer the distance between gas stations is not an issue. If you are coming up in the winter some of those stations are seasonal and the distance can increase so I would bring spare gas. Also bring winter gear if traveling in the winter. Chains are also recommended for winter travel unless you have studded tires. Canada is alot more stricter on camping on the side of the road compare to up here. Unless you are in a city nobody really cares about camping on the side of the road. I would suggest a Milepost. Greatest book for the Alcan and in Alaska. We use it when Rv'ing in state. Spare water and bug dope should be on the list also. Take your time and enjoy the sites. Maybe by the time you get up here all of the smoke should be gone.

PS. Gota stop at LIARD hot springs, not sure of the milepost but worth the stop.

If you need more info or just have any questions pass them on.

 

ztruck,

What areas of Alaska do you plan on visiting? Are you planning on visiting Prudhoe Bay? If so, be aware that the Dalton Highway (Haul Road) is almost all gravel from just north of Fairbanks. It's pretty rough on tires and windshields. I would recommend having at least two spare tires. Here a travel log of another person who drove from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay and had 2 flats in each direction (http://www.seanweems.com/photos/pb/ ). Service stations on the Dalton Highway are also a little more scarce, but Coldfoot is about halfway (250 miles) between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. I have never drove to Prudhoe, but do spend 2 weeks of every month working there.

I am not trying to discourage you from visiting Alaska, just want you to be prepared so that you don't get in a bind. We do have a lot of great scenery and many miles of roads. I would recommend seeing it all in the summer if possible, although -50 or -60ºF in the winter is an experience in itself. If you are travelling in the winter, I think your Bigfoot camper is the only one (or one of few) that weather proof the holdling tanks. Dump facilities may be hard to find in the winter time.

If you give me more details of areas you plan on visiting, I could go into more detail. I just got back Friday night from a 520 mile drive from Homer to Fairbanks, which was 9 hours of driving.