Prepping a 2010 2500 for Alaska

[MoparBob]

I would like to call upon those who live (or have lived recently) in Alaska to help me ensure my truck is ready for a possible move that way. I would like to know what tires are handling the conditions up there well (I am biased towards the Toyo Open Country M/T but have never had them in the snow and ice) and other recommendations to make life easier.



In addition, If you have experience with what a Jetta TDI might need to live in the cold that would also be appreciated!



Thank you all for your help!

 

[craiggo]

I'm probably the last person in the country that should be commenting on this as a major city Yuppy but if it were me, this is what I'd be looking at: Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

Goodyear Tire Ultra Grip Ice WRT - Diesel Power Magazine

Craig

 

[domehead]

Never lived there but I do travel up north to CO. and ME. Have you batteries checked, Good set of chains, Block heater. Make sure you have the low temp windsheild washing fuild other wise frozen mess.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I can tell you from personal experience that the MT's are TERRIBLE in snow and ice! Excellent in the mud though.



Try the Toyo AT's instead... Company truck has them and I am impressed to say the least! MT's would be ok if you get them siped since they don't have near enough of them... And the rubber is way too hard for winter (at least here). Not sure where you are going in AK, but it can't be much different than here with snow-packed/hard ice covered roads and high winds most of the time during the winter months.



I would also recommend using 5W-40 synthetic oil and block heater anytime the temps are gonna dip below 10*f and #1 diesel fuel! I also think an Espar heater would do some good when you can't plug in.



We got down to -39*f this year and it is VERY hard on ANY engine (gas or diesel) in these conditions!! Also NEW batteries will be a good idea just prior to winter!



FrostHeater.com This is what I used on my 98 Jetta TDI and I think that it is FAR superior to just a simple block/oil-pan heater since it uses convection to circulate warm coolant through the block as well as the heater core.



Best of luck to you!!!

 

[retirednak]

I'm probably the last person in the country that should be commenting on this as a major city Yuppy but if it were me, this is what I'd be looking at: Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice



Goodyear Tire Ultra Grip Ice WRT - Diesel Power Magazine



The Goodyear Ultra Grip is the best winter tire money can buy. Make sure your running Syn oil all the way around. Make sure your block heater cord works and pick up a winter front if you don't have one already. Battery warmers are also a good idea. Make sure to run Power Service in the white bottle each tank or another brand of winter fuel conditioner. We had many days of below 0 this winter. Make sure you keep a winter kit of belts,fuel filter ect with you. Your more then welcome to get a hold of me when you settle down here in AK. There are a ton of TDI's running around up here,in fact my neighbor commutes to work in his.

 

[MoparBob]

Thanks for the information so far. Keep it coming!

 

[JacksonH]

Keep some candles in the truck. Candles will give you light. They wont hurt you enclosed in a vehicle. Keep you from freezing in the cab. You can be seen from a distance. Carry chains. They're mandatory in some locals, you may not need them, but if you get into rain plus freezing temps, you got black ice. Any vehicle, including 4x4 are useless on ice or some snow conditions, no matter what tires your driving. Put together a little Winter Driving Kit/box to store, a small tarp to kneel on for chain installations/removals, a nice long window ice scrapper, extra windshield wipers, heavy gloves, heavy coat/overalls/ski cloths so you don't freeze trying to put chains on. Always keep at your tank half full, if you get stuck you can idle & stay warm for hours

 

[Scooby]

Flare gun?

I was always told to keep a candle in a coffee can for heat/warmth. Some kitty litter for traction on ice, some food (ie granola bars in the glove compartmnet) a flashlight, knife..... but nowadays all you seem to need is a a cell phone!!

 

[retirednak]

Be aware that you won't have complete cell coverage driving through Canada,there are a few dead zones in AK. I always carry a mix of sand and road salt,I cut a big rig inner tub in half. Tie one end with bailing wire,then fill the tube with your mixture and again tie the other end off. While the mixture was still warm I laid the inner tub over each of the rear tire hump in the bed. This way you lose very little bed space and also add weight over the rear tires. If you happen to get stuck,the sand and salt will never freeze and use a coffee cup to scoop out and sprinkle around the offending tires. I also carry a folding shovel with a saw blade built into the head. Usually when I get stuck,a little sand and salt won't get me out,so its usually shovel time.

 

[pvanwig]

I keep food service tray to kneel on when I put my cables on

 

[Harlacher]

Where are you going? Up the haul road to the arctic ocean? What time of year? Starting May and figuring June and July, August will be weather friendly is a good way of thinking. I did the trip a few years back and did not have any problems. Went up the Haul Road and any place else I (they would let me) could go. I had a generator, extra fuel, lots of extra everything, batteries, candles, canned food, winch, moose bumper, and a lot of warm clothes. The thing with Alaska is things can go to #ell in a very short time. People who live there will tell you that a nice sunny morning can turn into a 6 foot snow storm by noon. Happens quick, and you will be on your own. There will not be a 76 station at the next exit. The Haul road was not half as bad as I had expected, then again I was lucky one hour good road, next hour white out and no road. If you are staying on the ALCAN and other main roads any good set of all around weather tires should do fine. If you are going into the wilderness invest in a set of toyo mudders or something like that. Plan on loosing a windshield. I had a great time, was way over stocked and ready, not really because I was lucky things change in a hurry in Alaska and it is to late after the weather goes bad. Camped mid July just south of the arctic ocean, temps dropped to 20 degrees and we had sun all night. Was pretty cool, big fire, no one cared as long as you cleaned up after yourself. Lots of space, had to drive three hours once to get cell coverage. I envy you my friend, it is so pretty.

 

[CBrandt]

I would be willing to talk to you on the phone if you would like. I live in Alaska and have driven the Alaska Hwy before. I have been in Alaska 38 years. Great place to live and visit.



Chris Brandt



Anchorage, AK



PM me for my number...

 

[MoparBob]

I would be willing to talk to you on the phone if you would like. I live in Alaska and have driven the Alaska Hwy before. I have been in Alaska 38 years. Great place to live and visit.



Chris Brandt



Anchorage, AK



PM me for my number...

PM Sent... thanks!

 

[Grizzly]

Keep your AAA card current.

 

[MoparBob]

Keep your AAA card current.

Are you serious or making a joke?

 

[MoparBob]

Thanks for the information to date.



After seeing some quotes for various moving services it looks like investing in a trailer and selling everything we can off before the move is likely.

 

[Grizzly]

Are you serious or making a joke?

While traveling I always keep tools, some parts, flash light, chain, flares, blankets and other emergency items in my truck or 5th Wheel. I also alway keep a current AAA card in my wallet in case you need to be towed.



Yes, I'm serious.



george

 

[MoparBob]

While traveling I always keep tools, some parts, flash light, chain, flares, blankets and other emergency items in my truck or 5th Wheel. I also alway keep a current AAA card in my wallet in case you need to be towed.



Yes, I'm serious.



george

Thanks for the clarification. I have never used AAA but have heard plenty of jokes relating to them so I couldn't tell if that was a serious comment or not.

 

[MoparBob]

FrostHeater.com This is what I used on my 98 Jetta TDI and I think that it is FAR superior to just a simple block/oil-pan heater since it uses convection to circulate warm coolant through the block as well as the heater core.

I have a frostheater from these guys on the way to the house now. Thanks!

 

[MoparBob]

Thank you for all the advice to date. On a related note, I am purchasing an open carhauler to haul the Jetta, my MC and a few other items on up to Anchorage when I make the move. Besides a couple spare tires and cutting a piece of plywood for the front of it as a rock-shield, should I consider anything else for it?