Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I just returned from a trip to Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay), Alaska. I learned some things about my new 2003 in 35 below zero weather.
I have a 3500 DRW HO with 6 speed 4X4. I am carrying a 2003 Western Canada RV 9. 5 camper with slide out (about 3500 lbs loaded with gear I guess).
For those not familiar with Alaska, the haul road (Dalton Highway on the map) starts above Fairbanks and ends in the oil fields of the North Slope. It is the farthest north one can drive in the US. The road is usually in good shape (by Alaska standards) but is subject to extreme weather, avalanches and the numerous big rigs.
Overall, the new truck did excellent. Fuel mileage, something I am still a little disappointed in, was between 10 and 12 mpg with the camper. In the Brooks Range, grades often exceed 10 percent and approach 12 I believe in some places. Only number one fuel is available and I used Power Service additive.
I did have a few problems that were cold related. The brake, steering and clutch fluids did not like the cold. The clutch became especially difficult to use. Out with the stock fluids and in with the synthetics. Also, there isn't many places to plug in the block heater. I didn't stay overnight in Deadhorse due to the -35 temps. However, I did stay in -8 and the truck struggled to start in the morning. Due to the engine breaking in, I didn't have synthetic oil in the crankcase the the oil pressure came right up (at least on the guage).
The truck had no problems on the hills but I sure wish I had a Jake on the down sides with the weight. Next purchase.
If anybody would like, I could post some pictures of the route. I had done it in the summer before but this was my first winter trip on the road.
Overall, I love my truck!
I have a 3500 DRW HO with 6 speed 4X4. I am carrying a 2003 Western Canada RV 9. 5 camper with slide out (about 3500 lbs loaded with gear I guess).
For those not familiar with Alaska, the haul road (Dalton Highway on the map) starts above Fairbanks and ends in the oil fields of the North Slope. It is the farthest north one can drive in the US. The road is usually in good shape (by Alaska standards) but is subject to extreme weather, avalanches and the numerous big rigs.
Overall, the new truck did excellent. Fuel mileage, something I am still a little disappointed in, was between 10 and 12 mpg with the camper. In the Brooks Range, grades often exceed 10 percent and approach 12 I believe in some places. Only number one fuel is available and I used Power Service additive.
I did have a few problems that were cold related. The brake, steering and clutch fluids did not like the cold. The clutch became especially difficult to use. Out with the stock fluids and in with the synthetics. Also, there isn't many places to plug in the block heater. I didn't stay overnight in Deadhorse due to the -35 temps. However, I did stay in -8 and the truck struggled to start in the morning. Due to the engine breaking in, I didn't have synthetic oil in the crankcase the the oil pressure came right up (at least on the guage).
The truck had no problems on the hills but I sure wish I had a Jake on the down sides with the weight. Next purchase.
If anybody would like, I could post some pictures of the route. I had done it in the summer before but this was my first winter trip on the road.
Overall, I love my truck!
I am getting the urge for a long road trip. I loved the drive to NW Territories even though I was rushed on that trip. From Washington State it took 28hrs of hard driving to get there. 
