Prepping a 2010 2500 for Alaska

[RMachida]

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?

I've been up and down the highway about 17 times and have never had a flat nor a broken windshield. The entire route is essentially paved except for road construction areas. Parts of other alternate roads such as the Cassiar, Campbell, Klondike, & Top of the World are still unpaved but you probably aren't taking any of those if you're moving up. The most important thing is to keep your speed down especially if you see a fast moving truck approaching you.



All of the broken glass I've had has been in Anchorage and Fairbanks not on the highways.



Have a nice trip...

 

[ChrisOlson]

Hello Mopar Bob



Good luck on your drive and MY response is based on the premis that you are Moving to Alaska.

I too have lived in Alaska Long time since 1987, I have had many different vehicles some 2wd most 4wd I have never had chains or used them. and Yes i have driven in blizzard conditions thru deep snow in the local MTN Passes Many times as RMachida stated above slow down take your time. The problems the Cheechakos(new People who move to alaska) have is they try to drive like they live in the south, I see it every winter in anchorage, My addition to this is wear your Coat in those places where you will be passing thru dangerous conditions snow ice blizzards. Keep your Gloves in your pocket as well as a winter hat in your other pocket, keep those hand warming things in your other pocket as well as your cell phone, WEAR your seatbelt!!!! as far as all the stuff you want to carry as survival well that is up to you, there was a lot of great advice posted for you in the above threads Tires WOW lots of opnions i have had Toyo M55 great tire in the snow and ICE, i now have Toyo MT been a great tire in snow and ice. But it is the Black ice that gets you or me or anyone who is not paying attention. even worse the Black ICE inder the Snow now that will get your attention. Weight the back of your truck down Trust me on this topper shell with stuff in the back USE 4WD thats why you bought a 4WD Use it in winter conditions, Anti gel YES everyone has a opnion just use something, I use HOWES in my diesel truck and in my 3 houses in the fuel Tanks for the oil fired heat I have never had a problem. listen to what I and the other Alaskans have to offer you in advice

Good luck

Chris

 

[ChrisOlson]

Hello again

And one more thing



AAA Yes a huge help BUT check with them if you are pulling a trailer or something like that regular AAA does not cover the trailer or such. AAA rv gold Plus covers the trailer and whatever is attached to your truck I found that out when on a motorcycle trip and AAA left me on the side of the road. we had a talk and now I have AAA rv Gold plus or something like that. Money well spent I highly reccomend it.

Chris

 

[RMachida]

Hello again

And one more thing



AAA Yes a huge help BUT check with them if you are pulling a trailer or something like that regular AAA does not cover the trailer or such. AAA rv gold Plus covers the trailer and whatever is attached to your truck I found that out when on a motorcycle trip and AAA left me on the side of the road. we had a talk and now I have AAA rv Gold plus or something like that. Money well spent I highly reccomend it.

Chris

I've had (and used) the Good Sam roadside assistance and they brought something to tow the trailer as well when my wife's Suburban broke down in California. For motorcycle trips, I have been relying on AMA coverage, They claim to cover RVs as well but I've never tried it...

 

[Grizzly]

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?

On our last trip in 06, the Alcan Hwy was so much improved that we didn't need all the gravel protection we had. We didn't even have a single glass breakage. We did take the Top of the World Hwy from Whitehorse to Dawson City, across the Yukon River and on to Tok, Alaska. That was all gravel, but no traffic, or very little.



On our 1995 trip however, my truck suffered much rock damage including a totally shattered windshield.



The frost heaves were also much less on our 06 trip.



george

 

[ChrisOlson]

HMMM

Frost Heaves well since I live in Alaska and have driven the HWY Between Haines Junction and Tok going to Anchorage and back 3 times last year (2010) I might have some insight. Frost heaves once you get past the town of Destruction Bay (yes that is right) Be prepared to go really slow you will AVG about 35 MPH till you arrive in Beaver Creek CANADA, STOP Rest UP because you will need it. 5 miles After leaving Beaver Creek going north you will be Fooled in to thinking the road is good be careful because the next 15 miles or so to the US Border will be very Very bad. after you cross the border you will encounter construction for the next 20 miles or so. then you will be Lulled into thinking all is well but be expecting the occasional frost heave when you least expect it.

when you are enroute to TOK drive the Speed Limit because the Alaska state troopers have that 70 miles or so covered, waiting on those who want to make up time (from experience 87 mph with a trailer passing 12 RVs in a straight stretch of highway) any way the closer you get to TOK the more of a chance you will get caught speeding. If you are going on to anchorage about 5 miles west of tok during Normal business hrs the Alaska state Troopers have set up a weight police station on both sides of the road RVs, TRUCKS with CAMPERS, BIG RIGS, I have seen them All lined up for their weigh in must be some good income generating stream there. any way you will encounter the occasional stretch of heaves on your way to Anchorage but when you get abut 30 miles out of Glenallen you will have a stretch of about 20 miles of wicked frost heaves, again you will AVG about 30 Miles per hour. when you arrive at the Left turn to head towards Glenallen Obey the speed Limit the Alaska state troopers have learned that there will be those who try to make up time in this stretch and they will be waiting. you will be good, road wise till you get 10 miles past the MATAnuska Glacier going west then the Beautiful sweeping Highway turns into a 2 lane dangerous mountian road USE caution and go slow till you clear it by then you will be very close to Palmer and 60 miles or so away from Anchorage.

Hope this helps

Chris