Alaska 2014 - Page 9

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-07-2014, 03:15 PM

We took our 2wd SMB to Alaska in 2004 and had the 4wd conversion done later. You can go on any of the roads w/2wd - even up the Dalton highway to the Artic Ocean. Been to AK 3 times and never used 4wd there.

Mike

REF · 04-07-2014, 07:59 PM

Sort of on a related note, I am currently running a fairly new set of toyo open country M/T's, was thinking of getting a set of nice highway or less aggressive tires for our journey to Alaska, seeing as how most of it is paved and we'll get a quieter ride and better milage and not chew up my toyo's. Mike, you just got a new set, will have to look at that post to see what they were, Michelin LTX? Anyway, any thoughts on swapping out my M/T's? Or just stick with them? I like that they are a super tough tire and will want to make sure anything I put on there can take the abuse of those roads. Any thoughts?

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-08-2014, 12:04 PM

Yes, LTX AT2s. They are very tough tires, surviving rough gravel roads from Alaska in 09 to Labrador in 11 and many, many road miles with no tire issues. Reasonably aggressive and quiet on the highway. 60K warranty. To me, the only drawback is the price.

Mike

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-26-2014, 07:17 PM

On the way to/from Alaska, is anyone interested in going up to Eagle Plains or Inuvik?

I wouldn't mind going, but might like some company on the very remote Dempster.

Mike

REF · 04-27-2014, 01:16 PM

I don't think we'll have the time to head up there, especially if we head up to prudhoe bay, but we are hoping to maybe meet up with others in Eagle or thereabouts on the 26th on our way out.
Anyone else looking at going up to the circle?

llamadave · 04-27-2014, 02:09 PM

We are heading up to Prudhoe bay after Denali. We haven't thought much yet about what to see in Canada on the way back.

David

beaker · 04-30-2014, 12:23 PM

I just read through this post and would like to offer a few comments:

For those of you driving the Parks Highway (Anchorage to Fairbanks) in 2014, it will be one of the worst construction years in many, many years. Plan plenty of time for delays. Construction is just starting to get underway now and will likely run through October. 511.ak.gov will give you an idea of construction, but it is not 100% accurate.

I'll second the recommendation of the Cassair Highway; its one of my favorite routes between AK and the lower 48. I've only driven that route in the winter, but I'm looking forward to a summertime journey that way one year.

For anyone into mountain biking, Whitehorse, YT and nearby Carcross are some of the best around. If you are looking for international expedition travelers (the one in Unimogs, MANs, and the like) the Walmart parking lot in Whitehorse for some reason is where you're most likely to see them camping.

If you are visiting Denali, buy your groceries in Anchorage/Wasilla or in Fairbanks before you get there. If you choose to eat out in the area, I'd recommend Panorama Pizza, 229 Parks Restaurant, or 49th State Brewing.

If you are looking to visit Alaska in the off season, my recommendation would be March. Sunlight picks up, traffic is non-existent, yet you still get an opportunity to see aurora displays and participate in dog sled rides. If you wait until late April or early May, all businesses are still closed (restaurants, parks, campgrounds, etc.), much of the snow is gone, but it hasn't greened up yet. A lot of the remote spots to camp are simply too muddy to access as well.

Another good off-season to visit is September/October.

For anyone with a Ford who needs access to an AutoEnginuity scanner in the Denali area, or anyone who needs to do some basic wrenching/welding (no 6.0L injector replacements), don't hesitate to send me a PM. I travel out of the state on business a lot, but if I happen to be around, I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Enjoy your trips!

REF · 04-30-2014, 11:30 PM

Thanks for the tips...here's an article I found, we plan to do many of the roads and areas listed
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/off- ... -10-alaska

REF · 05-18-2014, 08:07 AM

Less than 2 weeks before we shove off!! Lots of projects on the rig are done, a few more to go. I know there are several posts on the subject of mosquito netting for the side doors, home made ones and the SMB store ones, I'm afraid I have run out of time to fabricate my own, not really looking forward to spending the $250 for the SMB made ones. Are they worth having? I could justify the cost if they will be used in Alaska.

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-18-2014, 08:46 AM

There have only been a couple of times when mosquitos have been an issue - both times in the woods and near a slow creek. In those places we kept the doors closed!

In my mind the screens would be useful if we lived east of the Mississippi.

Mike