10 TIPS for traveling the Alaska Canada Highway (Alcan)
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- A few tips, insights and things to carry when traveling this remote 'highway' filmed right along the route just past Beaver Creek border post. Feel free to ask questions or post tips from your own experience. All meant to help each other out. Thank you!
ALL GLORY TO GOD !!
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I disagree. If you need a gas can on the Alaska Highway, you have planned poorly. We pulled a travel trailer and can go about 160 miles on a tank of gas (we also carried 5 gallons in a can). With careful planning we never had to use the extra fuel. Fill up when you can!! We traveled in May and did not have an issue of finding open gas stations. We had a single spare tire and never used it. Don't be afraid... live your dream.
A really good vid
I averaged about 8 to 10 miles a gallon with a 10000 pound load between Tok and the Sign forest. In a dodge diesel that would get 16 mpg with that load elsewhere
canada has higher insurance requirements than the US
My grandmother by her self drove from Minnesota to Anchorage in 1955 with a camper trailer ... she made it all the way .
Frost heave in the roads in Canada are problematic. Slow down and keep a longer distance when following another vehicle. Debris WILL chip and crack your windshield. It’s the Alberta vehicle curse. Lol. Spare fuel, full tank, enough supplies for a week of camping on the side of the road if needed. Shit happens and when it does it’s better to be looking at it than for it. Safe journey.
A friend did this with his wife. They said think redundancy. Extra spare, extra water, extra food, extra fuel, extra first aid kit, etc, etc. They also said a satellite phone or a GPS that allows you to text is a really good idea.
Alcan 1975. Back to the lower 48. Trying to go southeast.
At one point they closed the road. Around Laird Hot Springs. Gorgeous camp ground. Walked to the hot springs everyday. Afraid of moose.
Campground filled up fast. Store had no supplies. Brought supplies in by helicopter.
One guy had a parrot. A Russian woman started baking bread.
Since no good prognosis on road opening we drove back to Whitehorse and came south on logging road through British Columbia. Very beautiful.
We came across a town that had a funeral for someone. Every gas station in 250 miles was closed. Take the gas cans and fill them.
And the spare tire. And a tire repair kit. A spare bottle of clean water.
If you are taking your dog, cat or other pet make sure you get your paperwork from your vet. Going into Canada and back in to the US they can ask for records for your pet.
Spare tires for your trailer. At least 2. And a decent tool set.
Spent my entire life on the east coast but I’ve been dreaming of driving the Alcan since I was a kid. One day...
DO IT !!!!!! IM TALKING MY 81 YEAR OLD MOM NEXT WEEK FOR HER 82ND BIRTHDAY IN MY TRUCK CAMPER !
I'm also on the east cost. I'm from massachusetts.
@@truckcampertraveler7369 How did your trip go? Do you have any additional tips?
@@nmelkhunter1 it was canceled Canada border was closed
@@truckcampertraveler7369 That stinks. Better luck next try.
I live in the Yukon. Roads are really rough here in the Spring, thanks to melting Permafrost. They are better in the summer, and of course, in winter, the snow fills all the holes! Spring (May up here) is the worst time for road surface conditions though.
Thanks for the info! Ofcourse May is when I made this trip and perhaps why I experienced road conditions worse than what others are reporting.
I agree with your points. I’ve driven the ALCAN several times. Summer is nice, winter is much more difficult. Love that drive though!
Im Canadian and Ive always wanted to do this trip because it is one of last great frontier trips .in North America .Ive been all across usa and canada even up to Hayriver N.W.T. .but that trip I was on plane ..I want to go to Yukon Dawson City ..one day ..just to go back into simple time ..and like the man said take your time and enjoy ..its the great outside ..wilderness ..hold your own ..til help comes which anyone will help along the way ..if your strapped..and many thanks to our American Friends and give them great welcome always that's the Canadian way ..
Do it! Dawson is SO MUCH FUN!
Very insightful vid. I am a 73 yr old female, & I 1st travelled OVER the AlCan, back in 1969; however, my 1st trip, I hitchiked by light plane, with 2 big suitcases, & my little dog & her 3pups....had a grreat trip! My next, maaany trips, over the following yrs, was overland AlCan. In those days, the roads were not even close to paved, & in Spring, there were large swells of extremely thick muddy water from 1 side of the road, to the other, in maaanny spots. I drove my old 1959 Cadi Limo, & it just glided thru, like a big submarine! I travelled the AlCan, both driving & hitchiking, dozens of times, over the following yrs. This part of the World, is 'God's Country'.....& can't be described - U have to see it to believe it!!! Still thinking about the Yukon, & if this Covid plandemic bogus crap, duznt ruin everyone's plans, I'm inclined to travel that way again..& looking forward to better highway conditions, than I've ever known..
Thats AMAZING ! I wish I was around to experience this journey during the much more rugged days. Thank you for sharing!! I'm sure you have some incredible stories from those trips. God Bless.
Well, today' is election day so the PLANdemic will be over tomorrow so you can make your plans. I was heading over last year and my wife had a stroke which changed everything. Folks ought to go for it while they can.
Got a load on that old taco 😅 I’ve wondered how mine would do but would be driving from Alabama
Why do Americans always say the minute you cross the border... “change”.. 🇨🇦Alberta is double lane till 30 minutes before you cross to B.C. There’s not snow in a July exactly at the 49 parallel 🙄.
I like the trailer set up on flat bed. 👍The RV market hasn’t figured this out YET. ⚠️🤷♂️I have a lift goal of travelling the Alaska Highway. But I wonder about rest stops. If you’re travelling that highway you should be in a rush. That that’s the whole point to enjoy the drive. The window wax, headlights on- America’s still haven figure that one out yet (mandatory for 20 years on cars sold in Canada), and slowdown is great advice 😊
Thank you for the comment. The route we chose included many sections of single-land highway and this particular trip was taken in late April when snow was still very plentiful in the Canadian Rockies.
It's sad to hear about the condition of the roads. The last time I drove it, from Alaska to Montana in the spring of 1994, the roads were in great condition. There were a few slowdowns because of road construction. Driving south, just after crossing the border, it was dark and a full moon. The highway was freshly resurfaced, smooth as silk, and I felt like I was driving on a runway with sloped curves. Because of the full moon, I was able to turn off my head lights and drove for thirty miles, or so, with them off. The lunar light was awesome and having the St. Elias mountains lite up like candles to my right was magic.
bring a serpentine belt and a belt tool, anitfreeze, extra oil, transmission fluid
and if an older vehicle hose clamps and radiator hoses, Cant just pull out a phone and call AAA. Phones are about useless. In fact I shut mine off on most of the trip,
Four round trips since 2002. All in the summer months, all either towing a trailer with a pick-up or large SUV, last one with a 33 ft. gas motorhome, flat towing a Honda CRV. I never carrier an extra ounce of fuel, a belt, spare part, secondary spares, or other parts or fluids. Like 99% of all fellow travelers, I had zero serious problems. I have an unlimited towing policy, but only ever needed it in the states. The roads are rough in spots. They are much worse in late summer, and early fall, particularly in areas that are over permafrost. If you do a search of most folks who have done the trip, you will find the majority will honestly report that it was a fantastic experience, with zero breakdowns, zero issues.
Relax, slow down, pull far to the right when a big rig is blasting toward you, or you will be buying a windshield. Never pass a gas station if you are on the bottom half of your tank. Enjoy yourself. It is a fair to poor condition, extremely rural road. It's heavily traveled in the summer months, there is a ton of interesting stuff to see and do, and it's nothing to get worked up about. Don't fall for all the BS about how much of a test of man and machine it is. Plenty of grannies in motorhomes and minivans mixed in with the faux overlanding douche bags, all summer long. Enjoy your trip.
Bring motor belts. Misquito head net. Put a screen in front of your radiator. A small stone can puncture your radiator.
Great information!! I think I would carry 2 spares LOL!! I would worry about all the vibration and jarring on my battery too. Maybe I would bring along a fully charged spare battery also.
You did an amazing job with this video and covered a lot of things most people have never thought of. Thank you so much for providing so much information.
LOL? What is funny?
Thank you!!
Living in the country, in North Eastern WI, I can tell you wildlife is a good reason not to drive from dusk to dawn; deer and other critters will jump out of nowhere and you can easily end up knocking out a headlight at the least or have a totaled vehicle at the worst.
Good advice. People don’t realize often how remote we are in norther BC and the Yukon and that we are seasonal in many locations. It’s best to be prepared. As Canadians we take fuel and spares when travelling in the norther country!
Thanks for your comment ! You live in a beautifully remote place :)
Enjoyed that post; the ideas were helpful and practical; VERY nelpful...!
Thanks for the info, this is #1 on my list, since before I was married!
I agree, I wouldn't mini van it, unless it was AWD, lifted, and probably only with a GOOD GM v6, that was just a small block with 2 less cylinders.
Oh man, I envy you! Hopefully next year I will be there with my dog. Thanks for your tips
And a plastic "windshield guard" on the front of your hood. Deflects rocks headed for your windshield.
My son and I drove to Alaska last October, 2018. We stopped where you just were too. I would add to your list if you are renting a U-Haul that you have them put in a spare tire for that too. We met a woman from Cincinnati at, Toad River, pulling a U-Haul and came across her again at Desolation Bay with a flat tire. 4 hours for someone to get to her with a spare. Great Journey, I think I want to do it again! The roads were pretty smooth in October, but we did drive through 3 snowstorms. I thought the worst part of the road system was right after you got into Alaska for an hour or so with the long stretches of undulating frost heaved road.
I was a kid, and rode the ALCAN in 1958, we rode in Ford station wagon. I have driven it 4 more times as an adult. I have found that taking your time is smart thing to do. Faster you go and pick up rocks at higher velocity from other cars coming at you and they will break your windshield more often, so go slower . For budget purpose put the price a new windshield in the cost of the trip. I was fine with a F-150 shell camper to sleep in. A 5 gallon jug of gas all was plenty, one full size spare is OK, but put small air compressor, plug kit for tires, basic tools and some parts. I did destroy a tire on each and every round trip, so put that in the budget. Have your own bed / camper / trailer / to sleep in, often a bed to sleep in is hard to find and they can be pretty nasty places, even real nasty places. Food, plan on doing some cooking, eating out of cooler, you do not always find food when you want it. Trailers are real pain in the ass to drag up there and back , tires, bearings, shake to pieces, so I say avoid them. Canadians will not let you you take a handgun into thier country, do not even try. Long guns yes, with paper work and a fee, get your paper done correctly so you can bring them back th the USA. Rules can change so do your own research for both USA and Canada.
Manners, please do not be the ugly American and tell the Canadians gas, jeans, faster speed limits, etc are cheaper and better in the USA. They already know that. Be polite, say the nice things you like about the trip and Canada. The trip will be better for you and the Canadians.
Great adventure to do so go for it.....
Wow! Someone from Colorado (of all places!) found the roads rough! :-) Good video. Thanks for the info.
Yeah. I-70 through the mountains was absolutely SHIT... easily rivaled the worst quality roads in Illinois & Indiana. In fact, keep your eyes literally on the road first thing after passing a "chain up" area. Parts of the Mt. Evans road were even worse... a part of the road near Summit Lake was so uneven I was surprised I didn't fuck up anything underneath my car.
Can't imagine pulling a trip of that magnitude off up north... especially fiscally (much less missing work if not right before switching jobs when executing... because that may take WAY more than 2 weeks... especially if ANYTHING goes sideways)... BUT I WANNA EVENTUALLY DO IT!!!
Cool to read other people (online) who also have the travel bug. I remember driving Route 66 in my early 20s, and recently picking up a few states I missed on a long drive to North Dakota. I'm working toward all 50! And I really want to drive the ALCAN to get Alaska.
By time April is over I'll have 49 states done. Don't really have any interest in going to Hawaii, I'd rather go to Ireland.😉
Def need a rig tour, really need to see how that motorcycle is rigged up:)
Full build walkaround coming very soon ! Thanks for watching
I drove my 2009 Toyota Corolla S from Vancouver to Alaska. I agree that you won't make great time but I got excellent MPG due to the lower speed limits. I didn't find the roads that terrible. There were a few rough spots but if you keep your head on a swivel and don't worry about trying to go crazy fast I found it easy to slow down and miss the rough roads. If you go in August/September the bugs are gone too. Great tips on the octane booster, extra gas, and full-size spare tires. I took 2 with me even though I never experienced a flat tire. I use Rain-X all the time so that's a no brainer.
It looks like you have an NRA sticker on the camper by the door. If so, did that garner any extra scrutiny by Canadian border folks?
FYI Daytime Running Lights have been required in all of Canada since the mid 80's, also all the fuel along the Alaska Hwy in BC & the Yukon is hauled up from Edmonton Alberta so you can't always depend on there being fuel out side of the Larger Cities. The road has gone from a narrow winding rollercoaster to a much straiter chip sealed surface. For someone to drive it in summer conditions and running on luck in there mini van to suggest to anyone else that they do that is a fools errand. The truth is if you go prepared then you don't have to worry about things being perfect because often they are not. Extra gas and a full size spare are simple good advice. All vehicles and trips very widely. Depend on your self first and you can save some grief when things go wrong.
More great advice. Thanks for sharing!
..not sure how I was ignorant of the daytime running lights :o
Thanks for the information. Good stuff. Thanks.
Great Video Amigo we are planning now to do this Amazing Trip in 2020 so I’m planning ahead of time.. thanks for sharing 👍🇺🇸
De nada my friend ! Best of luck on your journey, you'll see some amazing sights !!
me to 2020 i also be up there :)
You forgot to mention sasquatch!
Have a full size spare. Don't think a donut will help you out there.
Milepost Magazine should be #1. Read about where you are going. Absolutely invaluable. #2 - a SPOT locator/communicator. NO matter where in the wild you are, the push of a button will summon help when needed. Don't leave your comfort zone without one.
No one has explained it better than you have, thanks 🙏
I lived on the Alaska Hwy for 12 years and had ONE flat and never ran out of gas.
I'd love to see more of your camper build!!
Coming soon !
Safety first. Good advice!!!!! Thanks.
You're welcome!!
wow, that was EXCELLENT! I have not seen ANYONE else give the details you did. thank you thank you for all the info.
You are very welcome, glad this was helpful!!
Daytime running lights it's a safety requirement for vehicles imported or built here.
I drove the Alcan last August 2017 with large U haul and towing a vehicle drove from Portland to Palmer... Made great time with no troubles at all except for thew bugs...Carry Simple green with you and clean entire car at major cities (Prince George, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, and so on) As for the video.... Who in there right mind does not drive with lights on....3000 miles of bad road??? maybe 300 ..mostly right before the Alaska border and down to Glennallen. We had no problems driving the speed limit and a bit over.. We did the trip in 4 days...but I am going again, but taking 6 days to enjoy the sites better. Its ok to be prepared, but don't let this video scare you away from the Alcan...
Thank you Joe and Kathy! I've driven this road twice (July 2016 and December 2017) and both times I did it alone and in a Nissan Altima sedan. I'm planning to do it again over Christmas this year......and yeah, I'm doing it all the way from Toronto! You're darn right about the roads...it isn't 3000 miles of 'badness'!....Even when I drove from Dawson City, YT to Fairbanks, AK through the Top of the World Border crossing in Poker Creek, the roads were pretty ok...…(it isn't paved...and I was driving a car with normal clearance). I love that part of the world....and before you ask, why I'm doing it again in a car, in the winter...here's the answer. I have driven 2 Altimas to all 49 States (no Hawaii, of course), all 10 Provinces and 2 Territories (the third, Nunavut has no connecting roads to the rest of Canada)...and the only thing I haven't done with the car is drive it ON THE FROZEN ARCTIC OCEAN!....and that's why I'm heading up to Tuktoyaktuk NWT to do just that! Have a great day, my friends!
Can you drive in a car? Are there hotels along the way?
You can drive it in a normal passenger car during the summer months with good preparation.
There are some hotels but they are few and far between, especially in the Yukon territory. Can be done with proper planning. God bless !
Great tips. All of Canada has required cars to have what is called "Daytime Running lights" since about 1988 or 1989. This automatically puts your headlights (intensity less than a low beam) when you start the vehicle. Yukon is likely looking for headlights being turned on as that adds the tail lights being on which daytime lights does not turn on.
For rough roads, yes Canada has some poor riads but Alberta roads are pretty good compared to most provinces. Remember we have 10% of the USA population and a larger land mass to cover with roads. However, I still remember I55 going south through Mississippi on my honeymoon! Oouch that hurt the old car that was used to smooth Cdn roads.
Haven't fully watched your video yet but it will be interesting to compare with my experiences - I drove the AlCAN (from Norfolk, Va.) in 1984 in an old Volvo 240. Only real ALCAN prep was to install a 10" or so high rock/bug deflector at the front of the Hood. That and plastic concave covers for the headlights, all was fine. I did 5000 miles in 10 days. Absolutely no troubles except for the dust - my orange car was Tan in color by the time I arrived in Anchorage since there were long stretches of just gravel roads then......
Have done 2 trips from southern BC to Alaska and back in the past 10 years , driving a 36' motorhome pulling a Honda CRV ( up end of May , down end of September) , and never ran out of gas, or seen anyone stranded , or had a flat , or found the roads any worse than I-5 , I-8 , Hy 95, etc , in the lower 48. Yes , it's gravel where there's construction, as there is anywhere , and frost heaves and pot holes. Alberta route is always worse because of the heavy truck traffic out of the oil fields in the north. The worst we've encountered are in Alaska - Glennallen to Palmer and the road down to Valdez. We've done the Over The Top highway , 2X , and only the Alaska side is very rough to Tok. Drive accordingly and no issues. Love it up there. Going again this June after our 2nd covid shot. Do get chips in the windshields , but , knock on wood, all patchable.
Great comment! Sounds like you've been blessed with smooth journeys! The specific rig in this video did in fact need the extra fuel. I also leapfrogged a family in a 2500 silverado towing a fairly large enclosed trailer at the fuel stop on Destruction bay. Saw them again at the campground in Tok and they claimed to have had 3 flats on that stretch alone. Smart driving plays a big role.. and your experience, you know what to look for. Also what time of year have you traveled mostly?
I would love to get back up there. I toured a lot of the interior but then worked in Skagway for a summer.
The ice and snow temperatures tear up the roads
Is there a better way or is this it
I drove the Alcan in 78, 80, right after spring breakup. I carry 2 what was recommended. Used all of it. What i didn't count on was a burned out fuse box. RMP came along after sitting off the roadside and took me into town. I salvage a fuse box from a junk car. Made it work the important items. My 1970 3/4 chevy pickup had a 396ci and auto trans. Pulled my utility trailer without any problem. Loaded truch3bed and trailer. Truck always gets 10mpg no matter loaded or empty. Had twin sadle tanks of 18 gal. And main tank of 20 gal. I still carried 4, 5 gal gas cans. I gave some gas out roadside to those not prepared. Expanded metal in front of wind shield. If i was going today i would still carry twice as much like before. JMHO
More good tips! That fusebox story is incredible.. way to overcome !
Thanks for your insight!
In March 8, 1942, Leonard Larkins and around 4,000 black American soldiers participated and built the highway acrossed Alaska 🇺🇸 to Canada 🇨🇦 during World War 2.
Like the video and good information, I'm researching now for a trip to anchorage from Georgia for new job in Jan or Feb any suggestions that was not covered?
Really appreciate this video.
We are going late next month. All videos give a perspective and that can help even if those things don’t apply to a car or trip but being prepared is best!
Thank you
Great video - very informative! Best wishes in your travels!
Thanks for the firsthand input . Informativ down to earth presentation .
What kind of trailer is that in your video! And this is some good info! Thanks man!
thank you
Coolest trip I’ve ever taken. I made it in Sep 2021 in my daughter’s 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe from Boise to Anchorage. There was a blizzard at Eureka Summit, so it got a little hairy.
I was waiting for you to mention the gas prices, which are currently about $9/gallon in 2022.
Cars sold in Canada must have Daytime Running Lights, or DRL. These are always on, cannot be turned off when the car is running. They do not have to be your headlights low beams but they must meet some spec. Cars sold here meet those requirements from Transport Canada. This is also common practice in Europe and other places. It makes cars much more visible during the days, especially when the sun is a backlights. It is show to save many accidents especially at dawn and dusk when drivers rarely turn on their lights by themselves. If your car is not equipped with DRL you should turn un your low-beams and that will meet the requirements.
I learned from a well-placed source in Alaska that the U.S. pays Canada to maintain their sections of the highway. The funds are either diverted to other projects or simply mis-spent.
I bring two prebaked pizzas slices. Wraps, hard boiled eggs, thermos for morning coffee, a few sandwhiches and muffins. We don't like to drive at night big moose jump out unexpectedly in the highway. Traveling can be stressful. If you do the Alcan regularly you can meet some great people along the road. The covid thing has totally ruined this ride. People aren't trusting. The views are lovely. I love to buy Canadian items. It's so fun even if they hate us now. I have family need to travel to be near loved ones with health needs and to care for property on either end of the trip. we are older and the ride will seriously shake the teeth literally out of your head. The border people used to be nice now they are threatening you and try to interrogate you. They call you liars to your face, they tell you you are criminals even when you are obviously an old retired couple. I would not bring a pet. They won't let let you bring plants from one home to the other. It's easy to miss a turn. Some the communities are just soooo beautiful you hate to leave. The animals are exquisite. I so miss the way our relationships used to be pre covid.
Good tips for the people who just jump in the car and go without thinking about the consequences. I hope the younger generation watches your video. Looking forward to my second trip up there. Have a good day.
Straight outta high school broke getting ready to hit the road to Alaska.
We driving from Seattle to Calgary all the way up to Fairbanks, then Anchorage, then back to Seattle in 2 weeks This is our first trip up there and cant wait, thanks for the info.
What's the rush?....wasted trip...not enuf time to enjoy anything
Hello David.. I just found you and really enjoyed this video.. Planning a trip to AK next spring. I look forward to watching the rest of your stuff.. Thank you. Did you build the flatbed? Or.. Where did you find it? Thank you in advance. Lord bless
Hi David. I did build the flatbed using the original Tacoma floor piece and adding tubular steel for the side walls. Its not real pretty but works great
I see.. I like it because of it being so light. Good model. Thank you much
@@WildFaith I did see a flat bed trailer that a small camper was added much like this. Seems to work well and looks like tires are similar sizes on truck & trailer. A good video!
Southern California to Anchorage.... in a prius..... 60hrs. Stopped in Portland, Seattle, Telkwa BC, White Horse and then made it. Great experience! Dont do it in a prius! lol
sounds like driving in the lower 48 the roads are really in poor condition.
Surely the best tip is to drive it in a roadworthy vehicle, not in a clapped out wreck like yours?
really helpful! one day I will do this trip!
i'm from alberta canada, good video!
Your Tacoma is probably the most bad*ss Tacoma I've ever seen.
How long did it take you, with hauling that trailer and going slow. We are moving in 2023 so I am curious
I took my time with many stops along the way, so about 2 weeks from Colorado to Fairbanks. I only wish that I had taken MORE time with a few longer stops in canada. Be safe and enjoy the journey!!
You can make the trip to anchorage in three days I use to do with my dad I was born and raised in anchorage and now I live in northern California I still have family in eagle river Alaska
There is headlight signs at all border crossings ..you mustive not noticed the signs in southern bc and alberta
Swap out that fuel tank! Holy moly. 28 gallon in my Silverado, 44 in the suburban. Mostly have to help others.
We are real men in Canada and we build are trucks tough. So ride ruff and ride tuff or take your toyota and go home.
lol..!!
We just came up that route in early May. You haven't gotten to the rough roads yet. Alaskan roads aren't marked. We travel in a f350 dually with a heavy truck camper so we feel every bump. Its all well worth it. Its beautiful. Presently we are camped on the Gulkana River north of Glen Allen.
Do you by chance know the roads conditions at the end of May from Tok to maybe Fort Nelson?
Hard to say for certain, but in the Spring you will usually deal with road damage (from the previous winter) more than actual weather (snow/ice) on the roads. I would expect road buckling and surface damage around Destruction Bay - Haines Junction to Beaver Creek was the worst section last May. Hope this helps !
Very informative. Thanks for the tips.
Our cars in Canada are built so that when you turn the car on the lights come on as well. It's be the law since the late 1980s I believe.
I did it in a 1979 Datsun pickup with a tarp over the bed to cover my belongings. When they say, "next gas, 150 miles", they mean it! Fill up often and have fun.... Anyone know if the place that collects spoons is still around? Had a stop over there to replace my water pump. Just wondering..
Nice video.
More of Foster the Dog.
We drove Alcan 1974.
Destroyed my dad's car. 1300 miles of gravel. In Spring 1300 miles of mud.
A stone hit one of our headlights. Shorted out the battery.
So yes definitely headlight protectors.
And a windshield protector.
Lots of adventures. Could have easily written a book.
Scenery is incredible. Sensory overload.
Amazing stories!! Thanks for sharing. Laird Hot Springs still a beautiful spot, must do stop on this trip. Sounds like definitely more of an adventure back then but still no walk in the park. Safe travels, God Bless !!
I have a friend who drives this road every year. He does it in three days.
Any thoughts on diesel availability?
I beg to disagree on road conditions. Yes there will always be some rough sections, especially in the spring & early summer before road repair season gets underway but for the most part the northern roads are pretty good considering the winters & the length of the winters.
I have done the Alaska hwy & many of the other northern roads multiple times. All going well, this year 2023 will be trip #5. Our first trip was 2008, then 2011, 2014, 2018. There was a noticeable general improvement in road conditions, Canadian portions & Alaskan, with each trip.
As far as fuel goes, get it where you find it. Generally there is fuel every 100 miles. Hopefully your range is at least 300 miles with extra fuel if necessary. For me 500 mile on the flattish towing a 12,000lb plus 5er with the diesel. Never been stressed for fuel.
Can't argue about carrying spare stuff. No such thing as next day delivery up north. Carrying things like a spare fuel filter, oil filter, a few quarts of oil, a mounted spare tire for truck & trailer. An unmounted tire if room permits. Many places will have the machine to change the tire. The chances of having the size you need are slim.
You are not going to the dark side of the moon but a certain degree of self sufficiency is very useful. The North is not a place for the helpless waving his credit card.
Great insight here! Since posting this I have heard both sides regarding road conditions. As it turns out, when I did this trip (early May) may have been the worst time - countless deep pot holes and ice heaves that had not yet been repaired. When I drove back from Alaska that fall, the conditions were much better.
A supercharged Tacoma on 35" tires towing a trailer certainly made fuel range a bigger issue for me than it would for most!!
Glad to hear about your experiences with the extended range of a diesel. Again, great info! Thanks for sharing
Good advice! I am going to go from Jacksonville, NC to Anchorage AK! Can't wait.
appreciate all the great advice! Safe travels!
Going to call BS on the road. It's better than any road in the lower 48.
I pulled my 42 foot 5th wheel back down in February. Places are open. Hotels, gas and food. Yes bring a full size spare. Yes bring a little extra fuel, good idea. Washer fluid, people should have that in the truck anyway. Bring a few gallons. Fire extinguisher, yes!!
I just drove it again a few weeks ago and the road is fine. Watch for the frost heaves. They mark everyone. Top off when you can.
I'm sorry man. I don't know what road you were on. LOTS of wildlife, lots.
Thanks for the report !!
The BIG DIFFERENCE : I traveled in early spring when the ice heaves and potholes from a lonngggg winter were not yet repaired. I have since come to learn that the road is typically in much better condition during late Summer and surprisingly in the Winter as well. Conditions also vary a whole lot year to year (this video is several years old). If you look closely at the road surface, there is not much for road base so if it's a bad winter water/snow/ice will settle beneath the roads and cause awful heaves/ holes.
To say that the Alcan is "better than any road in the lower 48" sure seems like a stretch 🤪 ... Regardless, the conditions are constantly changing.
Glad to hear you had a safe trip(s) and thanks for watching!!
God bless.
As a Canadian taxpayer who pays a good chunk of his money to maintain those roads there are in pretty good shape compared to what they could be. Now you're always welcome to contribute to the Canadian tax base if you would like to...
Thank you for the input and local knowledge! I'm sure it takes a lot of maintenance to keep those roads even in that condition with the extreme weather. This video was not intended to take a "jab" at Canadian road maintenance but rather to serve as a warning to others that the Alcan is not like an American interstate. God Bless !
Thx man.... helpful video.... I’m currently planning my trip
What kind of trailer do you have?
Awesome video. I hope to move up to Alaska and want to drive my way up through the Al.Can hwy. I will have to ship my guns but I’ve also heard there’s a way to drive thru. Canada with them sealed by customs.
Hi Ryan. I hope your plans come together for this amazing journey ! You can drive through Canada with "non-restricted" firearms (mostly long guns, no pistols or assault rifles) by filling out some paperwork ahead of time and paying a small fee. It is actually a pretty simple process, just check out the RCMP website to print forms etc. They are also very helpful over the phone if you have specific questions. Thank you for your comment and best of luck !
Don't forget to check them with US Customs to get them back into US.
Thank you so much for posting this video , very informative 😊
Great advice - thanks
I’m moving from NC to AK in 2 weeks. I’ll be driving this way. I’m very excited
How was the trip?
Great information.