I'm preparing for a pretty long haul from UT (SLC area) to Anchorage, AK next spring and looking to get some advice suggestions or tips when taking the trip. Here is some info what I've got going...
Tow rig is 08 dbl cab (6.5') 5.7L 4x4 and i'll be lugging myself, wife, newborn baby girl, 2 dogs. we just purchased an insulated A.R.E. truck cap (CX series) with bed rug to keep the dogs comfortable in the back. We'll also have some luggage, extra hoses/belts/fluids, upgrading to a matching fullsize spare (e-rated tires). I'll also pack up an emergency kit with water, blankets, flashlights, flares, nonperishable foods, kitty litter, first aid kit, and a small shovel, and spare gas (loaded on the trailer).
I'll be towing a dual axle 7k trailer w/brakes on either both or one axle(looking to purchase one this weekend). I have prodigy p3 brake controller mastering that. Loaded on the trailer will either be my jeep wrangler or the wife's vw jetta; most likely the jetta just in case we break down so the wife can keep the baby warm while the truck is fixed. I'm estimating the GVW of the trailer to be about 5K lbs.
Only thing I see missing is a gun. I always take a pistol on long road trips. Don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere with the wife and kid and have somebody sketchy show up.
I was thinking about the airbags/WDH after I posted this....not sure if the CFO will allow it though considering all the "goodies" i'm getting just for this trip. Maybe if I throw the safety word around a bit more, that might work. haha
The gun isn't an issue if we drive to WA and take the ferry (Glock 19 Gen4). But if we drive through Canada I won't be able to take it. Canada won't allow handguns from what I've read and I don't want to risk getting it taken at the border or getting thrown in jail. I have the same thought process you do on protecting the family.
I just google mapped that. 3k miles approx, That is quite the haul. You don't mention if you have a WDH, but I would test run with the trailer and car to see if needed.
If it hasn't been done recently, I would flush/replace the following for my piece of mind.
Engine oil, filter
Rear Diff Gear Oil (front, t-case, trans optional)
brake fluid
coolant
Inspect/replace engine air filter
Inspect/replace cabin air filter.
I'd do this a few weeks before as I hate doing maintenance just before a trip in case there is any kind of issue.
Even without all of this I know you will be fine anyway. There is some sick part of me that actually enjoys performing maintenance on my vehicles.
I'll have to take some test runs with the trailer like mentioned to see if I need a WDH. I may just pick one up so i don't have to worry about it down the line.
I'll be coming up on a more expensive maintenance interval in about 5k miles from now so I may have to accomplish that before I take off for AK.
Does anyone see any reason to carry any specific parts that are prone to failure that I didn't mention? Good thing is I just had the water pump replaced about 3k miles ago haha.
Last time I had a flat tire on my fully loaded car trailer it took me less than 5 Minutes to change the tire in the pouring down rain no less.
One suggestion for the original poster would be to take AT LEAST two spare trailer tires with you. I carry two mounted spare tires in my trailer at all times. Last thing you want is to be out in the middle of nowhere and have to find a trailer tire to buy.
If you have a breakdown and have to travel 100s of miles to the next town can you, your wife & child and dogs all fit into the Jetta or Jeep? Take the vehicle that you can all fit into and travel in. Having a vehicle to keep warm in is good, having a vehicle that will get everyone to the next town is much better.
You can take guns through Canada, there's just paperwork to fill out in advance to declare and transport them. There are restrictions as to the types of weapons though, for example no automatic guns or high capacity magazines. See here Bringing a Firearm into Canada » ezbordercrossing.com
Jerry cans should be fine. Depending on your trailer weight (2000k lbs or less) and the jetta weight at 2800 lbs. With all your gear, you will be barely over the factory recommend WDH at 5k.
I would just see how the truck does before the trip. I have done several long hauls without a WDH and being at 7500 lbs or more. Truck was stable and towed great.
Instead of the traileraid you can always use one of those plastic car ramps, they're more readily available at any auto parts store. Some of them may create a clearance issue so check that before you take them.
Interesting alternative. Before buying one of these ramps I would double check what the ramp's weight rating is. The TrailerAid I have is rated at 15,000 lbs which is more an enough for my fully loaded car trailer.
If there is no real reason that you *need* to take the extra car? ... are you are moving and not just vacationing?
I would nix the trailer all together. Your vacation will be much more enjoyable if you are not dragging an extra 5k lbs up and down mountains. If you are getting 16mpg vs 7, and much easier to deal with hotel/motel parking.
The alcan is all improved road. It is well traveled (... if you are break down, someone will stop to help).
I would have absolutely no issue with jumping in my truck right now and driving from Arizona to Anchorage. I have a small tool kit, a small first aid kit, a emergency blanket, a zero degree sleeping bag, a tow strap, 100ft of rope, a bottle jack, and a spare tire. I'd probably put together some clothes, a cooler and throw in a flat of bottled water.
That would be ideal. But we're moving. We could fly and have the Air Force ship our vehicles but they won't ship them all and there is no way I'm selling my jeep haha. That and we end up making a little money off driving.
Enjoy the drive, been a late fall so far in northern BC. Just got back from hunting last week. Still gorgeous fall colors up there (Prince George area) no snow or anything as of then. Barely frosty
I would tow the jetta ... its less of an aerodynamic brick. Having a box or some sort of shield on the front of the trailer would help with rocks being thrown by your truck.
There is always construction up there ... and even though its been a few years, I am sure a lot of the road is still a form of seal coat. Would put a zero dollar glass deductible on your pickup for the trip too.
If you have not been to Alaska before. Eielson ... cold and in the middle of nowhere, your kids will enjoy living near the north pole. Ice fog sucks, northern lights are awesome, 24 hours of sunlight for a quarter of the year is awesome too. Clear ... still cold, waaaay out in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy your hour and a half journey to Fred Meyer in Fairbanks (fred meyer = walmart). Elmendorf ... hooray for "big city living". And Anchorage weather is the best out of all of them. Probably close to SLC temps.
Alaska is a beautiful place, wherever you are I am sure your family will enjoy the time you spend there
Got quite efficient at changing trailer tires this weekend!!! Just used some 2 x 12 lumbar to drive the good wheel on top of to change out bad tire. Single 2x12 followed by two 2 x12 nailed together. Used them like a step, butted one up against the other. Had one blowout going to the lake, another on the way home!!! Yes, I carry two spares, trailer tires seem to go in pairs. Will replace the Carlise with Maxxis tires.
A lumber ramp another good alternative. I used use that option years ago myself before I bought the TrailerAid. Some people believe that trailer tires tend to blow in pairs due to the stress placed on one tire good tire after the first tire blows.
My trailer came with no name tires made in China. Those tires lasted 5+ years before I replaced them due to age concerns. The second set were Goodyear Trailer tires made in the USA. Those tires barely made it three years. I had one blowout after running over some debris on the road. Then I noticed the cracks in the sidewalls of some of the other tires. Now I have Maxxis tires on my trailer. Should be interesting to see how they perform.
FYI, when my trailer is not in use I use tire covers. Have from day 1 on all the brands of tires I have had. I am also religious about tire pressure.
Sure hope the original poster will live near a VW Dealership or a garage with lots of VW repair experience when he gets to his new home. New VWs are to the point where one cannot do anything but simple maintenance. Take it from someone who had owned VWs for 30+ years and who knows VW Techs that fix them.
You seem pretty prepared for the trip, just drive safe be patient and you'll make it in no time. I also suggest a good floor jack! Always good to have!
I knew the gas would be expensive but I had no clue it was THAT expensive...I'm definitely going to be filling up everything.
I've been thinking of getting a block heater installed to help just in case. I know my wife hates the cold and snow, but I love it and love driving in it. Of course, this may all change after this is said and done, haha.[/QUOTE]
A block heater is a great idea this far up here, Last year we had -45.4 F and way to many days around -36.4 F. The dealers are required to install them when they sell vehicles up here. Don't let those temps scare you though, you are going much farther north than this
Check your anti-freeze and change it if you are in doubt too, Your engine will appreciate it
If you really want to splurge, Chevron stations that carry the 94 octane is pure gas (no ethanol) but its not cheap (high 5 lo 6 bucks per gallon) on the other hand, currency exchange is in your favor right now.
If you change your oil before your trip make sure you go with 0W-20 rather than 5W-20. It will handle the cold temps at start-up a little bit better. Both are recommended oil weights.
Window washer fluid, make sure you have a type that won't freeze. The tundra holds about a gallon, that might be enough for 3k miles. I went through a ton heading up that way. On the same note I might consider new wipers if yours are questionable. Gotta be able to see where you're going.
I always toss in an extra gallon or two of winter wiper fluid when travelling in bad weather or winter time. I've gone through an entire gallon in one ice storm during a 4 hour span. No telling what kind of weather you'll encounter driving that far this time of year.
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