Returning to Alaska

[Ironcreek]

First trip to Alaska was June 2008 driving a F250 with a Lance Camper. Great trip other than a bout of food poisoning from truck stop pizza in Idaho. We drove to the Arctic Circle sign from the RV park in Fairbanks.

The second trip was in dead of winter when we flew up to photograph the northern lights.

We’ve been itching to return again via the ALCAN like the first trip. This time using our BRaptor.

We’re too busy the next 12 months so the trip is scheduled August 2028. This will give us more than enough time to settle into the BRaptor and get properly set up. I really don’t seeing much in the way of mods since it is a Raptor.

So far the list includes ordering/installing Starlink (ordered and will be installed before our trip to Montana in Sept). Looking at a portable CB more for the Dalton Hwy. And the ability to carry at least one 3-gal Rotopax.

Most of the fun is driving the ALCAN. Looking forward to the Arctic Circle again before heading south to Denali ending up in Homer before returning home.

The ALCAN is totally paved with an average speed of 50. The Dalton will be mainly gravel with an average speed south of 25. While we carried a 2nd spare for the F250 we never needed it. I don’t see needing a 2nd spare for the Raptor. What I think that will make us more comfortable is extra gas, either 2 or 3 gals.

I’d prefer to mount the gas on a hitch mount rather than tailgate due to weight.

Looking for thoughts from those who live in Alaska and those who just like the mental exercise of planning such a trip.

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[VirginiaHeritage]

I’ve never done the Dalton but I lived in AK for 10 years and drove from VA to AK via the Alcan four times, plus a drive from Anchorage to Port Townsend, Washington and back. Honestly, I think the most worthwhile upgrade for the Braptor would be windshield protection film.

Other than that, extra gas is a very good idea. I always had a 5gal jerry in my pickup bed on those trips. Never needed it myself but I did give a couple gallons to a hapless New Yorker who ran out of gas on the Alcan.

 

[Ironcreek]

I’ve never done the Dalton but I lived in AK for 10 years and drove from VA to AK via the Alcan four times, plus a drive from Anchorage to Port Townsend, Washington and back. Honestly, I think the most worthwhile upgrade for the Braptor would be windshield protection film.

Other than that, extra gas is a very good idea. I always had a 5gal jerry in my pickup bed on those trips. Never needed it myself but I did give a couple gallons to a hapless New Yorker who ran out of gas on the Alcan.

Good idea on the windshield although we had no issues with the F250. Rethinking the extra gas location to the spare tire that way makes it easier getting into the back. Didn't need the extra fuel with the F250, just nice to have.

We always carry extra water to hand out in the southwest to those who think beer is better in the desert than water.

Sandy just corrected me on a couple things. First it was a F350 and we left here mid May returning mid July.

 

[CalvinT]

I’d prefer to mount the gas on a hitch mount rather than tailgate due to weight.

Like this?

 

[DALOLA]

Awesome! Wifey & I did a Alaska cruise a few years ago, and are also dead-set on going back, it's just unworldly beautiful there. Sounds like you have a great trip planned! Best of luck!

 

[Fordified1]

Good idea on the windshield although we had no issues with the F250. Rethinking the extra gas location to the spare tire that way makes it easier getting into the back. Didn't need the extra fuel with the F250, just nice to have.

We always carry extra water to hand out in the southwest to those who think beer is better in the desert than water.

I read that windshield damage mostly occurs when meeting trucks coming towards you when they are hauling ass on the gravel.

We just got back from an Alaskan cruise which was my wife’s idea and I was prepared to dislike. Now I really want to go back via motorhome trailering the Bronco. Too damn old to sleep in the truck though. I retire this spring hopefully.

I would absolutely protect the windshield and get rid of the glorified car tires that come on the Braptor for some real truck tires. Yes it will ride rougher but 10 ply’s will hold up much better especially if you just want to take one spare. Take a plug kit and compressor.

 

[akturbo]

I've done the Alcan a few times, grew up in Anchorage. Yeah, Starlink, tire plugs, glue tread, 3gal gas, should be fine. Last trip down was in a loaded down 8.1L chevy, implement trailer with a skid steer, 6-7MPG, stopped at every gas station there was. Main issue, at dusk every living creature out there decides its time to cross the road. Dalton hwy, heard plenty of stories of disappointment when people arrive in Deadhorse to just find an industrial work camp.

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