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.

 

[NeBlackshirts]

I work a lot in DeadHorse (Prudhoe Bay) in the oil fields. Definitely put ExoShield on the Bronco for glass protection. Cell service is a big hit and miss. They have a cell company up north but still it’s spotty. Be prepared to be turned around just outside DeadHorse. They will not let you go past DeadHorse into Prudhoe Bay to the ocean. They do sometimes have escorted bus rides to the ocean on one of the drill sites that you can take. Again it seems like they are allowing this less and less. Security is tight so don’t think you’ll go all the way and drive around the checkpoints.

But it’s a world wide must do completing the Dalton Highway. It’s pretty cool whenever I go into dead horse from Prudhoe Bay to see the rigs that pull in off the Dalton Highway pretty impressive. Going all the way to dead horse is a definite summertime trip. You never wanna do that in the winter time that cold is to be taken serious. It is absolutely deadly how cold and how bad the conditions can get.

 

[Ironcreek]

I work a lot in DeadHorse (Prudhoe Bay) in the oil fields. Definitely put ExoShield on the Bronco for glass protection. Cell service is a big hit and miss. They have a cell company up north but still it’s spotty. Be prepared to be turned around just outside DeadHorse. They will not let you go past DeadHorse into Prudhoe Bay to the ocean. They do sometimes have escorted bus rides to the ocean on one of the drill sites that you can take. Again it seems like they are allowing this less and less. Security is tight so don’t think you’ll go all the way and drive around the checkpoints.

But it’s a world wide must do completing the Dalton Highway. It’s pretty cool whenever I go into dead horse from Prudhoe Bay to see the rigs that pull in off the Dalton Highway pretty impressive. Going all the way to dead horse is a definite summertime trip. You never wanna do that in the winter time that cold is to be taken serious. It is absolutely deadly how cold and how bad the conditions can get.

We'll have starlink then so should worry about cell. Not looking to go furth than Coldfoot before turning around. Need to look into Exoshield.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

Do not go 25 on the Dalton if you want to live

Food and fuel will be available at Coldfoot and Deadhorse. As someone who both has a Bronco and who has professionally driven the Dalton many times as a pipeline inspector I wouldn't feel comfortable with only a 3GAL Rotopax unless you have one of those FK Offroad larger and/or auxiliary Raptor tanks. Historically the second "Fairbanks Spare" tire on the front has been helpful for Haul Road flats, though carrying an extra Raptor 37" seems like a lot. Patch kit, compressor and fix-a-flat should get you there.

Portable CB is a good idea, especially on the blind curves and dust visibility on the Dalton. It is a commercial highway primarily, large scale, heavy haulers who can barely stop on pavement, let alone gravel. You may encounter blocked traffic from a rig or camp move that adds hours. This is the lifeline of Alaska oil & gas operations, for all the vast empty countryside belies that fact.

Ice Cut Hill, Atigun Pass and a couple other areas best practice is to call out your progress on the CB, "Private 4x4 approaching/climbing/clear of Ice Cut Hill".

Atigun is gorgeous in any weather, but it's treacherous with any kind of precipitation, thick mud that makes sliding super easy, barely an inconvenience, regardless of tire size or pattern, or even vehicle power.

Alyeska Pump Stations are private property, gated and fence, and some are not manned, but Security at PS3 and 4 will occasionally help travelers, but if you need a tow, it's coming from Coldfoot, Deadhorse or Fairbanks.

Deadhorse proper is open to public traffic, but Eastern and Western Operating Areas are behind security gates that do not allow unescorted public. There are sometimes tourist operations that will get you to the "Arctic Ocean" which is really just Prudhoe Bay. But call around first before making that drive.

 

[NeBlackshirts]

Alaska especially as far north as you can go is just amazing. I found myself just staring into the sky’s. Just mesmerizing how clean, clear, and vibrant everything is. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to see and appreciate nature and all that it offers.

 

[NeBlackshirts]

Do not go 25 on the Dalton if you want to live

Food and fuel will be available at Coldfoot and Deadhorse. As someone who both has a Bronco and who has professionally driven the Dalton many times as a pipeline inspector I wouldn't feel comfortable with only a 3GAL Rotopax unless you have one of those FK Offroad larger and/or auxiliary Raptor tanks. Historically the second "Fairbanks Spare" tire on the front has been helpful for Haul Road flats, though carrying an extra Raptor 37" seems like a lot. Patch kit, compressor and fix-a-flat should get you there.

Portable CB is a good idea, especially on the blind curves and dust visibility on the Dalton. It is a commercial highway primarily, large scale, heavy haulers who can barely stop on pavement, let alone gravel. You may encounter blocked traffic from a rig or camp move that adds hours. This is the lifeline of Alaska oil & gas operations, for all the vast empty countryside belies that fact.

Ice Cut Hill, Atigun Pass and a couple other areas best practice is to call out your progress on the CB, "Private 4x4 approaching/climbing/clear of Ice Cut Hill".

Atigun is gorgeous in any weather, but it's treacherous with any kind of precipitation, thick mud that makes sliding super easy, barely an inconvenience, regardless of tire size or pattern, or even vehicle power.

Alyeska Pump Stations are private property, gated and fence, and some are not manned, but Security at PS3 and 4 will occasionally help travelers, but if you need a tow, it's coming from Coldfoot, Deadhorse or Fairbanks.

Deadhorse proper is open to public traffic, but Eastern and Western Operating Areas are behind security gates that do not allow unescorted public. There are sometimes tourist operations that will get you to the "Arctic Ocean" which is really just Prudhoe Bay. But call around first before making that drive.

Everything mentioned here is spot on, also be prepared for major sticker shock at the pumps in Deadhorse. Maybe you can bribe one of the pipeline workers to take your rig into camp and fill up for free by trading them a good steak. I know after 4-5 weeks on the slope most are dying for a good meal lol

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