Hey All, I'll be heading to Anchorage by late Feb, early March in my trusty 2007 H3. Feb, March are still serious winter conditions along the Alcan Highway. I've got the engine block-heater plug for overnights at hotels/campsites, etc. but aside from the trivial; wiper blades, de-ice fluid and such - any good tips out there? Radiator cover? Oil Grades? If on a sheet of ice for hours or days I was considering lowering the tire pressure by 5lbs or so - any knowledgeable insite would be great.

Thanks!

 

...guess I'll be breaking new ground on the forum. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

I saw on CNN that Mt Redoubt is expected to erupt soon...is that anywhere near where you will be going or traveling?
If so be careful!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science...ano/index.html

 

I hope you enjoy the road trip. I made the drive with a friend of mine in 1997 in a Mazda MX3 during the summer. We were fortunate enough to not have any trouble whatsoever. I found that the roads, which were highway grade gravel, were better than some of the roads in the states. I would suggest taking your H3 in and making sure everything is in working order, make a plan on where you plan to stop and fuel up. If memory serves me correctly, once you head out of Prince George the places to stop start thinning out. It is a beautiful drive during the summer. I am little jealous. Take your time and enjoy.

 

Oingo - I had not heard thanks for the heads up. Looks like the volcano is to the Southwest of Anchorage, AK but prevailing winds could bring ash along our final route. Dust masks are now part of "the kit"!

DKamp thanks for the reply. Thanks to you both. I'll try and figure out a way to post some pics along the route. Check back in March Ola'! Take care guys!

 

No problem...might want to look into the volcano again, as i heard it is now actually erupting...

Here is a good site:

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

Have fun and be careful!

 

Just be prepared in case you do break down...You know, warm clothes, blankets, tools, maybe food and water (w/o freezing somehow).

Sounds like fun, but be careful; that weather can be treachorous! Oh yeah, post up some pics and stuff!

 

I just drove the Alcan a few weeks ago in my 08 H3 Alpha. Sounds like you are well prepared to handle the weather. I would suggest that you cover your rear fenders with painters tape or somethiing to protect them, I peppered mine even with mud guards installed. I have driven the Alcan twice during the summer and four times during the winter and I prefer the winter. Be careful, plan your stops for fuel and lodging and you may as well plan on buying a new windshield, never made it without cracking mine.

 

Still Gearing Up. Got the clear 3M on the rear flairs, and all over the front end and color match grill. Saving the (three crack) window replacement for when I arrive. Thanks for the thought though, Keith. HAS ANYONE come across a basket that goes over the spare tire? Something like this - http://www.off-roadweb.com/features/.../photo_15.html

I've done a couple of test loads while relocating cross country and the roof is full - ull - ull. Trying to make it without a crappy trailer in tow. Right now I am getting quotes on having someone fabricate a spare tire basket, but if one was already made that would be nice. Anyways, I will post some pics along the Alcan. Mean time, here is one of the rig somewhere in New Mexico last month.

 

Pulling out tomorrow. Got to love Craigslist. Found a couple in Anchorage to pay for all of my gas to bring their recently purchased 2007 travel trailer to them - AND we get to use the trailer along the way. Just stoked! Although I am a bit overweight. Eeek - I'll take it slow.

(prior to pulling the trailer) Just got out of warranty work. Two broken exhaust manifold bolts on the lower side. They were causing an exhaust leak which was in turn causing a valve to float and knock a bit. Anyways, still have the bumper to bumper, so.....they fixed it. Engine feels better. Anyone else have this experience. Can't say enough good things about the guys in Reno at Winkle Hummer - they do all they can and then some.

I'll try to post pics along the way if anyone is interested!