ALCAN Drive 2011

What a pleasant surprise, Craig - thanks so much. It took me a second to figure out who "Toyman Chicago" was! Like the name!

I'll let you know which ones I decide to go with; might put some feelers out to see what other members have gone with on here. I think the need for more light was confirmed last night - after seeing about 20 moose in the middle of the road, most at night.

Hope you and the family had a wonderful Christmas. I treated my Mom to an impressive set of knitting needles; she was expecting one pair!

Great to hear from you.

 

Tonight, have four words for you, "Great Alaska Bush Company". Drive south on the Old Seward Highway and turn right on International.
Bring lots of $1 bills

 

That's so cool!

My Dad created a Login for TW as well just because he's always telling his friends about my grill business on here.

Glad you continue to have safe travels & look forward to more pics!

 

So will you have to take the truck on a Ferry to get out to Kodiak? I have been trying to follow your trip on Google Earth. The pictures are amazing, thanks for sharing.

 

I was driving home from work when it occurred to me that I should get a Toyota truck to replace my Ram. Afterall, I already have the moniker TOYMAN which would imply a Toyota owner.

 

This is a great thread! thanks for the read, this is a long term dream for me.

 

Just sat down an read ur entire trip... Congats to you for making it safe and doing it the responsible way and being smart... Also very big of you to help out the lady I seams there are less and less of us willing to stop an help strangers these days...would love to see the rest of ur pics too.... Stay safe, don't rush yOurself, and happy holidays man!!!

 

Jake,

Best thread going on TW! Love the photos. Vicariously has been punked! I want to pack up and go! Someday hopefully, would love to make a trip like that.

Definitely gonna sub this one.

Continued safe travels.

 

Just got done telling my wife that we need to move to alaska. Those pictures you've taken are amazing. You got a cool truck, my wife also liked the look of your truck which is saying a lot for her.
Did you paint your rims? What color are they?
Anyway, take it easy and live it up!
God bless,
-Bryan

 

Brings back memories by the dozens. Drove the whole dare Alcan myself in '85. Back then it was roughly 40% paved and those patches were ify at best (roughly 30 miles each side of a significant settlement such as the ones you mentioned in your thread IIRC). Stopped in all of the towns/settlements you wrote about. Tok I think was the coldest damn place I've ever been and that includes Barrow.

Thanks for sharing. It is a great thread. Not to thread jack but I've been thinking of adding that very same ARB bumper to my 2011 2.7 4x4 and was wondering if the bumper would be too heavy for the little truck. Mine has much permanent weight (Snugtop, sleeping platform, full tool chest) so I was wondering if the ARB would put it over the top but after reading of your trip and what is certainly likely more load in your truck than mine would likely see even for short distances I think it will prove fine.

Thanks again.

 

Just read through the entire thread. Like most others I'm inspired by the beauty and ruggedness of the country up there, I hope I get lucky enough to get an assignment there soon! Great photos and thanks for the great write up!

 

Well thank you for the compliments - it's getting there.

Painted my stock wheels with Rustoleum wheel paint. I believe the color was (gunmetal?). Really impressed with how they have held up, painting was very easy as well.

Again, thanks for the compliments!

 

I didn't notice much of a difference in the truck after putting the bumper on, however it does weigh about 80 Lbs., without a winch. As others have said on here, I don't think that the stock front suspension setup is capable of handling that amount of excess weight. I've got OME 885 coils in the front.

 

Made it to Kodiak!

Pictures/update on it's way. Need to relax for a bit.

Stay tuned,
Jake

 

I really enjoyed reading about your adventure, but now it's over. Consider turning around and doing it all again so we can read more......

 

Pass that ... just waiting for the show.

Glad you arrived safe!

 

Love these pictures!

 

Amazing pictures