Arctic Travel - California to Arctic and Back in Winter

Same query here, Done the drive north through BC a hundred times. I'm available for some route advice, let me know.
CB radio not used much by truckers in Canada, most are on VHF FM. If you plan on side roads on forestry roads, the the VHF mobile radio will b much more useful.

Lots of windshield washer fluid such as RainX for winter, winter wipers, paper towel for cleaning your headlights often, auxiliary lighting, or upgraded bulbs as you'll be doing lots of driving in the dark.

 

I just thought he got common core before the other kids.

 

Noted the tools you are carrying. I gather the basics of a swede saw, (largest you can store), axe, and spear point shovel (D handle, relatively short handle) are part of your recovery gear. They will get more potential use than the power tools.
you'll be using the spear point shovel to break ice/snow, or dig up some gravel to throw under your tires if you get stuck on ice along the way, and can't get going again.
The saw is for removing downed trees in your way on side roads, or making firewood, or making traction aides etc.
Extension cord to run your block heater, and battery wrap. Most stops where it is that cold will have plug-ins, so a fairly short 15' or 25' cord will be enough. If it is really cold, (ie -40) and you're stopping in for an hour or more for lunch, lots of folks do not lock their doors (as the locks are notorious for freezing, or the internal plastic clips in the door/tailgate break when very cold.) and leave the engine running while having lunch.

a little cube heater run off you generator would be a nice luxury. I gather you are sleeping in the truck back seat; you'll want to crack a window open at night to let your humidity out, and blankets over the back seat windows, as those windows are noticeably cold near your head/feet.

Since you are running LT (E or C) load rated tires, a second spare is a luxury, but not likely to need it. Depends if you plan on doing more side road adventures or sticking to the highway. Biggest risk on side roads, in many places is sidewall damage from the local geology of rocks. Carry an air compressor and adjust your tire pressure to suit conditions, and you'll be fine.

 

cheap blue crap here should all be winter rated to -40. That said it turns a bit slushy at -40, and won't pump properly. Truck stops are usually well stocked for supplies. I keep a set of winter, rubber coated, fluorescent colored gloves in the truck, so I can do messy stuff on the truck without getting my better down filled mitts or ski gloves dirty and wrecked.

 

Yep. I feel pretty stupid. Thats what happens when I try to be a wise ass when Im 8 beers into the evening.

 

I read on ExPo that you're sleeping in the cab. Excellent. Best of luck. Look forward to future updates, and pics.

 

PS, during our trip to Coldfoot, we detoured to Fort Liard - Yukon territory to do some fishing. Anyway, we needed fuel and the credit card reader was "down" at the store we stopped at - make sure you have some significant "cash" sequestered away!

 

have fun,be safe and smart. keep us posted.

 

A sergeant I had a while back used to do this in his 1998 F-150. He had 3 inches of lift with upgraded springs, a 30 gallon auxilliary fuel cell, a camper shell with a heater and a\c hard lined into the truck's system, a cargo rack, armored front and rear bumpers and a front winch. He travels up into the arctic circle and back often, solo, with just his 5 Shiloh Shepherd dogs. He always takes a Spot locator beacon just in case.

 

Sub'd. Have fun and have a safe trip!

 

God speed

 

Can I get a pic of the light bar/roof rack you have?

 

Be careful! I live up in Fairbanks, AK. Ensure you have plenty of survival gear (layers! Lots of layering items). Freeze dried food is an excellent option to have on hand. Unsure of your destinations or goals or just to say you did it, but be careful! This state can and will kill the unprepared especially in the winter. Let me know if you need anything when you're around!

 

Have fun OP! Thanks for sharing!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/alcan-drive-2011.193849/

Good Luck!

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Subbed, safe travels

 

Does your truck float?
I think you need to go North, not South.

 

fail

 

Sheesh...