Driving to the Arctic Ocean

I've just ordered a 2018 Tacoma TRD sport and I'm having it delivered to Whitehorse, Yukon in February. We'll be flying up to get it and then driving North all the way to Tuktoyaktuk on the Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean). I'm shopping for a bed cap (we'll have gear and a husky back there) and a hidden winch...there are no emergency services on most of the Dempster highway. Any suggestions on other must have equipment?

 

You might watch the XO crew's journey to the same area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL51gIdyUeY

 

Zip Ties

 

warm clothes

 

No it won't be cold in the yukon in February.

 

Welcome!

 

Sat Phone?

 

I did it in 2008. Started in Los Angeles. Traveled a lot of Alberta and most of BC, a little bit of the Yukon.
I did it in a 2nd gen Dodge Ram diesel that was built up expedition style. Get a sat phone, bring extra fuel when you get north, and lots of bug spray if it will not be winter when you travel. I had what truck parts I thought I needed. Alternator, ball joints, rod ends, steering box, 2 tires, 2 extra water separators for my fuel pump, extra fuel filter, etc. good gps with files loaded. I shipped my firearm of preference to a FFL in Alaska, and picked it up when I got there. Canadians wouldn't let me bring it with me into there country. If you bring your dog like I did, get a health cert showing all shots and your good to go. And have fun.

 

Duct tape.

 

Zip ties, lots.

 

Being mostly north of the treeline, there's not a heck of a lot to winch off on that highway....but never hurts to be prepared.....you might winch off another vehicle I suppose. Before the winch, I'd sooner have two sets of Maxtraxx, very good 10 ply snow tires (if traveling in Feb), a REAL hood deflector.....not that low-profile Toyota one (to save 50% of your paint, and maybe keep it to only 3-4 cracks in your windshield).

 

Or take a land anchor

 

Welcome to TW! Sounds like an epic trip.

 

Better than blizzaks? Any other suggestions re: tyres? I'm ordering a second set of wheels and tires but haven't selected them yet. What are the biggest I can put without a lift kit?

 

You can fit 265/70/17 on the 17” sport rims without lift (about 1/2” more clearance over stock). Blizzaks are great. That tire come in a 265/70/17 LT E-rated tire. This would be tough, and have good winter traction.