To what extent will I need to make mods for AK?

Hey Team tAKoma -
I'm moving up to AK next month. My job will have me driving the McCarthy Road from Glennallen out to McCarthy every 6 weeks or so. I really don't know what the road is like and I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to make sure my truck is ready to go.

I have an '08 access cab 4x4 4-cylinder with a cap. My two biggest concerns are whether I need more armor for the underside of the rig as well as whether I should pick up a second spare.

From what I understand, the McCarthy road isn't pretty. It's unpaved and not well maintained. I don't have any other additions to the underside of my truck, so I'm not sure if I need a skid plate. I've seen the excellent skid plate review page on the armor/protection forum, but if anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

As for the second spare, I've been in the west for a while and in a lot of places out here people carry a second spare along with a plug kit and sealant. I have both of those, but considering how remote I'll be most of the time, I figure a second spare might not hurt, but it could be overkill.

Other items I've picked up include a hi-lift (though I think at 46" mine might be a little short for lifting from the wheel), tow straps, d-rings, 8 gallon gas can, and jump pack/compressor. Again, I'm open to suggestions.

Since I'm arriving in April, I'm hoping to wait to get a remote starter and engine heater till the fall. In that vein, I'm putting Mobil 1 0w-20 in the engine.

Thanks!

 

Hey man,

Welcome!

I grew up out in Kenny Lake, which if you're not familiar with yet you will be soon.

The drive from Chitna to McCarthy is about a 3 hour ride on poorly maintained gravel washboard which for a portion is very narrow and has unguarded steep cliffs down to the Copper River. You definitely don't need skid plates, lifted suspension, or any offroad capabilities as the road is maintained (albeit poorly) by the DOT road graders. The items that you've listed here are perfect. The 2nd spare is definitely overkill as long as you carry a plug kit and compressor, but heck if you've got the space why not. As long as you give yourself plenty of time and take the road slowly when necessary, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Ah, that's totally awesome, thank you. My concern over the skid plate came from hearing from others that rocks can kick up and damage the oil pan, transmission, etc. While I've never had that problem previously, I was figuring more time on crappy roads could mean more crappy results.

In the meantime, I'm prepping for the drive from Haines through the Yukon to Glennallen. I'll bring cash (Canadian and American) and top off the tank whenever possible. I'll be doing the drive with a buddy in early April so we'll be prepped with overnight gear and keep our fingers crossed for good weather.

Any other tips/tricks/thoughts are always welcome. Thanks again!

 

The drive from Haines is beautiful. If you're worried about damaging the oil pan then by all means build it as tough as you want, but I have found that giving myself a good 3 hours from Chitna to McCarthy is slow enough that I've never even gotten a flat tire. I'm sure you'll get more comfortable with it after you see it for the first time, but I don't foresee you having issues as long as you bring the gear you already have, and drive safely.

 

I was thinking though, since you're in the lower 48 (I'm assuming?), you may look into a cheap skid plate while you're down there, because freight on things like that are nearly absurd should you decide you want one after you're in Glennallen. Food for thought

 

I'm sure 99% of people drive stock cars and trucks up there. You should be fine maybe get some good snow tires

 

Good snow tires like duratracs and upgraded shocks would be a benefit as well. Sounds like you'll be fine though. My wife's stock crv made the trip with 4 passengers gets so I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

Thanks, everybody. I think I'll stick with the stock set-up on this for now. This has been super helpful, though.

As for the tires, I have some solid Dunlops that are all-weather. If I stay up there for next winter, I'll get some snow tires. For now, I plan on getting some "Alpine Sport" chains which came highly recommended.

Truck is at 140k right now. Even though it'll be 10k early, I'm taking it in for a 30k mile check-up down here. I bought it with 104k on it and been good about regular maintenance. Anyone have any suggestions for things I should ask the mechanic to look into?

Yep, I'm coming up from the lower 48. Stocking up on any/everything I can figuring it will be cheaper down here. That included Trader Joe's and Costco runs today that were expensive but so necessary...

 

Timing belt? Sounds good and safe driving!

 

I was thinking the same! I asked them to look at the timing belt specifically.

Can't wait to get up there and start enjoying the melt and the mud.

 

Maybe a few light bars because they're cool.

 

But extra lights do help in the winter.

 

If you plan on more armor, do it now before you move, it gets pricey enough to ship anything up here, however the skid plates and such isn't necessarily needed.

I recommend a good light bar for night drives, definitely helps see more and a CB radio, sometimes it helps to be able to reach out to someone if you need to, when you ain't got cellular connection.

Other than that, you seem pretty prepared, I say a good set of tires and you'll do well.

 

Check your spark plugs, acessory belts, change out the diff fluids; front and back and transfer case. Check ball joints, suspension components.

Grease up your u-joints. Check air filters, brake pads, rotors, drums and brake shoes. Just like any road trips, you just need to be well prepared.

That's all I can think of.

 

Thanks again, team. I'll be hitting the road in about 10 days. Can't wait.

 

How was the drive?

 

Stinkin' amazing! After getting a 30k mile check up a little early (~140k), I only ended up needing to get a leaky oil valve gasket replaced. I had that done and headed north the next day. Went from NW NV to the Seattle area to get the ferry. On the way, we ended up driving the entire Columbia River Valley which made me think it could be used for a Game of Thrones scene or two. Yeah, we cheated a little, taking the ferry, but it was worth it. Cannot stress that enough. What an incredible ride. From Haines, AK around to Glennallen, we took two days, stopping in the Yukon. Driving along Kluane National Park was spectacular. The weather was great and we got great views of the mountains.

Truck was a champ! It's the perfect vehicle for a drive like that. It had no problems and is still running great. It'll be sporting a set of grizzly AK plates any day now. Thanks for checking in!

 

Awesome! Hope you like it up here, should be getting warmer too...