riptides
Super Member
Sandy Cove?
New pickup
- Thread starter oosik
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Sandy Cove?
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oosik
Epic Contributor
dnw64 - soooo - go the Alcan one way, take the ferry system on the way back. The Alcan is paved all the way now. Gone are the exciting days of driving 1600 miles of dirt/gravel road. You won't be able to see the gigantic dust cloud, 15 miles ahead, raised by an approaching semi truck. Or be choked by the dust clouds from those who insist on going 65 and are forever passing you. You will meet many of those who speed. Down the road - 100 miles. Putting on their last spare tire.
I've never driven the Alcan when paved. It was built in '41 and was some 1700 miles then. It's now 1500. Reconstruction has shortened the drive.
The thing I remember most - drive at a reasonable speed or go like a bat out of h**l. Its still a 3 1/2 to 4 day drive. And it stretches out to the horizon and on, forever. It traverses some of the most remote, desolate country on this continent. Our first drive - 1965 - the word was - don't DARE pass a gas station. They are few and FAR between. 1500 miles - no towns and still only the necessary number of gas stations. Drive the Alcan - you will understand the true meaning of remote - isolation. Drive it in the winter - be prepared to see -50F. The paving hasn't improved the winter temps one bit.
I've never driven the Alcan when paved. It was built in '41 and was some 1700 miles then. It's now 1500. Reconstruction has shortened the drive.
The thing I remember most - drive at a reasonable speed or go like a bat out of h**l. Its still a 3 1/2 to 4 day drive. And it stretches out to the horizon and on, forever. It traverses some of the most remote, desolate country on this continent. Our first drive - 1965 - the word was - don't DARE pass a gas station. They are few and FAR between. 1500 miles - no towns and still only the necessary number of gas stations. Drive the Alcan - you will understand the true meaning of remote - isolation. Drive it in the winter - be prepared to see -50F. The paving hasn't improved the winter temps one bit.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
Even these days, there's always at least 125 miles of gravel on the ALCAN, as they have that much total pavement tore out for repairs...
First time I drove the ALCAN, I was glad I had a 4wd pu, because I had to pull a guy out that was blocking the road, he was stuck in the mud in the middle of the road! The ALCAN sure isn't what it "use to be", it's even fairly straight now...
BTW, after a few trips over that road, I don't think after that, it ever took me more than 2 days to drive over it!
SR
First time I drove the ALCAN, I was glad I had a 4wd pu, because I had to pull a guy out that was blocking the road, he was stuck in the mud in the middle of the road! The ALCAN sure isn't what it "use to be", it's even fairly straight now...
BTW, after a few trips over that road, I don't think after that, it ever took me more than 2 days to drive over it!
SR
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
- Joined
- May 27, 2006
- Messages
- 32,246
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
A member here, MoPops, lives in the St Louis Missouri area. He rode his BMW bike to Deadhorse and back. Averaged 700 miles per day. Said he was only in Deadhorse 15 minutes. Made the trip for his 60th birthday present. I called him Iron Butt. What an experience!!!
hawkeye08
Elite Member
Some retired friends have made the drive several times in the motorhome with little jeep tagging along. The first time, had a rock punch a hole in radiator (diesel pusher).. repair place had done many, even had a metal shield to add to avoid future problems. They also taped cardboard on windshield to protect it, with a small area open to see forward. They enjoyed traveling, but now they are older and sold motorhome.
BigBlue1
Veteran Member
Didn't have time to read the entire thread but I did see a couple comments about the height of your new truck. Running boards are probably mandatory. I'm 6' tall and pretty limber but it was a real challenge to get into my '17 Ram 2500 4x4 when I first got it before I put the steps on it. Full-length steps that go to the rear wheel wells will allow you to stand on them to get something out of the front of the bed too. Also, do yourself a HUGE favor and get the Amp Research Bedstep. It makes it SO nice to be able to climb in and out of the truck bed. The height of the lowered tailgate is way more than that of my old 1500.
You should be getting close to taking delivery. Can't wait to see pics of that blue Power Wagon. I wanted one really bad but also wanted higher towing capacity that the PW gives up so I went with a Laramie Sport instead. Sort of wanted to stay with blue like my 2010 1500 but no blue on the 2500 Sport models for 2017. This Delmonico Red is also eye-catching.
Rob
You should be getting close to taking delivery. Can't wait to see pics of that blue Power Wagon. I wanted one really bad but also wanted higher towing capacity that the PW gives up so I went with a Laramie Sport instead. Sort of wanted to stay with blue like my 2010 1500 but no blue on the 2500 Sport models for 2017. This Delmonico Red is also eye-catching.
Rob
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Oosik. Congrats on the new truck. I am sure it will be a real beauty. Sorry to hear about the Son. Can't help much there. I was wondering if you are going to put any 2 way gear in the new ride? I have just finished up adding an HF mobile and screwdriver antenna to my 2010 Silverado. It has been interesting. Looking forward to seeing some pix.
That original story was reported in error and retracted. You can access the oil filter through the wheel well and the wheel does not have to be removed.
With the exorbitant prices of new vehicles, you would think they would become easier to do the common maintenance on. Sheesh!
I remember the first time I was in Whitehorse, maybe early 80's. Almost every car and truck, local or otherwise, had a cracked windshield. The only ones that didn't looked nearly new. I had a windshield broken on two of my trips.
Bruce
