I've gotten some inquiries from a couple of folks about what is recommended for a road trip up to Alaska so I figured I'd start a thread, give my ideas and hope others chime in as well. Feel free to ask as many questions about things I may miss or not address.

First off the best thing in your arsenal is going to pick up the lastest copy of the Milepost


It's the best book that shows all roads coming up here, all the stops and what not along the way and filled with tons of great info.

Some things you need to know for crossing the borders:

• Bring a passport!!!
• Canada and the US are very sketchy about crossing with food products so be prepared to trash most of it
• Guns are not allowed crossing into Canada
• I was lucky when i crossed but most people aren't and border patrol will look through your vehicle so don't try and hide anything

Some vehicle requirements:

• Make sure your Jeep is in top-notch running order and you have spare parts for anything you think you might need
• Bring a spare gas can since there are areas you will be sweating making the next gas station.
• Bring enough supplies for the rare instance things go bad, i.e., blankets, water, babywipes, TP, etc. This is the wilderness

Some of the other things I recommend:

• Plan enough time for your trip! That last thing you want is to have to drive 14 hour days and miss out of the beauty of the drive
• Bring a camera/camcorder and lots of memory for it.
• A stock X will be more then capable for the drive so no need worrying about needing a modified rig. Once you leave the open road tho, tread accordingly and within your limits
• Enjoy the wildlife but remember, the further north you go the lower on the food chain you become
• Please ensure you are healthy enough to make the drive
• If at all possible, check back home daily so folks know where you are

This isn't an all-inclusive list so let's hear from some of the other natives here and if you have questions post away and we'll answer them

 

I'll be driving up in May, and I was wondering if I'll have any issues with my mods - my tires extend about 3" beyond the fenders, and I kind of stand out. I'd hate to get to the border and get turned back or given too much crap.

Thanks,
Tom

 

Hmmmmm I knew the passport was new, but no guns?...is this new too? Pistols yes, that's always been, but I used to bring long guns or shotguns across all the time. They asked, I told them, and they just wanted to see them. It's been quite a few years now since I drove it, so is this a new regulation? I may remember hearing something about this...

A few extra things......

If I was you I'd call about the tires sticking out past the fenders. It may not be a problem...but then again it may. It usually just depends on the person that checks you throguh. Sometimes I've had everything searched and thought I may be going to jail, and other times, they never even looked in my vehicle. It just depends on "how shady you look"...lol

Also, have plenty of money....the Cannuks don't want you to break down in their country and not have the money to fix it and be on your way. You might call but I remember is used to be around $600. Maybe a valid credit card is all you need now.

Proof of insurance of course......

If you bring an animal, make sure you have proof of all current vaccinations....

I always carried extra gas cans....that way you didn't have to stop at ALL the little rip off stations and could make it to the bigger towns....

If you are going to be paying a lot with cash........we used to always exchange our US money for Canadian at the border before we crossed. Don't know what the exchange rate is now though.....

Make sure you have good tires......the road is waaaaaaaay better these days, but there are still, and will always be potholes that can do damage.....if you have any doubts carry an extra spare. Those canned tire fixes can save ya too if need be. I think the first time I drove it in 83' I had 3 flat tires. of course they weren't good tires either and I had a camper on the back. Again, this is just so you don't have to stop at the little ripoff places in the middle of nowhere to get something fixed.

It's up to you of course, but I always drove all day and just would find a place to pull off and either sleep in a camper or throw up a tent. The motels can be spendy.

I doubt the bugs will be too bad, if at all in May,....depending on how the winter has been, but bring bug dope just incase....

That's all I can add right now.....

Have fun...!!!

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm planning on camping most of the way, and I have a couple of jerry cans for extra gas. I'll only have one spare tire, and with 37's it could be an issue if I have a problem, but I do have a repair kit for punctures and a compressor. I'll be looking you guys up to go wheelin' when I get up there!

Thanks,
Tom

 

AK4Dave defintely made some valid points! Like he said, it all depends who checks you through; you might be there for awhile getting everything looked through or they might just llook your ID over and ask some questions.

I was told no firearms at all....but I could have had a bazooka when I went through since they didn't check my truck at all.

Forgot to mention about the vehicle insurance. I'm with USAA and had to call them and get some paperwork faxed to me for Canada insurance. I have no idea what the difference is, but go ahead and call your insurance people and let them know you're going to be driving through Canada and see if they have any additional paperwork you'll need.

 

Thanks for the advice on insurance, I'll call my agent. I'll be having a couple guns shipped to a dealer up there to avoid any hassle with that.

Tom