I want to take a roadtrip to Alaska?

Question

What kind of vehicle will suit best, what to bring, how long will it take, so on. Any info will help.

Thanks!

I am coming with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Me and 3 friends are going. Will a truck or SUV be better? I prefer truck, but whatever works better...

Answer 1

Four people would seem to rule out a pick-up truck unless it has a king-cab. And those jump seats in back would be tough for a 10,000 mile round trip. So an SUV would give you comfortable seating (and a good view!) for all.

I've driven up and back in a Subaru Outback, a 4WD Camry, a couple of 2WD Corollas, a Subaru Brat (27 years ago when 1000 miles were still unpaved), some generic sedans and a moving van.

If you're going to move fast, the trick to have some people sleep as others drive. Being able to lay down seats is nice, but with four people and gear, few vehicles have that much room. So people would sleep in a seated position. Regular bed pillows help a lot for that. A light blanket lets a person sleep in a cab kept a bit cooler for the driver to remain alert.

Lots of campgrounds and truck stops and roadhouses on the way have showers for $3 to $5. That goes a long way towards making it a pleasant (and pleasant-smelling) trip. Once on the Alcan itself, campgrounds are free. South of there, look to state and national parks, KOA or Hotel 6.

If you opt for the Subaru/RAV-4 sort of compact SUV (which I would), trim your luggage. The only people who know what you wore yesterday are stuck with you, so go really light on clothes and hit a laundry each week to wash a few loads. 2 pants, 3 shirts, 7 sox and 7 underwear. Sweater and parka shell each. Warm hat, sun hat, swim suit - the basics.

You think you need battery cables and tow ropes and extra gas and lots of tools, but really the roads up here are mostly like everywhere else. More importantly, the people up here are NOT like everywhere else, and we DO stop to help and all have emergency supplies with us. If you have a flat or back into some soft stuff on the shoulder, etc, just stand in road looking needy and the second or third car along will stop and help. Save your cargo space for a place to snooze, a cooler with groceries (a LOT cheaper and quicker way to eat) and whatever toys you want (fishing/climbing/hiking gear).

Duration: 6 days or 6 months each way. Or anything in between. It can be the adventure of a lifetime, so I'd advise you to take as much time as you can. If 1 or 2 people can't stay as long, let them fly back earlier.

One last thought on vehicle choice: The biggest, hurkiest, nastiest, 7200-pound Ford Expedition SUV is great for hauling OTHER people back onto the road. Getting YOURSELF back on the road happens much faster in a lighter car AND the gas is much cheaper. I've been on both sides of that issue many times.

Answer 2

A truck is ok. A bed cover would be nice. Be sure to install a rock guard on the front. Most of the roads are good along the AlCan hwy., but you could encounter some rocky roads. I don't have the current info.

Depending on where you live, it is a long haul. From SC, it's about a 10,000 mile trip one way. Two weeks drive might do it.
You should leave late May or June, allow time to get there and return and plan on about a month stay.

I did not make the trip. Had it planned when my wife died suddenly. Have talked to many who have. The descriptions of the landscape and scenery have to be breath taking. Beware of the Kodiaks. I've seen one in Canada. Stand about 10 ft. Paws the size of a large skillet. They can rip ones arm and shoulder off, or ones head.

Things are expensive. Freight transportation is
expensive.

Take some warm clothes for the nights.
You may be able to camp, as there are RV campgrounds and like most I would think that they have camp sites. For that you need the gear.
Take any spare parts for the car, that you can replace by yourself. Belts, hoses, a couple tires, and some tools. You will drive through some isolated areas. Road service has to be expensive.
Take your camera.

I don't know if you need ID to travel through Canada these days, but have it and your vehicle registration.

Take camping supplies if you decide to go that route.
It has to be an experience of a lifetime.

Good luck. Have a great trip.

Answer 3

An all terrain vehicle (SUV) would probably be best. How long it will take to get there depends on where you are coming from.

Answer 4

blzzz no thanks so freezeee and boring..