Thank you for talking about cold weather -40 + Temperatures. Made me laugh, I lived in Texas and bought a car to drive the Alaska Highway (still gravel then from Dawson) Anyway, I arrived in Edmonton since it was Fall and I needed a job. I remember the first night when the Temp went below -0 F and stayed there for 90 days!( newspaper gave out certificates that you survived -0 F for 90 days) The first night it stayed below -40F the next morning my four cylinder car would not turn over at all !!! Had to use the neighbours blowtorch to heat up the oil pan for about 30 minutes and melted the engine mount ,so I could start the car and let it warm up after I covered the Radiator ! I never did get up the Alaska Hwy, still on my bucket list, really. Can't thank you enough for your video and stories of all the roads you have travel. I have shared your Videos with several of my friends that now watch religiously. Thanks Again, T
Wow, thanks for the great story! No doubt about it, -40 weather is a special thing, and strange things happen that you don't expect! (Like wine freezing!)
I am enjoying your videos about the Alaska highway. I hoping to go to Alaska next year during the summer months . I will definitely be purchasing a different type of tires for my Ford Ranger to make this trip. It’s two wheel drive but it was helpful to learn about the all terrain tires for this trip
Exactly, I always get John of Ursa Minor and Chris of Venture4wd mixed up! my bad The guy sailing in the north is called "North into the night". INTENSE!
I just love these videos. I have dreamed of driving the Alaska, Dempster, and Dalton highways. I have been to South Africa 9 times and I hope your Africa travels took you to that great country. I want to go to Chad. Have you been there? Greg, Springfield, Louisiana, USA
Thank you so much for your videos. Learning a lot from you for our road trip to Alaska this August! I want to bring our dog and I was wondering if this is possible? I haven't really looked into it yet and wanted to know what you thought about it! We will be in a Toyota 4Runner with a roof top tent. I also will be bringing my 4 year old daughter and will be in a group with about 4 vehicles 😁. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Absolutely you can bring your dog no problem at all! If you're coming from the US, just check what you need to bring it into Canada and back into the US - I think you need proof of rabies vaccine (not certain). Literally thousands and thousands of people do it with their dog every year!
I've had terrific luck with Thermacells and the mosquito coils from Canadian Tire. Yard guard also works well to clear the ares until the Thermacells start working. Off Deep Woods Dry works great as repellent.
Another great "how to" video Dan! I'm curious about your plans in an emergency, I know you've mentioned that people up north will stop to help but what about when you're really remote away from people? Do you have a satellite emergency device? Have you ever considered Ham radio as an option? Or some other type of rescue aid? Thanks for all the great videos! Jim.
Dan, when I used to go to Winnipeg in the winter at -20 degrees I had some plastic pieces called "Cold Fronts' that would fit in the grill openings in my Jeep. I used 6 of the. 7 pieces to keep coolant warm while driving. It was also outfitted with a block heater. First introduced to them on a trip to Minneapolis in the early 80's. Most hotels had outlets in the parking lot to plug in. Just bring an extension cord and hook it up.
Yeah, Winnipeg gets cold, that's why some here nicknamed it "Winterpeg". We got down to -40 for a few days this past winter. A lot more snow than usual, not that I was complaining, it was awesome! Definitely considering a trip up to Alaska this summer.
Amazing video Dan. I love the part about winterizing the vehicle. I would love to hear more about self contained winterizing solutions when you don’t have access to a wall port. Could a stand-alone batter pack like Jackery or Ecoflow Delta work to power the electric blankets?? Secondly what about fuel additives to avoid them gumming up..any thoughts??
Standalone there are no solutions that I've ever heard of. The heaters use so much power the only real option is a generator (that's what everyone off-grid does up here). For fuel additives it's already in the fuel you buy in the north in winter, so you don't need to worry about it!
What is your primary tire repair kit? Also, what tire inflator do you use? As well as Tire deflator? You might have mentioned it before but it would be great for this series.
I've got an ARB plug kit and an ARB single compressor. I'll do a video on it shortly. For deflation I just use the end of the tire pressure gauge. Here's a video on the plug kit ua-cam.com/video/6MtF1uochEM/v-deo.html
It's beautiful up there. But those negative temperature numbers.... Hell no!! Lol. I'm a Florida guy. There is no way I'd be up there other then June, July or August!
Great vid again ! Yes to Quality Clothing, breathabilty and wool warm and moisture removal from the body, and Layers ! -What do you use for a Bathroom when remote ? - Do you need to Buy a Provincial/Territory Fishing Licence for each Prov/Territory ? Same for Native Land ? - Do Cell Boosters work in vehicles in the far North ? - Do you have a stocked 1stAid kit, and any 1stAid Wilderness/Survival Training ? - if a tree falls in the Forest, and no one is there to Hear it, does it make any Noise ? - Ever have any spiritual/mystical/ unexplainable experiences ? Thanks always Dan ! Travel safe ! Your a wonderful spokes person for responsible safe overlanding. 🌲🇨🇦🙏
Hi Eric - rapid fire answers! - bathroom is what the shovel is for! - Yes, you'll need a fishing license for every province. - cell booster will work if you're close enough to a tower. Get really remote, and there's no chance. - yes to both, details in my safety video (ua-cam.com/video/-ZEQAV09uh/v-deo.html) Cheers!
For the water tank underneath, if the walls are slanted kind of like a slight V with a flat bottom, then if water freezes it will push up into the empty space above and not crack the tank like vertical walls will. Just in case it does freeze accidentally..
Gasoline heaters are fairly standart in Alpine Areas, Ambulances, Army vehicles came issued with them - those vehicles nowadays are mostly Diesel, but were gasoline for winter reliability earlier. Gasoline heaters are expensive, resp. I do not know, if the chinese made cheap working replicas like for the diesel heaters. But a diesel heater with an own tank or attachment for a small jerrycan is fairly standart, so you can use a cheap, but working diesel heater on a gasoline car.
I am a new subscriber and I just watched your whole Alaska Highway series, except I do not see episode five or episode seven anywhere at all. it goes from 4 to 6, and then part eight is the wrapup. What am I missing? I did drive from Montana to the Arctic Circle a couple years ago, so your videos are bringing back many good memories. I just don’t want to miss out on anything because I’m not finding those two episodes.
Running a lower winter weight of oil really helps; I run 5w40 in my diesel year round instead of 15w40, and it helps a lot in super cold weather. In a gas engine, I’d imagine an 0w20 or 0w30 would be appropriate.
1. Would it be reasonable to drive the Dempster highway during the first 2 weeks of September? We would prefer mostly dispersed camping. Our setup is a well-maintained pickup truck with a hard shell RTT, good clothing and sleeping bags, and a 12V mattress warmer for additional heat on cold nights. 2. How much extra hassle would bringing our dog involve? 3. Recommendation for GPS navigation device/software/apps for inside the truck while driving? Thanks, you've inspired us!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm a wildlife photographer and have heard there's a location in northern BC where Stone's Sheep frequent the highway during certain times of the year. Can you tell me when and where this occurs? Thank you.
Don't rely on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you have a map book and / or gps based navigation options...also, a half a tank of gas is an empty tank of gas...
I've been binge watching your videos. I'm planning a trip in the beginning of June. I'm torn between the ferry and driving home from Anchorage oe vice-versa. Thank you!
Another super video!!! You answered so many of my questions already. However one I was thinking about is, how do you keep from getting overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the trip you're on? Like your Africa expedition or pan america trips, that's a lot to mentally deal with. I have thought about driving to Alaska for years. However as I plan, this feeling of "omg this is so much to try and manage" creeps in. Not just the trip itself but things in your other life; girlfriends, aging parents, post-trip time. Just curious how you deal with trying to keep it manageable.
This is a BIG problem, and something I address repeatedly in my first book actually - there are whole chapters on it. In essence, I've accepted that I can't do everything, so as long as I'm doing something great today, it doesn't matter that I'm not doing some other great thing. It takes some getting used to, and it's about slowing down and relaxing into what you find enjoyable.
I'm a little late for asking questions, but mine is regarding money. Do you typically carry cash with you in the north (especially along the Dempster), or do most gas stations and stores have debit/credit machines? I know small shops sometimes aren't a fan of using the machines, so I would want to know how much cash to carry at any given time and where to get more (I would like to avoid ATM fees, but using the credit card is just so easy for getting gas/groceries).
I've been running 40 rear and 38 front on paved roads trying to get better mileage. On the Dempster I was at 26 rear and 24 front. For actual "off roading" I'll run about 20/18 or maybe a touch lower.
Great video once again Dan. U mentioned cooking on the inside of your Jeep. Could u do a video on that please. Would love to see the inside cooking setup and what fuel u use for cooking.
I don't cook inside - my stove burns gasoline so it would kill me with the fumes. When I'm inside I just make a sandwich or eat an apple, etc. My setup only allows for outside cooking, but I'm sure with a different stove I could do it - I've just never felt the desire.
😂 the mosquitoes... yeah, it's really like that... 😅 It's happened to me a few times up north in Scandinavia: sometimes there are so many mosquitoes, midges and co flying around me and my car, that while trying to drive backwards, my car's rear camera thinks there is a wall and blocks me 🤣 I'm still going there each year, and will keep doing so for as long as I can!! I've only seen one bear there though (in Sweden), and I've been told it's super rare and I was super lucky...
We are in the planning stage of a trip from Oregon to Tuktoyaktuk for 2021 if things open up. What month would be the best to attempt to avoid the mosquitos but still have things opened, like the ferries etc. Thank you. t
It will be winter. For sure below freezing overnight. By late November you can count on it being -40C/F for a HIGH temperature during the day. What it will be like exactly in early November is anyone's guess.
Nice job, Dan. 'Back in the day', mobile ham (amateur) radio used to be a way of having long-distance comms. We picked up our email daily that way while crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific. Is it used along the AlCan...or perhaps you might have heard the term 'pactor modem'? And secondly, are there some vehicle spares you think are essential, perhaps because they are in short supply? I've heard that's one reason some carry two spare tires. Third, how about special, essential tools - e.g. that shovel you are carrying?
Hi Jack, As far as I know, nobody uses radio on the AlCan, it's just not part of the culture. For spares and tools see my videos about that Spares: ua-cam.com/video/3w4ofqxf51E/v-deo.html Tools: ua-cam.com/video/WZqPGCa6uMM/v-deo.html
Not related to Alaska but I thought about it seeing you opening the back of your jeep. How is-it to close the hatch and tailgate from the inside on the Wrangler setup ? It does not seem to be very practical. Definitively not a topic for a video but if at some point we see how you do it could be an interesting detail (or maybe I missed it from a previous video ?).
You're right, it's not practical at all - I have to close the lift glass first, then I have a rope on the tailgate that I pull closed. To get out I added a small "pull cord" to the tailgate mechanism that pops it open. I will put it in an up coming video for sure!
Very informative, thank you. Mosquitos, think they devour you on a windless day. Some Jeep owners in India even make fire under the diesel tanks and oil sumps. Are you just lucky to see the Northern light when over there?
Whats the weather and travel like in the spring, say April/May? If I were to go up the Dempster highway. I work June through October so I couldn't do it in the summer.
It can be muddy, slippery. Dempster muddy is unlike any other gravel road muddy I have ever seen. It will still be cold, at least overnight and you might run into snow. On the plus side that would be before mosquitoes, etc. so there is that.
Just found this video series. Great job! My wife and I are planning a trip to Alaska in August. Do you have any opinion on which RV might fare better a Class C or a Class A. Keep up the good work!
How are the people with cheap tires with plenty of tread getting flats? Are rocks slicing the sidewalls? Nails? Are the tires simply popping? I think I'm sold on the idea of quality AT's.
The railway leases trucks sometimes and they come with 2? ply tires. It doesn't take long driving on railway ballast to get flats so they end up upgrading.
Is it really needed? Where do you plan to go that requires a range greater than you already have? I've been all over the Yukon and Alaska, and my stock tank has always been enough. If you save all the money and put it towards the trip, you'll be able to go so much sooner!
Not to beat the issue of "good Tires" to death, but could you shed some light on the issue of tire ply numbers? I've seen highway rated SUV tires that appear to have the same ply-number as so basic off road tires, so I'm trying to figure out the best combination of 80% road driving & 20% off road travel as it relates to tires and tread patterns. I'm also trying to gauge how durable my current tires are. Thanks!
Buy tires for the worst conditions you'll encounter. If you'll be driving over sharp rocks, sticks, and so on, go 10 ply. If you'll be encountering deep mud, go MT. 20% is significant time, so I'd account for that, personally. Two weeks ago I had to back track 3 hours because I hit some mud in the BC backcountry I couldn't make it through safely on my own. It's making me consider going MT instead of AT, so I won't be as limited.
To be perfectly honest I don't tow heavy loads, and my vehicle is not insanely heavy (i.e. it's only a Jeep, not a 1 ton, etc.) I don't even care about ply numbers, just the load rating. I run either load D or lately E. I like that E probably have stronger sidewalls, though I assume it makes the ride a little stiffer (I can't tell). I think ply numbers are really about towing, and/or a thing of the 80s and 90s.
Question may sound silly but was wondering how I would fare driving up to Tuktoyaktuk using my Yeti 125 Cooler during the month of July as opposed to purchasing a 12volt Dometic? In other words would it be realistic to think I could replenish the ice along the way? I usually have a good amount of ice left over after three days of family camping in Florida. Also, I have an F150 so storage (the size of my Yeti) is not a problem. Thank you for the great videos. They are inspiring.
I'm not sure if you can buy ice in Eagle Plains, but I'm sure you'll find it in Fort McPherson and Inuvik. Also it's not going to be nearly as hot as Florida weather, so I think you'll do great!
For sure there will be less bugs. A bit more snow and maybe some frozen lakes in May. Northern lights in September and possibly freezing nights (like I had). I'd do September over May, personally.
I plan on heading up that way in 2022 (get this damn virus under control). I have a 2020 4 runner trd off-road. I am currently running regular service Falken Wildpeaks. I plan on doing the Dempster to Tuk. With some.other little trails to interesting sites. What are some other considerations I may need for my vehicle? She is stock and will probably remain that way (for the most part).
You really don't *need* anything more than good tires (which you have). After that think about how you're going to cook, camp and where you'll eat when the weather is nasty. Also warm clothes and a good sleeping bag!
I bring some window screen pieces to go over open windows held on with rare earth magnets. That way you can stay in the car if you need / want to and won't get eaten alive.
Since you have all your camping gear already, figure out a way to organize it in your vehicle so that it’s easy to access and is easy to keep organized! Its something that’s not usually given a lot of thought until you are on the trip, so spend time before the trip figuring it out. I spent a month exploring the Yukon, and found I spent a good amount of time reorganizing stuff in the FJ Cruiser during the first week. If I had done that ahead of time, I could have explored a bit more!
very good advice. We have it organized in totes right now. Over the past years, we have honed our camping gear for the most part. Being in Utah, we get some diverse weather (not like the North). This is a great idea to organize it and see what we really need. Thanks
I personally like to have it because I go to parts of the world where a replacement radiator would be very difficult to source. Mine worked very well when I smoked a deer a few months ago.
No, nothing like that. If you get really, really remote there may be weight limits on the bridges, but they'll all be very high for the transport and mining trucks
A city dog should be under leash control at all times. Maybe a farm dog could be allowed to roam but the first thought would be bears or wolves mixing it up with the dog but that is far down the list. Its moose. Moose hate wolves and to them a dog looks like a wolf. You do not want an angry moose anywhere near you. Ever.
Yes - some dogs are excellent with bears - they understand to make a lot of noise and not get too close (usually small dogs). Other dogs are terrible and try to attack the bear and get torn to pieces (usually bigger dogs). You never really know until your dog is close to a bear. Some just loose their minds.
The 99% Deet works good. Don't apply directly on skin, put it on your collar, shirt sleeve and pants cuffs. Definitely bring a head net. I've been nibbled on by African mosquitoes, the lower 48 mosquitoes and Alaskan mosquitoes; the Alaskan ones take first place in size, numbers and sheer ferocity. You haven't lived until you survive an outhouse visit in Alaska, no sitting there leisurely reading the paper while you do your business.
Speaking of the cold, when I was around 5 years old in Fairbanks in the mid-1960's, I distinctly remember my dad coming home from work one night in winter and he told my mom that he needs to put the battery charger on his car because he needed a jump start to leave work. I followed him out to the garage and he opened the hood of the car to hook up the charger. When he shined a light to see what he was doing, he found that the battery had froze and thus cracked. He said no wonder it wouldn't start!
Nothing to see with travelling but... recently Canada has become very restrictive with regard to immigration; how come an aussie like you managed to find a job in WH, which is not the easiest place to find a job in Canada?
@@sailorf21 well dear... apart from the fact that I was asking him and not you, mine was just simple curiosity... I am a big fan of canada and no, I am not interested in the details you are referring to and sorry to disappoint, I do not need to emigrate anywhere else than where I live now. that said, let him reply if he so wishes, he does not need an unpolite personal assistant like you. Cheers!
Actually WH is easy to find work - there are always, always open positions. With my education I was hired as an "essential worker" by the Yukon territory which opened the path for permanent residence.
10/13/2020 Friends, Just a note. I just VOTED , Live and in Person TODAY, Louisville, Jefferson CO. Kentucky. Ask me how I feel!!! Thank You, and this feels good. Don
![HOW TO DRIVE the Alaska Highway [Part 8 - Wrap Up] presented by Yokohama Tire](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ayc13kcv-WQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![HOW TO DRIVE the Alaska Highway [Part 8 - Wrap Up] presented by Yokohama Tire](/img/tr.png)
![HOW TO DRIVE the Alaska Highway [Part 1 - Basics] presented by Yokohama Tire](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TnxwKAyPhlU/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for talking about cold weather -40 + Temperatures. Made me laugh, I lived in Texas and bought a car to drive the Alaska Highway (still gravel then from Dawson) Anyway, I arrived in Edmonton since it was Fall and I needed a job.
I remember the first night when the Temp went below -0 F and stayed there for 90 days!( newspaper gave out certificates that you survived -0 F for 90 days) The first night it stayed below -40F the next morning my four cylinder car would not turn over at all !!! Had to use the neighbours blowtorch to heat up the oil pan for about 30 minutes and melted the engine mount ,so I could start the car and let it warm up after I covered the Radiator !
I never did get up the Alaska Hwy, still on my bucket list, really.
Can't thank you enough for your video and stories of all the roads you have travel. I have shared your Videos with several of my friends that now watch religiously.
Thanks Again,
T
Wow, thanks for the great story!
No doubt about it, -40 weather is a special thing, and strange things happen that you don't expect! (Like wine freezing!)
Lol
I am enjoying your videos about the Alaska highway. I hoping to go to Alaska next year during the summer months . I will definitely be purchasing a different type of tires for my Ford Ranger to make this trip. It’s two wheel drive but it was helpful to learn about the all terrain tires for this trip
Thanks Dan. When I was living in Alberta I would use all 3 of the vehicle heating methods. Good memories.Cheers.
Didn't you mean "Chris" from Venture4WD, not John? What is the title of the book about Alaska you are reading?
I want it wall to wall with John Daniels.
Don't you mean Jack Daniels?
He may be Jack to you son, but when you've known him as long as I have....
Yeah. He totally meant Chris Shontz of Venture4wd. Josh Gish is the owner of Ursa Minor Vehicles, the maker of the camper top.
Exactly, I always get John of Ursa Minor and Chris of Venture4wd mixed up! my bad
The guy sailing in the north is called "North into the night". INTENSE!
Dan, you are awesome!! Thanks for answering a lot of the questions I had about cold weather travels!
Happy to help!
I just love these videos. I have dreamed of driving the Alaska, Dempster, and Dalton highways. I have been to South Africa 9 times and I hope your Africa travels took you to that great country. I want to go to Chad. Have you been there? Greg, Springfield, Louisiana, USA
Same in the north of Scandinavia.
Another GREAT video, packed with relevant, practical information that can be trusted. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Dan - you've answered my questions! Thanks a lot.
Happy to help!
I love your content. Your videos and Chris Shontz of Venture4wd are my absolute favorites.
Glad you like them!
Thank you so much for your videos. Learning a lot from you for our road trip to Alaska this August! I want to bring our dog and I was wondering if this is possible? I haven't really looked into it yet and wanted to know what you thought about it! We will be in a Toyota 4Runner with a roof top tent. I also will be bringing my 4 year old daughter and will be in a group with about 4 vehicles 😁. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Absolutely you can bring your dog no problem at all!
If you're coming from the US, just check what you need to bring it into Canada and back into the US - I think you need proof of rabies vaccine (not certain).
Literally thousands and thousands of people do it with their dog every year!
I've had terrific luck with Thermacells and the mosquito coils from Canadian Tire. Yard guard also works well to clear the ares until the Thermacells start working. Off Deep Woods Dry works great as repellent.
I’m glad others call their rooftop tent “Upstairs”
Oh for sure, my Jeep has two levels :)
Another great "how to" video Dan! I'm curious about your plans in an emergency, I know you've mentioned that people up north will stop to help but what about when you're really remote away from people? Do you have a satellite emergency device? Have you ever considered Ham radio as an option? Or some other type of rescue aid? Thanks for all the great videos! Jim.
Hi Jim, I personally don't have anything like that, and I always think carefully before driving my Jeep anywhere I don't think I could hike out of.
Dan, when I used to go to Winnipeg in the winter at -20 degrees I had some plastic pieces called "Cold Fronts' that would fit in the grill openings in my Jeep. I used 6 of the. 7 pieces to keep coolant warm while driving.
It was also outfitted with a block heater. First introduced to them on a trip to Minneapolis in the early 80's. Most hotels had outlets in the parking lot to plug in. Just bring an extension cord and hook it up.
Absolutely, lots of us up here block the radiator with a big piece of cardboard for the winter!
Yeah, Winnipeg gets cold, that's why some here nicknamed it "Winterpeg". We got down to -40 for a few days this past winter. A lot more snow than usual, not that I was complaining, it was awesome! Definitely considering a trip up to Alaska this summer.
An excellent series Dan, glad I came across your channel!!....Cheers Steve
Awesome, thank you!
Amazing video Dan. I love the part about winterizing the vehicle. I would love to hear more about self contained winterizing solutions when you don’t have access to a wall port. Could a stand-alone batter pack like Jackery or Ecoflow Delta work to power the electric blankets?? Secondly what about fuel additives to avoid them gumming up..any thoughts??
Standalone there are no solutions that I've ever heard of. The heaters use so much power the only real option is a generator (that's what everyone off-grid does up here).
For fuel additives it's already in the fuel you buy in the north in winter, so you don't need to worry about it!
I use a 12V DC heated blanket in cold weather. I also have a big battery and solar panels.
How big of a battery do you have?
@@TheRoadChoseMe It's a Bluetti AC200P. 2000 watt hours, 2000 watts AC output. I also use it to boil water and power a small microwave.
What is your primary tire repair kit? Also, what tire inflator do you use? As well as Tire deflator? You might have mentioned it before but it would be great for this series.
I've got an ARB plug kit and an ARB single compressor. I'll do a video on it shortly.
For deflation I just use the end of the tire pressure gauge.
Here's a video on the plug kit ua-cam.com/video/6MtF1uochEM/v-deo.html
For deflating I use a worn down seashell I found on the beach that has a nice point on it that fits perfectly in the valve and your fingers.
It's beautiful up there. But those negative temperature numbers.... Hell no!! Lol. I'm a Florida guy. There is no way I'd be up there other then June, July or August!
Tell me about it!!
Great vid again !
Yes to Quality Clothing, breathabilty and wool warm and moisture removal from the body, and Layers !
-What do you use for a Bathroom when remote ?
- Do you need to Buy a Provincial/Territory Fishing Licence for each Prov/Territory ? Same for Native Land ?
- Do Cell Boosters work in vehicles in the far North ?
- Do you have a stocked 1stAid kit, and any 1stAid Wilderness/Survival Training ?
- if a tree falls in the Forest, and no one is there to Hear it, does it make any Noise ?
- Ever have any spiritual/mystical/ unexplainable experiences ?
Thanks always Dan ! Travel safe ! Your a wonderful spokes person for responsible safe overlanding. 🌲🇨🇦🙏
Hi Eric - rapid fire answers!
- bathroom is what the shovel is for!
- Yes, you'll need a fishing license for every province.
- cell booster will work if you're close enough to a tower. Get really remote, and there's no chance.
- yes to both, details in my safety video (ua-cam.com/video/-ZEQAV09uh/v-deo.html)
Cheers!
Thanks as always Dan for this Info ! Enjoy!! 🌲🐠🇨🇦
For the water tank underneath, if the walls are slanted kind of like a slight V with a flat bottom, then if water freezes it will push up into the empty space above and not crack the tank like vertical walls will. Just in case it does freeze accidentally..
Very interesting, thanks! I never thought of that.
Gasoline heaters are fairly standart in Alpine Areas, Ambulances, Army vehicles came issued with them - those vehicles nowadays are mostly Diesel, but were gasoline for winter reliability earlier. Gasoline heaters are expensive, resp. I do not know, if the chinese made cheap working replicas like for the diesel heaters. But a diesel heater with an own tank or attachment for a small jerrycan is fairly standart, so you can use a cheap, but working diesel heater on a gasoline car.
I am a new subscriber and I just watched your whole Alaska Highway series, except I do not see episode five or episode seven anywhere at all. it goes from 4 to 6, and then part eight is the wrapup. What am I missing?
I did drive from Montana to the Arctic Circle a couple years ago, so your videos are bringing back many good memories. I just don’t want to miss out on anything because I’m not finding those two episodes.
Running a lower winter weight of oil really helps; I run 5w40 in my diesel year round instead of 15w40, and it helps a lot in super cold weather. In a gas engine, I’d imagine an 0w20 or 0w30 would be appropriate.
1. Would it be reasonable to drive the Dempster highway during the first 2 weeks of September? We would prefer mostly dispersed camping. Our setup is a well-maintained pickup truck with a hard shell RTT, good clothing and sleeping bags, and a 12V mattress warmer for additional heat on cold nights. 2. How much extra hassle would bringing our dog involve? 3. Recommendation for GPS navigation device/software/apps for inside the truck while driving? Thanks, you've inspired us!
Thanks again
Always welcome
@@TheRoadChoseMe I'm a wildlife photographer and have heard there's a location in northern BC where Stone's Sheep frequent the highway during certain times of the year. Can you tell me when and where this occurs? Thank you.
Don't rely on your cell phone for navigation, make sure you have a map book and / or gps based navigation options...also, a half a tank of gas is an empty tank of gas...
Was in Vermont once with a Diesel Mercedes GL350 and it was -10. Took a long time to warm up. How many miles on your Jeep?
I've been binge watching your videos. I'm planning a trip in the beginning of June. I'm torn between the ferry and driving home from Anchorage oe vice-versa. Thank you!
what did you decide?
That's an amazing place for a cabin
Another super video!!! You answered so many of my questions already. However one I was thinking about is, how do you keep from getting overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the trip you're on? Like your Africa expedition or pan america trips, that's a lot to mentally deal with. I have thought about driving to Alaska for years. However as I plan, this feeling of "omg this is so much to try and manage" creeps in. Not just the trip itself but things in your other life; girlfriends, aging parents, post-trip time. Just curious how you deal with trying to keep it manageable.
This is a BIG problem, and something I address repeatedly in my first book actually - there are whole chapters on it.
In essence, I've accepted that I can't do everything, so as long as I'm doing something great today, it doesn't matter that I'm not doing some other great thing.
It takes some getting used to, and it's about slowing down and relaxing into what you find enjoyable.
Great advice. Looks like I've got some reading to do! Thank you my friend.
I'm a little late for asking questions, but mine is regarding money. Do you typically carry cash with you in the north (especially along the Dempster), or do most gas stations and stores have debit/credit machines? I know small shops sometimes aren't a fan of using the machines, so I would want to know how much cash to carry at any given time and where to get more (I would like to avoid ATM fees, but using the credit card is just so easy for getting gas/groceries).
I used my credit card for 100% of purchases during the trip.
Especially now with COVID, everyone loves "contactless" buying.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Good to hear, way more convenient!
OFF THE WALL Question. How many PSI do you Usually run in your tires? They almost look a little LOW in this video...
Lower pressure on bad roads.
I've been running 40 rear and 38 front on paved roads trying to get better mileage.
On the Dempster I was at 26 rear and 24 front.
For actual "off roading" I'll run about 20/18 or maybe a touch lower.
Great video once again Dan. U mentioned cooking on the inside of your Jeep. Could u do a video on that please. Would love to see the inside cooking setup and what fuel u use for cooking.
I don't cook inside - my stove burns gasoline so it would kill me with the fumes.
When I'm inside I just make a sandwich or eat an apple, etc.
My setup only allows for outside cooking, but I'm sure with a different stove I could do it - I've just never felt the desire.
😂 the mosquitoes... yeah, it's really like that... 😅
It's happened to me a few times up north in Scandinavia: sometimes there are so many mosquitoes, midges and co flying around me and my car, that while trying to drive backwards, my car's rear camera thinks there is a wall and blocks me 🤣 I'm still going there each year, and will keep doing so for as long as I can!!
I've only seen one bear there though (in Sweden), and I've been told it's super rare and I was super lucky...
Do you ever hike into the backcountry? If so, any tips on leaving and securing your vehicle for days at a time?
All the time!
I have info on that in my safety video - ua-cam.com/video/-ZEQAV09uh/v-deo.html
We are in the planning stage of a trip from Oregon to Tuktoyaktuk for 2021 if things open up. What month would be the best to attempt to avoid the mosquitos but still have things opened, like the ferries etc. Thank you. t
To have the ferries open you really have to do May/June/July/Aug/Sept.
To avoid the bugs I'd go in September and see the northern lights too!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thank you so much.
How much worse us travel up there in late October or early November verses say August or September?
I'm also curious about this. I'm heading to AK at the end of the month.
It will be winter. For sure below freezing overnight.
By late November you can count on it being -40C/F for a HIGH temperature during the day.
What it will be like exactly in early November is anyone's guess.
Nice job, Dan. 'Back in the day', mobile ham (amateur) radio used to be a way of having long-distance comms. We picked up our email daily that way while crossing the Atlantic and the Pacific. Is it used along the AlCan...or perhaps you might have heard the term 'pactor modem'? And secondly, are there some vehicle spares you think are essential, perhaps because they are in short supply? I've heard that's one reason some carry two spare tires. Third, how about special, essential tools - e.g. that shovel you are carrying?
Hi Jack,
As far as I know, nobody uses radio on the AlCan, it's just not part of the culture.
For spares and tools see my videos about that
Spares: ua-cam.com/video/3w4ofqxf51E/v-deo.html
Tools: ua-cam.com/video/WZqPGCa6uMM/v-deo.html
@@TheRoadChoseMe Excellent! I'll look forward to viewing both those. Thanks again, Dan.
Was there a Part 5?
Not related to Alaska but I thought about it seeing you opening the back of your jeep.
How is-it to close the hatch and tailgate from the inside on the Wrangler setup ? It does not seem to be very practical.
Definitively not a topic for a video but if at some point we see how you do it could be an interesting detail (or maybe I missed it from a previous video ?).
You're right, it's not practical at all - I have to close the lift glass first, then I have a rope on the tailgate that I pull closed.
To get out I added a small "pull cord" to the tailgate mechanism that pops it open.
I will put it in an up coming video for sure!
Very informative, thank you. Mosquitos, think they devour you on a windless day. Some Jeep owners in India even make fire under the diesel tanks and oil sumps. Are you just lucky to see the Northern light when over there?
Yes, the northern lights are about being lucky!
Whats the weather and travel like in the spring, say April/May? If I were to go up the Dempster highway. I work June through October so I couldn't do it in the summer.
It can be muddy, slippery. Dempster muddy is unlike any other gravel road muddy I have ever seen. It will still be cold, at least overnight and you might run into snow. On the plus side that would be before mosquitoes, etc. so there is that.
@@metaxaanabeer No bugs, works for me.
Can you sleep in your cars along the road or in towns?
Just found this video series. Great job! My wife and I are planning a trip to Alaska in August. Do you have any opinion on which RV might fare better a Class C or a Class A. Keep up the good work!
The highway is paved the whole way, either one should be fine. Plenty of people take both each year. Have fun!
How are the people with cheap tires with plenty of tread getting flats? Are rocks slicing the sidewalls? Nails? Are the tires simply popping?
I think I'm sold on the idea of quality AT's.
I think the sharp tires find their way in between the tread blocks
The railway leases trucks sometimes and they come with 2? ply tires. It doesn't take long driving on railway ballast to get flats so they end up upgrading.
I am planning to install Long-range America fuel tank before my trip to Canada
Is it really needed? Where do you plan to go that requires a range greater than you already have?
I've been all over the Yukon and Alaska, and my stock tank has always been enough.
If you save all the money and put it towards the trip, you'll be able to go so much sooner!
@@TheRoadChoseMe I would like to drive from Canada to Juino Alaska. Do you think i can do it in my stock tank. I have 37s tires
Not to beat the issue of "good Tires" to death, but could you shed some light on the issue of tire ply numbers? I've seen highway rated SUV tires that appear to have the same ply-number as so basic off road tires, so I'm trying to figure out the best combination of 80% road driving & 20% off road travel as it relates to tires and tread patterns. I'm also trying to gauge how durable my current tires are. Thanks!
Buy tires for the worst conditions you'll encounter. If you'll be driving over sharp rocks, sticks, and so on, go 10 ply. If you'll be encountering deep mud, go MT. 20% is significant time, so I'd account for that, personally. Two weeks ago I had to back track 3 hours because I hit some mud in the BC backcountry I couldn't make it through safely on my own. It's making me consider going MT instead of AT, so I won't be as limited.
To be perfectly honest I don't tow heavy loads, and my vehicle is not insanely heavy (i.e. it's only a Jeep, not a 1 ton, etc.)
I don't even care about ply numbers, just the load rating. I run either load D or lately E. I like that E probably have stronger sidewalls, though I assume it makes the ride a little stiffer (I can't tell).
I think ply numbers are really about towing, and/or a thing of the 80s and 90s.
Question may sound silly but was wondering how I would fare driving up to Tuktoyaktuk using my Yeti 125 Cooler during the month of July as opposed to purchasing a 12volt Dometic? In other words would it be realistic to think I could replenish the ice along the way? I usually have a good amount of ice left over after three days of family camping in Florida. Also, I have an F150 so storage (the size of my Yeti) is not a problem. Thank you for the great videos. They are inspiring.
I'm not sure if you can buy ice in Eagle Plains, but I'm sure you'll find it in Fort McPherson and Inuvik. Also it's not going to be nearly as hot as Florida weather, so I think you'll do great!
@@TheRoadChoseMeSounds good. Really appreciate the info. Thanks
Nice overlanding
What is the best to start Alaska trip, as you said only in summer time , but what is exactly window ? In this massive none resident area, Thsnkd
June is the best time to start, stay until late August.
@@TheRoadChoseMe just bought your book in Amazon kindle version, I will study it, thanks again ! I live in shanghai, China, I am chinese
Thanks for the support, I hope you enjoy it!
Since June, July and August are the busy months, what do you think about traveling in May or September? Are the bugs better at that time?
For sure there will be less bugs. A bit more snow and maybe some frozen lakes in May. Northern lights in September and possibly freezing nights (like I had). I'd do September over May, personally.
How do you stay in shape on your long trips?
Just me, I figure you would stand outside with the teeth rattling, you would shake yourself into shape without moving..lol
I plan to film a video about that at some point - basically just bodyweight excercises.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Nice! Looking forward to it.
I plan on heading up that way in 2022 (get this damn virus under control). I have a 2020 4 runner trd off-road. I am currently running regular service Falken Wildpeaks.
I plan on doing the Dempster to Tuk. With some.other little trails to interesting sites.
What are some other considerations I may need for my vehicle? She is stock and will probably remain that way (for the most part).
You really don't *need* anything more than good tires (which you have).
After that think about how you're going to cook, camp and where you'll eat when the weather is nasty. Also warm clothes and a good sleeping bag!
@@TheRoadChoseMe thank you. I have all the camping gear (just stuff I use throughout the year). Thank you for the advice. Thank you.
I bring some window screen pieces to go over open windows held on with rare earth magnets. That way you can stay in the car if you need / want to and won't get eaten alive.
Since you have all your camping gear already, figure out a way to organize it in your vehicle so that it’s easy to access and is easy to keep organized! Its something that’s not usually given a lot of thought until you are on the trip, so spend time before the trip figuring it out. I spent a month exploring the Yukon, and found I spent a good amount of time reorganizing stuff in the FJ Cruiser during the first week. If I had done that ahead of time, I could have explored a bit more!
very good advice. We have it organized in totes right now. Over the past years, we have honed our camping gear for the most part. Being in Utah, we get some diverse weather (not like the North).
This is a great idea to organize it and see what we really need.
Thanks
In such remote areas do locals use some form of 2 way radio to keep in touch?
No, radios are not common in the north at all. I think the distances are too vast.
Would you recommend a bull bar or other armor, for an animal strike protection?
I personally like to have it because I go to parts of the world where a replacement radiator would be very difficult to source. Mine worked very well when I smoked a deer a few months ago.
Thanks for the informative video. What is the best time of the year to drive up the Alaska Highway and Hempster?
Checkout the video video - ua-cam.com/video/TnxwKAyPhlU/v-deo.html
Thanks a lot. Really appreciate it!
Good job mate👍🏻
Did I miss part 5?
I travel with a dog. How would I protect her from bugs, etc.
this is a question about vehicle size and weight, is there restrictions for the weight on the more remote trails and camping spots?
No, nothing like that. If you get really, really remote there may be weight limits on the bridges, but they'll all be very high for the transport and mining trucks
What about satellite phone? Useful?
What about having a dog with you when camping? Are there a lot of worries about predators if your dog is off leash?
A city dog should be under leash control at all times. Maybe a farm dog could be allowed to roam but the first thought would be bears or wolves mixing it up with the dog but that is far down the list. Its moose. Moose hate wolves and to them a dog looks like a wolf. You do not want an angry moose anywhere near you. Ever.
Yes - some dogs are excellent with bears - they understand to make a lot of noise and not get too close (usually small dogs). Other dogs are terrible and try to attack the bear and get torn to pieces (usually bigger dogs).
You never really know until your dog is close to a bear. Some just loose their minds.
Do you need light truck or E load tires when driving the Dempster, or are good all terrain standard load tires good enough?
Good all terrain with the appropriate load rating for the weight of your vehicle are what you need!
What happened to Part 5?
It was the dawson video!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks, Yeah, I realized that after I watched the video, then went back and looked at the playlist.
Living in canada and working outside as a mechanic never fool with the cold never.
How much does the trip like that cost
did you have any heat or Cold problems in Africa? Also internet?
Heat. Every day!
Where is part 5?
😎👍
The 99% Deet works good. Don't apply directly on skin, put it on your collar, shirt sleeve and pants cuffs. Definitely bring a head net. I've been nibbled on by African mosquitoes, the lower 48 mosquitoes and Alaskan mosquitoes; the Alaskan ones take first place in size, numbers and sheer ferocity. You haven't lived until you survive an outhouse visit in Alaska, no sitting there leisurely reading the paper while you do your business.
What is the specific tire size of Your Jeep?
Good question. He rocks 33s. He talks about it in another vid. 👍🏻
285/70R17. (which is 33x11).
5 and 7 ?
Speaking of the cold, when I was around 5 years old in Fairbanks in the mid-1960's, I distinctly remember my dad coming home from work one night in winter and he told my mom that he needs to put the battery charger on his car because he needed a jump start to leave work. I followed him out to the garage and he opened the hood of the car to hook up the charger. When he shined a light to see what he was doing, he found that the battery had froze and thus cracked. He said no wonder it wouldn't start!
Exactly right! That's why we use battery blankets to prevent that happening
Nothing to see with travelling but... recently Canada has become very restrictive with regard to immigration; how come an aussie like you managed to find a job in WH, which is not the easiest place to find a job in Canada?
@@sailorf21 well dear... apart from the fact that I was asking him and not you, mine was just simple curiosity... I am a big fan of canada and no, I am not interested in the details you are referring to and sorry to disappoint, I do not need to emigrate anywhere else than where I live now. that said, let him reply if he so wishes, he does not need an unpolite personal assistant like you. Cheers!
Actually WH is easy to find work - there are always, always open positions.
With my education I was hired as an "essential worker" by the Yukon territory which opened the path for permanent residence.
10/13/2020 Friends, Just a note. I just VOTED , Live and in Person TODAY, Louisville, Jefferson CO. Kentucky. Ask me how I feel!!! Thank You, and this feels good. Don
No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes
how about less of looking at you and more of arou nd you
What happened to Part 5?