SkipStock
Anchorage
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Having "Done the Highway" many times over many (too many) years with and without TT, here are some absolute musts:
1. Take your time
2. Absolutely NO pistols, NO "assault" type weapons (Canada resembles NYC that way)
3. Absolutely no magazines over 10 rounds, for anything
4. Absolutely a Passport for everyone
5. Take your time
6. Consider some type of rock deflector for the hood, OR just accept that you'll need a new wind shield when you get here
7. March is a cross over month re weather - prepare for everything from +75 deg days to minus 25 as you get up around Whitehorse to Glennallen.
8. FROST HEAVES - primarily from Tok to Glennallen - GO SLOW. Actually GO SLOWER!
9. I see you have a Milepost, extremely useful. you will come to rely on it. Some businesses not open (further north) until April 15 or later so plan accordingly for fuel stops.
10.Take your time.
A cursory review of these posts and your list seem to cover everything else, and maybe I repeated something someone else already mentioned - but these are the few items that bear repeating.
Have fun!
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SkipStock
Anchorage
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a couple more thoughts, more in the manner of suggestions
1. Tire chains for at least the truck rear tires. PROBABLY won't need them, but if you wan to be prepared.......Last time I found a set in Ft Nelson or Ft St John, so if you don't come across them before that just keep looking. Most Auto parts stores will have them as you get further north.
2. Those BF Goodrich you have are going to be fine if they are relatively new?
Been a long time since I drove it in March, but I did just made a quick trip last October. Some stretches to be mindful of:
Ft St John to Ft Nelson - the first 1/2 (?) the road winds a good bit and lots of elevation changes - try to do this early in the day.
Ft Nelson to Toad River to Stone Mountain to Summit Lake to Muncho Lake to Watson Lake is stunning if you have good weather. If you have bad weather it's a nail biter. Watch for Buffalo, Bear, Moose, Elk, Deer, Coyote and Fox - seen them all on this stretch depending on season. There are fewer establishments, and some of those won't be open yet, so mind the MP, - this will be one of the longer stretches to plan for fuel. I think I did it in 1 LONG day pulling an enclosed 24ft trailer lightly loaded. Break it into a couple days or 3 if you have the time and are self contained.
The next long run is Whitehorse to Haines Junction to Kluane Lake to Tok. If you have good weather camp along the way just above Kluane Lake before you drop down to Lake level. Bears probably not out yet, but they might be, so keep an eye out.
When you get to Alaska it really gets beautiful, but it sounds like you're PCS'g so you 'll have time to figure that all out when you get here.
take it easy, prepare, don't be in a hurry and you'll have a blast........
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SkipStock
Anchorage
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one more thing?
Cell phone service pretty much sucks at the EXACT moment you cross into Canada. How do they do that?
ok, may not QUITE that bad, but it does get bad.....don't depend on having anything but spotty service it all the way Anchorage.
AND? make darn sure you get your service provider to give you a plan that is free DATA roaming through Canada (even though you wont have access :-) or you may have a surprisingly large bill at the end of the trip...........
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flybob63
port st lucie fl
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Research the website for Canadian Border crossing with firearms. There are specifics on there about pistols that do allow for crossing but, to me, it was more of a pain in the neck than it was worth. For me to carry a .45 auto I would have had to submit paperwork months in advance and arrange for the firearms officer of the province meet me at a prescribed date and time at the border, inspect my weapon and then give approval if he/she felt it appropriate. Smaller weapons that are more concealable like my 2 inch 38 are prohibited weapons and not permissible at all. I am a retired police officer and still qualified to carry in the USA but it made no difference to Canada. Maybe there is an exception with your military orders. The website might list that and they have numbers to call as well.
As I said before, long guns are no problem as long as they meet length, and I believe, capacity requirements. If you end up with any doubt I would ship to avoid losing your guns and having troubles.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Good point about cell phones. We use Verizon and for $15/month additional get access to Canadian Telus cell. Phone only and we turn off the data. It's available is the towns but not elsewhere. We used WiFi when available until we got to Alaska.
Another poster said Canada was adding more cell access along the Alaskan Highway but I don't know the status of that project.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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mudrat
Artemas, PA
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L8ERZZZ wrote:CA Traveler wrote:Pre planning is good. I wouldn't throw anything out, just answer their questions - hat and sunglasses off, direct answers, no questions.
Yes pre planning is a must! I want to have a smooth and adventurous trip in and out of Canada, want to make it to Anchorage in one piece. Oh and I just found some info on taking my dog with us to AK so many documents to travel through Canada.
Could you post the info or website on the dog info please?
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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We carried an International Health Certificated from the vet for the dog and cat. It indicated their good health and vaccinations. Rabies is the main concern. I don't recall ever being asked about the pets or showing the papers. Several times the agents checked the refer and hence were aware of the animals, even scratched the sleeping cat once.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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BTW Sometimes the questions don't seem to have a reason. But it's likely they already know the answers from their data base so if your answers don't match...
And as a heads up: If you have a criminal record including a DUI you won't be entering Canada.
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L8ERZZZ
Surprise, AZ
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SkipStock wrote:one more thing?
Cell phone service pretty much sucks at the EXACT moment you cross into Canada. How do they do that?
ok, may not QUITE that bad, but it does get bad.....don't depend on having anything but spotty service it all the way Anchorage.
AND? make darn sure you get your service provider to give you a plan that is free DATA roaming through Canada (even though you wont have access :-) or you may have a surprisingly large bill at the end of the trip...........
SkipStock
Thanks for all the info. We will be taking it slow for sure. I planned for 8 days once we cross the boarder, take in the sites and take it slow. I know there will be some white knuckle moments but slow and steady will make the wife and kids happy! Tire chains will be added to our list. My tires are brand new but still a good idea to have chains. Not having cell service will be kind of scary but hope to not have to call anyone for emergency reasons. Wife and I are enjoying readying all this advise and recommendations! Thanks again!
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L8ERZZZ
Surprise, AZ
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mudrat wrote:L8ERZZZ wrote:CA Traveler wrote:Pre planning is good. I wouldn't throw anything out, just answer their questions - hat and sunglasses off, direct answers, no questions.
Yes pre planning is a must! I want to have a smooth and adventurous trip in and out of Canada, want to make it to Anchorage in one piece. Oh and I just found some info on taking my dog with us to AK so many documents to travel through Canada.
Could you post the info or website on the dog info please?
Mudrat
The site I found it on is www.northtoalaska.com click on the "Tips" tab at the top of the site and it will be located under "1" tip bullet 4.
http://www.northtoalaska.com/Tips.aspx
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