Driving The Alaskan Highway

[thefemalesurvivalist]

I'm flying back to Idaho to get my car and drive it back. Any tips or suggestions? After living-surviving 2 weeks here in Girdwood without my little baby, I am nearly NUTS!

Then, 1stimestar, I'll be visiting Fairbanks and Denali...heading out for fun and adventure in my spare time, that is

What was the name of that Happy Hound Saloon?

[1stimestar]

Make sure to get a copy of The Milepost. It is THE guide to have and you can find it in any bookstore or Wal Mart up here and any good bookstore down there. Make sure to stop at Liard River Hot Springs and the Signpost Forest. The name is the Howling Dog Saloon. Hahhahaha can't wait to meet ya! Have a fun trip.

[1stimestar]

...Although Happy Hound is a great name hahhaa.

[thefemalesurvivalist]

Thanks, 1stimestar. I'm glad Walmart carries the book, I don't think there's enough time to order it.

Can't believe the rain we're getting here...might need an ark to get to the airport!

[Sourdough]

Just check the book out of the library there in Girdwood, get an extended check-out should be for 4 weeks.

[thefemalesurvivalist]

Just check the book out of the library there in Girdwood, get an extended check-out should be for 4 weeks.

That is a great idea, Sourdough, thanks!

[1stimestar]

Oh yea, except if you are going to stay up here and do any driving anywhere, it's worth it to have your own copy to highlight and throw under your seat, etc.

[pete lynch]

What if your car is not equipped with the engine warming thingy?
Does it cost more to have it done up in Alaska vs getting it done in the lower 48 before you leave?
Just wonderin'....

[Rick]

A lot more. You'll replace freeze plugs and perhaps the engine block. Oh, you meant....never mind.

[1stimestar]

Nah, it's probably best to get it done up here. Northern tier midwest states would be fine too but that's if you have time to make an appointment etc. You'll have plenty of time to get it done. Oh wait, if you are staying down in Girdwood or down there, you wont need to winterize.

[Sourdough]

Don't let your fuel tank get below 1/4 at any time.

[crashdive123]

Nah, it's probably best to get it done up here. Northern tier midwest states would be fine too but that's if you have time to make an appointment etc. You'll have plenty of time to get it done. Oh wait, if you are staying down in Girdwood or down there, you wont need to winterize.

Might also depend on when the trip is made. Cold weather in the lower 48 might equal crazy cold weather in your neck of the woods.

[thefemalesurvivalist]

I'm wintering in Girdwood. There seems to be a lot of older cars down here. My friend says she never plugs in her old Subaru. I'll sure keep an eye on it, though. This same car started every morning at 25 below, when it was up in northern Illinois.

[1stimestar]

Yea I wouldn't worry about it. It doesn't get that cold down there.

[Desert Rat!]

What kind of vehicle do you have survivalist ?

[Rick]

I'm with SD on the fuel tank thingy for anyone. We fill up at the half empty mark. Most fuel pumps are in the gas tank and it uses the fuel to keep it cool. If you run your tank too low all the time you can shorten the life of the fuel pump. Condensation could also be an issue as well as not having to stop and get gas if something does happen and you need to get some place in a hurry or out of dodge in a hurry.

As for plugging the engine heater in it would just make it easier on the engine in my mind. Oil is going to thicken in teens and below and you won't lubricate the engine as efficiently with thick oil as you would with a warmer, thinner oil. Also, if you engine heater is on your engine will be warmer and your heater should provide warm air a tad quicker.

Just some thoughts.

[Highhawk1948]

I envy you. Always wanted to drive the highway in a pickup truck/camper. Have a great adventure!

[1stimestar]

Yea I can start my car in -20 if it hasn't been plugged in but I don't do that to the ol' girl. It's hard on the engine and affects the life of it. Plus, it takes FOREVER to get it heated up. I'd rather plug it in.

[thefemalesurvivalist]

What kind of vehicle do you have survivalist ?

I have a '96 Geo Metro, 4 door. I've owned and taken care of it sense 1999, when it only had 6,000 miles on it. It gets 45 mpg, unless its loaded down with toys and going up steep grades. Then it only gets about 40 ish.

I've driven it alone across country. The longest stretch has been Washington State to Georgia in 3 days.

Nearly new tires, front wheel drive, only 148,000 miles on, mostly all are highway miles.


Hey, Desert Rat, I see you live in the Mojave Desert! I've backpacked through there on the PCT. What a marvelous, rugged place!

[thefemalesurvivalist]

I'm with SD on the fuel tank thingy for anyone. We fill up at the half empty mark. Most fuel pumps are in the gas tank and it uses the fuel to keep it cool. If you run your tank too low all the time you can shorten the life of the fuel pump. Condensation could also be an issue as well as not having to stop and get gas if something does happen and you need to get some place in a hurry or out of dodge in a hurry.

As for plugging the engine heater in it would just make it easier on the engine in my mind. Oil is going to thicken in teens and below and you won't lubricate the engine as efficiently with thick oil as you would with a warmer, thinner oil. Also, if you engine heater is on your engine will be warmer and your heater should provide warm air a tad quicker.

Just some thoughts.

Thanks Rick, I'll sure look into that. I'm told there are outlets for doing that, near the staircases here.