Alaska remote trip Prep

Hello all,
I'm currently building out my '23 for a long trip to Alaska. I expect to put about 12k miles in about a month's time. When I head out for my trip, my truck will only be about 1 yr old, and have about 10k miles on it. Other than a camper-build out, the truck will be mostly stock. The trip will include many miles "off-pavement" but not any technical trails.

My current plan is to bring an Oil filters/Oil, because I will probably do at least one oil change along the trip, but I am open to suggestions about what else I should bring along in terms of possible issues/repairs. I don't expect to do hard wheeling on this trip, so I am not concerned with suspension or drivetrain parts.

I have the full size spare, and I have tire repair kit as well. I'm considering getting an additional spare, but I think that may be overkill.

Any recommendations for things that you have experienced in the first couple years of owning it, that I should prepare for? My only concern is getting stranded somewhere, or having to wait a significant time for parts to be delivered.

Thanks.

PS: I'll share pics as I build out my setup.

 

Okay get ready for the “experts” to give you a huge shopping list.

I would say from experience, camper plus gear on a tacoma = sagging stock leaf springs so may want to upgrade those if possible but not necessary, just expect some squat.


As for gear if you dont plan to offroad,
I would recommend:
-a reliable battery jumper like the Noco
-air compressor for tires,

$91 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p has served me well

also bring a folding shovel, hose clamps, zip ties, a few adjustable wrenches

edit: make sure you deflate your tires a bit for those “many miles” of unpaved roads. Will significantly reduce vibrations and risk of getting a flat

 

Satellite phone.

 

Maybe a gas tank upgrade? Gas is super expensive in remote areas, so you can fill up in population centers and make it farther. I doubt you'll save enough to offset the cost of the upgrade, but it's nice to have either way.

Some basic spare parts like a serpentine belt (if it breaks you're stuck because you have no water pump). Maybe air filters (engine and cabin) if you expect the roads to be really dusty and you don't have a desert snorkel. Adding to your tire repair kit, there are replacement valve stems you can install from the outside. Probably overkill if you're not rock crawling, but they are small enough.

A took kit, obviously.

I bet you'll pass an oil change place at least once in those 12k miles. It sounds like you're driving up from the lower 48. You'll probably at least pass through Anchorage or Fairbanks. I like to do my own oil changes, but doing it on a trip seems kind of crazy.

 

I'd really consider getting better (and more ply#) all terrains. If you can swing a 17" wheel then get something C rated. If you're sticking with 16's then you'll need to go E.

Very excited for you, your trip has been on my bucket list for years.

 

If you are doing the dalton expect to replace your windshield

 

I plan to bring 10gallons in Scepter cans. It's not worth it for this trip alone to upgrade the tank, but maybe down the road I may consider it. I was thinking about the Serpentine belt, so I'll add that to the list. I think I have the valve replacement stems already in my kit.

I've considered this, but since I am not doing anything harsh, I'll just wear these tires out and get a new set this fall.

I'm considering getting the battery jumper as a fail safe. I'll have dual battery/solar setup, so I am not too worried. I have a compressor, and I'll consider the leaf spring after I build out the bed system, once I see how it sags/drives.

I'm going to get a Garmin with Spot/limited text messaging.

For the oil change, I plan to get it done in Anchorage/Fairbanks or some other big city. I'll just have the filter, etc just in case they don't have them in stock. I'll have a new cabin/air filter before the trip, so I think I can get buy just blowing through them with the air compressor if they get rough.

Keep the suggestions coming, I have several months to prepare, so no rush. I'll have a tools, recovery gear, etc that I didn't mention, as well as shovel, ax, saw and other normal tools that are not vehicle specific. I'm considering carrying some additional replacement bulbs for brakes/headlights etc as well.

 

Yes, I plan to do the Dalton. I already have one crack, I'll replace it when I get back, unless it is just unbearable, then I'll check in one of the big cities on the way.

 

Camera items (cameras, storage cards, batteries, etc.), music for the long parts, protection of your choice, ground cover for repairs, and survival gear just in case.

 

Ham radio

 

Color me green with envy!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing struck me right away. 12k miles in 30 days is a lot statistically at ~400 miles per day. Anyone can drive 400 miles in a day. But 30 days in a row is another thing unless you're an OTR trucker. Plan for fatigue, especially if travelling alone. Time is always the most precious commodity. You may have family or job vacation limits to work around, but just a concern to share in that regard.

Assuming you are going to be sleeping in your camper most of the journey, make certain your "sleep system" is dialed in before you leave. Being able to "black out" the interior of your camper and regulate interior temp so you can get quality sleep is a must.

BEST WISHES!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Sounds like fun to drive your Tacoma!

I'm flying into Anchorage in July, and I've rented a lifted Tundra with a Alucab for two weeks. I'm as well driving the Dalton. The farthest north I'm driving is Atikin Pass (have to see it... ever since watching Ice Road Truckers). The rental has an option of windshield insurance, which I'm taking. I've routed the trip on both a Garmin and Gaia, marking gas stations, sites to see, and places to camp (2189 miles). I don't know that I'll ever go back, so I'm trying to see it all. But it would fun to drive up there... when I have six weeks!

How many weeks is your trip?

 

The dalton is kinda a dead end where you cannot get to the coast. Maybe consider the Dempster highway in the yukon better end result

 

The dempster is awesome, I received this same advice as well from someone who had done both. Did not regret doing it and hanging out in Tuk for a couple days.

 

Heard thos before also. Are you going up the ALCAN. Get familiar with firearms regs if you plan to go thru Canada (shotguns and a rifle). No pistols or those infamous assault rifles.

 

Even if you don't plan to do much night driving, I'd look at adding some driving lights and maybe a-pillar floods as well for those backroads and twisties you might hit. Having done quite a bit of cross country drives (back and forth across the lower 48 a few different ways in about a dozen trips), you'll never regret more light, even at normal traffic speeds. In the lighting subforum, there's two good stickies at the top, the SAE J583 fog lamo thread and the SAE J581 driving light thread. Lots of very good pics and test data from the thread author. Fog lamps (real fogs) may not be the most useful upgrade, but adding some effective forward lighting will be a godsend for spotting wildlife.

My old 4runner, I ran the 100/99w Osram superbright H4's, and had a set of LED Cibie Super Oscars wired to the highbeam circuit. I never thought I needed more light till the night I drove through Big Sky montana on a cloudy night at dark of the moon.

I see you have a plan for fuel.

Shotgun. Slugs. And full size shovel.

Gps unit that's not phone based.


PACE plan your route and commo plans. Primary - Alternate - Contingency - Emergency

Get a 2m/70cm 50w ham radio setup. And cb. Never a waste of time to be scanning the local airwaves for traffic. Satellite messenger/locator

Edit (again, lol) Not sure where you're at with maintenance, but maybe change your diff fluids and transfer case fluid before the trip.

 

I'll be gone for at least 4 weeks.

I'm going to go up the Dempster, but only up to Tombstone Territorial park. I do plan to go all the way to Deadhorse on the Dalton.

No plan to carry firearms, I don't want to deal with the hassle. I'll have plenty of bear spray though.

I'm probably way over estimating the amount of driving, but there will be days where we will just put miles on. My son will be with me. I am keeping a very loose itinerary.

As far as sleeping, I just picked up a Harker EXO, and I'll be building out the bed system over the next several months, with several shake down trips planned. For comms, I will have Ham, it's been the standard for our group for a long time, and also a CB, because it's popular on the Dalton.

 

This sounds like a dream dude haha. experiencing all of that would be amazing. Envious to say the least brotha!

 

Even though people like to imagine Alaska as the Wild West it’s really not. You will be able to get replacement parts easily in Fairbanks or Anchorage. You will see people on every road you go on because they are the roads people drive who live and work there as well as the other tourists.

Good quality tires, a gas can or two for just in case, basic tools and whatever camping supplies you want to bring are all you need.

 

Yeah, I know people do these in their cars, so that's why I'm not too worried. I saw a video of someone in Volkswagen GTI making the trip to Deadhorse.