Need Some Advice (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel: maintenance, trip , work)

[wcchandler]

I'm planning on moving up there next year around June. People have been telling me about rocks and animals on the road that can damage a car's headlights/radiator on the trip up there. I've also heard that I shouldn't even try to go up anything that's not 4 wheel drive. My question to you guys is -- is a 1990 Geo Storm or a 1993 Honda Civic going to be okay? Do I need to worry about rocks jumping up and shattering my headlight?

I've heard that 4 wheelers make the best vehicle once up there, so what are the rules on those? Is that true?

Also, is the cold/darkness really noticeable? How often do the northern lights occur?

Do I need to get a gun to protect myself from wildlife?

Thanks for any help! Also, we'll be going to Anchorage.

[elgusano]

To start off with, I've made the drive 7 times, in all seasons. If you're going in June, I've driven a Toyota Supra and a Toyota Celica on the drive without a problem. I've also had windshields broken out and headlights broken out several times.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by wcchandler

I'm planning on moving up there next year around June. People have been telling me about rocks and animals on the road that can damage a car's headlights/radiator on the trip up there. I've also heard that I shouldn't even try to go up anything that's not 4 wheel drive. My question to you guys is -- is a 1990 Geo Storm or a 1993 Honda Civic going to be okay?

Two-wheeled drive vehicles are just fine in Alaska, unless you plan to do off-road driving. Both the Geo Storm and Honda Civic will perform just fine during the winter with studded tires and once they have been winterized (block and battery heaters). Wait until you get to Alaska before winterizing your vehicle.

Four-wheeled drive vehicles do not stop any faster or with any more control than two-wheeled vehicles on ice and snow. The only real advantage a 4x4 has over a two-wheeled drive vehicle is that it can drive through deeper snow, and has better traction when accelerating.

Since you are planning on moving to Anchorage, they are usually very good about removing snow quickly. I own both a two-wheeled drive vehicle and a 4x4. I get much better gas mileage in my two-wheeled drive Saturn, so I drive that to Anchorage and back daily all year round without any problems.

Originally Posted by wcchandler

Do I need to worry about rocks jumping up and shattering my headlight?

If rocks shattering your headlight causes you sleepless nights, then don't move to Alaska. If you drive Alaskan roads long enough, everyone gets dings (and worse) in their windshield from flying rocks. It isn't something to worry about, just a fact of life.

Originally Posted by wcchandler

I've heard that 4 wheelers make the best vehicle once up there, so what are the rules on those? Is that true?

No, that is not true.

Originally Posted by wcchandler

Also, is the cold/darkness really noticeable? How often do the northern lights occur?

Yes, it is really noticeable. In south central Alaska we get as much as 20 hours of daylight by Summer Solstice, and as little as 4 hours of daylight by Winter Solstice.

The Aurora Borealis is the most active during the peak of the 11-year solar spot cycle of the sun. It can occur any time of the year, any time of the day or night. You can visit the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, to see what the northern light will be like on any given day at: The Geophysical Institute Auroral Forecast Page

Originally Posted by wcchandler

Do I need to get a gun to protect myself from wildlife?

That is entirely up to you. My philosophy is that it is better to have a firearm and not need one, than to need a firearm and not have one. If you decide that you would like to own a firearm, get some training in its use, safety, and maintenance. Practice regularly, and become proficient in its use. Like any tool, a firearm will not do you any good if you do not know how to use it effectively.

[karibear]

Originally Posted by wcchandler

I'm planning on moving up there next year around June. People have been telling me about rocks and animals on the road that can damage a car's headlights/radiator on the trip up there. I've also heard that I shouldn't even try to go up anything that's not 4 wheel drive. My question to you guys is -- is a 1990 Geo Storm or a 1993 Honda Civic going to be okay? Do I need to worry about rocks jumping up and shattering my headlight?

I've heard that 4 wheelers make the best vehicle once up there, so what are the rules on those? Is that true?

Also, is the cold/darkness really noticeable? How often do the northern lights occur?

Do I need to get a gun to protect myself from wildlife?

Thanks for any help! Also, we'll be going to Anchorage.

If you are planning to drive the Alcan through Canada, check with Canadian customs on guns first. The first time I went down, 35 years ago, we had to have a handgun sealed by custome even back then. Otherwise, it may be a lot easier to have any firearms sent from a dealer where you live to a dealer in Anchorage to hold for you to pick up. It's not cheap, but you can't just mail it to yourself, either. the PO frowns on that.

[Marty Van Diest]

Forget the gun, you can get one here if you decide you need it.

Drive your car up. You will be OK. You might get some dings and chips but don't worry about it.

It is very rare to actually have your windshield broken bad enough that you can't drive it until you get around to replacing it.

If you are going to park your car in a garage once it is here you will be fine. If not in a garage get an engine heater installed after you arrive.

[elgusano]

If you fly, you can bring guns on the plane. Although security finds it interesting when you declare 8 at a time.

Some guns can be taken through Canada, as long as you get a Canadian permit. There is a list of prohibited guns. Depending upon where you go through and which agent you get, the reaction could be anything from admiring them and talking about them to waterboarding to get the truth behind why you have guns.

[susitna-flower]

The trick on the ALCAN is when on gravel, pull over as far to the right and SLOW down when meeting vehicles, especially trucks OR vehicles pulling trailers with small tires! I often will come to a complete stop, but then the last trip I took was over 25 years ago, and maybe there it so much traffic this wouldn't work. This was a very effective way to avoid the rocks, as they seem less likely to hit.

Good Luck, and enjoy the drive! Just remember to bring at least one good spare, not a doughnut! Sometimes it is a long way to help.

[warptman]

Here is an album on my trip last August.

Bethel Alaska Photo Gallery - Joe Joe's 2007 Alcan trip

[akck]

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

The trick on the ALCAN is when on gravel, pull over as far to the right and SLOW down when meeting vehicles, especially trucks OR vehicles pulling trailers with small tires! I often will come to a complete stop, but then the last trip I took was over 25 years ago, and maybe there it so much traffic this wouldn't work. This was a very effective way to avoid the rocks, as they seem less likely to hit.

Good Luck, and enjoy the drive! Just remember to bring at least one good spare, not a doughnut! Sometimes it is a long way to help.

I second this. Worked perfectly until I met someone on a blind corner and I was on the ouside of the curve. Di I curse that person for going around the corner so fast.

[susitna-flower]

The little dings don't hurt, a crack or broken headlight, but some of the rocks hit so hard, I've seen the whole windshield taken out......that can be the ruin of a good trip!

As for having a gun to protect yourself from wild life...IN Anchorage. The only wildlife to worry about is the two legged kind, and discharging a firearm within city limits is illegal! Anchorage is a city and usually you don't have much to worry about in the way of critters.