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Anyone who as actually made the trek undoubtedly has a lot to share.
I am specifically considering doing this in a 4 WD vehicle (an SUV).
Just how bad is the flat tire situation assuming I would have multisurface or off road radials that are not cheapie retreads and would be less than half way through their expected tread life?
I've never driven the Dempster, but I've driven a lot of oilfield roads in Northern Alberta, BC and the NWT, which offer similar conditions.
Your tires should be fine - make sure you have a good spare though, preferably an actual matching tire and especially not a donut. It'll be a long haul to somewhere that'll patch the flat one.
I would probably go in Late July or early August (not this year, but maybe 2014 or 2015) - well past break up and yet before winter conditions really start moving in. There is still decent day length as well.
I drove the Dempster several decades ago so I can only assume the surface is graded (watch out for graders approaching in your lane) gravel with some ripple, pot holes, ruts and muddy spots. I suggest buying tires with winter treads for mud traction. I also suggest replacing your shocks with Koni's as these can be adjusted anywhere you can jack up the SUV. They are pricey but worth it. During out Alaska and NWT trip I reset the shocks half way through the 5,000+ miles of dirt/gravel road. It was like installing a new suspension.
The trick to longevity on these roads is to drive slower than you can actually go. A good car with decent suspension and a moderately skilled driver can hold 55 to 70 mph (90 to 110 kph) but that is hard on the car and the driver as well as being miserable for the passengers. Driving 40 to 55 on the smooth spots is much more comfortable, safer and less tiring.
Bring a full size spare, a tire patching kit and an inflator or 12 vdc air compressor. It is a LOT of work to inflate a big tire with a hand pump. Replace the jack that comes with the SUV with a light weight floor jack from Harbor Freight or similar. A simple mechanics tool kit is also a good idea along with a repair manual for that truck. I would also recommend a personal first aid and "survival" kit that includes toilet paper.
With just a bit of preparation this will be the first of your visits to the Great Northwest Canada. Yeah, I plan to go back.
I drove the Dempster several decades ago so I can only assume the surface is graded (watch out for graders approaching in your lane) gravel with some ripple, pot holes, ruts and muddy spots. I suggest buying tires with winter treads for mud traction. I also suggest replacing your shocks with Koni's as these can be adjusted anywhere you can jack up the SUV. They are pricey but worth it. During out Alaska and NWT trip I reset the shocks half way through the 5,000+ miles of dirt/gravel road. It was like installing a new suspension.
The trick to longevity on these roads is to drive slower than you can actually go. A good car with decent suspension and a moderately skilled driver can hold 55 to 70 mph (90 to 110 kph) but that is hard on the car and the driver as well as being miserable for the passengers. Driving 40 to 55 on the smooth spots is much more comfortable, safer and less tiring.
Bring a full size spare, a tire patching kit and an inflator or 12 vdc air compressor. It is a LOT of work to inflate a big tire with a hand pump. Replace the jack that comes with the SUV with a light weight floor jack from Harbor Freight or similar. A simple mechanics tool kit is also a good idea along with a repair manual for that truck. I would also recommend a personal first aid and "survival" kit that includes toilet paper.
With just a bit of preparation this will be the first of your visits to the Great Northwest Canada. Yeah, I plan to go back.
Great advice especially avoiding fast driving. Driving over 55MPH on a road like that ... I can see how that would really increase the possibility of flats not to mention wipe outs. On a road like that I'd want to hang in there at about 45MPH (slower when it's raining / snowing). Other good tips you've given there, thanks!
I've only driven as far as Tombstone Park. That section at least seemed exceptionally well maintained. 40-50mph consistently, and I'm pretty conservative on gravel roads. There's really no need for 4wd in summer. The extra clearance of an SUV is nice, especially for pulling off the road to camp, have lunch or whatever. If you can swing it, go the last week of August. There's a slight chance of snow, but the fall colors on the tundra are unreal.
I spend a lot of time on the remote northern gravel highways and I'm comfortable with one good spare tire, a patch kit, a little air compressor, and a couple cans of fix-a-flat as a last resort.
Have fun! Hoping to do that whole drive myself this fall. Also heading up the Dalton in a couple days for my first time in winter
I included the bit about driving relatively slowly as i am a frustrated rally driver. My first instinct when on gravel is to stand on the gas and steer a lot. That even frightens my wife (Navaguesser in Chief) let alone any strangers in the car. Besides by driving reasonably you get to see the scenery as well as the road.
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Dempster Highway
