Moving to Fairbanks from S. CA end of Jan 2012 (Anchorage: health insurance, how much)

[heathen]

Originally Posted by blin9465

(people say to go to Dawson Creek but isn't a little back tracking???)

Yeah you can skip it if you don't need anything in town. I skipped it when I drove up following the same route you're describing.

Wouldn't generally recommend making reservations in winter. There's too much likelyhood of being delayed somewhere along the way, and it's very unlikely that places will be full. Probably a good idea to call ahead (or maybe check websites) and come up with a list of places along the way that are pet friendly.

[Helo_fixer]

My wife and I just had this discussion and we've come to the conclusion we're putting everything we can live with out into storage until summer when we can go back to get it and make a safer drive. My company is paying for the move so it doesn't matter to them when it happens. I would hate to have a Uhaul break down in the middle of winter!!! We can crash on an air mattress and use plastic/paper silver wear and be just fine

[warptman]

I'd take the trip through Dawson Creek, the road from Chetwynd through Hudson's Hope to Fort St. John is a curve filled road with a big hill near Fort St. John. The road between Chetwynd to Dawson Creek is more likely to be better maintained than the Hudson's Hope route. Besides, you do need a picture of yourself at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek!

A majority of hotels in BC and the Yukon are pet friendly. Shouldn't have a problem finding a place.

Don't drive between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake at night!

[heathen]

Originally Posted by warptman

the road from Chetwynd through Hudson's Hope to Fort St. John is a curve filled road with a big hill near Fort St. John. The road between Chetwynd to Dawson Creek is more likely to be better maintained than the Hudson's Hope route.

This is true, have to admit I forgot about that. Still, I drove it snow-covered in February with no problems, but it is exceptionally winding, and probably little faster than going through Dawson Creek.

[blin9465]

What do you guys think about driving a U-haul truck for our trip next week??? Is it an insane idea???

[warptman]

Originally Posted by blin9465

What do you guys think about driving a U-haul truck for our trip next week??? Is it an insane idea???

Depends on how the road is. You will most likely need to bring chains with you, especially climbing up near Steamboat Summit/Indian Head Mountain. There is a steep grade there. Also for climbing in and out of the Muncho Lake area.

[mreece]

Originally Posted by warptman

Depends on how the road is. You will most likely need to bring chains with you, especially climbing up near Steamboat Summit/Indian Head Mountain. There is a steep grade there. Also for climbing in and out of the Muncho Lake area.

I'd add that it also depends on how your husband is with winter driving. uhaul trucks, in my experience, are notoriously poorly maintained. couple that with someone who isn't experienced/confident driving in poor winter conditions it could turn ugly quickly. the majority of the route was in good conditions when I drove up at the beginning of November, and there were still spots that sucked, even being very experienced in winter driving and incredibly confident of my vehicle's capabilities.

[blin9465]

Thanks Warptman and mreece...my husband grew up in the east coast with snow in winter and he drove in Fairbanks last month so I think he's okay as far as winter driving. He's told (and seen) by the local Uhaul company that the truck we're getting is pretty new and that they send those newer trucks for one way long distance trip and have insurance and 24/7 roadside asst. I asked if the truck is winterized and has appropriate tires, he told me yes. He's planning on driving the Uhaul and tow our Xterra to save gas. I'm still pretty nervous about it but doing so will save us ~$5k which is oh soooo tempting...but I know our safety is much more important than $...My husband seems to be confident and thinks it would be fine but I'm just a little on the skeptical side (you know all the what if's...) our plan is to start the drive on sat. and I'll log in and give you guys updates whenever I can. If you don't hear from me by early-Feb...something went wrong and come find us!!! =P

[AKStafford]

Originally Posted by blin9465

What do you guys think about driving a U-haul truck for our trip next week??? Is it an insane idea???

About 5 years ago I drove a Uhaul truck pulling a Uhaul car trailer with a small SUV on it. This was in February. We got a flat on the trailer about 3 hours outside of Watson Lake in the middle of the night. It was at least 20 below out. We unloaded the SUV to take the weight off of the trailer and drove them both into Watson Lake & checked into a hotel room at about 4am. Got up the next morning & found the shop that Uhaul had as their authorized fix it place. They replaced the tire, which was ruined from us driving on it. We loaded the SUV back up and was on our way.

So it's doable in a Uhaul.

[warptman]

This couple lives in Williams Lake, BC. It has a list of places to eat. Very good information since you'll be traveling along this route.

Food Beyond Hope

Get a burger from Fort Alexandria!