Taking an LX to Alaska... any input?

[Woelf]

As I mentioned in this thread, at some point later this year I will almost definitely be moving up to Alaska, most likely to the Anchorage or Fairbanks areas.

The problem is that I don't want to give up my Magnum ('05 RT, RWD). After about 6 months and almost 13,000 miles I have had zero problems, needed no TSB fixes, and still love driving it on a daily basis. It had less than 100 miles on it when I drove it off the dealer's lot, and I would very much like to keep it for a very long time (far beyond the point that any resale value would matter.)

From what I've heard in the other thread and elsewhere, AK is far from being the best place for keeping any car in good shape, and just getting it there in the first place can be far more trouble than it's worth.

So, for anyone that currently lives in Alaska, has spent time there, or has been in a similar situation, I'm looking for some input...

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1) What are the Anchorage/Fairbanks areas like in terms of driveability, maintenance (short and long term) etc...?

2) Are there any GOOD 5-star dealers/service centers in the Anchorage/Fairbanks areas?

3) Are there any reliable shipping methods that would take less than several weeks with little to no risk of unneccessary damage/abuse being done to the car?

4) How is the ALCAN highway in general, and in particular during early December? (One option would be for me to drive it there myself, since I would be between jobs at the time...)

5) In addition to what DawsonMagnum listed in the other thread (link above), are there any other suggestions/requirements for putting an LX into long-term storage?

6) How are the winters in those areas as far snow and road accessability? (I have plenty of experience driving in winter conditions, but I also know that AK can get significantly colder and snowier than it ever is here in WI.)

7) What are the best OEM-size (or close to it) snow tires available? I've heard Blizzaks and Scorpions mentioned several times as good options - are there are any significant pros/cons of one over the other?

8) What are the best traction-enhancers (in addition to snow tires) available? I'd prefer not to have to use chains because of the damage they can cause to the car if they break loose.

9) I'll add more questions as they come up...


Thanks in advance for any answers, suggestions, ideas, anecdotes, etc!

[jtfisher63]

I would suggest trying to get a hold of Meister. I believe he lived there for awhile. Jason.

[fnkychkn]

install a block heater. a battery warmer is probably a good idea too.

[Zog]

Buy the 2006 version of The Milepost. http://www.themilepost.com

[gn300]

Drive and have fun thats what buying a new car is about. Peace of mind on a trip!

[Fiveoh]

Fairbanks isn't too bad, not as cold as the interior of Alaska, but it still gets cold enough to cause serious harm to unprepared vehicles. Driving up there during the summer months won't be a big issue. I would not even think of driving up there during winter, but that is just me. It will take a long time, so plan the trip in phases (enough rest and gas stops along the way). Now the winter up there can be very harsh on every part of the vehicle.

Be prepared to invest in good snow tires or chains. A block heater is a must have item, but purchase engine heater blankets as well. These blankets are best for the electrical parts of the engine (fuse boxes and battery). I've blown fuses several times due to the extreme cold. However, a good insulated garage with heat does help alot. Never drive your car without running it for at least ten minutes.

Gas will get you up there, not because of the price per gallon, but because of the gallons wasted just getting your car warmed up every day during the winter. With that said, keep the fuel tank full as much as you can, and use 89 octane. 89 (and below) octane gas won't evaporate or gel as fast as higher octane.

Forget about mods, survival overcomes the need to show off. Only mod you should care about is a stronger battery with uber cold cranks.

[redinorange]

Stock up on antifreeze. Some that's potable and some for the car...

[sugar-tj]

can i come with you?
we were up there 2 years ago, on vac. LOVE THE PLACE!!!!
best of luck!!!

[timdebjake]

living in fairbanks for over 10 years...

so anchorage and fairbanks are completely different in terms of weather. anchorage alot like michigan was to me. very wet, freeze thaw cycle all winter. fairbanks normally gets cold and stays cold. we just got done with cold spell -50 no problems.

there is only one dodge dealer in fairbanks, so guess they are best 5 star in town lol

drove alcan twice, never in magnum. but in march it wasnt to bad in a van

anymore questions ask

[MikeEast]

My youngest daughter lives in Fairbanks, in the reserves waiting for hubby to get back from his second Iraq deployment, and she seconds what has been mentioned already.
She thinks parking out of the wind is a big plus too, as her Jeep Liberty got real cranky when left outside.

They drove the ALCAN in his CJ5, 6" lift, big tires, headers and a stepped on smallblock and she'll never do that again... from what she says, if your Magnum isn't lowered, you shouldn't have any major problems driving it up there. Long ride though...

Mike

[Woelf]

I just added a few more general questions to the initial list -- thanks everyone for the answers so far!

install a block heater. a battery warmer is probably a good idea too.

That's definitely on my "must-have" list.

How difficult is it to install a block heater? (Is it a simple bolt-in, or do you have to tear half the engine apart to mount it?)
Is the OEM block heater the best one to get, or are there better/more efficient aftermarket versions available?

living in fairbanks for over 10 years...

Thanks -- I'll definitely have to start bugging you for more information once the move gets closer!

[Fred]

I would look into JCWhitney's selection of heaters. I have the OEM factory block heater and it works, but that's only because I keep the car in the garage which is insulated. I don't think it's been under 40 in the garage yet. The car immediately on startup is at 100 degrees already (through EVIC) and within a block or two there's warm air coming out of the vents when it's 20's outside. I would venture to guess that your best option is to keep the car in a heated garage, maybe one of those electric heaters with a timer and a thermostat so your car is warmed an hour or two before you're ready to leave. The electricity it uses would cost far less than the gas used to sit for 10 minutes while the engine would be warming up. Also recomended is using synthetic oil so that it doesn't freeze or become too thick on cold starts. If you're parking outside, you should have atleast a block heater and one of those magnetic oil pan heaters, and a battery warmer and trickle charger to keep it topped off. Cold starts are harder on the battery.

[vanilla creme]

i am also planning on moving to alaska this summer for school. i will be going to fairbanks i plan on driving my mag up the alacan. you dont want to drive your mag in march it will still be slippery and ive traveled it four different times but it has been years and the road was still gravel, im looking at going in the end of may-beginning of june. the only difference is i plan on selling my mag when i get their, which sucks cause i just had some custom painting done. but ive lived in fairbanks a few different times and where ill be living off of chena hot springs rd at my sisters my car wont even get out of the driveway whith out studded tires so im just going to sell the mag when i get and get a fourwheel drive suv. if you dont want to drive you can catch a ferry at bellingham, wa. but i dont think they start running till april.

[VanillaRT]

I've drivin the Alcan at lest a half a dozen times. In the summer and in the winter and never had a problem. The only problem with winter is most gas stations are closed, but usually one open every 300 miles. If you want to sight see it will take you longer. I've made in the winter from Idaho Falls to Fairbanks inside of 2 days. I lived in Fairbanks for 4 years never had a problem with the snow. Drove a 2 wheel drive pick-up and a neon. A battery blanket and block heater should be fine.