2025 Trip to Alaska, advice welcome

Make sure you have a go bag, with a fixed knife and firemaking stuff at the least, maybe a tarp and some cordage to make you a hasty shelter. You cant make a fire in the car to stay warm.

Make sure you have a case of water just in case you break down in the middle of nowhere.
 
The last sizeable town before entering the true wilderness is Fort Nelson although the drive between Fort St. John and Fort Nelson will give you a taste of northern forest. Stock up with snacks in Fort St John and you should be OK. Favorite Canadian snacks include Coffee Crisp, Arrow and Kit Cat chocolate bars and everyone needs several packs of Cheesies for long road trips. 😀
 
Been through the Alcan twice, once in May.
There is still a possibility of a late snow storm and icy conditions but generally, things are warming up.
Fun starts north of Dawson and the first real hill to decend and climb. Try down shifting to save on brakes. Have good brakes?
REAL fun starts west of Haines Junction when the roads start having swells, dips, and potholes that can swallow your car. This part of the trip will take alot more time till you get to Tok. May want to stay overnight at Haines Junction.

There are long stretches after Ft Nelson without cell service. If you break down, you will be dependent upon others to seek help for you when they arrive at the next town or can call.

You are allowed to bring long guns with (like a shotgun). If you do, print out the form and fill it out ahead. Pistols with 4” barrels or less are a no-no. Longer than that are a pita to deal with.

Keep a can a diesel with you after Ft Nelson. Mostly in case you break down and need to idle to stay warm or …just in case. Mostly though, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding places to fill up as long as you keep your tank topped.
 
Watch the documentary The Ice Road with Liam Neeson before you head out. Should you cross paths with an unseasonally dressed Asian man trying to hitch a ride it must be @PandaBear who has recently embarked on a deleterious northern lights adventure that is bound to end in disaster. I told him to not get his gear at Big5!
 
Last edited:
I can only speak to having spent time in Haines -- and by "in Haines" I mean 33 miles out. As noted, everything is referred to by mile post there because it's very remote.

I live near a tiny CO town but WOW Haines made it look like I live in Chicago. It's a different breed up there. Honestly, most of the locals aren't real bright. Be ready to be self-sufficient and polish up on your monosyllabic words.

The either really long days or really short days are an adjustment. The mosquitoes will kill you. Don't even dream of a casual after-dinner stroll without a firearm large enough to stop a brown bear. There are beautiful mountain ranges all around but you can't really get in to them unlike CO where there are old mining roads into virtually ANY mountain range you see.

I will say if you can do an airplane or helo tour over a glacier, do that! Very cool.

Overall, there's a reason AK is sparsely populated. It's brutal. It looks great from the living room window and that's about it. I understand visiting briefly, but couldn't live there, and I've grown up in CO all my life. Sorry, not sorry.
 
Love the adventure! Prepare for the car to be ruined after, because of glass, rocks, salt, etc.

I have a lot of thoughts on what you’ll need. No time to write them now.

But it’s an awesome adventure. Lots of stuff like this has been done in w123 cars.
 
JHZR2 said:
Love the adventure! Prepare for the car to be ruined after, because of glass, rocks, salt, etc.

I have a lot of thoughts on what you’ll need. No time to write them now.

But it’s an awesome adventure. Lots of stuff like this has been done in w123 cars.
Click to expand...

PM sent with my list.
 
@burbguy82
In 2009 the alcan was paved the whole way except where repairs were being made.
There were some frost heaves between Whitehorse and the Alaska border.
Speed limit is too slow, 100kph=62mph. I got a ticket (n)
 
Last edited:
Sam_Julier said:
PM sent with my list.
Click to expand...
Im going to write up my thoughts here so that anyone with this sort of a car/engine or doing this sort of plan has a reference.

For the car, Id make the assumption that you'll lose a tire, and that you'll also damage your glass. I dont know how much extra space you have/want to have in the car (Ive reclined and slept in a w124 when car camping on road trips with my kids, and it isnt bad if you can get it all the way back), bu the stink and space of extra tires/spares (mounted or unmounted? Unmounted may be a better bet for space savings) would be a consideration.

I'm assuming that all fluids are replaced/baselined, all consumable parts are in fine shape (e.g., belts), etc. I would have your injectors pop tested and balanced by greazzer on peach parts. I can pm you his info. This way your injectors are enabling optimal combustion, and you’ll replace the soft return lines between the injectors too. I’m also assuming that your shocks are good, the ball joints are new(ish) and no suspension rubber is torn. Also check your cv joints for cracks - the only time a Mercedes stranded me was when a cv joint tore open in Tennessee and was too noisy to risk taking the ride home. Also check flex discs. And either swap your wastegate to a pressure actuated version, or verify that your egr/vacuum setup is correct and not leaking vacuum. What you don’t want is to lose boost because of the wastegate setup in the middle of nowhere. The OM602.96 series use a computer controlled, vacuum closed wastegate. Different from any other MB diesels of the time. I’m also assuming that your rear shocks are up for the weight. Seriously. I was quite surprised at the geometry when I took my 1991 300D to Cincinnati and back, filled on the way home with three extra car batteries, a bunch of food, luggage, baseball gear, etc.

IMG_5401.webp


So for the car going kn a multi-thousand mile austere trip, Id want to have at minimum:

- Full size spare, mounted - depending upon age of your tires, maybe replace all five.
- Extra spare tire if needed (matching? Old pull-off? WM special?)
- Glass repair kit
- Jack - the MB jack may not be your favorite or most stable. A hydraulic jack is large and heavy, even if the HF 1.5 ton aluminum which is best in class.
- Breaker bar (more on this in the engine section) and 17mm (verify size) socket for lugs
- Cold weather fuel additive
- Cetane boost additive
- Short section of rubber vacuum hose
- Jumper cables
- Alternator voltage regulator
- blankets
- sun shade
- pillows
- gallon jugs of distilled water (good for drinking and radiator)
- 12v tire inflator. Some are really cheap/bad. Vlair 88P would be my pick, but the HD and HF cheaper are ok.
- Tire plug kit
- chock for the tire
- small board for jacking in loose soil on austere road

Other tools:
- Two screwdrivers - I like to have one of the cheap kind with the four bits that swap direction in the handle/shaft, and then a ratcheting one.
- decent multimeter with very fine probes
- I generally know my cars and so for most trips my ratchet set is just a 1/4” US made set with a long handle 1/4” drive Snap on ratchet and a wrench set.

I have a mess in my trunk, but this is what it looks like. It all fits in a Klein tools bag. You may want to bring at least a legit 3/8” drive set.

IMG_8730.webp


For the engine:
- long 1/2 breaker bar with 27mm socket to turn the engine
- whatever tool removes your fan. All services related to belts, pullies, and tensioners require removal of the fan some of my OM60x engines use an 8mm Allen, one of them with a newer fan/clutch takes a female Torx socket. Verify your setup and the stack-up length before you leave!!!! The Allen’s are usually too long, most ratchet/socket setups are too deep too and can damage your fan!
- a pulley holder tool so you can remove the fan bolt - the $15 performance tool unit works great
- A spare belt. Continental contitech is the best bet. If yours hasn’t been replaced recently, get a new one, put it on, and bring the old one. Or vice-versa.
- Spare fuel filters - primary and secondary
- Some extra fuel line for the clear fuel filter, and a length of the smaller return hose

I think this is such a great trip. Chronicle it. You have to make a photo thread that shows the whole trip. I’m so excited for it!!!

Let me know if you want some visitors to come and work over the car in prep!!
 
JHZR2 said:
Im going to write up my thoughts here so that anyone with this sort of a car/engine or doing this sort of plan has a reference.

For the car, Id make the assumption that you'll lose a tire, and that you'll also damage your glass. I dont know how much extra space you have/want to have in the car (Ive reclined and slept in a w124 when car camping on road trips with my kids, and it isnt bad if you can get it all the way back), bu the stink and space of extra tires/spares (mounted or unmounted? Unmounted may be a better bet for space savings) would be a consideration.

I'm assuming that all fluids are replaced/baselined, all consumable parts are in fine shape (e.g., belts), etc. I would have your injectors pop tested and balanced by greazzer on peach parts. I can pm you his info. This way your injectors are enabling optimal combustion, and you’ll replace the soft return lines between the injectors too. I’m also assuming that your shocks are good, the ball joints are new(ish) and no suspension rubber is torn. Also check your cv joints for cracks - the only time a Mercedes stranded me was when a cv joint tore open in Tennessee and was too noisy to risk taking the ride home. Also check flex discs. And either swap your wastegate to a pressure actuated version, or verify that your egr/vacuum setup is correct and not leaking vacuum. What you don’t want is to lose boost because of the wastegate setup in the middle of nowhere. The OM602.96 series use a computer controlled, vacuum closed wastegate. Different from any other MB diesels of the time. I’m also assuming that your rear shocks are up for the weight. Seriously. I was quite surprised at the geometry when I took my 1991 300D to Cincinnati and back, filled on the way home with three extra car batteries, a bunch of food, luggage, baseball gear, etc.

View attachment 256348

So for the car going kn a multi-thousand mile austere trip, Id want to have at minimum:

- Full size spare, mounted - depending upon age of your tires, maybe replace all five.
- Extra spare tire if needed (matching? Old pull-off? WM special?)
- Glass repair kit
- Jack - the MB jack may not be your favorite or most stable. A hydraulic jack is large and heavy, even if the HF 1.5 ton aluminum which is best in class.
- Breaker bar (more on this in the engine section) and 17mm (verify size) socket for lugs
- Cold weather fuel additive
- Cetane boost additive
- Short section of rubber vacuum hose
- Jumper cables
- Alternator voltage regulator
- blankets
- sun shade
- pillows
- gallon jugs of distilled water (good for drinking and radiator)
- 12v tire inflator. Some are really cheap/bad. Vlair 88P would be my pick, but the HD and HF cheaper are ok.
- Tire plug kit
- chock for the tire
- small board for jacking in loose soil on austere road

Other tools:
- Two screwdrivers - I like to have one of the cheap kind with the four bits that swap direction in the handle/shaft, and then a ratcheting one.
- decent multimeter with very fine probes
- I generally know my cars and so for most trips my ratchet set is just a 1/4” US made set with a long handle 1/4” drive Snap on ratchet and a wrench set.

I have a mess in my trunk, but this is what it looks like. It all fits in a Klein tools bag. You may want to bring at least a legit 3/8” drive set.

View attachment 256349

For the engine:
- long 1/2 breaker bar with 27mm socket to turn the engine
- whatever tool removes your fan. All services related to belts, pullies, and tensioners require removal of the fan some of my OM60x engines use an 8mm Allen, one of them with a newer fan/clutch takes a female Torx socket. Verify your setup and the stack-up length before you leave!!!! The Allen’s are usually too long, most ratchet/socket setups are too deep too and can damage your fan!
- a pulley holder tool so you can remove the fan bolt - the $15 performance tool unit works great
- A spare belt. Continental contitech is the best bet. If yours hasn’t been replaced recently, get a new one, put it on, and bring the old one. Or vice-versa.
- Spare fuel filters - primary and secondary
- Some extra fuel line for the clear fuel filter, and a length of the smaller return hose

I think this is such a great trip. Chronicle it. You have to make a photo thread that shows the whole trip. I’m so excited for it!!!

Let me know if you want some visitors to come and work over the car in prep!!
Click to expand...

Great advice. Many thanks for your time and help.

Sam
 
Sam_Julier said:
Jennifer and I are planning to drive to Homer Alaska via the Canadian Rockies, Alaska Hwy to Whitehorse YT, Klondike Hwy to Dawson, Taylor Hwy to Tok and on to Homer. Return route to Haines SK and ferry from Haines to Bellingham WA.

We arrive in Banff on May 1, Homer on May 17.

We’re driving the Mercedes 300D 2.5 turbo. Diesel engine. 18 gallon tank. 33 mpg at 65 mph. It appears that diesel fuel is available at each town. I plan to fill up often.

The car will have 4 new snow tires. Plus the full size spare, 2021 date code. I will pack chains.

We will have full winter clothes including down parkas, food, water, a jet boil, Yeti cooler, etc.

Plus a wicker cocktail case. If I’m gonna die I’d like to sipping a rye old fashioned. 😉

I’ll be carrying tools, NOCO jump starter, spare bulbs, top off oil, etc.

The engine will have HPL CK-4 HD 5W40. I don’t plan on an oil and filter change.

Plus enough cash to pay for all fuel and food in case the internet is down.

Questions:

1) Should I carry extra diesel fuel?
2) Should I carry a second spare tire?

Any and all advice is welcome and greatly appreciated!

Sam
Click to expand...
Cordless inflator? Spare tire in a can. Diesel fuel additive. Diesel fuel filter? I would not carry extra fuel unless it was a pickup with a heavy equipment type fuel tank in the bed.
 
Donald said:
Cordless inflator? Spare tire in a can. Diesel fuel additive. Diesel fuel filter? I would not carry extra fuel unless it was a pickup with a heavy equipment type fuel tank in the bed.
Click to expand...

All of the above. No need to carry extra diesel. Thanks for your input.
 
Sam_Julier said:
Prepping Greta for our trip to Utah and then on to Alaska. Slightly over 12,000 miles.

1992 300D 2.5 turbo

View attachment 264993
Click to expand...
Can’t wait to hear the play-by-play as you go!

I don’t think you need to carry fuel, but I would carry an empty small (1-2 gal) diesel can. I’d also carry a few bottles of diesel purge. Leave them fully sealed. Not that you need to be cleaning, but if/when you need to replace a primary fuel filter, you want to pre-fill it.

Also get a fuel hose clamp. One that stops flow in the tube. I like the Stahlwille.

https://a.co/d/gbBaSo1
 
Sam_Julier said:
Jennifer and I are planning to drive to Homer Alaska via the Canadian Rockies, Alaska Hwy to Whitehorse YT, Klondike Hwy to Dawson, Taylor Hwy to Tok and on to Homer. Return route to Haines SK and ferry from Haines to Bellingham WA.

We arrive in Banff on May 1, Homer on May 17.

We’re driving the Mercedes 300D 2.5 turbo. Diesel engine. 18 gallon tank. 33 mpg at 65 mph. It appears that diesel fuel is available at each town. I plan to fill up often.

The car will have 4 new snow tires. Plus the full size spare, 2021 date code. I will pack chains.

We will have full winter clothes including down parkas, food, water, a jet boil, Yeti cooler, etc.

Plus a wicker cocktail case. If I’m gonna die I’d like to sipping a rye old fashioned. 😉

I’ll be carrying tools, NOCO jump starter, spare bulbs, top off oil, etc.

The engine will have HPL CK-4 HD 5W40. I don’t plan on an oil and filter change.

Plus enough cash to pay for all fuel and food in case the internet is down.

Questions:

1) Should I carry extra diesel fuel?
2) Should I carry a second spare tire?

Any and all advice is welcome and greatly appreciated!

Sam
Click to expand...
I don't travel much but I'd definitely let your cc provider know your intentions. If they see spending in the USA then Canada then back in Alaska they will likely shut it off. When I visit my parents I call my cc company and tell them the dates I'm going. I've driven on multiple occasions and also have notified them of the states I'll be traveling through as well. Not sure if it's an option but a satellite phone might be helpful if you plan on real remote venturing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom