5111

This is off-topic, but still somewhat F-150 related. The wife and I are considering taking a drive to Alaska this summer. We are both off for the summer, so time is not really an issue. We would use around 3 weeks to go up and back. It would mostly be a driving trip, so we wouldn’t be stopping every 5 minutes nor going off the beaten path too often. The tentative plan would be to drive up to Anchorage via the Alaskan Highway. We are not campers, so we would have to stay in hotels/motels/lodges on the trip. In the event of an emergency, we could spend a night or two in the back of the truck. We will have an air mattress, blankets, etc. with us. After Anchorage, we would try and come home a different route, maybe the BC route.

Driving long distance is not new to my wife or me. We usually go on driving trips during the summer from Texas to Idaho or Florida. We have never taken a trip of this magnitude, although one summer we did drive over 10,000 miles in a Mustang, but it was spread over about 6 weeks.

My main question is about the truck. I have a 2011 FX4 Ecoboost with a tonneau cover and Bedrug. I know that putting 10k miles on it will hurt the resell value, but other than that, is there anything that I should be concerned about? From what I understand, the main roads have greatly improved in the past several years. Will damage to the vehicle be likely (other than hitting an animal or vehicle?) My in-laws are concerned that that the trip will be very hard on the vehicle, but I don’t really see how. I intend to stick to the main roads if at all possible. Years ago it was a pretty difficult trip, but is it still that way? My grandmother took her RV up about 10 years ago and they say that it was hard on the RV (at least that was the excuse they gave to get a different one when they returned). Their trip was closer to 2 months and they lived in the RV and entertained guests.

Money, as always, is an issue. This trip would be no-exception. We would still have to be conscientious of our spending. But I have a reliable truck that is 4wd, no kids, and an entire summer. Why shouldn’t I go?

Here is a proposed route. I have family in Boise that we would see on the way back.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=76...&via=2&t=m&z=4

swazispencer

I dont see there being any problems along the way, unless it's having problems already. If you haven't already, go to ford.com and check out the ecoboost torture test. Im sure what you're going to be doing is nothing in comparison.

Ssls6

I've done it on motorcycle before. It is about 600 miles between major towns. Make sure you can camp if needed. Take two spares and you should be fine. Their chip seal is hard on tires. It is a wonderful drive. Drive the ice fields parkway on the way up to fort Nelson.

5111

I recently updgraded my rims and tires, but kept my stock ones. I plan to swap back to the stock rims/tires for the 10k mile trip, but maybe I'll throw a new one in the back too just in case.

AppDawg

Gas cans would help as well. I believe you can transport around 10 gals across the border. Not much but in pinch could get you to the next stop. Gas is expensive in Canada as well in the smaller towns in Ak, so plan accordingly. Good luck and give us the details and pics when you get back. If you have time, I'd recommend heading to Valdez first and after you can drive or take the ferry to Anchorage. Valdez is absolutely beautiful in the summer; it was our yearly vacation spot when we lived in Fairbanks

jimcam22

When you get to Anchorage I would make a side trip to Denali National Park if you have the time. I can't see driving all that way and miss Denali.

woz

Denali is a must see! Make sure you have plenty of food and water with you too. They call Alaska the last frontier........Beautiful place!!!

Ssls6

I would definitely use my old rims and tires. I was amazed how many carried two spares when I rode up to the article circle. So many cool places to see. Expect gravel for miles as the roads get damaged every winter and repaired each summer. Mosquitoes are so numerous they can carry you off if you're not careful.

wildscottishblum

If you're driving to Anchorage from the lower 48 you only have two routes through AK, either right thru Denali or via Valdez. I spent 3 summers working at Denail in the 90's, and highly recommend it, it is a true jewel.
As for the rest of the trip, you also have two choices, the Alcan or the Cassiar hwy's, both are great. in '97 I rode a '76 Honda 750 from Denali to Portland, 2704 miles. As stated the chip seal can be a bit rough, don't tailgate if you like your paint as it is.
Great trip, well worth it.

Jakescwi

Buy the current milepost book, you will be very grateful, available on amazon or you can probably buy one near the border. It will list all gas stations and lodging currently up and running along the Alcan and other routes throughout Canada and Alaska. Extra gas doesn't hurt but not a necessity. The longest I went without a gas station was 108 miles I believe. It shouldn't be too bad on your truck, the frost heaves can get kinda nasty but most of them are marked so you can slow down. Another problem is gravel roads due to construction, I got a chipped windshield and I know many others have too. I had no problem finding hotels until I reached Tok, Alaska and all the rooms in town were booked, on a Tuesday at 2 pm. All in all it was an exciting trip, lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery, take your time, stop and take pictures.