JERU

Thats a tough one. Initially I would be all over the drive, that would be a great time to relax and enjoy the scenery. But 2 weeks on the road does not sound like a great way to spend vacation. I wouldn't be too concerned with 5K on the truck as long as it was solid. Having it break down and finding a place to fix it on the road would be time consuming and a small nightmare...Not to mention stretch that tour out to three weeks...I could only handle 500 miles max a day, so my time period may be on the long side...

If you do it, take pictures, would be a something you wouldn't forget for a while...

SFCHondo

Drove from FL to AK in 1986, do the drive, it's an experience you won't forget. Roads are 10x better now then they were in 84.

Mod (Ret.)

Drive. I'd take a week to do it. Stop at some cool places along the trip. I'd make sure I head towards old route 66, North part of California, through the redwood forests, and Washington state. If you're not a member of AAA, find a friend who is, and have them get you the free members maps that mark great places to see on the trip.

You'd be talking about this trip years later for sure.

As to the truck, take it to a shop/mechanic you trust, explain what you plan to do (drive from Florida to Alaska), and have them give it the "once over" before you go.

Got someone you could split the driving duties with? That way you could do some non driving sight seeing as well.

Ironically, I noticed this ad at the top of this forums screen shot as I posted this answer: "NorthtoAlaska.com"

http://www.northtoalaska.com/planner...aspx?Code=0613

It says you can get free maps.

fastford04150

thanks everyone,

i think i've made my mind up that the drive will be worth it. it is a civilian job, i'm a architect/general contractor for a very big company and i'm being relocated. Movers are comming at end of the week. I was thinking of snaking northwest from florida up to the arizona utah area stopping at grand canyon - being an architect i want to see that 200' glass bridge! And of course up thru the hoover dam/ california and all that up thru into alaska - i leave next tuesday! time isn't an issue, work gave me six weeks of "off" time to relocate, get settled, and get all affairs in order. while still getting salary! they of course are paying for relocation etc...

Worf

i took the fairy from seatle to hains alaska then drove to fairbanks, the road that we took was not in the best condition some of it was just pure gravel.

its up to you but i just left alaska when i was sent to arizona, i would ship it. also when you get there you need to have it winterized. alaska is really cold man and every parking lot you go to will have these power sockets to plug your truck into to keep it from freezing up on ya. at least in fairbanks they did.

get it winterized as soon as you can i cannot say that to you enough it is very important

p.s. alaska is the only state i know that will pay you once a year for living there it is called a dividin check..has something to do with the oil there.

Worf

hondo i was at Fort Wainwright...where were you ??

fastford04150

i knew there would need to be implications for the cold, my entire "driving life" i've been in florida what do they consider "winterized" In boston i know its a engine block heater and some thicker viscosity oils and pure antifreeze no mixtures. I think i might have it winterized either along the way or just before i get up there. Any idea's? one other question, the concept of 6months of dark/light is going to take some used to but this project and this position are just too much to pass up plus alaska is beautiful country besides being a frozen popsickle!

SFCHondo

Kodiak Island, That was during my Coast Guard time.

Worf

the 23 1/2 hours of daylight in the summer and the 23 1/2 hours of darkness in the winter takes some getting used too, but it is a one of a kind place. you will get to see the northern lights etc.

on the icey roads up there i found it helpful to place some bags of ready mix concret in the bed of my truck to give me better traction.

and watch out for the mosquitos in summer time LOL

fastford04150

avoiding mosquites i hear up there is like asking someone in florida to not have ac...it just isn't possible.