Detroit to Anchorage; Moving across the continent in a TI.

[mrmerkur]

Well, more specifically, Ypsilanti Michigan. about 45 Minutes west of Detroit. Moving to Alaska has always been a pipe dream for me, but it seems that Spring of 2014 It might actually happen. I've spent the past 5 years in and out of just about every college in the state, and I'm finally nearing the end of an Airframe and Powerplant accreditation school (A&Ps are the federally approved mechanics who are allowed to perform Alterations and Maintenance on any aircraft registered in the states) and I've figured it's about time to get out of this terrible economy. Anyways, I'd like to know what's been done in the past to suit up these cars for such long hauls into unexpected territory. Aside from the obvious (spare tire/s, oil, coolant, spark plugs, tools, bulbs, tire chains, fuses, food, water ect.) My greatest concern is fuel... I'm obviously going to need a roof rack, and I'm debating the use of plastic fuel cells mounted on the roof, with a simple rubber line and petcock for refueling on the side of the road. Any other suggestions?

Oh, and yes, I do plan on sleeping in the TI for a week or so... I've spent a few nights in her, she isn't too bad

[pdxmotorhead]

You don't need THAT much fuel.. Just don't pass a gas station and you'll be fine on the Alcan. Services are about 150 miles apart. If you can find one, put a hitch on and you can use a small cargo carrier (Harbour freight has some for cheap.) I would not plan on just pulling off the road randomly to sleep. There are not as many undeveloped choices as you'd think. Buy a copy of the Milepost its a mile by mile guide to the Alcan. If you plan on a ferry make your reservation 6 months + in advance...

Parts:
Fuel Filter, Oil Filter & Oil, Good tires, small toolkit. 1 bottle of ATF(Power steering)

Most of the highway through canada is paved now, but its got wicked frost heave here and there (BUMPY!)

Clear Bra for the front.

Leading edge tape for the running boards. (Stops rock chips.)

Might consider plastic dip to protect the body for a long trip in the places you might get chips..

Good spare, can of slime fix-a flat, tire plug kit.

Jug of water / and a small hiker water filter. There is a lot of water up there,, so if you got stuck you can have water. 2 days food minimum.

Don't sleep on the roadside in a tent in the Yukon there are critters that are above you on the food chain..

I highly recommend that you do NOT drive at night. The freight trucks OWN the road, and they take no prisoners. Besides, if ou get up at daylight you have about 16 hours of drive time ...

Cheers
Dave