X5 on the Dalton Highway in March - am I nuts?

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by teffi71

am I nuts?

Yes.

[TerminatorX5]

or, you can get one of these things - just check out how it clears the snow banks!!!

Tank On The Road - YouTube

[X5SND]

I think there have been valid points on either side of the "for or against" argument....heres my .02....

1) At the end of the day its only a vehicle....sure, the trip may depreciate its value, but I'd think the memories of such an excursion would farrrr out weigh that---you can always buy another X5.
2) Do it in a vehicle you actually want to be in for that amount of time. Last thing you want is to be stuck driving that distance in a vehicle you don't enjoy. I'm sorry, but the idea of being stuck in a pickup for that length of time is complete rubbish. They ride and handle like crap; the last place Id want to be is traveling the twisted mountain roads in one of those crude things. If its a leisure trip, it has to be a vehicle you enjoy driving.
3) Preparation, Preparation, Preparation....Spare parts, tools, survival gear, maps; But most of all, don't be cheap...get yourself a satellite phone. If you happen to actually need help somewhere out of range of normal cell towers, last thing you want is to have to wait for someone to come along to flag.
4) Give your truck an excruciating check up. Up, under, over and through....then again! Compare known problem areas to past maintenance to see If anything may be a problem down the road.

Granted, there's always the possibility of the unforeseen....BUT, with proper planning should have no troubles minimizing it. Take the time and spend the dough to plan it correctly and go for it!!

[c-bolt]

I'm not sure what the fuss is about. I think the trip would be much worse in the summer with all the gravel. I live in Wasilla, Ak and work in Prudhoe Bay. Up north past Fairbanks, all the roads are gravel in the summer and snow/ice in the winter. Our roads on the slope are much more friendly in the winter. I wouldn't worry about the windshield during that time of year, but the weather will likely be very cold to a Californian. Plus, your BMW windshield is pretty touch compared to many others. Its about 250 miles from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, where you can get gas, and another 250 to Deadhorse where you can get gas as well. I wouldn't carry spare fuel, but a few gallons may not hurt if you're worried. Pay close attention to the weather before you leave as the storms in the pass and north of the Brooks Range commonly result in white out conditions with blowing snow (like you couldn't imagine). I would strongly recommend renting a satellite phone from "The Surveyers Exchange" (Surveyors Exchange) in Anchorage. It is super valuable to have while you're remote as there is very llimited cell service all over Alaska (pretty slim north of Fairbanks). I think they will even mail it to you if you need it.

For tires in the winter, I can highly recommend Blizzak DM-V1. I run the 255/55/18's all winter long and they work great.

Just watch Ice Road Truckers and figure about 80% of it is bull and over exaggerated. Just realize the weather can and will bite you in the butt if you aren't prepared.

Actually....exactly one mile past fairbanks your car will break down and you will freeze to death.

[teffi71]

c-bolt -

I sincerely believe you that the winter driving is easier on the car than in summer.

Thanks for the Surveyers Exchange and Sat Phone rental hint. 255 for a month plus 1.75 a minute is really worth the peace of mind. And it seems to be a steal!

[Naz24]

I used a sat phone when I travelled around the world. They work really well... Had a 30 min convo while in the middle of the pacific. Cool stuff

[JCL]

Originally Posted by teffi71

c-bolt -

I sincerely believe you that the winter driving is easier on the car than in summer.

I agree that winter roads may be easier on the car north of 60, but you have to get there first. Through the Oregon passes, the Washington passes, through BC on Highway 97, and then the Alaska Highway from mile 0, there are lots of places where gravel will be spread on paved roads due to road conditions.

[c-bolt]

No problem. I have used them when hunting. My wife really appreciates a quick phone call every night, and I'm too cheap to buy one. Renting is the best option for me. Do you have any plans to head down towards the Anchorage area?

[hockeyninja]

I remember the days when having a 30 min conversation on the phone in your car was cool. How the world changes..

Originally Posted by Naz24

I used a sat phone when I travelled around the world. They work really well... Had a 30 min convo while in the middle of the pacific. Cool stuff

[Stantiva]

Carry 2 spares and expect to buy a new windshield.