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

Folks -

it seems that in March I might have some free time on my hands and so I am planning to drive from San Jose, CA all the way up to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

Did anybody drive up there already with an X5?
If so, what was your setup?

I have a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i w/ sport package (original w/ 20" - now 19").

What do you recommend to make my ride safe(r)?

* Winter tires (as 255/55R18 109H XL):
- Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6, or
- Toyo Open Country A/T II
- others ???
- I am thinking to have a set of 6 tires on rims (=2 spare ones)
* Snow chains:
1 pair or 2 pairs? The user manual says to put chains only on the rear axle
* Engine block heater?
* Underride protection / skid plate?
it seems that the BMW original one is no longer available.
Do you know about custom made ones? Who?
* Which spare parts should I take with me in case of a break down?
* Will my extended warranty and maintenance be valid in Alaska?
There seems to be just one dealer in Anchorage. Will they honor it? What about the Canadian dealers?

Any infos / ideas are highly appreciated! :thumbup:

Thanks!

After reading your post, I did some perusal on the topic. Seems March may be more difficult than the usual May to September recommendations on sites.
You have probably already read these, but some links:
Dalton Highway - Wikitravel

Dalton Highway, otherwise known as the Haul Road

BLM Alaska: Dalton Highway - Frequently Asked Questions

My guess is your car is going to have a good speckling of road rash on some of the panels by the time you get back. And maybe need a new windshield.

Having done some long m'cycle and car trips, I understand the desire to 'go', but I would personally find someone else's car to do that trip in. ;>)
GL, mD

oops - forget to mention that I will get a layer of protective film from these guys Premier Protective Films International (aka Premier Mobile) clear bra, paint protection film, tint, auto tint, safety film, chip paint, kits, custom, car
They did already my 911 convertible and it is awesome! :thumbup:

windshield - yeah - we will see ... :wow:

Skip the immersion heater. Go with the silicone heater pads that stick on the oil pan. Add a battery blanket heater. And an interior heater, plug-in.

18" wheels with winter tires. I like Pirelli Scorpions, not sure about your size.

Warranty is fine in Canada. Wouldn't expect maintenance to be though.

Plan to lose at least one windshield. And lots of rock damage.

Skip the under guard protection.

Carry a winter emergency kit with tow rope, flares, safety triangles, space blankets, snacks, matches, candles, tarp and rope, hatchet, traction mats, jack, coveralls, etc. I am going from memory, but that is what I used to carry, all in a Rubbermaid tub, plus a sleeping bag. We didn't carry spare parts. We did file "flight plans" for long solo drives, so someone knew we were out there.

I llived at mile zero of the Alaska highway, and covered a territory throughout the Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut. I wouldn't have had a BMW there. Yes, you are a little crazy.

its been 20 years since I did it but lots of rough roads just getting to anchorage and loads of dirty gas in the yukon. buy something else reliable and easy to get parts for a few grand and sell it in alaska and fly home. just getting to anchorage is going to beat the crap out of your car. i

Not worth the wear and tear on the car. For what reason?

Look up Double D's Auto Detailing in Vancouver, BC on your way back down. Tell Dean you want the P40 special. He does detail obviously and is also a great glass guy for that new windshield.

Is take a Toyota pickup though...

rent a chevy 2500 or ford 250 - why take a bimmer? i drove on panamerican highway, from managua to panama city... no winter to worry about, but still scary in deserted areas

Terminator - what car were you driving on the PanAmericana?

it was 2002 4.6iS, fully factory set up... well, i have TV tuner (factory) and rear DVD (non-factory)