I am getting the Beast ready for it's trip homeward. Planned mods.

1) weathertech mats.

2) westin bull bar (matte) with Hella 500 and clear plastic covers.

3) roof basket.

4) CB radio.

5) Navigation (may change from my real time traffic needs as truly Alaska has more moose and planes than cars)

6) built in locking sheath for firearm most likely hold the 454 Ruger Alaskan Casull to ward off bears. Deciding where to position it maybe glovebox maybe center console. In AK one can buy and carry without issue and permits are easy to obtain for a concealed weapon. (as long as you dont take it into a liquor store)............

Hope to be there before the new year.

Couple months til the recon trip.

Will post a pic when all is done.

Where do you get such a thing? If it is what I am thinking of, I have been looking for something like this for years.

have to design it and have it custom built. basically a holster for the firearm which is snug via a few smooth brads into a lexan or metal lock box.

you can also put the box into the center console and provide a locking mechanism for one or both.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...icial%26sa%3DN

still got those Pirelli's?.... how are they holding up? i just ordered some via tire rack can't wait to get them mounted and balanced.

Yup. Still rolling sweet. A little tread wear now at 15K but lookin pretty. I'm getting to Anchorage AK with snow falling and so far I have real confidence in their manners and ability to handle the winter.

If I have to go to studs will get the Nokians for dedicated winter, but honestly the Scorpions really did well in various snow slush. Ice IS the issue however.

How will you get across the border if your packin??? Unless there is a route around Canada I don't know about. Best of luck at the Peace Arch crossing shouldn't have any problems entering Canada with a concealed hand gun.

I had a safe in my center console in my Sequoia, but I don't feel like the 4Runner console is big enough for it to be worth while (too large a percentage of the total space would be wasted with the safe itself and the unfilled space around it). I was thinking of an actual holster that bolted to the transmission tunnel, but had a locking device like shotgun mounts in police cruisers- covers the trigger and holds gun. Similar to this, but with an actual lock:
http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=44H1&C=C0909

For concealment, it would be easy enough to cover with some material and velcro. Much quicker access than a safe too. Let us know what you come up with.

I am traveling with the 4Runner on the Ferry from Bellingham WA to Whittier AK. skirts the Canadian territory on the Alaska Marine Highway system.

I picture the same "holster" but seeing the hand gun from the outside of the vehicle in my estimation is asking for trouble. that's why putting it in a box of some sort would be a preference.

For the safe, check out: http://www.center-of-mass.com/

The medium size fits perfectly into my center console. I drilled some holes into it and used some longer bolts to bolt it into the truck. I'm sure a determined thief could get into it, but I'm hoping that it will deter and frustrate long enough for them to leave. It's empty 99% of the time as I carry my firearm on my person and avoid businesses that do no respect the 2nd Amendment. It does come in handy if I have to stop somewhere that I can't have a firearm (post office) and I have to store it temporarily.

Thanks for the info sharp4runr!

Would recommend the floor mats as the first modification as bears won't be an issue when you arrive in the winter... just hungry moose.

If you're thinking of going with the factory navigation I wouldn't waste the money as Toyota doesn't support Alaska road maps. Aftermarket would be the way to go.

The rest of the equipment can be on an as needed/wanted basis.

I don't use studs on mine because studs only really help on accelaration and I've never had a problem gently accelerating on Anchorage's roads.

If you're planning on being more "outside" of town than in Anchorage, or driving on the Glenn on a regular basis than I might consider it.

Thanks.

Hey alaskaman,

Just want to wish you a safe trip and godspeed. Take some pictures (especially from the ferry). Be safe!