4Runner Challenge. Traversing in Arctic Cold

alaskaman

Senior Member
Just completed 800 miles from Eagle River Alaska to Haines Alaska crossing the west of British Columbia and the Yukon. Average temp was 35 below zero with maximum 55 below zero. Here are some tips if you want an adventure. The far north is unlike many places. It is an black and white driving experience. You make a mistake chances are good you will suffer and may die. There is no forgiveness and less help.

Put your vehicle in a warm environment open and close the rear window and sun roof. do not open while traversing cold climates.

The TPMS will illuminate in very cold temps. increasing the pressure in the tires will shut off the light however you may want to run your tires below optimum to maximum grip.

The 4th gen temp gauge goes to minus 22 and then gives two lines.

If you distract yourself doing chores you may leave the road.

If you go off the road you may die of hypothermia.

A satellite phone is your best friend.

You may be the only vehicle on the road for hours in either direction.

In temperatures 35 and below zero if your 4Runner does not have a plug in heater leave your 4Runner at idle.

It will take 1/4 tank of gas to idle for 12 hours.

Carry food and water which is easily accessible.

Watch for animals large enough to crush your vehicle.

Do not drive at night. Know the moon cycles.

Don't touch the gas pump with bare hands.

And what you get is one of the most beautiful views on the planet which no pic can do justice.

L'aventura es la vida.
 
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Sounds like a fun trip, i wanna explore south america one day, Im not too big a a fan of the cold north. But why do you say not to touch the gas?

And post up some pics...
 
why no touchy gas with bare hands? any pics? sounds like a good adventure. always more adrenaline if "death" is a possibility.
 
The gas handle is too cold and the metal will stick to your skin if you touch it with bare hands.

Sounds like an interesting adventure.
 
pics

a local chopper which had to land at -45 Destruction Bay Yukon. Had a nice chat about mixing fuels at those temps.

The road in the Yukon a couple snow riders at 40 below aand Haines Alaska this morning at minus 2.
 

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Nice, I did an exercise in Valdez for about 6 weeks and it was the most amazing scenery Ive ever seen and Ive seen a lot.
 
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.....just want a few more PIAA lamps and a wood stove ...:driving:
 

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whoa..those are some pretty nice pics. i'd love to see scenery like that..closest thing i've seen is the smokey mountains hahaha. saw the rocky all the way to alaska on a plane trip to japan though.
 
Sweet pics. Nice adventure. I've topped up near the Yukon, grew up in the NWT. One day I want to head over to Alaska as the scenery there seems to be pretty amazing.

Sadly where I'm from all I get is the cold/snow but not the sweet scenery you just went through. Here, anything below -30c we use our block heaters so we can start up in the morning. And there's nothing like driving a truck the next morning with your seat foam feeling like a block of ice and your tires being lumpy from being frozen stiff. Makes for a bumpy ride even on smooth roads till they work themselves out.

Thanks for sharing your adventure. The T4R makes those pics even better!
 
Thanks guys. I would recommend this trip anytime of the year. I just spent 4 days on the ship with rain and rolling seas and got into Bellingham this morning now cruising down interstate 5 getting the studded tires changed over in the morning here. Each time I do this trip I learn something new.

I love my 4Runner....aka The Beast. It is an amazing vehicle. simply amazing:cheers:
 

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