TX to AK in December Set-up Advice

[WhiteLightning]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are going to be doing a return drive to Alaska from Texas along the ALCAN in the winter. I'm gonna be trading in my '06 T4R for a '15 SR5 (4wd) and set it up for the journey. Any suggestions for a good lift and tire combo for the distance and the likely sketchy winter road conditions in Canada. Right now I'm thinking Toytec 3" with 5100's and no idea on the tires.
Any input and/or experience would be great. Thanks!

 

[1engineer]

Tires I understand. Lift and shocks to drive on roads? Not needed.

 

[WhiteLightning]

On the ALCAN, in the middle of winter, a lift will come in handy. Some roads are dirt/snow and on our drive south in the '06 there were 100 mile stretches of 3-4 inch fresh snow with just reflective posts marking the roads.

 

[96r50]

Tires I understand. Lift and shocks to drive on roads? Not needed.

x2. 4Runners are quite capable at stock height. The tradeoff of more capability for worsened driving dynamics isn't one I'd make right before a multi thousand mile road trip.

As far as tires go look for something in stock size with the severe weather symbol (the little mountain snowflake icon). BFG AT's, Falken A/T3W, Cooper A/TW are the first few that come to mind. They aren't winter tires but they have more siping that other all terrain tires and that's what makes the difference in snowy road driving. You can still use them daily when you get back to Texas too.

 

[WhiteLightning]

x2. 4Runners are quite capable at stock height. The tradeoff of more capability for worsened driving dynamics isn't one I'd make right before a multi thousand mile road trip.

As far as tires go look for something in stock size with the severe weather symbol (the little mountain snowflake icon). BFG AT's, Falken A/T3W, Cooper A/TW are the first few that come to mind. They aren't winter tires but they have more siping that other all terrain tires and that's what makes the difference in snowy road driving. You can still use them daily when you get back to Texas too.

It's a one way drive (moving to AK). And I was thinking that since I'll be on trails when I am up there that I would do the lift/bigger tires now. You're suggesting the change in driving dynamic would not be worth it for the long distance?

 

[salong53]

I still agree with [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]. Seems like driving that distance across very diverse geography, snow tires would be out of the question, meaning that you might be better off investing in some decent recovery gear instead of a lift. I would think a stock SR5 would do the trip just fine with some recovery gear as insurance, and you'll probably be more comfortable on the highway without the lift anyway.

It's okay, you can admit to us that you just want the lift and tires because it looks awesome. We won't tell your wife that it's not really necessary :biggrin2:

 

[WhiteLightning]

I still agree with [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION]. Seems like driving that distance across very diverse geography, snow tires would be out of the question, meaning that you might be better off investing in some decent recovery gear instead of a lift. I would think a stock SR5 would do the trip just fine with some recovery gear as insurance, and you'll probably be more comfortable on the highway without the lift anyway.

It's okay, you can admit to us that you just want the lift and tires because it looks awesome. We won't tell your wife that it's not really necessary :biggrin2:

LOL, the lift does look good. It sounds like I'd be better off doing the lift when I get up to AK and just invest in better tires and some recovery gear. Thanks for the info

 

[salong53]

LOL, the lift does look good. It sounds like I'd be better off doing the lift when I get up to AK and just invest in better tires and some recovery gear. Thanks for the info

The one benefit that I could see with a lift is preventing rear spring sag when loaded down (if you're carrying a heavy load since you're moving), but the same thing could be accomplished with the Airlift 1000 for about $80.

 

[1engineer]

On the ALCAN, in the middle of winter, a lift will come in handy. Some roads are dirt/snow and on our drive south in the '06 there were 100 mile stretches of 3-4 inch fresh snow with just reflective posts marking the roads.

Lol c'mon man. Dirt and snow do not require a lift or shocks. My advice is to buy you some good AT tires, some recovery gear and call it a day.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Lol c'mon man. Dirt and snow do not require a lift or shocks. My advice is to buy you some good AT tires, some recovery gear and call it a day.

Seems to be the consensus. Easy enough. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Alaska_4Runner]

It's a one way drive (moving to AK). And I was thinking that since I'll be on trails when I am up there that I would do the lift/bigger tires now. You're suggesting the change in driving dynamic would not be worth it for the long distance?

Having just moved from Anchorage in November, I would recommend a set of chains (although the ALCAN is pretty well maintained) fuel cans (in the event one of the gas stops is closed), making your hotel reservations in advance and packing cold weather gear. Bring a camera as you'll most likely see moose along your drive.

oh, if you enjoy snowboarding. Make a stop in Whistler for a little vacation before the 4-day drive.

I had 5100's put on my 2012 4Runner and would recommend that as an easy upgrade to the stock suspension in addition to all terrain tires. I wouldn't go as extreme as a snow tire but something aggressive that drives well and provides decently mileage. Overall not an expensive upgrade and allows you the opportunity to research more before pulling the trigger.

You're going to love Alaska, AIRBORNE!

 

[96r50]

It's a one way drive (moving to AK). And I was thinking that since I'll be on trails when I am up there that I would do the lift/bigger tires now. You're suggesting the change in driving dynamic would not be worth it for the long distance?

Ah, I interpreted the "return" in your original post as you were going up to AK and back.

I wouldn't lift it before the drive personally. My 4Runner is still stock height and while I haven't driven north to Alaska in it I've driven through big snowstorms in the mountains in British Columbia and Alberta in the winter and I never lacked for clearance. Tires on the other hand are much more important for the improvement in traction and braking ability that they afford you.

BC provincial law requires either the mountain snowflake symbol or M+S rated tires for the winter season. The stock Bridgestones on the 4Runner are M+S rated but they really do suck in the snow compared to any mountain/snowflake rated tire (and those are way behind real winter tires). My Cooper AT3's are only M+S and they aren't great in the winter either. They were on the truck when I did one of those winter trips and while we made it just fine I definitely found myself wishing I'd put the winter tires on for the trip!

While you can do this trip with a 4Runner straight off the showroom floor I don't think you'd regret spending money on tires right off the bat. If you do it while the OEM tires are still new you can get pretty decent money for them too and minimize the impact on your wallet.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Having just moved from Anchorage in November, I would recommend a set of chains (although the ALCAN is pretty well maintained) fuel cans (in the event one of the gas stops is closed), making your hotel reservations in advance and packing cold weather gear. Bring a camera as you'll most likely see moose along your drive.

oh, if you enjoy snowboarding. Make a stop in Whistler for a little vacation before the 4-day drive.

I had 5100's put on my 2012 4Runner and would recommend that as an easy upgrade to the stock suspension in addition to all terrain tires. I wouldn't go as extreme as a snow tire but something aggressive that drives well and provides decently mileage. Overall not an expensive upgrade and allows you the opportunity to research more before pulling the trigger.

You're going to love Alaska, AIRBORNE!

We were stationed at JBER '07-'11 and we're PCSing back there. I'm looking forward to getting back up there. We loved it.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Ah, I interpreted the "return" in your original post as you were going up to AK and back.

I wouldn't lift it before the drive personally. My 4Runner is still stock height and while I haven't driven north to Alaska in it I've driven through big snowstorms in the mountains in British Columbia and Alberta in the winter and I never lacked for clearance. Tires on the other hand are much more important for the improvement in traction and braking ability that they afford you.

Luckily, I kept the chains from the old southbound drive we did in '11 and I'm most definitely going to invest in tires just a matter of what and what size. I've seen the thread about what tires fit so that should guide me well for size. I'm just curious about specific brand and line for tires.

The lift will have to wait until we get there and it sounds like it's for the better. I don't want to hear my wife complain about the ride for 5,000 miles.

 

[Peyto]

I'll second (third?) the tire suggestion.

I'm a two tires for two seasons (winter, not winter) kind of guy, but if you're going to go with one set then I'd recommend getting an all-weather tire, be it the Nokian Rotiiva, Cooper A/TW, Falken A/T3W, or some other similar tire with a softer compound. They will serve you well on the drive up and for life in AK.

 

[Diesel_Dog]

I'd echo the above comments about aquiring some winter tires. Perhaps pop them on when in northern Washington or southern BC to save some wear.

In addition the to above suggestions of spare gas and a recovery kit I'd suggest an emergency kit, sleeping bags, a couple of jugs of winter washer fluid (-40 or better), and some microfibre towels to clean your lights.

You might also want to think about prepping the runner for Alaska. Block heater, remote start, battery heater, oil pan heater will make starting it in the cold a bit easier.

Happy trails!

 

[Fishpilot]

Take your new 4R directly from the dealer to the local tire discounters and get $200 for your stock tires and trade up to a set of Duratracs in E rating and inflate them to 40ish psi. Should run you about $1000 OTD. Buy a proper tow strap and snatch strap and get the trailer hitch option from the dealer or u-haul for a good strong point on the vehicle. The road is totally paved, maybe a few stretches of hard packed gravel but only during construction season with is not in the winter so you should be fine. Gas is no problem but a 5 gallon tank on a hitch rack may buy you some peace of mind, don't put it on the roof or inside. Buy a copy of milepost and check 511.alaska.gov for your daily road conditions. The trail system up here is not a robust as most people believe but the conditions get nasty quickly so that lift will come in handy. Be prepared to pay list price for it no matter who you get it from BUT then you get to add ~$150+ to ship it up here so if you can swing it and you really need it, get it in the lower 48. The auto hobby shop on JBER is fantastic so you can always buy the lift and install it yourself up here for the price of renting the service bay for a few hours. The only lift to get up here is OME, it is the only one that the deals with the terrible roads, wet, and cold. Don't know why but even the guys at toyotec will support that recommendation.

I'd get the tires and save the lift money to spend on some fishing gear, a pistol you can tote on a bear filled hike, and a guided salmon trip on the Kenai. Enjoy the trip and don't forget to check the regs on traveling through Canada if you've got pets or guns making the trip with you.

 

[Fishpilot]

I'll second the recommendations on washer fluid, you'll go through gallons of it. Luckily, you can get it at every gas stop on your trip. I'd recommend a battery heater but skip the rest of the heaters. You'll notice a difference in cranking when its gets chilly up here. You can get the wrap around blanket type battery heater, I'd stay far far away from the stick on battery heaters, most of those are far too hot for direct battery contact. Our block heaters are "dry" meaning they aren't directly heating the oil and the stick on pan heaters are attached to such a small part of the pans that they don't do much.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are going to be doing a return drive to Alaska from Texas along the ALCAN in the winter. I'm gonna be trading in my '06 T4R for a '15 SR5 (4wd) and set it up for the journey. Any suggestions for a good lift and tire combo for the distance and the likely sketchy winter road conditions in Canada. Right now I'm thinking Toytec 3" with 5100's and no idea on the tires.
Any input and/or experience would be great. Thanks!

Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. They were the best performing tire I have ever owned for snow and winter conditions. Excellent handling and feel. They also plowed through water like it was not there. I did moderate wheeling with them and they never left me stranded.

 

[jstim]

Hey guys,

My wife and I are going to be doing a return drive to Alaska from Texas along the ALCAN in the winter. I'm gonna be trading in my '06 T4R for a '15 SR5 (4wd) and set it up for the journey. Any suggestions for a good lift and tire combo for the distance and the likely sketchy winter road conditions in Canada. Right now I'm thinking Toytec 3" with 5100's and no idea on the tires.
Any input and/or experience would be great. Thanks!

I would not suggest taking the Steese highway in the winter. There's no cell reception, you'll need to carry at least 10-15 gallons of fuel and 2 tires. That's not a great road to travel on in the winter. Be prepared that if you stop it will drop the temp on your engine even idling. Make sure you have a engine block heater. Honestly you aren't going to need a lift or anything like that, you just need to have those spare tires and extra fuel. Emergency equipment to make sure you can survive in the freezing if you go that direction. I would suggest crossing in Montana, south of Calgary and going north to Edmonton, then white horse, tok, then on from there. Just my thoughts.