Alaska road trip (Deadhorse or bust)

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

after a litte more research, found a guy that talked about breaking bones. I like the idea of whatever I hit breaks something!!!!!

while buckshot is devastating to humans it doesn't have the impact or penetrative effect of slugs. was the take on what I found. and, logically it makes sense to me. the energy divided into 9smaller, .33cal pellets would lose their momentum way quicker than a single mass slug. if I actually have an attack the advantage of buckshot spreading at close range wiould be minimal too.

Winchester
rifled slugs
1600fps

dang that autta hurt

that said
I'm just going with slugs
hope I don't have to use them

that will be my backup for the actual bear spray while in Canada

back to my "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY" for backupwhen I pick up my shipment in Tok, Alaska

 

[Explorerinil]

after a litte more research, found a guy that talked about breaking bones. I like the idea of whatever I hit breaks something!!!!!

while buckshot is devastating to humans it doesn't have the impact or penetrative effect of slugs. was the take on what I found. and, logically it makes sense to me. the energy divided into 9smaller, .33cal pellets would lose their momentum way quicker than a single mass slug. if I actually have an attack the advantage of buckshot spreading at close range wiould be minimal too.

Winchester
rifled slugs
1600fps

dang that autta hurt

that said
I'm just going with slugs
hope I don't have to use them

that will be my backup for the actual bear spray while in Canada

back to my "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY" for backupwhen I pick up my shipment in Tok, Alaska

At work we use mossburg 590 shotguns loaded with brenkee slugs. Having shot a variety of slugs at work over the years we switched from Winchester to brennke. They penetrate better and shoot flatter.

K.O.™ | Brenneke - Ammunition

www.brennekeusa.com

 

[Southsounder]

What are you doing to get the truck ready: planning to take extra spare tire, tools, fuel filters, etc? Oil change mid trip?

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

What are you doing to get the truck ready: planning to take extra spare tire, tools, fuel filters, etc? Oil change mid trip?

there will be a fresh oil change, tires rotated & balanced just before departure.

only thing I'll really need to do is loaded up. pop-up tent mounted, camping box packed & loaded, cooking box pack & loaded, extra gas (5- 10gal jerry cans), propane & cooler. then whatever I decide on the spare tires. oh, load up the "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY" box.(hehehe)

truck doesn't need much done to it.
it's a TREMOR!!!!!!! ya know!!!!!

1 thing I am thinking about doing to/for the truck if slapping on a wrap or film on it. leary I might get on some overgrown trails. don't want to scratch it all up if I can help it. other thought is take my chainsaw & hedger but the trail could be over grown for miles & miles. plus extra 2-cycle gas. never mind, just talked myself out of that nightmare!

still struggling with (if) a couple of spare tire wheels with tires mounted.

just 2 tires & stock spare
just 1 tire & stock spare
I have tire spoons

I have brand new (5000mi) m/t gladiators now & the stock spare & a plug kit

????????
still thinkin on it??????

I have a tool bag, full wrench set (mm/sae), full set of sockets (both), torxs, channel locks, vice grips, small sledge (2), hatchet, side cutters, pry bar, gloves & impact. also one of the dewalt 150(?) piece tool kits. zip ties, duck tape, baling wire, fire extinguisher(2) etc...

don't get me started on the get unstuck gear
Oops, too late, you asked
wench (front or rear) reciever mount set up. extra wench lines (2-90ft), shackles, (hard & soft) tow straps, tree saver straps, snatch blocks, kinetic strap, chain(3-20ft), land anchor, air compressor. that's probably not all, but uncle already!!!
I have (tools & tow) all that with me all the time, anywhere everywhere I go already.

oil changes
plan to just catch a Walmart every 5000mi. they stock my oil filter (motorcraft too).
them do it. me do it. under a shade tree. depends how I feel when the time comes????? figure fairbanks (2nd time through) coming back from deadhorse will be the first on the road change.

probably take an idler pulley, tensioner pulley & belt just in case.

I'm at 65,000, when has anybody had those fail on 'em? what mileage? please advise!!!

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

looking like I won't need to worry about mosquitos

my luck Alaska mosquitos are acclimated to the cold

 

[Misguided]

On my way from Virginia to Alaska now. Hit Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier and just crossed into Alberta, CA. Will be hitting Banff, Jasper then to Denali, Kenai, Kodiak, and Prudhoe.....

FYI - in a 2024 F350/Tremor and the AC compressor smoked around St. Louis. Nationwide backorder on compressors (at the time over 500 on backorder). Apparently there was a bad batch in the time frame of my manufacture (March-ish). Will likely not have AC for the balance of the trip. Not impressed with Ford support or the dealer network at this point.

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

On my way from Virginia to Alaska now. Hit Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier and just crossed into Alberta, CA. Will be hitting Banff, Jasper then to Denali, Kenai, Kodiak, and Prudhoe.....

FYI - in a 2024 F350/Tremor and the AC compressor smoked around St. Louis. Nationwide backorder on compressors (at the time over 500 on backorder). Apparently there was a bad batch in the time frame of my manufacture (March-ish). Will likely not have AC for the balance of the trip. Not impressed with Ford support or the dealer network at this point.

sorry for your AC troubles
where are you on miles on your truck?

also
if you aren't running your own thread on your trip feel free to post any photos, recommendations or anything else you are willing to share

thx thx!!!!!
safe travels!!!!

 

[Misguided]

sorry for your AC troubles
where are you on miles on your truck?

also
if you aren't running your own thread on your trip feel free to post any photos, recommendations or anything else you are willing to share

thx thx!!!!!
safe travels!!!!

When the AC went out about 5000 miles about 6,000 now. Thanks - so far aside from the AC all good - just crossed into Canada this morning.

 

[Misguided]

Couple of other items of note:

- Traveling with a 2024 Cirrus 820 truck camper
- If traveling with a handgun (ie a Glock G20 ) there is a whole business of shipping them to yourself from Montana (and elsewhere) which avoids an FFL transfer (and Canada). (https://alaskagunshipping.com/)
- If you are carrying for protection from bear / moose, hardcast lead ammo (I carry Underwood 200gr Black Cherry coated) is recommended by many as it has better penetration than any jacketed ammo

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

nice setup!!!!!

I'm at 64,000miles on my 2020
kinda wondering what inherent issues start popping up

thanks for adding the link if anyone needs that

I'm all in that, explained it earlier in the thread but didn't think to post the link

I'll be shipping what I jokingly refer to as my "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY"

everything I that box Is prohibited by Canada. grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

my plans are very similar to yours but flipped. going straight to Deadhorse as non-stop as I can. trying to beat the winter season if possible. plus, trying to have some night sky before it's too cold. hopping to see some night lights (aurora borealis)
I'll do the leasure, pleasure pace getting south & back home

any experience, tip, anything you're will to share please!!!!!

thank you sir
enjoy!!!!

 

[Misguided]

nice setup!!!!!

I'm at 64,000miles on my 2020
kinda wondering what inherent issues start popping up

thanks for adding the link if anyone needs that

I'm all in that, explained it earlier in the thread but didn't think to post the link

I'll be shipping what I jokingly refer to as my "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY"

everything I that box Is prohibited by Canada. grrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

my plans are very similar to yours but flipped. going straight to Deadhorse as non-stop as I can. trying to beat the winter season if possible. plus, trying to have some night sky before it's too cold. hopping to see some night lights (aurora borealis)
I'll do the leasure, pleasure pace getting south & back home

any experience, tip, anything you're will to share please!!!!!

thank you sir
enjoy!!!!

Will do!

 

[TRAMPER]

Couple of other items of note:

- Traveling with a 2024 Cirrus 820 truck camper
- If traveling with a handgun (ie a Glock G20 ) there is a whole business of shipping them to yourself from Montana (and elsewhere) which avoids an FFL transfer (and Canada). (https://alaskagunshipping.com/)
- If you are carrying for protection from bear / moose, hardcast lead ammo (I carry Underwood 200gr Black Cherry coated) is recommended by many as it has better penetration than any jacketed ammo

I run Buffalo Bore hardcast in my G20…. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Underwood too.

 

[gmoon]

trip planning

I'll try to get ya'll caught up, hopefully without being too wordy or boring

1st concern was bear. what & how to be prepared?

talked to a outfitters shop in Alaska concerning bear spray vrs firearms.

they straight up told me "you're not going to walk away from a bear attack all smiley faced with an empty can of bear spray"

that was all the conveniencing I needed

also convenience me all the bear spray advocates are "protect the bears" agenda oriented.

next problem
my "TEXAS BEAR SPRAY" (SEE ATTACHED)
is prohibited in Canada. did I mention how much they suck yet???

now??? how to have my bear spray in Alaska at least.

turns out there's a little network of FFL's that ship & skip Canada if you need that.

so, first stop on the trip will be Kalispell, Montana. I'll ship my bear spray to "myself in care of the FFL" in Tok, Alaska. shipping to "yourself in care of" avoids transfer requirements. serial #s are still recorded but full transfer procedures are not required. out of state transfer of a handgun is not permitted by usa federal law. sux!!!!!

I was going to just buy something (10mm glock) at a pawn shop in Alaska, then sell it back when I left. take the $100 loss & call it good, but you can't.

at least Canada will allow a shotgun.
fyi
if the shotgun is semi-auto you're limited to 3 rounds like bird hunting. did I mention how much thet suck?!!!!!!!

good thing a manual pump does not have a round limit

so I can leave the shell tube extention on the rem 870. I'll have that through Canada.
1oz slugs / 1600fps

now Canada requires paperwork entering with the shotgun. you can have it filled out ahead of time but it must be signed in the presence of the canadian border patrol at the border when you enter Canada. remember a loaded long gun is illegal while traveling. personal protection is not a reason to have a firearm in Canada either. yet sux!!!!! again

hunting, shooting event or remote camping are the acceptable reasons to be allowed a firearm. so I'll check remote camping!!!!!

I'll share more details on plans as I start getting packed up.

sorry for the long winded post
thx!!!!

Great write up.

I run a 10mm glock in bear country. Havent had to use it on one yet but ive been told its quite effective. I do know that 10mm is snappy son of a *****.

I know a lot of backcountry professionals that rock both bear spray and a 10mm. Infact, there are a lot of times where they have suggested bear spray. Namely, you can "fire" off a little bit to try to prevent a charge or coming any closer. Assuming the wind is in your favor, I have been told that generally deters them. Those same guides also mentioned (and these are guys that have been charged) the spray gives you some pretty good spread compared to a round.

For an experience shooter, Im sure lead would be the better option. But if you arent 100% sure you can hit that thing running at you at 30mph while you try not to trip over a bush the bearspray could be worth considering.

I find myself pondering this often.

Now that 12gauge. That might be the golden ticket. Spread and lead!

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

I'll use all of them

bear spray in my hand
my .45 acp p++ 1350fps rounds
then either the shotgun or a .308 small frame

running straight at me shouldn't be that hard of a shot as long as you don't panic, shit your pant, freeze & wait too long. (let them get too close)

figuring the time I'll have an encounter is cooking

plan to cook mid-day them travel some more to camp for the night. no dinners

just looks like I'm gonna be solo with no cell service. probably crazy to start with but I've been trying to get this done for 2yrs. can't seem to get a tag along, so I'm just going.

prep all I can. what happens, happens?

worst case scenario

I can always hide (get away) on or under the TREMOR

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

extra gas
50gal
I have a siphon setup to fill the tank with jerry cans in place

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

got my water plan together for the trip now.

30gal water bag/bladder. Just got all the plumbing finished to have a 10' food grade water hose, 1micron filter & a spray nozzle.

figure for pressure I'll just pile something on it. if that doesn't work I'll hoist it over something. if there is anything. not a lotta trees or anything where I'll be most of the time. probably on top of the Tremor, if I have to.

should be adequate for several days of cooking, cleaning & showers etc...

I'll probably have bottled water to drink but it'll be a backup if needed

5 weeks out today!!!!!

 

[Devil's Advocate]

got my water plan together for the trip now.

30gal water bag/bladder. Just got all the plumbing finished to have a 10' food grade water hose, 1micron filter & a spray nozzle.

figure for pressure I'll just pile something on it. if that doesn't work I'll hoist it over something. if there is anything. not a lotta trees or anything where I'll be most of the time. probably on top of the Tremor, if I have to.

should be adequate for several days of cooking, cleaning & showers etc...

I'll probably have bottled water to drink but it'll be a backup if needed

5 weeks out today!!!!!

30 gallons of water would be damn near impossible to lift and move around.

DA

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

30 gallons of water would be damn near impossible to lift and move around.

DA

240lbs
wimpy????


next you'll be asking for a hamburger and tell me you'll gladly pay me on Tuesday


I'll fill it in place
probably strapped on my ridgid tool box

I and roll if off if need be
hopefully the straps will pressurize the bladder.

once it's not full enough for outside pressure to work, I'll do what I gotta do.

I gotta 13,000lb winch if push comes to shove.

thx!!!
just playin, tryin to have fun!!!!!!

 

[Devil's Advocate]

240lbs
wimpy????


next you'll be asking for a hamburger and tell me you'll gladly pay me on Tuesday


I'll fill it in place
probably strapped on my ridgid tool box

I and roll if off if need be
hopefully the straps will pressurize the bladder.

once it's not full enough for outside pressure to work, I'll do what I gotta do.

I gotta 13,000lb winch if push comes to shove.

thx!!!
just playin, tryin to have fun!!!!!!

If you can lift a 30 gallon water bag, moving ~240#s of really awkward load, you are not a SOB I want to mess with!

DA

 

[Godzilla/Tremornator]

If you can lift a 30 gallon water bag, moving ~240#s of really awkward load, you are not a SOB I want to mess with!

DA

actually

probably my 35yr old alligator mind over loading my actual 67yr old ex jock wore out canary a$$!!!!!


if I gotta move it I'll figure out somthing
planing on not needing to till it's empty


wish me luck
hope I don't need it
but, with my luck????