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Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Yahoo Message Number: 129218
We're going to Alaska this summer, early June to early September.  Will drive the Alcan north, the Cassiar south and just about every road in Alaska we can, weather and time permiting.  Bought the Church campground book and the Milepost book and have read a lot of Alaska blogs but still not clear what we shoud bring extra for the LD.  All suggestions welcome.  Another tire besides the spare?  Another water pump?  Necessary spare fuses?  Right now our rig seems to be in great condition and all maintenance is up to date.
Thanks in advance, Ann & Jerry 2010 MB 27' fulltimeusa.com
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129221
"still not clear what we should bring extra for the LD."

Here is start.
 -A good set of hand tools for working on the coach. Include a 1/4" drive set, with screwdriver handle. Jeweler's screwdriver set.
Utility knife and/or Exacto knives. Inexpensive digital voltmeter.
 -A complete set of tools for changing a rear tire. Even if you are not physically capable of changing it, it's a good idea to be prepared if help is offered.
I carry a 12-ton and 8-ton jack, a 1/2" breaker bar with socket and 1/2" extension for the rear wheels, a 3' pipe cheater that fits over the breaker bar's handle, a 12" X 12" X 3/4" plywood square for placing under the jack-on soft surfaces, shorts pieces of 2" X 6" for cribbing, a 12-volt or 120-VAC air compressor. Wheel chocks.

-Mechanic's tools, if you know how to use them.
 -Tools needed to tighten the shock absorber bushing, especially the driver's side front. I would carry a couple of spare bushings.
 -Washing stuff-bucket, brush on an extension handle, soap, hose, nozzle, Windex, long handle window brush, with squeegee. Small 120-VAC vacuum cleaner.

-Long jumper cables.
 -Definitely an extra water pump. Make sure it is the same model as your LD has for an uncomplicated replacement.
 -Assortment of various tapes and glues. Duct tape, electrical tape, rescue self-fusing tape, aluminum mending tape, Glop, 5-minute epoxy, 3M 5200, double-sided tape, Velcro and 3M Super-lock tape
 -Spray lubes and cleaners-WD-40, silicone, liquid grease (garage door lube), brake cleaner.

-Hand cleaner, rags

-Eternabond tape for roof, body or tank repair

-Rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

-Assortment of fuse and spare bulbs, including headlight.
 -Fluids- engine oil, ATF, anti-freeze, power-steering and brake fluid.

-Spare serpentine belt

-Nylon cargo straps, parachute cord, small rope, bungees, twine.

-Tarp, campsite carpet
 I carry small bags of all sorts of small hardware, hose clamps, wire, electrical fittings, zip ties, etc.

-Extra oil, fuel and air filter.

-Radiator and heater hose repair kit
http://www.amazon.com/Victor-HEATER-HOSE-REPAIR-KIT/dp/B001B57D8U>
http://www.amazon.com/Victor-RADIATOR-HOSE-REPAIR-KIT/dp/B001B58ZPK>
 -Second set of computer, cell phone and other personal electronics cables and charger.
 Whatever additional tools or parts that fit your skills and lifestyle.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129223
"Another tire besides the spare?"
 Not unless you're planning on traveling one or both of the haul roads (Dalton and Dempster).  All the main roads that you will travel are paved and, in many cases, in better shape than a lot of the two-lane roads in the lower 48 that we've driven.  Of course, you will always run into road construction where they tear up both lanes of the road for some distance, but as long as you go slow through those areas, you won't have a problem (that goes for the frost heaves, too).  We've been to Alaska twice and have never had a flat tire or any other problem other than a rock ding in our windshield (and guess what...we've gotten lots of those on roads in the lower 48, too).  We did have to have the board replaced in our refrigerator when it stopped working on propane, but that could have happened any place and wasn't caused by the trip to Alaska.

"Another water pump?  Necessary spare fuses?"
 We always have spare fuses with us, but as for other spare parts, we don't take them along...and that included to Alaska.  However, if it makes you feel better and you have the room, take as many spare parts with you as you want.

Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129228
Are water pumps on a 2010 E450 chassis prone to problems? It seems like they routinely go well over 100,000 miles on the Ford chassis.

Eric Greenwell
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129230
We traveled the Alcan in 2008 when diesel fuel in the Yukon was $6.49 per gallon (converted from liters and Canadian dollars). Parts of the Alcan are always a work in progress and therefore gravel. We suffered a twice broken windshield and we drove very slow. Big rigs traveling in the opposite direction don't. I fastened a fiberglas wire screen across the front of my Ford. You can find these online at Amazon.com. They are shipped from Canada. It saved the plastic chrome grill from rock damage and bugs. I took two spares but needed either. We were in Canada and Alaska for over 3 months. The best trip we've taken so far.
JJ
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129231
Wow, Larry, thank you for such a detailed list.  Happily, we have a little over half of the items you mentioned.  We're making a list of items (many from your suggestions) to add to our collection.  We're fulltimers so space is an issue but not having things we might need when far off the beaten path would not be fun.  Ann and Jerry  2010 27' MB http://fulltimeusa.com/
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129233
Ah ha - I thought you meant for the engine! Since the water system pumps aren't too expensive, maybe a person should buy the pump they wish they had, install it, and keep the original one as a spare.

Eric Greenwell

Quote
On 3/19/2012 1:57 PM, wereoffaga
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129235
Thanks Linda.  Yikes, we were planning to travel both the Dalton and Dempster.  (Find it so easy to think big
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129240
I don't know about the Dempster, but there are tour buses that ply the Dalton Highway out of Fairbanks.  You can take a trip either up to the Arctic Circle, or all the way to Deadhorse.  There's no way *I* would ever take my personal vehicle up either of these roads, but there are people who do so.  I'd suggest reading the portion in the Milepost about both of these roads and then make your own decision about whether or not you want to subject your Lazy Daze to the abuse.

Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129241
Quote
Whatever additional tools or parts that fit your skills and lifestyle.

Larry

Larry,
 I appreciate your detailed tool and parts lists. I'm going to print one so when my wife starts threatening to get the bathroom scales out to weigh my tool kit, I can show it to her. She says, "We've never been stuck anywhere!" I say, " That's because I'm always prepared!" We are heading up to Alaska this summer as well. It looks as though there will plenty of LD company.

Larry in Monument, CO
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129243
Quote
"We suffered a twice broken windshield..."
JJ

JJ

That's why I carry 100% coverage for glass on my insurance!

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129244
Quote
Wow, Larry, thank you for such a detailed list.
Ann and Jerry  2010 27' MB

Jerry
 You've got to know Larry like others on this board know Larry. He'd take his entire work shop if space would allow. ;-))

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129245
Quote
Are water pumps on a 2010 E450 chassis prone to problems? It seems like they routinely go well over 100,000 miles on the Ford chassis.

Eric Greenwell
Eric
 I believe that the pump in question is the one in the coach, not the engine water pump.

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129249
In 2005 we took a van tour from Fairbanks up to Deadhorse/Prudoe Bay, flew over to Barrow and then flew back to Fairbanks.  We spent one night each in Coldfoot, Deadhorse and Barrow.  We were in a 10 passenger van driven by a fun and knowledgeable  guide.  She was always in CB communication with the truck drivers and tried to stay out of their way.  The trucks are used to driving this road at their own pace.  Overall it was a great tour.
 Like several others we will be heading towards Alaska this summer.  Except for a month wandering up through south-east Alaska via the ferries, most of our time is still a blank sheet (our preference).  The thought of driving up at least a bit of the Dempster has occurred to us.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129250
Where you gonna carry all that stuff?....inna 8x14 foot tandem trailer? ? ? ? ....jess kidding, folks, jess kidding.....

Gene da gonna B

__ From: Larry lw5315us@...>
 To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 12:57 AM
 Subject: [LD] Re: Alaska 2012  What to bring for the LD?

"still not clear what we should bring extra for the LD."

Here is start.
 -A good set of hand tools for working on the coach. Include a 1/4" drive set, with screwdriver handle. Jeweler's screwdriver set.
Utility knife and/or Exacto knives. Inexpensive digital voltmeter.
 -A complete set of tools for changing a rear tire. Even if you are not physically capable of changing it, it's a good idea to be prepared if help is offered.
I carry a 12-ton and 8-ton jack, a 1/2" breaker bar with socket and 1/2" extension for the rear wheels, a 3' pipe cheater that fits over the breaker bar's handle, a 12" X 12" X 3/4" plywood square for placing under the jack-on soft surfaces, shorts pieces of 2" X 6" for cribbing, a 12-volt or 120-VAC air compressor. Wheel chocks.

-Mechanic's tools, if you know how to use them.
 -Tools needed to tighten the shock absorber bushing, especially the driver's side front. I would carry a couple of spare bushings.
 -Washing stuff-bucket, brush on an extension handle, soap, hose, nozzle, Windex, long handle window brush, with squeegee. Small 120-VAC vacuum cleaner.

-Long jumper cables.
 -Definitely an extra water pump. Make sure it is the same model as your LD has for an uncomplicated replacement.
 -Assortment of various tapes and glues. Duct tape, electrical tape, rescue self-fusing tape, aluminum mending tape, Glop, 5-minute epoxy, 3M 5200, double-sided tape, Velcro and 3M Super-lock tape
 -Spray lubes and cleaners-WD-40, silicone, liquid grease (garage door lube), brake cleaner.

-Hand cleaner, rags

-Eternabond tape for roof, body or tank repair

-Rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

-Assortment of fuse and spare bulbs, including headlight.
 -Fluids- engine oil, ATF, anti-freeze, power-steering and brake fluid.

-Spare serpentine belt

-Nylon cargo straps, parachute cord, small rope, bungees, twine.

-Tarp, campsite carpet
 I carry small bags of all sorts of small hardware, hose clamps, wire, electrical fittings, zip ties, etc.

-Extra oil, fuel and air filter.

-Radiator and heater hose repair kit
http://www.amazon.com/Victor-HEATER-HOSE-REPAIR-KIT/dp/B001B57D8U>
http://www.amazon.com/Victor-RADIATOR-HOSE-REPAIR-KIT/dp/B001B58ZPK>
 -Second set of computer, cell phone and other personal electronics cables and charger.
 Whatever additional tools or parts that fit your skills and lifestyle.

Larry

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129254
Can't blame Larry for wanting to have what he needs when/if the time comes.  Space restraints will definitely limit what can be carried
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129259
I would suggest that you also carry the special tool for the fittings on the fuel filter.   Getting the clips off without it isn't easy.  Whether you change the filter yourself or have someone do it, having the tool is a good idea as every "backwoods" mechanic doesn't necessarily have one.  They are inexpensive and available at any quality auto parts shop (NAPA, etc.).  I believe that I bought mine at Carquest.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129260
HI Ann & Jerry, Here's coming at you from the other end of what to bring. When I went to AK in '04, I was a complete newbie. Bought an SOB (2000 Chinook w/ 4WD from local surfer), and left 2 weeks later. Not knowing about the Milepost guide, I simply went to a local bookstore and bought a map of Alaska. Took only my Sear's mechanic's tool case and a heavy duty sleeping bag. Spent June and July traveling in BC, Yukon, and AK. Best thing I had with me was a raincoat. Poured in Homer and rained quite often.
The other important thing, which knowing you, I know you have, is a gift of gab and a good sense of humor. Officers and campers in Provincial Parks, and local people will provide things and information guide books can only guess at, and introduce you to interesting people, and invite you into their homes. I was able to visit with a master totem carver in Ketchican and spend time with some folks who had homesteaded in the Yukon for 30 years, swim and soak in Whitehorse, and have off the beaten track adventures found in the course of conversation.
Don't obsess over what to bring. Bring your sense of adventure, and it will be well rewarded.
Beverly '07 TK
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129262
"Linda & Earl Hylton"  wrote: I'd suggest reading the portion in the Milepost about both of these roads...
--- I may have missed the recommendation, but, in addition to "The Milepost", Mike and Terri Church's "Travelers' Guide to Alaska Camping" is an excellent reference:
 http://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Guide-Alaskan-Camping-Alaska/dp/0982310110/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332260987&sr=8-1

And, I recall that Linda H. has also recommended the "Alaska Toursaver" coupon book (I may have missed a previous mention of that, too!):
 http://www.toursaver.com/alaska-deals/

Several LDers and others have blogged about their travels in Alaska; maybe some will see this post and provide links to their blogs!

Joan
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129263
I'd agree with this.  Even if something happens and you need something repaired, there are places and people who can make the repairs.  Yes, you may have to wait until a part is ordered and arrives, but, unless you're the type that has to make advanced reservations every place you go, that won't be a problem.   This is one situation where having a toad along with you would be advantageous...while your rig is being repaired, you can be out and about exploring.

Linda Hylton http://earl-linda.blogspot.com
Linda Hylton
Re: Alaska 2012 What to bring for the LD?
Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129266
Oh, Joan, thank you for the reminder.  Had forgotten about this coupon book and remember learning about it from one of Lindas' posts.  Right now we're toadless so it would be inconvenient if we can't use the rig.   Ann and Jerry   2010 MB 27'  http://fulltimeusa.com/