Alaska Trip - Extra Alpine Parts?

[Jim & Ingrid McIntosh]

We're leaving soon for Alaska in our 05 40' Alpine and are wondering if any of you have some advice you'd like to share regarding whether we should take along extra parts and, if so, what?

We're planning on staying on the Alaska Hwy...no long off that road trips planned.

Also, any other advice you'd like to share for this trip?

Thanks!

[Jim & Ingrid McIntosh]

We're leaving soon for Alaska in our 05 40' Alpine and are wondering if any of you have some advice you'd like to share regarding whether we should take along extra parts and, if so, what?

We're planning on staying on the Alaska Hwy...no long off that road trips planned.

Also, any other advice you'd like to share for this trip?

Thanks!

[alpinejg]

Jim & Ingrid We are in Alaska now and came up by way of the Alaska Hwy. Our biggest problem was in the amount of dust pulled in by our air cleaner. Our Alpine is an 02 and our intake for the air filter is down on the passenger side rear door, which is an awful place for the intake. Even though we replaced the air filter at Coach Care in Coburg, Or on May 15, 06, it was completely clogged by the time we got to the Alaska border. We blew it out (about a pound of dust) and we're getting by until our new air filter comes in. So ou main suggestion would be to bring an extra. Make sure your tires are in good shape. A fuel filter is also a good idea. We also brought extra belts for the engine and a spare water pump (for the coach). Those are the things we would suggest. Our advice on the drive itself is to take it slow and be very watchful of the frost heaves in the road. At speed you can brake many different things including an axle. Its a fantastic trip, enjoy.

[Jim & Ingrid McIntosh]

Alpinejg:

Thanks for the input. Sounds like an air filter is in our future. We just had a 20K mile-check up done at Elkhart, IN Coach Care, but they didn't replace the filter, just cleaned it. Even if they had, sounds like we would still need a new one. We already have the extra belts and will get the other parts as well.

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Jim & Ingrid:

I wish I could follow you to Alaska I have wanted to go for a long time. If I were going I would take some of the following items, besides some tools I would carry an extra fresh water pump (I always carry one and have used it) extra fuel filter, extra gal of coolant, oil, drive belts, distilled water for batteries or radiator, screws, bolts & nuts of various sizes and lengths, auto fuses, flash light batteries, duck tape, mechanics wire. (You can use these items any time in an emergency) I carry the old belts which were replaced as spares they will get to another town in an emergency. I am sure I would probably have more but I do not remember it all.

If you replace the Air filter carry the old one in case the new one plugs up, it will at least get you to another town for a new replacement.

I hope this helps with your packing. Have a safe trip with no problems take a lot of pictures and enjoy the drive.

[Sully]

Jim & Ingrid,

We too are in Alaska with Pete & Ceil Seabury, and
agree that an air filter is a must. We pick one up in Anchorage next week. I would also agree with Dave that a fuel filter is also a must. Funny he should mention a water pump, mine is going out and I hope I can get one from Yakima in time.

Hope we see you here before we head south,

Paul & Dale Sullivan

[Dave Fernandez]

Jim & Ingrid:

Sorry I forgot a couple of important things, plastic wire ties and electrical tape. I am sure I'll remember some other things later.

[Jim & Ingrid McIntosh]

Sully and Dave,

Thanks for your input. We have ordered the air filter and will pick it up Monday. We're debating the water filter and fuel pump, but will probably do that as well. Your other items were very helpful, too, Dave.

We hope to catch up w/you, too, while in Alaska, Sully. Say hi to the Seabury's for us.

[Sully]

Jim & Ingrid,


Glad you are getting an air filter, but please consider a fuel filter. There are long stretches where the filling stations are not what we are used to and the quality of the fuel may be suspect. The fuel filter change is easy and quicker than a tow!

Sully

[Jim & Ingrid McIntosh]

Sully,

Thanks for the add'l comments re: fuel filter. We will talk to Coach Care on Monday when we go get the air filter! Your help is very much appreciated.