Community Forums

HillHiker · 05-16-2024, 11:07 AM

I am considering running my 2005 Alpine from So Cal up to Alaska in 2025. I am curios what other Alpine owners have done to bulletproof their rigs for such a journey. I have installed the steering bracket reinforcement, replaced the air springs, it has koni shocks and a newer radiator. I replaced all the filters and fluids except in the differential and front axles. As of now everything seems to be working as designed. What spare parts or special tools would be wise to bring along for a trip like this?

Jeff and Cheryl · 05-16-2024, 11:20 AM

Take at least 1 spare air filter. Road construction is rampant and many miles of dusty roads will you drive. When we did the trip in 2013 we had a 40-mile stretch of construction. IIRC, I had two spare air filters for that trip. The trip is great fun, lots of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes. Have Fun.

sandy1 · 05-16-2024, 08:56 PM

We did the trip in 2014. About 14000 mi on coach and 3500 on toad. Just slow down watch the frost heaves. No damage Fixed one hwh line. Parts made at a marine shop. About 4.5 months. Looking to do again soon

DrDaveMA · 05-21-2024, 07:44 PM

Did the trip from Cape Cod to Alaska in our 2005 38’ FDTS in 2014. We had a WONDERFUL time. We carried a complete set of belts, a cheap insurance policy, we never used any. Slow down if you see an orange flag or cone, there is a frost heave ahead! If you doubt the wisdom go over one at normal speed, you will never do that again!

HillHiker · 05-23-2024, 03:12 PM

I planed on taking extra fuel filters and belts. I hadn't considered a spare air filter. I will put that on the list. My tires are in great shape, but will be aged out by 2025, so I will have new ones put for the trip. Has anyone take a spare tire with them? A spare wheels really heavy, I would probably have to build a special carrier just for that. Maybe get windshield insurance?

swinters · 07-17-2024, 07:23 AM

We're considering making the trip in 2025 too, though with our coach being new to us want to use it some more and make sure we have the bugs worked out before heading out. My last trip was with our dually GMC and it broke down up in the Yukon. I found the problem (engine wiring harness) and made a temporary repair using a piece of coax somebody had tossed out on the side of the road. Most of the repairs I've made or done for others have involved parachute cord, eternabond tape, aluminum duct tape, or zip ties, so those are things to keep handy. And a couple of windshield chip repair kits.

paul65k · 07-17-2024, 12:26 PM

We were thinking of making that trip next summer (2.5-3 months) and are paying attention to this thread!

Hayduke · 03-24-2025, 05:13 PM

Interesting group of Alpiners headed north this season.

We're ~60% likely going this season, but knowing we will could meetup with other Alpine friends could easily push that over 90%.
We will be in WA and wrapping up business there in June we hope.
Then we head north for a few months.

Anyone have a rough itinerary yet?

How far north are folks going?

swinters · 03-24-2025, 09:05 PM

We were going to go up to Wasilla to visit our granddaughter, her husband, and their 3 kids and travel around Alaska with that as a base of sorts but with his parents needing help moving to assisted living in Virginia things are uncertain at the moment. We're just playing it by ear at this point.