Toad Suggestions for Alaska

[mole007]

We are going to Alaska from around June 1, to Sept, we are trying to make up our minds on which toad to take. I would like to take our 2003 Dodge Dakota 4x4 because of the extra storage in the bed and it gets a little better mpg. DW thinks the 2006 Rubicon would be a better choice due to its off road capabilities. Any suggestions?

[lanerd]

I would think that unless you are thinking about doing some really serious off roading, the 4x4 Dakota will do just fine, plus like you said, the additional space for storage will come in handy.

On our trip, we took our 86 Toy P/U 4x4 and only once had to use it in 4 wheel drive configuration. We had a bed cover (toneau?) for it, and it really came in handy to store our fold up bikes.

Ron

[AKJohn]

Off road driving in Alaska is not anything like the lower 48. There are unpaved and unimproved roads, but if you really try to go where the locals go you won't get far with a street legal 4x4 before you get stuck. Most of Alaska is tundra, think wetlands. Most people in Alaska have street legal 4x4 or all wheel drive but use them to get from home to the store or work in winter. The photo below is what the locals use to go off roading.

There are some roads that are fun to drive that can be a little challenging for a normal low clearance car. The Petersville Road or the road to Chitna would be fun. If your going to go off on your own you should have lots of rope, a come along, gear to make a dead-man anchor, tools to dig out etc. I wouldn't go any farther than you are comfortable walking out. If your smart, you'll drive in 2x4 until you get stuck then use 4x4 to get out and go back where started.

[1ciderdog]

I've driven an RV twice to Alaska and had no need for a 4X4 tow car. Regular old two wheel drive was sufficient.

[Grandpere]

If you want a 4x4, think Jeep. They are the easiest to set up for towing. But not all Jeeps can be towed, look for Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee.

[wagonmaster1]

Larry, We are also heading to Alaska in June. We are towing our 2x4 Ford Edge. My mom and dad drove from SC to AK 9 times and only took 2x4 vehicles. I am trying to decide if a gravel guard of some type would be practical, they are very expensive. We have been looking at the Blue Ox KarGard II BX88255 to protect our towed.

[CLIFFTALL]

This is the only way ( that I know of ) to protect a toad. It protected my Saturn when I drove up there.

[halftimer]

Take something you don't care that much for we got back replaced front bumper grill Headlights windshield and repaint hood I had the mud flap across the back of rv didn't think was on that much gravel roads but guess I was