Corvette: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/archive/northwest_passage-feature
Corvette: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/archive/northwest_passage-feature
WOW... how did a thread about driving to alaska bring hte Mega Canoe?
Since my parents have driven the Al-Can highway more than once- in a Focus and a Fusion, I would probably choose a nice and chushy like the new Taurus. That would be tough enough to make the treck over the dirt roads up to Barrow.
But the roads are a whole lot better than most of you think, unless you are planning to not take them.
Maybe a Fusion with a 2.3 would save so much gas that it would pay for itself vs. some of the huge rigs that are being brought up. But I would totally choose something very comfortable, not stiff or jarring. It's a LONG way.
I think I'd just put a 275g fuel tank, winch, full set of tire chains and dual sport bike in the back of my 2500HD. Maybe put a toolbox on it for lockable storage. The crew cab is big enough for me to sleep in the back with the seats folded down and I can leave the diesel running for heat.
My 95 Miata on a set of gravel rally tires
Somehow this seems like the "right" truck to take.
This from the C and D article mentioned:
A Chevrolet engineer, dealing in the kind of candor that is almost becoming common in Detroit, has told us: "Let's face it, the Corvette is three feet too long and 800 pounds too heavy. Nobody in the Corporation has taken it seriously for five years simply because we've been able to sell all we could build without trying. So the seats are awful and the rear suspension does weird things. But within the next two years you're going to see a serious effort to make the car better."
I would chance it in my 75. It's got a hitch ball on it and a rack for my mountain bike!
alfadriver wrote: But the roads are a whole lot better than most of you think, unless you are planning to not take them.
The OP said "roads", not specifying pavement, gravel, dirt, or regular maintenance.
slantvaliant wrote:alfadriver wrote: But the roads are a whole lot better than most of you think, unless you are planning to not take them.The OP said "roads", not specifying pavement, gravel, dirt, or regular maintenance.
Well, if you want to drive from the lower 48 to Fairbanks- it's all paved. The road to Barrow- the northern part- is partially paved, but mostly gravel. But since it's a major lifeline for, well, everyone, it's very well maintained.
that's what the OP was suggesting doing- at least what I read.
I am of the thought "That looks like a cool path/road, let's see where that goes". I like to jsut go for it and want something taht I know would take whatever I threw at it.
Bobzilla wrote: I am of the thought "That looks like a cool path/road, let's see where that goes". I like to jsut go for it and want something taht I know would take whatever I threw at it.
Well, that's not what I read in your first note. but if that's the criteria....
But, for sure, that will eliminate any Hyundai of your choice.
alfadriver wrote: The OP said "roads", not specifying pavement, gravel, dirt, or regular maintenance.
Well, if you want to drive from the lower 48 to Fairbanks- it's all paved. The road to Barrow- the northern part- is partially paved, but mostly gravel. But since it's a major lifeline for, well, everyone, it's very well maintained.
that's what the OP was suggesting doing- at least what I read.
I don't assume Alaska is all bushpilots, snow, and grizzly bears. I do assume that it does have some roads that are better than others, and that road conditions will vary. .
Enjoy the drive in your Miata! 
alfadriver wrote:Bobzilla wrote: I am of the thought "That looks like a cool path/road, let's see where that goes". I like to jsut go for it and want something taht I know would take whatever I threw at it.Well, that's not what I read in your first note. but if that's the criteria.... But, for sure, that will eliminate any Hyundai of your choice.
But not a Suzuki.... I know our old Grand Vitara handled the Arizona mountains offroading quite well.
A Range Rover classic with as few options as possible.
Add a nice stereo, a big nasty lift, deck it out all safari-like, and go to town.
I'd kinda like to make the trip in a Bug.
A cousin did the homesteading thing up there years ago (80s) - so not all the way to Barrow. He took a 65 chevy 2wd pick up with a camper shell. He lived in that until he got his cabin built.
I'd just drive a dead stock 4x4 something with stock size tires. Truck or suv dosen't matter. My civic could probably make it though.
Finding large tires way up north will be tough, so if You blow your 35" tire on the dalton and its not something someone stocks around there (ha ha).. You'll be air freighting in a tire. $$$$$$$$$$$$$
Stock or very mildly modified is best for reliability.
I mean people ride bicycles up the Dalton in the summer, You don't need a kitted out rig to go down it. http://joecruz.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/notes-on-bike-touring-the-dalton-highway/
Hmmm. I'd just change the oil in the Trooper, throw some beer and camping eqipment in the back and haul ass. Oh, and hang a dualsport off the Class III hitch for side trips.
Curmudgeon wrote: Oh, and hang a dualsport off the Class III hitch for side trips.
bah.. Just ride the dual sport and be a man.
Yep, Dual Sport would be my first choice.
Second Choice, C&D's Dempster Vette.
Land Rover Defender
/ thread
93EXCivic wrote: Toyota Land Cruiser / thread
Fixed it for you
bring a fire extinguisher for the electrical fires with the land rover.. 
Seriously read the expo guide to land rovers... Most agree they are totally pains in the ass and continually break.. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20219
Ignorant wrote:93EXCivic wrote: Toyota Land Cruiser / threadFixed it for you
My family in England has always had Land Rovers and they were more reliable then the one Toyota that they had.
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