'22 GX460 on the ALCAN (1 Viewer)

[chapo19]

Hey, all - new user here, and proud owner of a new-to-me '22 GX460! I've lurked the forums for the last six or so months, and I know answers are scattered around for some of these questions, but haven't seen much for my specific case. My apologies in advance if I'm doubling effort on some of this data - I've used the search function a lot recently, but any links to forums that address some of this are greatly appreciated!

Bottom line upfront: I'm a reasonably mechanically inclined individual, and need help planning the right modifications to my truck to make a drive from the lower 48 to Anchorage both safe and enjoyable. By "reasonably mechanically inclined," I mean I'm willing to turn a wrench on most of this truck unless it involves disassembling the drive line. I'll leave that one to the pros.

The truck: '22 GX460 Blackline, 81,000 mi with no aftermarket additions (yet). Maintenance history is good, but no transmission or coolant change during its life, both of which I know can be controversial topics.

The use: bought this truck to drive from Virginia to Anchorage, AK (work will be moving me there in August/September) with a camper in tow and about 1,500 lb of household goods. I plan to make a road trip of it. My research journey has already started with Mileposts and lurking the ALCAN Facebook page.

I'm planning some maintenance and add-ons to my GX in prep for this drive, with the list below. The big things I'm looking for:
- Recommendations for tried-and-true parts for each application
- Any gaps in the plan
- Any unnecessary parts of the plan I could trim out

Here's what I plan to do:
1. Total fluid change. Oil, transmission, coolant, and diffs.
I've never changed the oil on a GX, though I've done it about a thousand times on my old Camry. Should I go 5W20 in anticipation for cold conditions, or is 0W20 good enough?

2. Trailer hitch add. What are my best options for a 6,500 capacity hitch? Should I include a weight distribution kit as well?

3. Tires. I know there are a thousand opinions on this. Should I be looking at full-on studded snow tires for the entire drive, or are there less aggressive tires I could safely use? If so, should are we recommending chains? Plastic? Steel?

4. External storage. Primarily to carry 2 fuel cans (not bought yet - recommendations?) for the inevitable several-hundred mile stretches of no gas stations driving a thirsty V8. Are there any low-profile roof rack solutions that won't break the bank?

5. Transmission cooler. I've seen a lot of advice out there about adding a transmission cooler when towing, especially when mountain/non-level terrain will be a factor. Where should I be looking for this? How aggressive of a cooler should I be looking for?

6. Frame protection. My frame is in good shape. I'd like to keep it that way. What products are y'all using in wintry climates to undercoat? Would you recommend doing this yourself, or paying someone else?

7. Body protection. Some portions of this drive are going to be on under-improved roads, and I'd like to keep my paint as unmarred as reasonably possible by stray rocks and flying ice chunks. What's a good way to do this without breaking the bank on full-body PPF?

Thanks in advance for the help and advice, and once again, I apologize if I'm soliciting a lot of advice that people are tired of sharing over and over again.

- Chapo19

 

[ztodd377]

I lived in AK for 5 1/2 years and have driven the ALCAN 3 times. I love that drive. Tons of cool stops, beautiful scenery, wildlife, etc.

I’ve tried to answer your questions below in the order you put them. Typed this all on my phone so it may read like s**t.

1. Oil.
0W20 will be fine and is preferable to 5W20 in cold conditions.

2. Hitch.
Check out etrailer.com to see if they have any recommendations. A weight distribution hitch shouldn’t be needed on this size of vehicle unless your camper is close to the max tow capacity.

3. Tires.
Studded tires aren’t legal in a number of states, but they are in Canada and Alaska. You won’t need them traveling in Aug/Sep. Snow chains are a good standby to have especially since you’ll be living up there. Go with steel, but remember to drive SLOW with chains on.

4. External storage. That time of year the fuel stops aren’t super far apart. Be smart, fuel up when you can and you’ll be fine. It never hurts to have a 5 gallon extra with you. I really like Rotopax because you can lock them down but they’re not cheap.

5. Transmission cooler.
I dont tow with my 460, I wheel the crap out of it in AZ, and put a Hayden 678 trans cooler (found on Amazon) on and it’s worked excellent. A lot of GXs run this cooler. You’ll have to make your own mounts but it’s pretty simple to do. You could also put an electric fan on to assist (also found on Amazon, search trans cooler fan).

6. Frame protection.
I don’t have experience with under coatings other than Fluid Film and the spray on crap you get from the local parts stores that never dries.

7. Body protection.
You’ll be fine without PPF. Don’t follow super close and loose pebbles can get thrown up, and there are sections that have decent potholes so your eye out for those.

Feel free to reach out again, or DM me direct if you have any questions, etc.

 

[r2m]

First off, wow! sounds like a great adventure just to get to your job's new location!
What is your budget? Or how much do you intend spending up to your departure for making your rig ready?
A few things:

1. If you're towing, expect your MPG to drop to low teens. Getting larger tires will cause it to drop more.
2. Regarding tires, ztodd377 is correct, you do not want studded tires for your travel. They will not be legal in most states, nor will you be needing them in the 8th and 9th months of the year. A good all terrain, I prefer BFG KO3's for a really good all around tire. (okay, here comes all the comments...) But if you go to Tire Rack, and look up tires whatever tire you're looking at will have reviews of how they are. Note: don't get tires so large that the spare will not fit in the factory location, under the rear unless you're planning on a rear bumper with tire mount. Do get some good tire chains, or cables. Not sure which would be better, I've never needed them myself.
3. For protection, if it were me, and if I had the budget, I'd prefer front and rear bumpers, sliders and skid plates. Note: depending upon which rear bumper you get, it could come with: 1) receiver hitch, 2) a swing out for a (larger spare) 3) a mount for 2 jerry cans (my are plastic for both my fuel cans and water cans) which are much larger than Rotopax and much cheaper too, 4) a mount for a HiLift jack. I know it was said above about not worrying about body protection, but driving up there is only half done. Remember you'll be living up there too! A lot of large wild animals to pop up on the road, in winter, icy roads. Full body armor will protect you and maybe your rig too.
4. Bring lots of water, snacks and toilet paper in case you get stuck somewhere for a long time. If you break down, you may be sitting for a day or so. (I'm just guessing here) At least you'll have your trailer, so you'll have a place to sleep and all your clothing to keep warm.
5. Make sure you have some recovery gear, e.g.: shovel, a quality kinetic recovery strap, a static recovery strap, soft shackles, traction boards (important DO NOT GET JUNK BOARDS!! Do your research, I have MaxTrax https://www.amazon.com/MAXTRAX-MKII-Safety-Vehicle-Recovery/dp/B00HYCVSW6?th=1
6. Have recovery points on both the front and rear of your rig.
7. A tarp or carpet pad to lay down on if you have to crawl under your rig.

 

[Roody]

Hell yes, following this and your adventure. Post pictures! I'd love to drive the Alcan someday; Dempster or Dalton is on my bucket list for a "someday" adventure.

 

[Cold Iron]

ztodd377 did a great job answering already. To add to what he said:

2) etrailer is my go to as well. However in this case I'd go with the OEM hitch it is rated for 6500 pounds all others are 5K I am pretty sure. Bell Lexus in Arizona is usually the best place for OEM parts and many including me use them. Shipping is the cost killer with a hitch and they have $100 off on shipping right now but if you take your time can likely get a better price during a sale in the near future. Part Number: PT22860141

3) I carry four modified 5 gallon gas cans in Canada but carry them in the trailer that I haul my Polaris Ranger in. Not sure if you are going across the Trans Canada highway or not but gas stations are few and far in between. And I go up into Sunset Country so have to take gas with. When you see a gas station do not pass it, stop and fill up. Always.

Don't expect cell phone reception and using your phone for navigation and gas station locations. I use a Garmin Nuvi as well as google maps, the Lexus nav is pretty much worthless at least mine is for where I go. Some fishing lodges sell gas for boats and of course vehicles in an emergency but expect to pay twice the normal price.

5) I have the Hayden 698 cooler which is the 678 with a Thermostat built in. Mountain Passes Off-road on Facebook sells a mounting bracket for the 678\698 it is spendy but worth it to me. You can make your own brackets if you have to. Do not just zip tie it in place like some do LOL.

6) For 11 years I used to climb under my Taco and spray Fluid Film. When I got the GX I decided it was time to have it done professionally and after watching him do it will never do it myself again. Wait until you get to Fairbanks to have it done you want to have it done right before winter. And after a good cleaning. I used a NHOU undercoating shop there is one in Fairbanks. I would also use Woolwax but those are the only 2 types of undercoating I would use. Some shops are better than others but in the end they will do it better than you can.

You didn't mention it but if you have any pistols don't even think about taking them across the border. Even long guns require paperwork both for entering Canada and reentering the US in Alaska. Same with ammunition think it is 200 rounds total. There are other items like seafood, etc. the list is rather long. And pets. Dogs they have changed the requirements recently and then rescinded part of it, the whole thing is still in flux. There is a new form you should have your vet fill out before you leave the States.

Sounds like a great trip! Remember when you see a gas station top off. Don't worry about the price and conversion LOL just do it.

The good news is the US dollar is very strong against the Canadian dollar.

 

[Mark W]

I've been driving the Alaska Highway off and on since 1985. I have had my adventures along the way (An adventure is merely a disaster survived) and I Have watched it change over the years.

I know that it does not sound all that exciting to say this, but if your rig can handle a nominal two lane highway in the lower 48 and it is in good enough state of maintenance and tune that you would not worry about it for a month of daily commuting... Then it is ready for the Alaska Highway in 2025.

Fill it with gas, check the tire pressure, make sure your trailer is secure... might as well start with a fresh oil change I guess... grab some snacks and hit the road.

Seriously, that's it. People drive The Highway every day in Subarus, Chevies and Kias. I've even seen a Dodge or two make the trip.

In Aug-Sep, there are no conditions to be found that you will not encounter any and everywhere else.

Pay attention to your fuel gauge as you get into the Yukon and know where the next gas station is before you pass by the one at hand.

Enjoy the ride.


Mark...

 

[MeefZah]

I've driven the entirety of the Alcan four times. It's honestly an easy drive.

I see you already got a Milepost book - that's super helpful for planning and seeing stuff along the way and is my number one suggestion to people asking for advice. You won't need any mods to do the drive and that time of year will almost certainly be snow free so tires are a non issue. I'd use the recommended oil; and you should be good between gas stops. I carried 10 gallons in 4 2.5g cans in my roof basket and never needed them, gas isn't plentiful exactly but it's within range.

Can't help you with the transmission cooler or tow hitch.

Stop at Liard Hot Springs!

 

[Rednexus]

I've only driven a piece of it in the YT, but I agree it's like any other remote 2-lane road. Nothing special or difficult other than being remote and gorgeous. I'd love to drive the whole thing some day. Just in my GX and not a rental jeep!

 

[Hehena]

You're going to make some great memories.

My dad and I did this back when it was just dirt, in a '62 Studebaker Champ.

 

[Chronicle]

I've tried PB SurfaceShield which is like snot and cosmoline which hardens like wax. Love the cosmoline. Cosmoline for Sale - Cosmoline Direct Rust Preventives, Sprays & More - https://www.cosmolinedirect.com/

 

[MrTorgue]

Don't know when but I plan on making the drive up to visit my brother in Anchorage and this road is on my bucket list. At least I'm already at the Canadian border so that saves me a lot of time and miles LOL

 

[r2m]

Hell yes, following this and your adventure. Post pictures! I'd love to drive the Alcan someday; Dempster or Dalton is on my bucket list for a "someday" adventure.

My wife and I have a bucket list of driving to Deadhorse, AK. The end of Dalton Highway.

But back to the OP concerns, you may want to do some research on anything else to prepare your rig for living up there, aside from my recovery gear and armor suggestions. Not sure how remote or urban you'll be, but if you're suburban or rural, you may consider getting a handgun worthy of a bear, and/or bear spray, and a hand held air horn. My brother-in-law goes up there for some mining thing he has going on and always carries a large revolver on him.
May consider in your research some of my comments here. Remember, this is all from someone who has NOT done the drive or been up there other than on a cruise ship.

 

[Roody]

My wife and I have a bucket list of driving to Deadhorse, AK. The end of Dalton Highway.

But back to the OP concerns, you may want to do some research on anything else to prepare your rig for living up there, aside from my recovery gear and armor suggestions. Not sure how remote or urban you'll be, but if you're suburban or rural, you may consider getting a handgun worthy of a bear, and/or bear spray, and a hand held air horn. My brother-in-law goes up there for some mining thing he has going on and always carries a large revolver on him.
May consider in your research some of my comments here. Remember, this is all from someone who has NOT done the drive or been up there other than on a cruise ship.

Tuktoyaktuk is my personal goal

 

[chapo19]

Wow - thanks to everyone for the input. Sounds like I'm dramatically over-preparing. I'm looking to spend no more than about $2k in prep (besides, of course, the trailer or camper), and sounds like that's real attainable.

Just ordered the OEM hitch from Bell (20% off + free shipping - thanks, Cold!) Truck came with brand new tires, but as you can see from the pic, they're nothing impressive and certainly won't hold up under any off-roading out in AK. I'll steer clear of studs and start to shop around from some cold-rated A/Ts as we get closer to departure time.

While we're on the subject... anybody have good camper recommendations?

I'm excited for the trip, and getting more so seeing pics and hearing stories from y'all's travels over the years!

 

[MeefZah]

I'm excited for the trip, and getting more so seeing pics and hearing stories from y'all's travels over the years!

Well only since you asked , here's my trip blogs for our two trips up and back, living out of the back of my then-4R in 2017 and 2019.... there may be some useful info in between the drivel!

August 2017 Alaska / Yukon trip - MeefZah

Meredith and I just returned from a trip through California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska, Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. The trip took 21 days and covered over 9200 miles. We camped, hiked, saw wildlife, rode a train to Denali National Park, boated Prince...

meefzah.smugmug.com

August 2019 Alaska trip - MeefZah

For this, our second trip to Alaska, we focused on the south / southeast coast and explored Skagway, Haines, Valdez, Seward, Homer, Anchorage, Denali, and points in between. We also spent some time in British Columbia and Yukon Territory, Canada. The trip consisted of hiking, bicycling, taking...

meefzah.smugmug.com

 

[r2m]

Wow - thanks to everyone for the input. Sounds like I'm dramatically over-preparing. I'm looking to spend no more than about $2k in prep (besides, of course, the trailer or camper), and sounds like that's real attainable.

Just ordered the OEM hitch from Bell (20% off + free shipping - thanks, Cold!) Truck came with brand new tires, but as you can see from the pic, they're nothing impressive and certainly won't hold up under any off-roading out in AK. I'll steer clear of studs and start to shop around from some cold-rated A/Ts as we get closer to departure time.

While we're on the subject... anybody have good camper recommendations?

I'm excited for the trip, and getting more so seeing pics and hearing stories from y'all's travels over the years!

Campers run such a huge gamut that you may want to dial in some must haves, needs, would like to have, and just plain comfort.

• Do want a trailer you have to fold out/pop up? Or just climb in and flop on the bed.
• I'm sure you'll want a toilet and shower, but what kind and size?
• Assume you'll want a heater.
• Cooking: cook top, oven, microwave?
• What about a work space/dinning?
• What will your electricity needs be?
• Does it need to be able to travel on trails, e.g. larger tires and more ground clearance?
• And of course budget.

You could always do what Ricky and Lucy did in the Long, Long Trailer :

Just food for thought...
Good luck!

 

[chapo19]

Campers run such a huge gamut that you may want to dial in some must haves, needs, would like to have, and just plain comfort.

• Do want a trailer you have to fold out/pop up? Or just climb in and flop on the bed.
• I'm sure you'll want a toilet and shower, but what kind and size?
• Assume you'll want a heater.
• Cooking: cook top, oven, microwave?
• What about a work space/dinning?
• What will your electricity needs be?
• Does it need to be able to travel on trails, e.g. larger tires and more ground clearance?
• And of course budget.

You could always do what Ricky and Lucy did in the Long, Long Trailer :
View attachment 3840778
Just food for thought...
Good luck!

LOL - think we've got a winner here!

For real, I've given very little thought to needs - these are good questions for me to think about. Time to go lurk some threads...

 

[Cold Iron]

Yeah you don't need much in the way of modifying for that trip. But you are not wrong about the gas and thirsty V8. You haven't seen anything yet, wait until you hook up a camper and add 1.5K of additional weight. I only tow 2,500 pounds and with a strong headwind and climbing can hit single digits on gas mileage. That is towing a Polaris Ranger Northstar Trail Boss which is as aerodynamic as a brick. Know your range hooked up and have a cushion. My GX in Canada or even the North Shore of Lake Superior hasn't met a gas station that it doesn't like.

Buying a camper is no different than buying a fine double shotgun for birds or clays.
1) What is your budget? Did I mention that is #1? Seeing how it is your money Artic Fox which is a 4 season and they are well built.
2) What are your needs? And wants? Do you mind chit, shower, and shave all in a tiny stall?

Good rule of thumb I have heard for years is you need to use one for at least 3 weeks preferably 4 weeks out of the year to be worth it.

They usually are a money pit and things break and often. Most are cheaply made.

There is also an old saying that a man's second happiest day is when he buys a boat. The happiest day is when he sells it. You can change out boat for camper. I have a number of friends that still say that today.

 

[Rednexus]

I did the break-even on our camper vs. Airbnbs and found it was 17 days per year of use over a 7-year period. My analysis considered cost of the camper and insurance, campground fees, reduced MPG towing, and resale value of the camper at Year 7 etc. But, it didn't consider ROI we missed out on from taking the $$$ we spent on the camper and putting it in a interest-bearing account instead. Ours is made by a Hutterite colony in South Dakota (seriously), rather than sketchy people in Indiana, so it's pretty well built. It also tows great behind our GX, and we get around 11-14 mpg, depending on speed. Being solid-sided, it's also acceptable for use in bear country. But, it's also a 3-season camper, and not something you really want to be in below-freezing.

You'll never find a real way to financially justify a camper purchase unless you work on the road and live out of one. A lot of guys who work in construction drag theirs across the country, from job to job, and pocket their per diem/living allowance. That's not most of us, however.

The reason to get one is that you'll camp 3-5X as much once you have it, and get to visit a lot of new areas. That's been our experience, and we've had no problem hitting the break-even days per year. The ROI on our camper is memories our kids will have when they are older. In July we're towing it to Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Black Hills. It's already been within eye distance of Canada and down to the Gulf.

 

[r2m]

I did the break-even on our camper vs. Airbnbs and found it was 17 days per year of use over a 7-year period. My analysis considered cost of the camper and insurance, campground fees, reduced MPG towing, and resale value of the camper at Year 7 etc. But, it didn't consider ROI we missed out on from taking the $$$ we spent on the camper and putting it in a interest-bearing account instead. Ours is made by a Hutterite colony in South Dakota (seriously), rather than sketchy people in Indiana, so it's pretty well built. It also tows great behind our GX, and we get around 11-14 mpg, depending on speed. Being solid-sided, it's also acceptable for use in bear country. But, it's also a 3-season camper, and not something you really want to be in below-freezing.

You'll never find a real way to financially justify a camper purchase unless you work on the road and live out of one. A lot of guys who work in construction drag theirs across the country, from job to job, and pocket their per diem/living allowance. That's not most of us, however.

The reason to get one is that you'll camp 3-5X as much once you have it, and get to visit a lot of new areas. That's been our experience, and we've had no problem hitting the break-even days per year. The ROI on our camper is memories our kids will have when they are older. In July we're towing it to Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Black Hills. It's already been within eye distance of Canada and down to the Gulf.
View attachment 3840994

We have friends with that type of camper (pop up and pull out, or is it pull out, then pop up?) and for an overnighter or weekend, to me, seeing them set it up, seemed like more trouble than it's worth. But considering the OP will be living in his and constantly opening and closing, it may not be a bad choice aside from it not being 4 seasons.

Another option would be to just plain drive up there and buy one up in that region. Then you can be pretty sure it'll already be outfitted for that climate, and wouldn't have to worry about gas MPG, towing, etc. Maybe start looking at ads in the area up there withing a week or so before the departure date, then when he gets up there, do his purchase.