Block Heater and other Winter Preparation

[coleAK]

Where were you skiing? Mt. Alyeska?

Alyeska mostly, I volunteer race coach for Alyeska ski club. We also race train at Hilltop, Arctic valley, and Hillberg (all in Anchorage) during the week. Back country later in the season all around between Turnagain, Chugach, hatchers, Valdez.

 

[M1911]

I’ve taken the tram up to the top a couple times. Last time was in September a few years back. Lovely view of Cooks Inlet from the top.

 

[coleAK]

can’t beat the view from up there, anytime of year. My group just down hill from the tram building, weekend before Christmas.

 

[M1911]

The air wasn't as clear when I was there, due to smoke from a fire on the Kenai Peninsula. This was back in 2011 (guess it was more than a few years):

Nice tram ride up:

There were some nice views on the hike down:

 

[4gotalot]

coleAK, I have never used chains in the past as my experience is deep desert not deep snow, so please excuse my ignorance. That said, I read in another section of this forum that there may be a problem with front chains on the Landcruiser 200 series due to limited space between the tire and the Upper Control Arm (UCA). There seems to be so controversy on this issue but I simply do not know. Chains all around only seems logical, however, I would not like to destroy my UCA on this remote road. Apparently, there is no issue with the rear tire chains. What do you think? Perhaps we should look for someone familiar with the area and conditions to either accompany us or check us out prior to this trip.....I do like your idea of taking a ferry from Washington and am checking into that option.

I looked under my LX (bone stock). And I have about 5-6 cm Clarence between the tire and shock. The UCA is above the top of my tire. Chains come in all different size and thickness and mud chains tend to be on the larger end of chain diameter. I would order he ones from chain stop or pick a few similar style from amazon. Then try them all on and look at the clearance.

coleAK is correct, you must fit the tire chains on the tires you will be using at the time. The mfg suggested chain is only a starting point. I would suggest you find a local tire shop or that has a selection of chain or cables. Tell them what your plans are and have them fit them then and there. Then you go home and put them on your self, twice.
The front axle is best for traction and steering. If you only need to make it over the pass then the rear axle may be ok. Chains on the front tires allow you to climb out of a shallow ditch you just plowed into. Driving off road with chains on just the rear axle in bad conditions is like driving with two flat front tires.
The point I wanted to make about "Tire chains on a 200 series" on front tires is that clearance is very limited and your mods, LT/P tire size height and width changes everything and if they are not fitted and checked properly on your setup can cause lots of damage with only a couple of rotations.
This is the type of chain I am using during hunting season on the steep icy logging roads around here during hunting season and the rest of the winter.Quik Grip Heavy Duty But not on the front tires! I have not found anything that will clear with my 32.2 or 33.2 inch diameter KO2's with or w/o spacers, yet. I ran the same chains on all four tires on my 80 series in the spring mud (gopher hunting) so I did not spin and tear up the ranch roads.

 

[GordJ]

I don’t know if it is too late but, in my opinion, one should travel up the Alcan highway and down the Stewart-Cassiar. We found the views going down the Cassiar are nicer than going up and you will see another cool part of the world. Same caveats about lodging and fuel. The distances are pretty close to being equal. There is also the chance to get Hyderized, if that kind of thing interests you, on this route.