Will my vehicle work in Alaska? Wainwright alaska?

2020-09-13T10:35:09-04:00

I have a dodge caravan will it work at fort wainwright Alaska? Also will I be able to ride my motorcycle in Alaska and for how long if so?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 13 at 2020 10:46 AM

2020-09-13T10:46:18-04:00

Dear Brandon, I pray that you are successful at finding out the answers to your questions. SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Sep 13 at 2020 10:50 AM

2020-09-13T10:50:20-04:00

4x4’s and front wheel drive vehicles are best but all vehicles can get around. You’ll need to get an engine block heater install. Get studded tires or put chains on your tires. I recommend studded snow tires, then chailnge them out after breakup. Motorcycle riding probably from May - September.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 11:47 AM

2020-09-13T11:47:22-04:00

I own a 2007 dodge grand caravan sxt and that thing was a beast In the blizzards we had in Massachusetts but for Alaska I'd assume it would hold up alright in it. I'd say definitely spend your money on the best snow tires you can get. You can have the most overpowered 4wd vehicle in the world but it means nothing if you dont have the right tires

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 3:15 PM

2020-09-13T15:15:21-04:00

Simple answer is yes it will work. But that also depends on tires and possibly chains when needed. No doubt 4x4 and FWD would be best. But I’ve seen everything in Alaska. Just drive to the conditions. They do a fairly good job taking care of their roads in the bigger cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 5:07 PM

2020-09-13T17:07:22-04:00

You should be good so long as you get your vehicle winterized for the winter conditions. As for your motorcycle, you won’t be riding it until around May I believe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2020 10:20 PM

2020-09-13T22:20:25-04:00

There are no vehicles in Alaska. It is post policy that you buy dogs and a sled to get to and from work.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 9:39 AM

2020-09-14T09:39:54-04:00

Don’t know any of those answers, however I am extremely jealous about being able to ride there, it looks GORGEOUS

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2020 11:56 AM

2020-09-14T11:56:25-04:00

have you sacrificed at least half a day's catch of salmon and 10 lbs of Pemmican to the Inuit goddess Malina yet?

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Sep 14 at 2020 6:50 PM

2020-09-14T18:50:23-04:00

Caravan will work fine. We had ours there for 4 years... but a couple things to help you out...

1. The Caravans have small radiators. As such they don't hold heat well driving down the highway in the winter and can also have an issue keeping your windows defrosted because of it. Do yourself a favor and hit up Autotrim Design (no affiliation, they're on Cushman St, not far from the main gate) when you get there and get a stainless steel Cloud Rider cold front (they're made in Canada). They're a bit pricey, around $150, but bite the bullet...you get COLA. They're worth every penny, only take a few minutes to install/dismount, can keep them on from Oct to April, won't brake, and keep you and yours warmer during your winter travels.

2. Your transmission lines will likely start leaking at some point and leaving their mark everywhere you go. It's the crappy crimps and cheap lines the factory uses (Ford and GM are bad too for the haters out there). There are a couple hydraulic shops in town (no affiliation...Alaska Rubber and Rigging's folks are awesome). They can take your old lines and braze on new fittings and hose so they will never leak again. Costs maybe $40 per line. You can pull them without leaking in your driveway or garage, take them in, and they're done in like 1 hour. If you do this the hobby shops (especially the Eielson Auto Skill Center) can point you in the right direction for removal (very easy).

3. Tires. Invest in some crappy winter rims and some Blizzak tires. They stay soft even at -40° so traction isn't an issue. Use regular tires and get used to spinning at intersections trying to go or sliding a bit on the highway (they don't plow as often as youd think).

When your preparing to leave AK you can sell the cold front and tires for close to what you invested in to them. Heck...if you come through WI I'll give you my Blizzak tires for free since we recently sold our van.

Motorcycles are fine. Rides out to Denali or Chena Hot Springs are nice. Typically April its warm enough to ride and by Mid-Sep cold enough to not want to, but the post will decide when the season opens and closes each year. Personally, I waited until May to ride. That usually left enough time for vehicle traffic and street sweepers to kick the rest of the gravel and sand from winter off the roads. Seems to never fail...as soon as the riding season opens someone ends up dumping their rides because of the rocks and sand on the road edges. Oh...and some of the potholes can swallow your bike so keep an eye out.

V/R
Bogie