Roll Call Alaska 2013
Just thought I'd start a thread regarding who will be starting up to Alaska in 2013. It would be nice if we could share information so everyone has a memorable and safe trip. We will be leaving aroun...
Forum Discussion
A few thoughts from our trips to AK and other remote areas. We had to replace the diesel air filter several times on our first trip in 1996--hard to find in AK--we did find them in White Horse. We will take several extra air filters with us this time.
Although we washed the rear radiator out regularly, we did so mostly from the rear--take time to do it from the inside also. We had a problem with mud after we got home.
We have run both a ScanGaugeD and a VMSpc for diagnostics on our diesels. Once we lost all analogue dash gauges for about 1,500 miles. Now we have digital back up for all of the functions.
Communications: I am a HAM operator, and carry both a HF and 2 meter radios, which give use both short and long range communications. We came upon a bad wreck in a remote area and were able to get a message to RCMP for help. In the mean time, we disconnected the propane and battery from the wrecked trailer (safety precautions). Fortunately no injuries (I am an MD, my wife an RN, but we do carry extensive first aid supplies) We helped to direct traffic, (included a tour buss where the driver off loaded the passengers and went on the shoulder around the wreck) until the professional help arrived.
We also have a Wilson dual band 3 watt Cell phone amplifier, and an external "Trucker" antenna for the cell phone frequencies. We find this extends our cell phone range considerably.
For WiFi we use an external antenna to a USB port--probably will go to a TP Link external router on this trip. There is a definite advantage to having an amp and antenna in any camp ground or if parked near "Free" Wi Fi.
Finally we always carry a Personal Locator Beacon. These are registered to our persons, and transmit to the international SAT SAR system via 406 mHz satellite system. We have a route plan with our contacts as well as our medical information etc. If you have a life threatening emergency and are out of range of phone/radio, these may save your life. We carry them when in the RV, the TOAD, hiking, fishing or on our kayaks etc. These are about the size of a deck of playing cards. Our current preference is the ACR ResQLink 2880 or 2881. They cost in the $250
range. No yearly fees, and good for 5 to 6 years without a battery change.
We also carry bear spray when hiking.
Although we washed the rear radiator out regularly, we did so mostly from the rear--take time to do it from the inside also. We had a problem with mud after we got home.
We have run both a ScanGaugeD and a VMSpc for diagnostics on our diesels. Once we lost all analogue dash gauges for about 1,500 miles. Now we have digital back up for all of the functions.
Communications: I am a HAM operator, and carry both a HF and 2 meter radios, which give use both short and long range communications. We came upon a bad wreck in a remote area and were able to get a message to RCMP for help. In the mean time, we disconnected the propane and battery from the wrecked trailer (safety precautions). Fortunately no injuries (I am an MD, my wife an RN, but we do carry extensive first aid supplies) We helped to direct traffic, (included a tour buss where the driver off loaded the passengers and went on the shoulder around the wreck) until the professional help arrived.
We also have a Wilson dual band 3 watt Cell phone amplifier, and an external "Trucker" antenna for the cell phone frequencies. We find this extends our cell phone range considerably.
For WiFi we use an external antenna to a USB port--probably will go to a TP Link external router on this trip. There is a definite advantage to having an amp and antenna in any camp ground or if parked near "Free" Wi Fi.
Finally we always carry a Personal Locator Beacon. These are registered to our persons, and transmit to the international SAT SAR system via 406 mHz satellite system. We have a route plan with our contacts as well as our medical information etc. If you have a life threatening emergency and are out of range of phone/radio, these may save your life. We carry them when in the RV, the TOAD, hiking, fishing or on our kayaks etc. These are about the size of a deck of playing cards. Our current preference is the ACR ResQLink 2880 or 2881. They cost in the $250
range. No yearly fees, and good for 5 to 6 years without a battery change.
We also carry bear spray when hiking.
