Just Your Thoughts

I really appreciate this question and comments, I am planning the same trip in 2015. But from what I see it, the question is not which vehicle to TOW.

But rather which vehicle weights less and will do the job required for what I want to do.

I do not plan on going 4 wheeling or climbing the mountain trail with my vehicle, however if there is a small stream or water flowing over the road can I safetly drive thru it and get to where I am going. I wont be driving old haul road thru the wilderness. 99.9% of the roads will be normal daily use roads used by everyone in the state.

So which vehicle will do the job and weights less when towed. A 2002 with many miles, or a 2014 $40,000 new vehicle?

After hearing all the horror stories, AK no longer appeals to me. My brother goes up every summer and drives only at night -when there are fewer drivers and truckers slow down a bit.

If going, I would take the older vehicle.

Friend had to have the front of his Jeep repainted after their trip to AK. Selling the Hyundai in AK is a great idea.

I wouldn't tow a new anything to Alaska. I bought a five year old beater to use as a toad, and when I got a new Fit as an alternative tow, I had to put a year's use one it before I was ready to install a baseplate, put it behind the MH and start throwing rocks at it.

But maybe you can treat a brand new car as a throwaway. Many people do. I can't, tend to keep my vehicles 8-20 years but want to keep tjem new as long as I can.

427435 wrote:
Have the wheel bearings and suspension checked on the Hyundai. If good, drag it to Alaska and, when you are ready to head home, sell it there and drive home without a toad. Cars are higher priced in Alaska due to transportation.

x2x3x4 Next time i will do a PVC wrap on the sides 3708

You only live once!!! Go for it. The Jeep will enhance your trip and enjoyment.

Since you've been to Alaska in 2007 you know the kind of roads you'll want to drive. The majority of roads are paved and then you'll encounter construction spots. Even the Top of the World Highway doesn't require a 4x4 so I would say that you don't really 'need' a Jeep for the trip. Only you know what roads you want to drive. Personally, I wouldn't take the new one. Spend some fix-up money on the old one.

Have the wheel bearings and suspension checked on the Hyundai. If good, drag it to Alaska and, when you are ready to head home, sell it there and drive home without a toad. Cars are higher priced in Alaska due to transportation.

robsouth wrote:
Take the older car. Alaska ain't no place for a new towed. JMHO.

+1
I just bought a '14 Jeep GC a few months ago and no way would I tow it to Alaska, it is just to nice of a vehicle. Take the old toad.

On one side I say take the old car so you won't have to worry about rock chips etc.
On the other hand the worst trip I ever took was my trip to Utah and I chose yo tow my Toyota highlander instead of my jeep and everywhere I wanted to go I could not and ended up walking because the Toyota had no ground clearance. So if I am going all the way to Alaska I am bringing the jeep.