A shovel, fire starter, blankets/cold weather emergency gear, extra water and snacks, maybe a gas can. 2 way radio/cb wouldn't be bad. Alternate power source/backup batteries.

I would love to make this drive some day. Seems like I read an article about using a 3M film on the windshield and headlights. Supposedly reduced breakage quite a bit.

Have fun.

I have never heard of this but it sounds flat amazing!!!!!!!!!

This is going to be a must do.

Can't you just ship your "prohibited" (in Canada) firearms to yourself and skip the hassle?

One box, like a locked Pelican case inside of a cardboard box, from AZ to AK?

Have you considered just driving to Seattle and hopping on a ferry?

The weapon issue may be a whole lot easier to deal with as well that way.

Also, if this is just a three month travel gig, you might consider flying up there and getting a rental while there. See if the agency will put it in your contract. Lots of hospitals will spring for that, particularly someplace that far away.

I worked locums jobs for a number of years and unless it was close, I'd get them to pay for a car.

If you have your heart set on driving up though, just know that it's a loooooooong drive.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Have you considered just driving to Seattle and hopping on a ferry?

I'd love to do that. Unfortunately, vehicle space on the Alaska State Ferry system is sold out for the season and now taking reservations for the 2019 season.

This is what I keep in my truck.

Tire plug kit
Air compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter
Jumper cables and/or preferably a mini jump box
Tow strap
Energizer headlamp
Flashlight

quote:

Originally posted by heavyd:
Tow strap

What rating do you have on your tow strap? Does one double the weight of the truck, i.e. 5 ton strap for a standard pickup truck?

Alcohol and cigs are very expensive in Canada. Use the duty free store at the border.

I don't know if he still races, but there was a very successful vintage motorcycle racer from Canada who raced a lot in the US. His advice about border crossings may not apply in this day and age but here's what he said he tells border agents: "Anything but the truth"

While in Canada, buy Malkins jam, Canadian chocolate bars, and wild rice. Verify your charge cards perform exchange rates like you want. Make cash exchanges at banks, not at stores.

Good luck on your upcoming trip. It sounds like you have received some sound information.

I had wondered about the handgun crossing and in the end decided not to give the border guards any reason to tear into my truck and ended up buying a pump action 12 gauge shotgun. I filled out the paperwork ahead of time and everything went fine.

One thing to keep in mind is since the tourist season is over thee may be some places that have closed. Never pass a gas station if you have less than 1/2 of a tank left.

Be sure to take pictures and post them!

You guys have added an item to my bucket list.

Stopping in Delta as TatorTodd suggested is a good idea. It's beautiful country around there and you can eat a "Trophy Burger" at the Trophy Lodge. The Trohpy Burger is a wonder to behold -- memories of it will keep a climber warm in the craziest of storms!

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:

quote:

Originally posted by heavyd:
Tow strap

What rating do you have on your tow strap? Does one double the weight of the truck, i.e. 5 ton strap for a standard pickup truck?

I can’t remember what it’s rated for. Buy double braided. They are not cheap but much stronger and more durable.

I wish you the best, it has been a dream of mine for years, but the years are piling on too quickly. I wish you to be safe!!!!!

About guns. Stopped in Beaver Creek, YT where Canadian customs was. About 10PM someone bangs on the door wanting to know if I was an American.
Guy had been caught at customs with a pistol. Loaded, not locked, etc. etc. The custom agent told him to go back to Alaska and drop the gun off at a store with an FFL. Idiot drove off for a couple of hours then tried again. The Canadians knew how long the drive took and when the FFL was open. Last, the FFL would have given him a receipt. They chewed him out, then told him to find someone to drive it to Alaska. That brought me in.
The custom agent and I talked. She pointed out the real problem was idiots that remembered a gun just outside Beaver Creek and would simply toss the gun into the woods. The kids in the area knew the turn off points and would searched them for the guns.

About the ALCAN. Everybody is friendly and most will wave. If you see a breakdown, you stop and help.

From the route you stated, your point of entry into Canada will be: Coutts, AB #705

I cross there quite often in my semi. On your way to Edmonton, I would recommend going up Hwy 23 after leaving Lethbridge. You get to go through Vulcan, where they have a big replica of the Enterprise from Star Trek.