Shipping Car to Fairbanks

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by Haolejohn

I am glad you decided to do the drive. I think it is much more affordable. I do recommend getting the vehicle winterized before you leave the lower48. As mentioned, make sure you have cold weather survival gear. I'd even recommend some type of satellite phone/text devise.

I admit, I have never done the drive, but there will be extremely long stretches with no gas stations. I simply recommend getting gas every time you pass a gas station. Just pull over and top off the tank.

I've done the drive many a time. Gas up in Fort St John, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake and Whitehorse and you'll be just fine. No need to fill up any more than that unless you have a vehicle with extremely limited range.

[GregW]

I suggest driving all the way. By the time you get to Fairbanks in the winter you will realize just how inhospitable interior Alaska can be. Then you, if you have any sense, will call you prospective employer thank them for the offer and drive back to Anchorage and look for a job there. Anchorage weather is merely cold, wet and miserable. Fairbanks can be crippling.

[rwjoyak]

Originally Posted by GregW

I suggest driving all the way. By the time you get to Fairbanks in the winter you will realize just how inhospitable interior Alaska can be. Then you, if you have any sense, will call you prospective employer thank them for the offer and drive back to Anchorage and look for a job there. Anchorage weather is merely cold, wet and miserable. Fairbanks can be crippling.

I get it, and agree with, the folks on this forum who repeatedly warn newbies coming up to Alaska to be properly prepared.

What I don't get at all is telling someone who has a job offer in hand, and is likely really stoked about their new job and moving to Alaska, that they are making a big mistake.

GregW, I generally agree with the advice you post on the NM forums, but I think you're way off base on this one. You are directly p***ing in their Wheaties, questioning their judgment, while knowing nothing about their situation or motivations for deciding to move to Fairbanks. And after living in Fairbanks for almost 40 years, I totally disagree with your characterization of how inhospitable interior Alaska is.

[VonKarman]

Thanks again for all of your feedback! I now plan on making the drive to Fairbanks during the second half of next month. I have had my engine block heater installed, oil changed, and engine coolant replaced. The technician who is from Alaska told me that my car wouldn't need an oil pan heater. I plan to call the auto dealer in Fairbanks to confirm though. Along the way, I plan to purchase snow tires and a battery warmer.

I decided to take the ferry to Haines just to see some scenery and get a break from driving.

[6.7traveler]

I'd say you NEED an oil pan heater in Fairbanks winter. The technician who used to live in Alaska who told you that is wrong and must be from Anchorage.

Luckily it's cheap and probably the easiest heater to DIY install in 5 minutes. Why risk it? The car will be hating life as it is trying to start up in -40 with the block heater, pan heater, and battery heater/trickle charger trifecta.

Oil in the bottom of your pan will be anywhere from thick molasses consistency to rock solid without a pan heater when it's -40.

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by VonKarman

Thanks again for all of your feedback! I now plan on making the drive to Fairbanks during the second half of next month. I have had my engine block heater installed, oil changed, and engine coolant replaced. The technician who is from Alaska told me that my car wouldn't need an oil pan heater. I plan to call the auto dealer in Fairbanks to confirm though. Along the way, I plan to purchase snow tires and a battery warmer.

I decided to take the ferry to Haines just to see some scenery and get a break from driving.

Originally Posted by 6.7traveler

I'd say you NEED an oil pan heater in Fairbanks winter. The technician who used to live in Alaska who told you that is wrong and must be from Anchorage.

Luckily it's cheap and probably the easiest heater to DIY install in 5 minutes. Why risk it? The car will be hating life as it is trying to start up in -40 with the block heater, pan heater, and battery heater/trickle charger trifecta.

Oil in the bottom of your pan will be anywhere from thick molasses consistency to rock solid without a pan heater when it's -40.

I agree with the oil pan heater and battery heater for Fairbanks. You can probably wait until you get there to have them installed. The shops there will be much more experienced about what wattage to use for the oil heater.

[riceme]

I completely agree with 6.7 and AlaskaErik. Not really optional items.