Yukon/Alaska 2024

[ChuckBC]

Just back to the PNW after a June/July road trip to Yukon and Alaska. Hauling our E19 with the F150 turned out to be a great combination given the roads. Can't say enough about agility in towing and Dexter suspension. Up an down on the the Stewart Cassiar Hwy via the Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert BC Ferry. Made that decision in planning given probability of wildfires in BC Cariboo on return leg. In. and out of Alaska via the Alcan Highway since Dawson City loop was going to introduce more road work and potential of poor visibility from smoke. Focus was sightseeing,mountain hiking and kayaking. No reservations, only a couple of private campgrounds and assessed routing and stays based on meeting objectives.

One big success was weather since we only had 2 days with rain during day time play hours. Also with high overcast and clear skies we had mountain views and great hiking. Denali was clear for days on end or maybe the odd cloud.

Others with similar plan can ask questions. Keep in mind we only spent 2 months on trip and not Alaska and Yukon travel experts. Probably returning to Northern BC and Yukon next year to carry on with check off places and experiences.

 

[Ron in BC]

Denali was clear for days on end or maybe the odd cloud.

As we often say, timing is everything. All the time we were in the park Denali was shrouded in clouds. Went down the road to a rest area and at sunset the clouds parted and we got our best look at Denali.

Yes, forest fires seem to be adding a bit more difficulty or potential difficulty to Alaska trips and routes. We've managed to do all 3 routes in and out of Alaska but anyone, except the ferry, could become unviable in the future due to the apparent increase of forest fires.

Glad things went well for you.

Ron

 

[ChuckBC]

After doing our 2024 trip to Yukon/Alaska, and now planning a 2025 return to the Yukon, I thought I'd list a few truck and trailer items for your consideration. These are steps I took for towing the E19 behind a 2019 F150.
On the truck-
I added another full leaf to the rear springs greatly improving the stock soft leaf pack. Rear was raised about 1.5" Bilstein shocks were also installed. Since I have the added weight of a canopy the ride without trailer didn't change when no load. I also installed new heavier sidewall tires to not rely on the stock lightweight Goodyear Wranglers. I picked the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT tires for good on road and off road capabilities.

The addition of a Rock Tame was a big benefit to help with rocks and spray on trailer. I found that you need to have flaps slightly arced to deflect rocks down versus ricocheting up against truck bumper. Caution when backing up with tight radius and you have a storage box since Rock Tamer bars are outboard closest contact point.

On the trailer
I raised the trailer with 2 5/8" Dexter blocks. This better matched new truck receiver height and improved ground clearance at bottom of receiver leg. I found for ferry ramps and uneven ground off road, the stinger was riding low. Bonus was 2 5/8" higher black/grey dump height for campgrounds with raised campsite and sani dump services. Carlisle tires were removed and Goodyear Endurance heavier sidewall tires added. Since I had a surplus of removed tires, I mounted one on a rim to have 2 spares in case of experiencing flats along one side of the trailer.

For 2025 I am removing poor trailer hitch that is so finicky for receiving the receiver ball. It is not worth the aggravation when hitching and when you see how the trailer jumps around on the Alaska Highway, you want a reliable well built proper hitch. Probably a Bulldog trailer hitch.

Will be at rally then leave north like others.