Looking for any insights since my knowledge on this topic is very dated.
#1 son will likely be driving our '09 Chevy Silverado from Seattle to Anchorage in January or February 2010. Being an '09, it likes Ultra Low Sulfur diesel.
Recognizing that many places along the Alcan shut down in the winter, what is the sense for availability of ULSD in the cold months?
thx
PA12DRVR
CRL
Temporarily (6! years & counting)displaced Alaskan
My Other RV is a 1946 PA-12
My thoughts based upon what we saw this summer with the closing of many of the road houses, fuel is mainly going to be available in the towns. Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, (Toad River closed last winter for the first time) Watson Lake, Teslin, Haines Junction, Beaver Creek, Northway, would be the only places I would count on finding fuel, winter or summer for the most part. I would think any vehicle with a range of 150 miles/242 kilometers should be OK on finding gasoline or winter grade ULSD, on the way north. All of the Canadian stations were selling only the ULSD this past summer, except for the red coloured diesel for off road which is still the "good" stuff, with lots of lubricating sulphur in it. LOL I believe Rancheria Lodge and Coal River stayed open last winter, both have fuel, but who knows about this winter.
I found last summer if I acted too interested in their business, an offer to sell it to me was soon forth coming. LOL
joe b.
South Florida, Stuart
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Driving a Dodge/Cummins/Lance www.pajbcooper.com web site http://www.picturetrail.com/jbpacooper
Alaska 2004/2006/2009 - Colorado photos
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
If he's driving the truck alone he should get plenty of places for fuel provided he has at least a 400 mile range on a tank. I can't recall finding ANY stations along the Alaska Highway or any other major route, that DIDN'T have diesel available. Good luck / Skip
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles) Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
PA12DRVR
The Alaska Highway is a main arterial road in BC. It is used to carry product into Alaska year round. Everything from Christmas Cards to construction material. No fuel problems anticipated.
BTC
Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
Thanks for the input, y'all. Primary worry was how many places shut down (these days) in the winter and if ULSD had made it to the North. Sounds like ULSD won't be a problem and finding a location that is open will not be an insurmountable obstacle. Tank on truck is small (26 gallon) but aux fuel of 20 gallons gives an effective amount of about 40 gallons....circa 600 miles if pushed.
Joe b.: Sad to hear that Toad River closed for the winter, hope that is not a harbinger of things to come. I REALLY hope that Rancheria Lodge does not close down. That was one of the places I overnighted on that first trip up many, many years ago.
The woman that owns Rancheria Lodge told me she planned to stay open this winter but I suspect that could change. She said it was her full time home, so that would make a difference. We had breakfast at Rancheria and it was excellent this summer.
One of the forum members bought fuel this summer at Muncho Lake Lodge, which had been closed for 6 years. New owners as of mid/late August, so whether they will stay open for the winter is anyone's guess. Their fall fuel prices were way over the top of reasonable, it was reported.
With 46 gallons and a DMax your son shouldn't have any problems with finding diesel within his fuel range.
As you know, from your personal experience of driving heavy trucks over the Alcan, you probably didn't have to refuel over two or three times from Anchorage to the Lower 48. We may all have to go to Auxiliary tanks if the trend of lodges closing continues, plus pack a bag lunch to take along. LOL
years & counting)displaced Alaskan
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