Dude, I lived in Alaska for 35 years and I can tell you that in the winter you get fuel whenever you can, and definitely NEVER let it go below one-half full. I doubt that you ever will again.
He says “this is what just happened to me”. *HE* happened to him. You know, you’re in Baja over Christmas with only a bottle of flat tonic water… You’re not going to freeze to death. I think we’re going to be seeing lots more of this sort of thing. Not trying to be a c***t , but , damn… I drove from Seattle to Prince Rupert in November when I was 17. I would *never* have gotten into an ‘on empty’ situation potentially 85 mi away from potential fuel. Lol, could be a good fall/winter business , rescuing young people with too many re$ources and not enough good sense , from themselves .
@@lisacolbert5987 True never let your fuel go below 1/2 tank if you can help it. But Watson Lake/Whitehorse is much further north than Prince Rupert (I work near Watson Lake and have lived in Terrace and Kitimat) so communities and supplies are much further apart. Prince Rupert is really West Central BC and is much further south and is on the Yellowhead (where cell service is mostly available) as opposed to Northern BC where the video was shot and the cell service is restricted to the Whitehorse area. Every lesson in life is welcome and this one didn't come at a high price and I'm glad it was that way.
Why this guy doesn't have a million subscribers is beyond me! Entertaining, nail biting, educational....it's all in one package! I WILL share this channel with everyone I know!!
Glad that I found your Channel! I am 77 years old and now handicapped and get around in a “POWER WHEELCHAIR” …! I loved to camp with my family in years past and I am so glad that we did all those wonderful trips! I am thinking of recording the beautiful sound of your Diesel engine…music to my ears!🤣My only suggestion would be to get a propane stove for cooking and a backup heating source (with a carbon monoxide detector too). But you may already have those things! HAPPY TRAILS MY FRIEND AND BE SAVE OUT THERE…KEEP ON TRUCKING👍🙏
The lower 48 diesel also has anti gel in it...especially the northern most states....as a precaution you should buy and use anti gel in your tanks anyway in those kind of temps..( I drove tractor trailers for over 30 years)..I have plenty of experience with diesel...once again in those temps always add anti gel to both your tanks...no worries then!
I never water up my modern camper in the winter. Always use winter blend fuel in winter. Bring your wood stove in the winter. I live in montana it gets 30 below here too
As many times as you have driven the Alaska highway, I'm surprised you don't carry plenty of extra fuel. I did when I drove up here and I used it on more than one occasion.
From my understanding, running out of fuel is much more consequential to a diesel engine than a gas engine. I was very nervous for your truck. I’m glad it worked out.
I have a 7.3l with a broken fuel gauge. I run out of diesel a couple times per year. The injectors don’t like it but they’re fine. Definitely not a problem on the stater.
Oh, the power of positive thinking. Good for you Timmie. I was holding my breath, thinking you would break out the one wheel in the snow. Glad you made it.
never leave your vehicle in extreme cold or heat if you get stranded, way to many people have died statistically from doing just that. leave your hood popped open, and make a sign if you can that says need help or SOS and try to flag down any passing car truck or plane
I've been watching hundreds of camping videos doing their best to imitate home living outdoors. From all season tents, to camper vehicles, to RVs, but this channel literally put a house on wheels. This just blows everyone out of the competition. Hopefully he can bring some sort of mini electric vehicle with him to complete this epic build.
You might consider making a cold weather check list, if remembering has become difficult. A Coleman gas lantern produces 11k to 13k BTUs of heat. In a small space, it will warm the contents and prevent freezing. I have both propane and kerosene heaters in my Unimog. Also a five gallon pail with some charcoal will produce some heat to thaw everything.
Woke up this morning here in Dallas, TX. Got the donkeys, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats that I'm house sitting right now all taken care of. Got my coffee and got on your channel. This is not the nail biter I wanted to wake up to. But I'm so glad you made it to fuel. Now to enjoy my coffee and see what happens.
5:21 Umm. Since you’ve driven that highway before, and since I’ve driven it for 40+ years, I asssume that you know that if you turned right towards Watson Lake you would have refueled within 20 minutes and would have been good to go..but then the dramatic effect would not have been nearly as good. 😂👍
In 2006 I drove it ( just no frills holiday with almost all funds going into the fuel tank ! ) and I had a petro pass and so in BC and the Yukon with the current Petro fuel map I knew I could fuel up at any old time of the day or night from mile zero to Whitehorse at least. Pulled into what was the card lock petro just west of Watson Lake if that sounds right late in the evening. Of course I could have gone into the town but I imagine they would not stay open at night ?. Never the less both ways I used that card lock which means I had to go past the Cassiar turn off to fuel up, then back track and head south. Anyway like you as I watched I shook my head at Deese and then at the intersection I had words as I watched on LOL.
I thought it's a 20 mile drive to watson lake (the wrong direction), then I'd have to turn back around and drive 20 miles back (40 mile detour)? I kept going because there is a station that's always been open about 50 miles in the direction I was going.
lol i didn't manufacture anything dude, just filming my life, watson lake was a 40 mile detour, the station that's been open the past 16 AK highway drives I've done was closed, which then would have put watson lake around 70 miles in the wrong direction 1 way
@@TruckHouseLife I realize the back track debate ( its supposed to be about 13 miles from the intersection to the Watson lake turn off ) , but my point is when one is unsure in that type of weather situation and given the whole theme of places shutting down during the winter and you already were shocked that the station on the corner was closed .. best "safety" option is to head towards a town in case things go really bad as in sitting on the side of the road with no fuel and knowing that your heater would not work with no fuel either. Yes of course its easy for me to arm chair it after the fact and had it been during the summer and no weather threat to your safety I'd say if one was a betting person and don't mind some hassle and an "adventure" sure, give it a shot as you did. Examples of poor decisions in striking out in really bad weather across the prairies here in Canada or the main land northern states in sparse populated area's and getting stranded and of course no one is coming along as the road is buried with drifting snow and they become a frozen statistic. Oh I realize you were on the main Alaska highway after all which someone will come along, and you have a whole stack of wood you can burn if needed to keep warm right on your truck ( you may not see the humour in that though 😁 )
You are truly a Road Warrior, would enjoy hearing about your total mileage, etc. Met this guy once that claimed he drove 300 miles everyday for 2 years. Crazy times. Much respect to you Mr. Tim, I'll give you one of my metal 5gal Jerry cans...
I worked with 2 guys in Tulsa who drove a Toyota pickup from south of Oklahoma city. A rear u joint went out they removed the driveshaft put it in 4wd and drove it like that for 2 years.
I’m sure there are companies that market larger replacements fuel tanks for the obs trucks. Might be a good investment to give you a lot of peace of mind. You can never have too much fuel.
I drove a 1985 Chevy Cavalier (with snow tires and studs) from Portland, up the Frazier River Valley and all the way to Anchorage, in February. 30 years ago. These days there are lots more services, whether going up through Alberta or BC, if you ran dangerously low on fuel, it must have been lack of minimal preparation. The Alaska Highway is no big deal now. It wasn't that big a deal in 1990. Carry basic emergency gear, check the weather at locations when you stop, use the Alaska Milepost magazine from the year you were traveling to know where open services were. I made the trip a lot back then, mostly up through Alberta.
I am so glad that you made it bro! Next time just pay whatever the fuel costs, it ain't worth risking your life to save a couple bucks a gallon or whatever! You have way too much to live for so try not to risk your life too often especially when it ain't necessary! I hope you get home safe so that we can watch some more epic Alaska video's, peace man!
Even here in MN, I always carry several bottles of Howes, or Power Service anti-gel in my cab. Even buying winter fuel, it can jell up. I would hate to get stuck out in the middle of the tundra with no heat. Glad you made it home...
Was traveling in Wyoming this past june and my friend and i thought we would have enough gas to get 74 miles. our range on the jeep said we had 94 miles. What we didn't factor in was the wind, crazy head and side wind. And campers traveling slow. We were 10 miles out when everything went to flashing empty. I was able to find a Tractor Supply Company parking lot and stopped there and had a full blown panic attack like i have never had before. It was awful. My friend called road side assit and in 40 min we had 5 gallons of gas to get to a gas station. Once i parked i refused to drive anywhere else. I've never been so afraid of running out of gas in my life.
Truckers know that when they are down to half a tank, that's as good as empty. They start looking for fuel when they are down to half a tank. I suggest you do the same, even more so in such a harsh environment as Alaska. Food for thought! 🤔💭
I'm in the Northwest Territories. I'm now in the habit of carrying a full jerry when I travel. In the winter especially, fuel stations being open is not always a guarantee.
I grew up in whitehorse 40 years ago and never ever do you not have a Jerry can of fuel for emergency use as well always have a spare tire a full real one and cash on hand...... never assume that you will be OK! always always preplan! glad you had an adventure. :)
Never drive this Highway without fuel cans full of fuel. I even carried 55-gallon barrels of fuel and rig a fuel line to the barrels with a on and off valve. Even in summer those fuel stops can be closed or open all unpredictable. I have over 100 trips on this Highway. The stretch from White horse to Hains Jct has also Elk - mule deer and Bison on the road. The mule deer start to be seen from Teslin lake to Hains Jct.
I rode the Alcan on my bike from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction in 2011. Unlike the old days when vehicles did not get the gas milage they do today, there were more services. But now things are few and far between even in summer. But it's a beautiful place and I will never forget it.
And your driving is amazing. I drove myself from Michigan to Knoxville Tennessee and it took me 10 + hours with all the stopping to "pee". By the time I got to Tennessee I was almost in tears because my back hurt me so much. I kept my heated seat on during the summer! Can't imagine driving like you do. I'm only 48 years old and 100# but I have a bad back from all the patient care I've done (lifting people). I was proud of myself for driving like I did but I'd never do it again without a companion and taking turns.
Just some friendly advice in my experience, don't return the second alternator. I always keep a second in my van. I'd keep another starter too if I ever came across one.
Spent a couple years in Galena back in the early 70s. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Some good, some not so good. No matter. Looking back I wouldn't have changed anything.
I was USAF, aged 17, stationed AZ. Feb 7 orders for Anchorage and assumed I could jump on a ferry to get to Anchorage (Elmendorf AFB) at Seattle, Nope, months to wait, I drove the AlCan in my custom van. One flat tire, one windshield and an ice box fallen off the wall. 1300 miles of dirt road as I recall. Hit a frost heave and went airborne at one point, quite a ride.
Absolutely fascinated by your channel man. I love watching how harsh life is where you are. I feel so soft living in south Florida watching your adventures.
Yep! Scary when you don’t have heat in that situation. In 1967 I was living and logging in Kersley just south of Quesnel BC with my wife and baby daughter in a small rented cabin. The only heat was a diesel heater. One night it dropped to under -50F and the oil gelled in the feed lines. I woke up to -20 in the cabin. I thought my baby girl had frozen to death in her bassinet next to our bed. Scared the you-know-what out of me! Put her in bed with my wife until she thawed out and took them to my dad’s ranch house heated with wood. Stayed there until I found an old log house to rent that had a couple of big wood stoves. Never trusted oil heat sub zero county again 😖. Glad your heater started working. Amazing trip you took! Takes me back to my reckless youth 😂!
Ok, "lesson learned".............................carry a couple of 5 gal containers of fuel from now on!!!!!! I love watching your channel, especially seeing the inside of your cabin. This old lady has lived this long because decades ago I learned to "always have backup!" No way would I have taken out the wood burning stove. At least if you ran out of fuel, you would have it to keep you warm. Please be careful out there. You can still have your freedom and adventures but being prepared for anything to better protect yourself comes first.
Thanks for taking us along. I was anxious to see the finish and that you got fuel just in time. When we drove from Illinois to Seattle to ship our truck and trailer to Alaska I carried spare gas. But then had to plan to use it towards the end as they don’t want more than 1/4 tank to ship the truck. Turned out to be more of a pain than anything. I’m so glad your tank worked out just perfectly.
Hi Great video My Dad lives in Wonowon a hour north of Fort St John on the Alaska Highway he has 5 acres if your ever stuck in the area just look for the Tuttle Water truck and ambulance service sign on your left. Great place to visit but I love Vancouver Island born and raised😎
Yikes on the low fuel issue! i've had too many low oil pressure or temp issues so I hear you on just running out. I keep two 5 gallon cans in the RV just in case.
I cannot imagine being where AAA couldn't find me. Just subscribed because your running out of fuel resonated with me. The night is lovely but desolate.
Haha, can totally relate only we were going the opposite direction in late Summer from Watson Lake and literally coasted down the hill into Dease Lake praying a gas station would still be opened that late. Thankfully there was! Price.........who cares!! When you need fuel, they can charge what they want.
I live in Fairbanks and I work for a company the requires traveling to site along the pipe line up to Prudhoe Bay, Dead Horse, I know the feeling of driving hours and hours, always making sure to stop on any place that you can get fuel, taking chances of running empty on fuel is not a good idea for sure, the views of mountains and valleys are breath taking, always on the look up for the incoming traffic, big trucks go fast and clouds of snow are dangerous when they pass you, any mistake on icy road can be fatal. 16 years on Alaska and often driving on this roads conditions, by God's grace I am still here. Good job brother
It was kind of dark but those Caribou looked like they might be Elk to me. I hear there are Elk up near the Whitehorse area. Looked like the kind of drive my wife and I like to go on, the more remote the better. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
They were definitely Elk, too big to be caribou and Caribou aren't brown like that either. None of them had antlers either, which is also a sign they weren't caribou as pregnant caribou won't shed their antlers till spring after they have given birth. Cow elk don't have antlers.
@@TruckHouseLife i just saw the vid and I’m new to watching you I might have just missed that. The internet never paints the whole picture for either sides.
thats why I always carry 5 gallons of extra fuel AND I switch my tank when it reaches 1/4 just gives me a little security.go to main tank and always know I have at least 1/4 tank in the smaller one plus 5 in the back. feeling all stressed about fuel sucks ruins the drive.
I was pumping the brakes,smashing the gas and panicking there for a minute with you lol🤣I was also relieved when WE finally got gas🤭🤭Sending well wishes on all your journeys from NC,USA😊🥰
What a trip. Enjoyed watching, but why didn't you have a gas can filled for the emergency? Keep the alternator for a spare and you dont have to worry like you did when the light came on.
Okay Timmy, you should have three or four 5 gallon Jerry cans of diesel. And don't return that alternator. You should always carry a spare one as well as a starter and battery. And were you out of propane? Because you could use your stove/oven for heat. Maybe even carry a Mr Buddy heater. And if you were dead tired just sleep in the cab with the engine running
Btw, a blizzard is akin to a hurricane 🌀 with snow, instead of rain. We have very high winds that you cannot see 10 feet in front of you. And it will blow you down just like a hurricane. It’s very destructive to buildings and property & livestock. it’s not unusual for winds to be clocked at 75 to 100 MPH.
Outstanding dialogue. You describe things really well. I was wondering if a guy could call ahead to find out what fuel stations are open and which are not.
….huh?! I HAD a ‘93 F350 Crew I’d ORDERED from the factory..and it ended up being ONE OF, IF not THE worst vehicle I’d ever owned. STILL had it 14 years! They, the brilliant engineers, screwed-up the pulley system (MIS-aligned) and it threw 3 belts in the first 6 months. THEN as if that wasn’t enough..the paint job, Black gloss..literally HAD NO ‘Clear Coat’! Pissed, I was…PISSED! Always had been a Ford family too growing up…and they STILL didn’t make it right. Have an ‘04 F350 Supercab now, 5.4L GAS engine..and it’s been a FANTASTIC rig. Doesn’t like “passing up” fuel stops though..!
Last January I drove from Vancouver BC to Dawson City YT arriving at -50c carried 50liters of gas and never skipped a gas station but flipped Jerry's in steady...
That's a terrible feeling. I hope you bought a couple of fuel cans since. Glad you made it through, I felt like I was playing modern day "Oregon Trail" ;)
I saw you in Talkeetna. You need to come back and just live here. That road is too dangerous without backup find a village and stay there for your own good 👍
Remember this: always get number 1 diesel when its that cold. Mix it with kerosene if needed. Thanks for sharing this trek adventure. Wishing you a grand day.
Life is not too bad there ,I'm saying it because I'm yukoner. If you run off gas,wave your hand and jump in a car or truck and get gas from next station , here in north ,we were helped and are happy to help.
Yahoo! 😂 Cool Desil. I had a Ford Bronco with 351 Windsor. It was my camera truck. Sold it when I left the broadcast film business. Cool to see the dual tank system. Ride On! 😅
For those that have never driven this. When he reached the end of the Cassiar and the gas station was closed. All he had to do was take a right and drive 15 minutes back into watson lake to fill up. He knows this. So all the drama of running out of fuel was just that drama. My guess he had extra fuel just in case.
I thought it's a 20 mile drive to watson lake (the wrong direction), then I'd have to turn back around and drive 20 miles back (40 mile detour)? I kept going because there is a station that's always been open about 50 miles in the direction I was going.
@TruckHouseLife it's 20km. Hardly out of the way when it's below zero and risk of running out of fuel is high and can be deadly. Like I suspect I'm sure you knew you had enough fuel and drama was for the affect.
I know you were strapped on fuel no qualms to that but for heater for the shack I would run it on kerosene it burns cleaner for the internals and most importantly it don’t gel like diesel when it’s cold out. I run it in my ice shack and the pump can always pump it
Thank god for reserve in the tank.... I drove the Alaskan Highway back in June 2022.... I was there for a theatre show in Whitehorse (lighting designer), and had a rental car. Took it down to Carcross one day, then Haines Junction the next, and spent some time in Kluane National Park. Beautiful country!
Always use 50 50 blend no.1 anything colder 25 below 75 25 blend save fuel additives for down to 0 Always loved your wood stove idea what a downer lol Build spot for a 6 gallon fuel can wont regret it
Use power service winter diesel fuel supplement, in the white bottle. Stops gelling and has cetane booster. Treat all of your #2 fuel. That far north you are buying #1 diesel, which is kerosene. The gel point is lower but less energy per gallon. I treat all my fuel in cold weather, you never know when the delivery driver makes a mistake and gelling up means a life threatening situation. I buy a case each summer, lower prices, for the winter.
I've driven highway 37 a number of times and up to Dawson but not farther than Cassiar in the winter. Always with two spare tires and three x 5 gallon fuel canisters in the roof rack.
In those towns with vehicles parked everywhere I’d be asking where they get fuel, or trying to buy some off of someone. I imagine they’re used to the inexperienced getting caught in the same dilemma.
Dude, I lived in Alaska for 35 years and I can tell you that in the winter you get fuel whenever you can, and definitely NEVER let it go below one-half full. I doubt that you ever will again.
nope learned my lesson for sure
Idiot
Washer fluid same deal in my eyes lol
He says “this is what just happened to me”. *HE* happened to him. You know, you’re in Baja over Christmas with only a bottle of flat tonic water… You’re not going to freeze to death. I think we’re going to be seeing lots more of this sort of thing. Not trying to be a c***t , but , damn… I drove from Seattle to Prince Rupert in November when I was 17. I would *never* have gotten into an ‘on empty’ situation potentially 85 mi away from potential fuel. Lol, could be a good fall/winter business , rescuing young people with too many re$ources and not enough good sense , from themselves .
@@lisacolbert5987 True never let your fuel go below 1/2 tank if you can help it.
But Watson Lake/Whitehorse is much further north than Prince Rupert (I work near Watson Lake and have lived in Terrace and Kitimat) so communities and supplies are much further apart.
Prince Rupert is really West Central BC and is much further south and is on the Yellowhead (where cell service is mostly available) as opposed to Northern BC where the video was shot and the cell service is restricted to the Whitehorse area.
Every lesson in life is welcome and this one didn't come at a high price and I'm glad it was that way.
Why this guy doesn't have a million subscribers is beyond me! Entertaining, nail biting, educational....it's all in one package! I WILL share this channel with everyone I know!!
Thanks Jimmy:)
Glad that I found your Channel!
I am 77 years old and now handicapped and get around in a “POWER WHEELCHAIR” …! I loved to camp with my family in years past and I am so glad that we did all those wonderful trips! I am thinking of recording the beautiful sound of your Diesel engine…music to my ears!🤣My only suggestion would be to get a propane stove for cooking and a backup heating source (with a carbon monoxide detector too). But you may already have those things! HAPPY TRAILS MY FRIEND AND BE SAVE OUT THERE…KEEP ON TRUCKING👍🙏
I absolutely hate the cold but that’s why I watch your channel. I find it exciting. Keep up the good work.
Tim, dude, you know the golden rule of the Alcan;
Always
Fill
Up
lesson learned lol
There's a your mom joke in there....
The lower 48 diesel also has anti gel in it...especially the northern most states....as a precaution you should buy and use anti gel in your tanks anyway in those kind of temps..( I drove tractor trailers for over 30 years)..I have plenty of experience with diesel...once again in those temps always add anti gel to both your tanks...no worries then!
I had a bad feeling when, in an earlier episode, you passed that one open gas station because it was “too expensive.”
No kidding
He got lucky. The question is, did he learn anything.
@@JohnDoe-lc9yj Back in the day, he really would not have made it. And no one would shed a tear, more than likely.
You can,t do that, are you crazy 😅
@@JohnDoe-lc9yj - He said lesson learned.
-25 degrees and someone is riding a bicycle with trailer on the sidewalk at 6:27 lol brave soul.
I never water up my modern camper in the winter. Always use winter blend fuel in winter. Bring your wood stove in the winter. I live in montana it gets 30 below here too
I know that sick feeling you get when you might run out of fuel, I've had it more times than I like to think of. Thanks for another great video.
Funny in 55+ years of driving I have never run out of gasoline…NEVER not once…not bragging I just use that wonderful thing called a fuel gauge 🤣👍
As many times as you have driven the Alaska highway, I'm surprised you don't carry plenty of extra fuel. I did when I drove up here and I used it on more than one occasion.
..THIS being NEW to me.. HE’S done this BEFORE!?
From my understanding, running out of fuel is much more consequential to a diesel engine than a gas engine. I was very nervous for your truck. I’m glad it worked out.
It's a self priming injector pump, just hard on the starter
I have a 7.3l with a broken fuel gauge. I run out of diesel a couple times per year. The injectors don’t like it but they’re fine. Definitely not a problem on the stater.
@@StoneUFO …NOT always..and you BETTER have ENOUGH BATTERY!
I don't always drive through winter hell, but when I do I take out the wood stove and bring the air conditioner.
Lol
Oh, the power of positive thinking. Good for you Timmie. I was holding my breath, thinking you would break out the one wheel in the snow. Glad you made it.
never leave your vehicle in extreme cold or heat if you get stranded, way to many people have died statistically from doing just that. leave your hood popped open, and make a sign if you can that says need help or SOS and try to flag down any passing car truck or plane
That type of positive thinking, will get u killed in Alaska. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes @
I've been watching hundreds of camping videos doing their best to imitate home living outdoors. From all season tents, to camper vehicles, to RVs, but this channel literally put a house on wheels. This just blows everyone out of the competition. Hopefully he can bring some sort of mini electric vehicle with him to complete this epic build.
You might consider making a cold weather check list, if remembering has become difficult. A Coleman gas lantern produces 11k to 13k BTUs of heat. In a small space, it will warm the contents and prevent freezing. I have both propane and kerosene heaters in my Unimog. Also a five gallon pail with some charcoal will produce some heat to thaw everything.
Woke up this morning here in Dallas, TX. Got the donkeys, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats that I'm house sitting right now all taken care of. Got my coffee and got on your channel. This is not the nail biter I wanted to wake up to. But I'm so glad you made it to fuel. Now to enjoy my coffee and see what happens.
the minute you passed that gas station, I thought.. well, that was a mistake. glad you made it.
yup! lesson learned!
Hey👋
How are you doing ???
Never run a diesel out of fuel! I owned a 7.3, great motor. Keep a couple extra small tanks with you and always top off regardless of price.
5:21 Umm. Since you’ve driven that highway before, and since I’ve driven it for 40+ years, I asssume that you know that if you turned right towards Watson Lake you would have refueled within 20 minutes and would have been good to go..but then the dramatic effect would not have been nearly as good. 😂👍
That exactly what I said watching it. Manufactured Drama.
In 2006 I drove it ( just no frills holiday with almost all funds going into the fuel tank ! ) and I had a petro pass and so in BC and the Yukon with the current Petro fuel map I knew I could fuel up at any old time of the day or night from mile zero to Whitehorse at least. Pulled into what was the card lock petro just west of Watson Lake if that sounds right late in the evening. Of course I could have gone into the town but I imagine they would not stay open at night ?. Never the less both ways I used that card lock which means I had to go past the Cassiar turn off to fuel up, then back track and head south. Anyway like you as I watched I shook my head at Deese and then at the intersection I had words as I watched on LOL.
I thought it's a 20 mile drive to watson lake (the wrong direction), then I'd have to turn back around and drive 20 miles back (40 mile detour)? I kept going because there is a station that's always been open about 50 miles in the direction I was going.
lol i didn't manufacture anything dude, just filming my life, watson lake was a 40 mile detour, the station that's been open the past 16 AK highway drives I've done was closed, which then would have put watson lake around 70 miles in the wrong direction 1 way
@@TruckHouseLife I realize the back track debate ( its supposed to be about 13 miles from the intersection to the Watson lake turn off ) , but my point is when one is unsure in that type of weather situation and given the whole theme of places shutting down during the winter and you already were shocked that the station on the corner was closed .. best "safety" option is to head towards a town in case things go really bad as in sitting on the side of the road with no fuel and knowing that your heater would not work with no fuel either. Yes of course its easy for me to arm chair it after the fact and had it been during the summer and no weather threat to your safety I'd say if one was a betting person and don't mind some hassle and an "adventure" sure, give it a shot as you did. Examples of poor decisions in striking out in really bad weather across the prairies here in Canada or the main land northern states in sparse populated area's and getting stranded and of course no one is coming along as the road is buried with drifting snow and they become a frozen statistic. Oh I realize you were on the main Alaska highway after all which someone will come along, and you have a whole stack of wood you can burn if needed to keep warm right on your truck ( you may not see the humour in that though 😁 )
You are truly a Road Warrior, would enjoy hearing about your total mileage, etc. Met this guy once that claimed he drove 300 miles everyday for 2 years. Crazy times. Much respect to you Mr. Tim, I'll give you one of my metal 5gal Jerry cans...
I worked with 2 guys in Tulsa who drove a Toyota pickup from south of Oklahoma city. A rear u joint went out they removed the driveshaft put it in 4wd and drove it like that for 2 years.
Be prepared is the Scout motto.
I’m sure there are companies that market larger replacements fuel tanks for the obs trucks. Might be a good investment to give you a lot of peace of mind. You can never have too much fuel.
I drove a 1985 Chevy Cavalier (with snow tires and studs) from Portland, up the Frazier River Valley and all the way to Anchorage, in February. 30 years ago. These days there are lots more services, whether going up through Alberta or BC, if you ran dangerously low on fuel, it must have been lack of minimal preparation. The Alaska Highway is no big deal now. It wasn't that big a deal in 1990. Carry basic emergency gear, check the weather at locations when you stop, use the Alaska Milepost magazine from the year you were traveling to know where open services were. I made the trip a lot back then, mostly up through Alberta.
I am so glad that you made it bro! Next time just pay whatever the fuel costs, it ain't worth risking your life to save a couple bucks a gallon or whatever! You have way too much to live for so try not to risk your life too often especially when it ain't necessary! I hope you get home safe so that we can watch some more epic Alaska video's, peace man!
yup lesson learned!
Even here in MN, I always carry several bottles of Howes, or Power Service anti-gel in my cab. Even buying winter fuel, it can jell up. I would hate to get stuck out in the middle of the tundra with no heat. Glad you made it home...
Was traveling in Wyoming this past june and my friend and i thought we would have enough gas to get 74 miles. our range on the jeep said we had 94 miles. What we didn't factor in was the wind, crazy head and side wind. And campers traveling slow. We were 10 miles out when everything went to flashing empty. I was able to find a Tractor Supply Company parking lot and stopped there and had a full blown panic attack like i have never had before. It was awful. My friend called road side assit and in 40 min we had 5 gallons of gas to get to a gas station. Once i parked i refused to drive anywhere else. I've never been so afraid of running out of gas in my life.
You take chances I never would. Applaud the bravery bro
Oh my goodness. I held my breath. Please stay safe.
Almost ran out of gas over Sweetzer in Idaho in a white out..been there...major pucker factor.
Truckers know that when they are down to half a tank, that's as good as empty. They start looking for fuel when they are down to half a tank. I suggest you do the same, even more so in such a harsh environment as Alaska. Food for thought! 🤔💭
Can’t wait to see this. I’m really enjoying this remote winter trip back to Alaska.
I'm in the Northwest Territories. I'm now in the habit of carrying a full jerry when I travel. In the winter especially, fuel stations being open is not always a guarantee.
This is the most stressful video I’ve watched in a long time! I’ve driven that stretch of road and always worry about running out of gas.
I grew up in whitehorse 40 years ago and never ever do you not have a Jerry can of fuel for emergency use as well always have a spare tire a full real one and cash on hand...... never assume that you will be OK! always always preplan! glad you had an adventure. :)
Never drive this Highway without fuel cans full of fuel.
I even carried 55-gallon barrels of fuel and rig a fuel line to the barrels with a on and off valve.
Even in summer those fuel stops can be closed or open all unpredictable.
I have over 100 trips on this Highway.
The stretch from White horse to Hains Jct has also Elk - mule deer and Bison on the road.
The mule deer start to be seen from Teslin lake to Hains Jct.
I rode the Alcan on my bike from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction in 2011. Unlike the old days when vehicles did not get the gas milage they do today, there were more services. But now things are few and far between even in summer. But it's a beautiful place and I will never forget it.
And your driving is amazing. I drove myself from Michigan to Knoxville Tennessee and it took me 10 + hours with all the stopping to "pee". By the time I got to Tennessee I was almost in tears because my back hurt me so much. I kept my heated seat on during the summer! Can't imagine driving like you do. I'm only 48 years old and 100# but I have a bad back from all the patient care I've done (lifting people). I was proud of myself for driving like I did but I'd never do it again without a companion and taking turns.
Just some friendly advice in my experience, don't return the second alternator. I always keep a second in my van. I'd keep another starter too if I ever came across one.
Keep a buddy heater with you at all times too!
Spent a couple years in Galena back in the early 70s. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Some good, some not so good. No matter. Looking back I wouldn't have changed anything.
I was USAF, aged 17, stationed AZ. Feb 7 orders for Anchorage and assumed I could jump on a ferry to get to Anchorage (Elmendorf AFB) at Seattle, Nope, months to wait, I drove the AlCan in my custom van. One flat tire, one windshield and an ice box fallen off the wall. 1300 miles of dirt road as I recall. Hit a frost heave and went airborne at one point, quite a ride.
Absolutely fascinated by your channel man. I love watching how harsh life is where you are. I feel so soft living in south Florida watching your adventures.
Yep! Scary when you don’t have heat in that situation. In 1967 I was living and logging in Kersley just south of Quesnel BC with my wife and baby daughter in a small rented cabin. The only heat was a diesel heater. One night it dropped to under -50F and the oil gelled in the feed lines. I woke up to -20 in the cabin. I thought my baby girl had frozen to death in her bassinet next to our bed. Scared the you-know-what out of me! Put her in bed with my wife until she thawed out and took them to my dad’s ranch house heated with wood. Stayed there until I found an old log house to rent that had a couple of big wood stoves. Never trusted oil heat sub zero county again 😖. Glad your heater started working. Amazing trip you took! Takes me back to my reckless youth 😂!
Your narration is very suspenseful! I was rapt at attention to your gasoline dilemma!
You’re amazing! I would have panicked. God continue to be with you in your travels! ❤
That five gallon can of fuel you had in the back came in handy,
I didn't have a 5 gallon can? haha
Ok, "lesson learned".............................carry a couple of 5 gal containers of fuel from now on!!!!!! I love watching your channel, especially seeing the inside of your cabin. This old lady has lived this long because decades ago I learned to "always have backup!" No way would I have taken out the wood burning stove. At least if you ran out of fuel, you would have it to keep you warm. Please be careful out there. You can still have your freedom and adventures but being prepared for anything to better protect yourself comes first.
man even just havinga 5 gallon jerry can of diesel on the truck could be a life saver. and with how heavy the truck is already youll hardly notice it.
Took! I drove from cali to Montana and had two 5 gallon tanks of Deisel in the back of my truck!! Common sense bro!! 👀💯🇺🇸💪😎
Thanks for taking us along. I was anxious to see the finish and that you got fuel just in time. When we drove from Illinois to Seattle to ship our truck and trailer to Alaska I carried spare gas. But then had to plan to use it towards the end as they don’t want more than 1/4 tank to ship the truck. Turned out to be more of a pain than anything. I’m so glad your tank worked out just perfectly.
That fuel situation was insane! So glad you made it.
Hi Great video
My Dad lives in Wonowon a hour north of Fort St John on the Alaska Highway he has 5 acres if your ever stuck in the area just look for the Tuttle Water truck and ambulance service sign on your left. Great place to visit but I love Vancouver Island born and raised😎
Yikes on the low fuel issue! i've had too many low oil pressure or temp issues so I hear you on just running out. I keep two 5 gallon cans in the RV just in case.
One tip is to keep a 5 gallon jug of diesel on the back of the truck in situation’s like this
I've never been to Canada or Alaska. I enjoyed the scenery on your trip. It is so beautiful. Safe travels.
Thank you! You too!
That stretch of highway just sounds nuts...I'd like to travel that someday!
In the wilderness, always carry 3-4 (or more) extra 5 gallon fuel containers.
You could see the relief in your eyes 👀 glad it worked out
I cannot imagine being where AAA couldn't find me. Just subscribed because your running out of fuel resonated with me. The night is lovely but desolate.
Driving 34 years. Never had AAA
Hey George don't forget every semi truck have a diesel for you you just have to ask on the side of the road don't be scared next time
Haha, can totally relate only we were going the opposite direction in late Summer from Watson Lake and literally coasted down the hill into Dease Lake praying a gas station would still be opened that late. Thankfully there was! Price.........who cares!! When you need fuel, they can charge what they want.
I live in Fairbanks and I work for a company the requires traveling to site along the pipe line up to Prudhoe Bay, Dead Horse, I know the feeling of driving hours and hours, always making sure to stop on any place that you can get fuel, taking chances of running empty on fuel is not a good idea for sure, the views of mountains and valleys are breath taking, always on the look up for the incoming traffic, big trucks go fast and clouds of snow are dangerous when they pass you, any mistake on icy road can be fatal. 16 years on Alaska and often driving on this roads conditions, by God's grace I am still here. Good job brother
Thanks man:)
It was kind of dark but those Caribou looked like they might be Elk to me. I hear there are Elk up near the Whitehorse area. Looked like the kind of drive my wife and I like to go on, the more remote the better. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Could be
They were definitely Elk, too big to be caribou and Caribou aren't brown like that either.
None of them had antlers either, which is also a sign they weren't caribou as pregnant caribou won't shed their antlers till spring after they have given birth. Cow elk don't have antlers.
Taking the wood burning stove out makes no sense that’s the last thing you ever leave without. But like you said lesson learned!
I left in AUgust on the road trip, 115 F where i was going
@@TruckHouseLife i just saw the vid and I’m new to watching you I might have just missed that. The internet never paints the whole picture for either sides.
thats why I always carry 5 gallons of extra fuel AND I switch my tank when it reaches 1/4 just gives me a little security.go to main tank and always know I have at least 1/4 tank in the smaller one plus 5 in the back. feeling all stressed about fuel sucks ruins the drive.
OH man. How scary. This happened to me driving way north of Fairbanks once, but it was summer; thank God.
I was pumping the brakes,smashing the gas and panicking there for a minute with you lol🤣I was also relieved when WE finally got gas🤭🤭Sending well wishes on all your journeys from NC,USA😊🥰
So thankful you didn’t run out of gas. Loved seeing the caribou on the side of the road!!
What a trip. Enjoyed watching, but why didn't you have a gas can filled for the emergency? Keep the alternator for a spare and you dont have to worry like you did when the light came on.
Reminds me of back in 1971 when I took a barge from Prince Rupert to Ketchikan, good video.
Okay Timmy, you should have three or four 5 gallon Jerry cans of diesel.
And don't return that alternator. You should always carry a spare one as well as a starter and battery.
And were you out of propane? Because you could use your stove/oven for heat. Maybe even carry a Mr Buddy heater. And if you were dead tired just sleep in the cab with the engine running
The more winter nightwares you live, the more views you get !
Anyway, it was stressful to Watch and i’m happy to see you succeed in this trip 💪🏼
You are either brave or crazy!! I would have been a wreck! God bless you!
Btw, a blizzard is akin to a hurricane 🌀 with snow, instead of rain. We have very high winds that you cannot see 10 feet in front of you. And it will blow you down just like a hurricane. It’s very destructive to buildings and property & livestock. it’s not unusual for winds to be clocked at 75 to 100 MPH.
Great vid, Timmy. When you head north, put your dmd wood heater back in. You had heart pounding. 😬😁
He thanked God
it's back in!
We drove that same road but we carried 6 extra gas cans just in case because it just happened to be the holiday season when we drove threw
In all my travels I've learned to never drive by a fuel station no matter the cost. You should've grabbed 5 extra gallons for the $55
WOW! ... I would never travel in the winter. May God be with you and help you.
I would have stayed in the lower 48!
That $11/gallon was probably looking pretty good when this happened. Lol
yup!
A good reminder to always have a jerry can or two of extra fuel with you
I was sweating bullets for you! Glad you made it! 🙂 You need to be thanking God 🙏 He watches over us!
Outstanding dialogue. You describe things really well. I was wondering if a guy could call ahead to find out what fuel stations are open and which are not.
As a trucker we have a rule, never ever run under 1/2 a tank. Especially in the winter.
lesson learned for sure
He should keep a collapsible wood stove in the camper for these types of situations. My buddy built one out of cookie sheets he got from walmart.
You just cant beat a 7.3 for reliability!! Thanks for sharing this adventure!!!
You bet!
….huh?! I HAD a ‘93 F350 Crew I’d ORDERED from the factory..and it ended up being ONE OF, IF not THE worst vehicle I’d ever owned. STILL had it 14 years! They, the brilliant engineers, screwed-up the pulley system (MIS-aligned) and it threw 3 belts in the first 6 months. THEN as if that wasn’t enough..the paint job, Black gloss..literally HAD NO ‘Clear Coat’! Pissed, I was…PISSED! Always had been a Ford family too growing up…and they STILL didn’t make it right. Have an ‘04 F350 Supercab now, 5.4L GAS engine..and it’s been a FANTASTIC rig. Doesn’t like “passing up” fuel stops though..!
Last January I drove from Vancouver BC to Dawson City YT arriving at -50c carried 50liters of gas and never skipped a gas station but flipped Jerry's in steady...
That's a terrible feeling. I hope you bought a couple of fuel cans since. Glad you made it through, I felt like I was playing modern day "Oregon Trail" ;)
I saw you in Talkeetna. You need to come back and just live here. That road is too dangerous without backup find a village and stay there for your own good 👍
Remember this: always get number 1 diesel when its that cold. Mix it with kerosene if needed. Thanks for sharing this trek adventure. Wishing you a grand day.
Number 1 diesel IS kerosene.
Life is not too bad there ,I'm saying it because I'm yukoner. If you run off gas,wave your hand and jump in a car or truck and get gas from next station , here in north ,we were helped and are happy to help.
Yahoo! 😂 Cool Desil. I had a Ford Bronco with 351 Windsor. It was my camera truck. Sold it when I left the broadcast film business. Cool to see the dual tank system. Ride On! 😅
For those that have never driven this. When he reached the end of the Cassiar and the gas station was closed. All he had to do was take a right and drive 15 minutes back into watson lake to fill up. He knows this. So all the drama of running out of fuel was just that drama. My guess he had extra fuel just in case.
I thought it's a 20 mile drive to watson lake (the wrong direction), then I'd have to turn back around and drive 20 miles back (40 mile detour)? I kept going because there is a station that's always been open about 50 miles in the direction I was going.
@TruckHouseLife it's 20km. Hardly out of the way when it's below zero and risk of running out of fuel is high and can be deadly. Like I suspect I'm sure you knew you had enough fuel and drama was for the affect.
I know you were strapped on fuel no qualms to that but for heater for the shack I would run it on kerosene it burns cleaner for the internals and most importantly it don’t gel like diesel when it’s cold out. I run it in my ice shack and the pump can always pump it
Carry Methanol with you. And run Kerosene in your tanks with the diesel. Be prepared and don't EVER turn your engines off!
Thank god for reserve in the tank.... I drove the Alaskan Highway back in June 2022.... I was there for a theatre show in Whitehorse (lighting designer), and had a rental car. Took it down to Carcross one day, then Haines Junction the next, and spent some time in Kluane National Park. Beautiful country!
Always use 50 50 blend no.1 anything colder 25 below 75 25 blend save fuel additives for down to 0
Always loved your wood stove idea what a downer lol
Build spot for a 6 gallon fuel can wont regret it
Use power service winter diesel fuel supplement, in the white bottle. Stops gelling and has cetane booster. Treat all of your #2 fuel. That far north you are buying #1 diesel, which is kerosene. The gel point is lower but less energy per gallon. I treat all my fuel in cold weather, you never know when the delivery driver makes a mistake and gelling up means a life threatening situation. I buy a case each summer, lower prices, for the winter.
yup use it all the time:)
I've driven highway 37 a number of times and up to Dawson but not farther than Cassiar in the winter. Always with two spare tires and three x 5 gallon fuel canisters in the roof rack.
In those towns with vehicles parked everywhere I’d be asking where they get fuel, or trying to buy some off of someone. I imagine they’re used to the inexperienced getting caught in the same dilemma.