Hey y'all.
I've got a 04.5 2500 4x4 with the 6 speed manual trans that I've had for a couple years now. I've been doing what I know in preparation for some fairly heavy towing. We have a 32 foot fifth wheel that we're going to pull from Southern AZ up to Alaska and back this summer.
The truck is mostly stock with about 175,000 miles on the clock. No noticeable blowby. I sent an oil sample to Blackstone for analysis, and the truck passed with flying colors. It has a pretty nice looking exhaust system, including an aftermarket 2 piece manifold that says ATS.

It seems that mostly everybody here agrees the stock gauges are inaccurate, to be polite.
My idea is to put on one of those 3 gauge pillar pod things, so which gauges are the most important?
I keep it under 2000 rpm almost religiously, never much over 70 mph.
I'm thinking:
1. Fuel pressure
2. Exhaust gas temp
3. Oil pressure

Any input is welcome.
Any other potential problems I should look for?

Cheers
Bert

 

Hey Bert, early planning is great for any trip. I took my '03 2500 up there twice, rowing through the gears pulling a 24-5N 5th wheel. Loved it.

I first bought a 3 gauge pod that mounted above the rear view mirror. That was a mistake. Although I thought the position was great, the heat would warp the pod. Geno's customer service was great and gave me an A-Pillar pod. With that, I put in Lift Pump Pressure, EGT (before turbo), and Boost. I think LP and EGT are more important than the 3rd gauge.

For prep, I would ensure you are current on your fluid changes, filters, grease, etc.. Bring an extra air filter with you and might even bring an extra fan belt. Make sure your brakes and tires are in good shape. For your trailer, I would suggest a Tire Pressure Monitoring system to give you early warning of slow leaks. If you don't want to spend the $$ on that, then get a $25 Infrared Temperature gun and shoot the tires every time you stop. (single tire with much higher temp is flexing more due to lower air pressure) Repack your bearings while you inspect the condition of your trailer brakes.

Almost lastly, if you haven't already, pick up a copy of

The Milepost" target="_blank">The Milepost

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, now is the time. That book is so full of information on the different highways going up through Canada and around Alaska, noting what to see along the way. It doesn't miss much. It also comes with a large map you can hang on the wall or spread out on the table to help plan your routes. By routes, I suggest you take a different route going up than you do coming back. See more.

Another mapping site I use is RV Trip Wizard. It is a pay site, but I think you can try it out for free.

Lastly, take your time. Pull over often for photo ops and leg stretching. Ensure you check out Canada's border crossing website for requirements. Do Not bring any handguns (avoid 3 hots and cot). If you want to bring a rifle/shotgun, download and fill out the proper form BEFORE you get to the border. Do not bring ammo for anything other than what you are bringing and declaring. Declare everything.

Enjoy your adventure.
Back to morning brew . . .

 

Agree with what was said above, but would also suggest carrying an extra fuel filter in case you pick up a load of bad fuel. Also a spare water pump.

 

Several friends of mine moved there several years ago, & they are always asking us to get up there. Planned it last year, but CV-19 stopped all travel (except essential workers) through Canada. So we are once again planning the travel there this summer sometime. Here is some of the suggestions on planning a trip there:

1. Carry two sets of your camper wheel bearings along, with a small container of bearing grease.
2. Make sure you have a good spare tire for the camper & truck. Use same size tires as a spare, no donut ones.
3. Canada may again require proof of test results for CV19 before entry. Call the border crossing if needed.

4. like others said, spare & extra filters, etc.
In addition, hook up to a good travel site & you can get up-to-date information of the roads and event ahead of you. Here are two I use:
A; https://www.facebook.com/search/top/...assiar%20Hiway.
B; https://www.facebook.com/search/top/...0road%20report