I plan to move North--very possibly to Alaska.

Which means I'll be ditching my 2wd sedan for a 4WD pickup truck.

This would be for my own personal use (not commercial).

I was thinking of a Ford F150.

Any recommendations what engine/tranny/axle ratio/tire size/wheels to get?

(For personal transportation use--not plowing and not towing, just getting me around).

And any other advice on how to configure the truck for Alaskan roads and weather?

Thanks!

Driver Bill

 

Anywhere special? Revelstoke is nice. Great Ski-Doo area.

If not Alaska then Canada?

Buy a nice FX4 with Heated seat's .... Your gonna need them and dont forget a Block heater if you buy a Truck from a Sunny State. Winter Tire's are recomended as well.

EDIT: Location: The Snowy Muddy North Oh well you probably know what to expect.

 

I'm looking at Alaska, Maine, and New Hampshire.

Everyplace else is too hot, too crowded, or lacks an ocean.

 

I have lived in Anchorage for over 30 yrs.

The good thing about Alaska roads is that we know how to maintain them. A four wheel drive w/ good tires and you're set. I learned how to drive on a rear wheel drive car when I was a kid and I have never run studs or chains and I have been all over the state in the winter, often times dragging snowmachines. Heated leather seats are nice, we are on day 8 of below zero weather right now.

Make sure you're prepared for all of the cost increases. We are paying $2.33 gal for fuel, $4 for a gallon of milk , and shipping parts up here is just stupid. Also our housing market is not dropping. We are somewhat of a micro-economy, we don't go the way of the lower 48.

This is a safe place, with a lot of great people. Most people get up here and never leave, unless they hate the cold.

If your looking for work there a number of local websites and one major newpaper-ADN.com.

Also we have two quality Ford dealerships, one decent Chevy dealership, and one decent Dodge dealership.

Good Luck.