More on 17.5 Michelins...

[wingnut60]

Several years ago, I changed out the 16" GY 614s for 17.5" wheels and Michelin XTA tires--got the package from Trailertiresandwheels.com
This combo worked excellent for 4+ seasons and over 25000 miles. May 12, we started out on an extended trip to AK and back for four months--
while camped in Provo, UT, campground--noticed severe wear on inside of LR tire--had looked tires over very closely before starting trip and the wear occurred in less than 1500 miles. Put the spare on and went to Big O tires in Orem, UT. Diagnosis was tread separation--since other 3 were same age, I decided to replace them. But, Michelins had gone from $245 up to $406 and weren't readily available. Opted this time for Cooper Roadmaster 160s--yes, they are Chinese mfg, but Cooper guarantee, and after talking to Scott at TTW about them, I am convinced they will work fine and for $269 each. While changing out the tires, found a 2nd tire with beginnings of tread separations. XTAs were 41-07 (2) and 01-08 (2) mfg dates.
I have never liked the reputation of Chinese-made tires, and have readily bad-mouthed them whenever asked. Now, will have to wait and see how they do. Load Range on the 160s is H, and capacity at 125psi is the same 4805 as the XTAs at 120.
Joe

[RonS]

Joe please keep us up-to-date on the coopers. I was thinking I should also try them, did not know they did not come from USA.

[wingnut60]

I certainly will keep posting on this--just starting out from UT towards Canada/Alaska and return. About 10000 miles til I get back ought to get them tested. I still have the original 16" GY spare, along with a 17.5" wheel/tire as a 2nd spare.
Joe

[anijet]

I've wanted to make the Alaska trip but never have. Please let us know how it goes along the way.

If your axles are aligned close to spec I think your tires will serve you well.

I'm sure you will have a super time.

[Jack in Alaska]

Joe,

I just made the trip from Az. to Alaska but without my MS. It is in storage in Wenatchee, Wash. as we do not use it up here anymore. Just use it in Az during the winter. I did pull a new boat up for someone else and had no problem.
The Alaska Hyw. is in excellent condition. A few bad sections north of Destruction Bay, Yukon towards the Alaska border. Also the Tok cutoff from Tok to Glenallen, Alaska has some short gravel sections and frost heaves. Just slow it down in those sections.
In Canada you can see the bad spots coming as they put small red flags on each side if the section covers both lanes. If only a flag on one side it is that lane that is bad. Alaska does some of that but not always consistent.
Really do slow down to maybe 20 to 30 mph. It will save you problems in the long run and hey...it is not a race, you are seeing the sights.

If you should need parts or repairs on suspensions WILLARDS in Tok, Alaska is an excellent place. His place looks like a giant junk yard but he is very competent, a good mechanic and fair on his prices. His shop is on the left (west) side of the highway accoss from FAST EDDIES restr. as you enter the Tok area, several miles north of the weight station.

Diesel in Ft. Nelson was $5.87/US gal. That is the most expensive on the highway. It gets a little cheaper as you go north. Buy your fuel in the towns along the way like Dawson Creek, Ft. St. John, Ft. Nelson, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Tok etc. The lodges in between the towns are higher priced usually.

Good luck on your trip.

Jack in Alaska

[RonS]

Joe - do you have additional fuel tank?

[wingnut60]

Jack,
Thank you for some excellent suggestions--will keep them handy as we go.
Ron,
Yes, have a 60 gal bed tank and have had if for several years and 2 Ford duallys. It has more than paid for itself several times over. Other couple going with us has a 54 gal replacement Titan tank on his shortbed GMC truck. With my tank (95+gal) and his lighter rig, we just might need fuel at about the same time.

Joe