There is a fellow in Calgary who did this trip (or maybe just to Inuvik?) with his father after rebuilding his engine (V6 powered LR3), it was quite an adventure as I recall. The pair just basically tented it the whole way and I don't recall that they had any mechanical issues, they had a lot of photos on a google web page but I didn't save the link. The biggest problem was the rocks thrown up by other vehicles really messed up their windshield, plus they did make a few stops to help other folks who were basically stranded. The basic undershields/skid plates on the LR3 were definitely an asset on the Dempster highway, as it is unpaved due to permafrost conditions. As a former heavy duty tent camper in the far north, take lots of bear spray and high DEET bug spray with you, plus a good full sized axe... Hope the COVID-19 pandemic worries don't last too long, that is a "bucket list" kind of trip...

 

@enb54 yea the road is pretty "good", a couple did it in a Ford Escape. The big issue is they use a lot of shale so tire damage is common. Rock chips in the windshield are pretty much a given you need to get well over when you have oncoming traffic, and because of the doming of the road that means slowing right down or you get to visit the ditch

 

Hope this all works out. At least there are no border crossings involved. This whole thing has kind of tossed a monkey wrench into my Alaska trip. Was hoping for this summer/fall, but now it's been pushed back until next year...and even then...l'm unsure about any border crossings. So, been checking into the ferry out of Seattle and going that route. Yes, it adds a bit of expense...but...a break from driving. Tuktoyaktuk was on my original destination list, since it's free enter to the Artic. Plus, really wanted to see the plains of Saskatchewan and some special sections of your "Rockies". Like you, had two different routes planned. Both crossed Canada, one entering Canada in North Dakota, and the return coming down through the mountains into Wyoming.

Anyhow, good luck with this endeavor Richard.

Brian.

 

@The Deputy Me too it is looking pretty iffy though, the North is pretty much closed down. Given a lot of very small isolated communities and limited medical resources it is a very good idea, on top of that if they start getting the economy going I suspect lots of folks will not be able to take 3 weeks away.

Still we are holding out until July to make the final go/no go call.

 

Yeah, my original plan was to piggyback the remainder of this year's vacation time with next year's (avalable July 1st)...which total, would be about seven weeks. I'd still do it if things were back to normal by then...but l have very little faith of this happening...especially for international travel. And, although l mentioned the ferry...l'd much rather go through Canada. So, in my mind...next year would be a better option to plan for.