AEV Parts Incoming / Tuktoyaktuk Trip

[Winston]

This is just an excitement post, but open to people's opinions, comments, anecdotal feedback, criticism, etc.
I've got a trip in June 2028 that I'm planning for to drive up to Tuktoyaktuk, Canada. So to prepare for that trip, I've got AEVs Dualsport XP suspension coming with the high cap springs. Also getting their rear bumper w/ tire carrier and fuel caddy. Need that extra 10.2gal of fuel. At the same time, I'm finally doing away with the stock wheels and going with Method bead grip's 703s machine polish, wrapped with the 37" MT Baja Boss's. I was going to go K03s but they're unavailable. Once suspension is installed, I've got a couple Goose Gear pieces I've been eying that I'll pickup. Includes a fridge slide and a couple of drawers. Pictures will be added once install is done.

 

[MRJP]

You can actually squeeze about 11 gallons in the AEV tank

 

[Winston]

You can actually squeeze about 11 gallons in the AEV tank

You have the setup? I was wondering how I’d haul the fuel hose so that it doesn’t smell up my cabin after using. Was thinking of a spare tire bag to store it in.

 

[Maxx]

You have the setup? I was wondering how I’d haul the fuel hose so that it doesn’t smell up my cabin after using. Was thinking of a spare tire bag to store it in.

You’re going to have some smell even if it’s stored in a separate sealed bag. Best would be to somehow store ot outside of the cabin, depending on your tolerance. It’s also difficult to get most of the fuel out of it. Always had a bit left in the caddy that I couldn’t get out.

 

[MRJP]

You have the setup? I was wondering how I’d haul the fuel hose so that it doesn’t smell up my cabin after using. Was thinking of a spare tire bag to store it in.

Yes I ran this on my JK and now on the JL. Remove the 2” tubing plug and drill a hole into the center and insert a zip tie to create a loop. Then fold the siphon hose twice and stuff it in. I put another zip tie on the hose to pull it out and I found some rubber cap and plug to seal the hose. You can also spray the tube with silicone spray to help slide it in. The hose will kink overtime but will still flow just slower. After 7 years I replaced the hose with a more flexible one.

 

[ag4ever]

Get a very small pelican case or equivalent. I have a click clack fuel transfer pump mounted in a case like that. Once it is closed all smell is contained.

 

[Leftfield]

You're going to have a great trip - it is epic country.

How concerned are you about running only 91 octane fuel? A few fuel related notes:

Alaska premium is 90 octane only.

The last high octane fuel heading up the Dempster is at Dawson City. Round trip to Tuk and back is about 1100 miles. My solution was to carry 20g of 100 octane race fuel, adding 87 octane 3:1 to the race fuel - that gets you just shy of 91 octane. The 20g along with 87 along the way got me up and back with a little to spare.

87 Octane is plentiful throughout Alaska and Canada and with minimal planning fuel range is a non-issue. However, to avoid surprises such as detours or closed gas stations, I filled up pretty much at every opportunity. Gasbuddy.com is helpful with fuel planning.

LF

 

[Winston]

You're going to have a great trip - it is epic country.

How concerned are you about running only 91 octane fuel? A few fuel related notes:

Alaska premium is 90 octane only.

The last high octane fuel heading up the Dempster is at Dawson City. Round trip to Tuk and back is about 1100 miles. My solution was to carry 20g of 100 octane race fuel, adding 87 octane 3:1 to the race fuel - that gets you just shy of 91 octane. The 20g along with 87 along the way got me up and back with a little to spare.

87 Octane is plentiful throughout Alaska and Canada and with minimal planning fuel range is a non-issue. However, to avoid surprises such as detours or closed gas stations, I filled up pretty much at every opportunity. Gasbuddy.com is helpful with fuel planning.

LF

As concerned as I need to be. Based on my research, I'll bring some VP Racing Octanium Octane Booster. 11oz per 10 gallons raises octane 4.2 full numbers. So if 87 is all I can find, it'll get me up to ~91.2.

 

[Winston]

Yes I ran this on my JK and now on the JL. Remove the 2” tubing plug and drill a hole into the center and insert a zip tie to create a loop. Then fold the siphon hose twice and stuff it in. I put another zip tie on the hose to pull it out and I found some rubber cap and plug to seal the hose. You can also spray the tube with silicone spray to help slide it in. The hose will kink overtime but will still flow just slower. After 7 years I replaced the hose with a more flexible one.
View attachment 57165View attachment 57166View attachment 57167

Wait, so the fuel caddy comes with that storage tube?

 

[MRJP]

Wait, so the fuel caddy comes with that storage tube?

No it’s just part of the spare tire carrier. It’s worked well for the hose storage for several years now.

 

[Leftfield]

I think you'll like your new suspension & tire combo. I've pretty much got the same setup, It's a bit firm for driving around empty vehicle, but really happy with it when loaded for a venture.

A few things I learned on my trip north if you hadn't already worked them:

Eye shades can be good, particularly if you are camping. Most of the hotels have blackout shades.

Our trip was 7500 miles RT from Seattle area which meant an oil change along the way. It was time at Dawson City and we were going to be there several days so I went to get it done. The NAPA (only place that could do it) said they were 5 weeks out. Fortunately had a full change kit along and they were happy to take my old oil.

The Dempster can be dosed liberally with calcium chloride. That works pretty well for stabilizing the road surface and keeping dust down but it is hell for rust, especially with gravel debris busy creating bare metal underneath. Upon returning to Dawson City I spent ~45 minutes at a self-serve car wash, mostly underneath. In spite of that, 6 months later I had an axle seal fail (rust under the seal) and my buddy had a brake caliper seize. Neither is the end of the world, but there is some risk.

LF

 

[Winston]

I think you'll like your new suspension & tire combo. I've pretty much got the same setup, It's a bit firm for driving around empty vehicle, but really happy with it when loaded for a venture.

A few things I learned on my trip north if you hadn't already worked them:

Eye shades can be good, particularly if you are camping. Most of the hotels have blackout shades.

Our trip was 7500 miles RT from Seattle area which meant an oil change along the way. It was time at Dawson City and we were going to be there several days so I went to get it done. The NAPA (only place that could do it) said they were 5 weeks out. Fortunately had a full change kit along and they were happy to take my old oil.

The Dempster can be dosed liberally with calcium chloride. That works pretty well for stabilizing the road surface and keeping dust down but it is hell for rust, especially with gravel debris busy creating bare metal underneath. Upon returning to Dawson City I spent ~45 minutes at a self-serve car wash, mostly underneath. In spite of that, 6 months later I had an axle seal fail (rust under the seal) and my buddy had a brake caliper seize. Neither is the end of the world, but there is some risk.

LF

I never considered the oil change aspect, thank you for bringing that up. I'll have to make sure I plan around that. And I do intend to spend a good amount of time washing her out once I get back. Thanks for the good points.

 

[Winston]

I think you'll like your new suspension & tire combo. I've pretty much got the same setup, It's a bit firm for driving around empty vehicle, but really happy with it when loaded for a venture.

A few things I learned on my trip north if you hadn't already worked them:

Eye shades can be good, particularly if you are camping. Most of the hotels have blackout shades.

Our trip was 7500 miles RT from Seattle area which meant an oil change along the way. It was time at Dawson City and we were going to be there several days so I went to get it done. The NAPA (only place that could do it) said they were 5 weeks out. Fortunately had a full change kit along and they were happy to take my old oil.

The Dempster can be dosed liberally with calcium chloride. That works pretty well for stabilizing the road surface and keeping dust down but it is hell for rust, especially with gravel debris busy creating bare metal underneath. Upon returning to Dawson City I spent ~45 minutes at a self-serve car wash, mostly underneath. In spite of that, 6 months later I had an axle seal fail (rust under the seal) and my buddy had a brake caliper seize. Neither is the end of the world, but there is some risk.

LF

7500 miles, you must've done some exploring then. Do you mind sharing where you went?

 

[Leftfield]

7500 miles, you must've done some exploring then. Do you mind sharing where you went?

Hi Winston,
Here's a trip report that hits most of the high points:

Yukon Ho!

Yukon Ho!

I've been wanting to do a trip north for a few years. This was the year, after a couple months of planning, taking 4 weeks to cover around 7500 miles. We traveled with some friends in a 4WD Ford Transit set up as a camper. The trip plan was to leave WA state, pass through British Columbia...

www.jlwranglerforums.com

One thing I didn't note on the Dempster section which might be useful for any contingencies - Inuvik is a pretty full service town, gas stations, hotel, restaurants, groceries, hospital, etc.

I'm working to scheme up another trip - it feels like I just scratched the surface.
If you have questions on any parts of the trip let me know.

LF