Looking for some input...

[colonel00]

So, I have been putting this trip together to take my father up the Haul Rd to chase some caribou in early September. I have been waiting forever to get some firm dates because currently the only airline flying into Fairbanks at that time is Alaska Airlines. Frontier should be flying but they have not released flights after August 10 as of yet for some reason. Working around my father's availability, we finally at least set some tentative dates of Sept 3-12. Unfortunately I find out yesterday that GoNorth doesn't have any trucks available during that time. I am still researching some other vehicle options but they look to be either really expensive or risky (renting a Uhaul).

GoNorth did suggest checking out Arctic Auto Rental but I can't find a ton of info on the company. I think I remember seeing the place last time I was in Fairbanks but I would love to hear if anyone has any experience with them. I can't seem to get on their website but that might be an issue with my work's internet restrictions.

My other option looks like pushing the trip back two weeks and starting around the 15th. I know the weather is always unpredictable up there as last time it seemed like it was 70 one day and snowed the next. But, are there any major considerations I should think about with going later in the month? I really don't want to push it back as this will run right up against a mule deer hunt in Wyoming that I am planning but my father's trip will take precedence.

 

[Ray]

Do you mean Arctic Outfitters?

http://www.arctic-outfitters.com/auto-rentals.htm

Arctic Rent-a-car does not sound like they allow for Dalton highway trips and they charge milage. Kind of takes the fun out of a road trip.

In Anchorage you should call Levi Car rental. I used them for some month long work truck rentals in years past and they allowed for Dalton driving back then. One of the rigs I rented was a suburban that a group of nuns had just returned after a two week trip to Deadhorse and service work in northslope villages. Renting in Anchorage will cause you one/two more day(s) of driving but could show a decent savings in flight timing and costs per leg of the trip.
http://www.levicarrental.net/

 

[colonel00]

Thanks Ray. This is the one that I was looking at. I remember seeing this place down by the Airport in Fairbanks.

http://www.arcticrentacar.com/index.htm

I did see the Arctic Outfitter site but based on their 2013 rates, they only have Ford Escapes and they are pretty proud of them at $200/day.

I will definitely give Levi Car Rental a call. You are absolutely right about costs. Flights are currently about half the price going into Anchorage and there are many more options. I guess I could suffer through that drive through Denali a couple times too if I had too

 

[Yellowknife]

There is a ALASKA Auto Rental in Fairbanks. That might be what was meant, as I believe Alaska Auto Rental does allow for gravel road travel with some of their vehicles.

Might be worth a call.

http://www.alaskaautorental.com/

Yk

 

[colonel00]

Awesome, thanks YK

Do you have any experience with the Alaska Auto Rental place personally?

 

[colonel00]

In the interest if passing along information for others to use in the future, I can confirm so far that Alaska Auto Rental does have vehicles they allow on the Haul Rd. Here are the responses I got as a reference:

Thank you for choosing Alaska Auto Rental! We currently have a special discounted price for the rental times you requested. The details are listed below.

Quote# E1403114
Vehicle Class: Gravel Fullsize Pickup (Crewcab 4x4)
Pick-up Time, Date, Location: 9:00am, September 3, 2014 (Fairbanks)
Return Time, Date, Location: 9:00am, September 12, 2014 (Fairbanks)
Rental Price = $ 1,615.69

Quote Details

Rental Price: The price quoted above includes all applicable taxes and the outfitter/hunter discount. A valid US drivers license (or International Drivers Permit) is required and must be presented at the time of rental. Price quoted is for one driver 25 years of age or older. A Young Drivers fee of $15/day applies to a driver ages 21-24. Additional drivers can be added to the rental for $10/day per driver.

Vehicle Details: Vehicles equipped for travel on gravel highways are equipped with puncture resistant heavy duty tires, two fullsize spare tires, CB radio, and additional mechanical and suspension upgrades to minimize the potential of a breakdown while travelling on rough roads. No smoking, pets, or fish are allowed in this vehicle. This vehicle is not authorized for towing.

Mileage: Quote does not include mileage. Mileage rate is 31.5 cents/mile. Renter will be charged at the time of vehicle return for actual mileage used.

Insurance: Insurance is not included in the price quoted above. An optional Gravel Collision Damage Waiver (GCDW) coverage is available. If purchased, GCDW will cover the cost of any accident damage incurred to the vehicle while rented, including windshield and tire damage (subject to contract terms and conditions). This coverage is $99.95/day and has a $1,000 deductible. If GCDW is declined, proof of a current full coverage US automobile insurance policy in each drivers' name is required and must be presented at time of checkout.

Geographic Limitations: This vehicle is authorized to travel on the Dalton Highway, Elliot Highway (past Livengood), Steese Highway (past milepost 82), Taylor Highway, Denali Highway, and the McCarthy Road. This vehicle is not authorized to travel into Canada.

Payment Details: This is a discounted promotional price that requires payment in full at the time the reservation is made. Payment may be made by major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.) Call for security deposit details if you wish to pay with a Visa or MasterCard debit/check card.

Refund Policy: Payment is fully refundable if cancellation occurs at least 7 days prior to the scheduled rental date. Cancellations less than 7 days from the scheduled rental date (or no-show) are non-refundable.

Reservation Guarantee: Once payment has been received, you will receive a Guaranteed Reservation. At Alaska Auto Rental we don't overbook our rentals. Once you have a Guaranteed Reservation, the appropriate class of vehicle will be held for you so that it will be ready and waiting at the time your rental is scheduled to begin.

A little pricey but not too bad in a pinch if you don't have any other choice. The main areas of concern that I have are the "Mileage not included" and "Full payment at time of reservation". I would be looking at 1000 miles at a minimum probably and even with credit card protection, paying in full 6 months out is concerning. So, with the mileage we are looking at closer to $2000 or more for a 9 day rental.

I also inquired if the pickup had a cover on the bed and got this in response

The rate does not include a canopy. A limited number of canopies may be available on a first come first served bases for an additional charge and cannot be reserved in advance. (Most hunters just tarp their cargo in the bed of the truck.)

We do not offer prepaid mileage packages at this time.

Thank you,

Not sure what the extra charge is.

 

[Yellowknife]

Awesome, thanks YK

Do you have any experience with the Alaska Auto Rental place personally?

Brad,

I've never had occasion to rent from them, but have met and know the reputation of the owner. Although I don't know him well, I've never heard a bad word about him, and would suspect they would set you up right. They seem to do a fair amount of corporate business, and have have been growing at a good pace as near as I can tell.

That's some serious dollars for a 9 day trip, but the all in cost of around $220/day is not out of line for a short term rental of a fully equipped HD truck during the summer/fall season up here. The typical Dalton Hwy rental is a Ford Escape at $200/day and of course the truck would be a far better hunting rig.

Even though they ask for full payment, note that it is fully refundable up to 7 days before the rental date.

Yk

 

[colonel00]

Thanks for help and input. I am still waiting to hear back from a couple other places but it is looking like it would save $1000 to just push the trip back two weeks and go with GoNorth for a rental. It sure would be nice to save the money and put it towards other gear or expenses.

 

[shaun]

I am sure you already know this. But be careful driving the Dalton. I know Joe Miller (Alaska outfitter) got in an accident last sheep season when I was up that way and they had to medevac them out. Oh and stop on coldfoot and get a burger!!

 

[60x]

Colonel00 just wanted to wish you luck on your hunt. I'll be up there from the 10-25 of sept chasin moose for 3 fellows around cold foot. Hoping to make a trip over that chase a caribou to two also..

 

[colonel00]

Thanks. Shoot me a number in a PM if you want. Always nice to meet up with folks if timing works out.

shaun, you are right, that "highway" is not to be taken lightly. We stopped in Coldfoot last time to get fuel but didn't eat. I have to say, I think one of the best meals I ever had was at the Prudhoe Bay Hotel. Not that the food was great or anything but that first hot meal after being out in the bush was soooooo wonderful. That and a quick, hot shower before we hit the road to head south was amazing.