Two firsts for me soon. What should I expect?

Whoa, sounds like a hell of a good learning experience! goodluck!

 

I've run both a 53' reefer and a set of doubles between Portland, Or. and Fairbanks / Anchorage. Both summer and winter. Winter was the most challenging, but still very doable. For summer bring lots of mosquito repellant!

It's a beautiful drive, but since you're teaming it sounds like you won't be stopping much, which is a shame since there are some REALLY beautiful spots to park. Some of my fav. places to park were at the top of Stone Mt. Provincial park in Northern B.C., and also Lake Kluane in the Yukon Territory.

For personal property, be sure not to bring anything like personal protection items. The port will confiscate all of that stuff when you enter. Also be ready for a long wait at the port while they screen you. It took me an average of 1.5-2 hours to get through into Canada when I went. Be prepared for the drug dog to get up in your cab when you return. They might run your truck through the x-ray machine.

The mountains are like most other mountains you've driven down here, just amplified, so be attentive to your braking, gearing and engine brake usage, as you would anyway.

If you can swing it, try to get your partner to shut down for a few hours at some of the roadside turn-outs and grab your fishin' pole. There are some SWEET fishing spots along the way.

Northern B.C. is absolutely beautiful but the 4-wheelers are incredibly obnoxious and from my experiences, much worse than the drivers in the states when it comes to road attitude. Impatient, and willing to take big risks in order to be in front of you when you both come to a stop at the next traffic signal.

I'm excited for you! It's a great experience, and I hope you take some pictures! You'll see a lot of wild game. If you're night driving be careful and watch for moose! You'll see it all, that's for sure.

 

Also, one thing I learned while teaming is that if you have a hard time sleeping try opening the sleeper fresh air vent next to your head for the wind noise. It helped me a lot by providing a white-noise kind of thing. Get headphones for your radio so you can stay entertained while driving but not bother your partner. Teaming can be very difficult especially in the beginning, so be forgiving and as polite as possible. Communication is crucial. Good luck.

 

A trip I wish I was making. I'm sure you'll have countless hours both sitting up talking to pick his financial brain.
If you last out the winter, your experience level will surpass your years.

Keep us updated will ya?
Good luck, it sounds like a real adventure.

 

1. Grizzly bears always have the right of way.

2. Be veddy careful going outside the truck to take a leak, especially at night (see no 1).

3. If your truck starts rocking late at night and you hear loud snuffling noises, it probly ain't a lot lizard (see 1&2).