Not a rookie, but question about the rockies

Have you been across I68? How about I64, from I77 to i81? If so, you will be fine in the US. There are some pulls in Canada, however that are so steep that it will make you wonder how they even paved them.

 

Use Google Earth and You Tube to pre-plan your route and back up route

 

Just watch your speed going off the top. That is the main thing. Google earth your route and make note of how far to the bottom, but don't let her roll until you have seen it with your own eyes. I have been to Alaska via pavement once and it is mostly a long boring trip. People did it before Jakes....and lived.

 

Can it be done without a engine brake? Sure. Anything is doable.
If your confident in your abilities, go for it. If not then I wouldn't try it.
Without knowing the road it's gonna be a steep learning curve. The major grades are a required brake check at the top. The shorter ones aren't even marked. Remember this is all 2 lanes without any runaway ramps to save you if you start to lose it. The nastiest stretch is coming through Summit Lake in northern B.C and is really only a lane and a half wide. Meeting oncoming traffic gets exciting.
It's one heck of a ride. You won't soon forget it!

 

Almost suicide without a jake brake.
It ain't worth the risk.

 

68 is just a taste of what you have coming.

I don't have the route to Alaska off hand but can tell you that if you have a Jacobs in your truck, you are WAY in better position.

I can run any mountain without Jacobs but I rather not. Its simple as that. Not some of the ones Ive seen.

 

Bahh...
The Canadians run B-Trains and 8 axle fuel truck/ pups up and down in all weather...
I'd much rather pull 80k up there with no Jake, than 140k with one.
Getting to the bottom ain't generally the problem. It's getting to the top what gets hairy sometimes...