Traveled 135 miles on Alaska's Denali Highway with a 2,600-pound tow, using a generator and a 58% charged Tesla Cybertruck battery: an account of the journey
In the heart of Alaska's rugged wilderness, a group of intrepid adventurers embarked on a journey, with a Tesla Cybertruck leading the way. Day 3 of their expedition found them departing from Maclaren Creek Trail at 9 AM, ready to conquer the 135-mile gravel Denali Highway.
The journey through Alaska showcased the Cybertruck's off-road capabilities and its role as a new tool for the trailhead. The vehicle, carrying 2,600 pounds in tow, demonstrated remarkable resilience, not flinching despite the challenges of the rough terrain.
However, the expedition was not without its hurdles. On the second night at Donnelly Creek Campground, the generator ran out of fuel at 2 AM, leaving the Cybertruck to be charged via the generator the following day. This incident underscores the limited charging infrastructure available in remote areas, a challenge faced by Cybertruck owners navigating such territories.
To compensate, drivers often rely on portable generators, as seen in this case where a generator was run from 9 PM to 2 AM to restore the Cybertruck's battery charge. Forums recommend larger diesel units for extended range when charging the Cybertruck away from the grid.
Towing heavy loads on gravel roads is another significant challenge. The Cybertruck was used for water crossings during the journey, with a fat-tire electric bike leading the way. Managing battery range and performance while towing on rough gravel roads demands careful energy management.
The Cybertruck’s fully digital steer-by-wire system increases off-road agility but introduces risks. If the software glitches or power is lost, drivers depend on backup systems for steering control, a notable concern in challenging terrains where tactile feedback and fail-safe operation are critical.
The bare stainless-steel body of the Cybertruck can be harder to clean following exposure to the wet and muddy Alaskan environment, which may impact usability in typical weather conditions.
Despite these challenges, the Cybertruck has demonstrated impressive winter performance with equipment like snow plows. The rough terrain and weather conditions, including snow, are demanding but full practical real-world evaluation over extended use is ongoing.
As the adventurers continued their journey, they faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating the determination and preparedness needed to navigate Alaska's harsh terrain. With backup charging solutions and a deep understanding of the vehicle's unique technologies, they were well-equipped to safely traverse the remote wilderness.
[1] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck [2] https://www.tesla.com/support/charging [3] https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck-steer-by-wire [4] https://www.tesla.com/news/cybertruck-tackles-snow-in-winter-testing-video
- In the midst of their adventure travel, the group discovered that while the Tesla Cybertruck's electric-vehicles technology proved its worth on the rugged Denali Highway, the limited charging infrastructure presented a hurdle, necessitating the use of portable generators.
- As they traversed the Alaskan wilderness, the adventurers discovered that managing battery range and performance while towing heavy loads on gravel roads, even with the aid of a fat-tire electric bike, required careful energy management.
- Despite the challenges posed by the harsh Alaskan environment – including cleaning the Cybertruck's bare stainless-steel body – the adventurers were impressed by the Cybertruck's impressive winter performance, reinforcing its potential as a suitable vehicle for a lifestyle centered around adventure-travel and exploring the wilderness.
