I probably won't do this but . . . .
 

My wife and I are planning a trip from Colorado to Alaska later this summer via the Alcan Highway and then back to Washington via ferry. I am planning to use my Toyota 4Runner but then my wife says, "it sure would be nice to take the Mercedes" (08 E-550 Sport 4-matic). I said, well the road is mostly paved, some gravel and people take all kinds of cars and RVs up there so I know the car would do it but the rock dings, etc. could exact a high price. Does anyone have experience with this route or what it would do to this car?

If we take the 4Runner I'm considering a Garmin Nuvi 755/765 portable GPS. It is a new model from Garmin. Anyone have experience with this yet? The reviews are quite good and it includes Canada and Alaska maps.

If you went, I'd love to see the pictures. I'd love to do that drive someday.

One hates to think of low-profile tires and how your wheels are so vulnerable with them.

lkchris is right about the wheels. I suspect they would take a beating.

Alcan
 

Good points - I had forgotten about the low profile tires and I wouldn't want to get different ones for just a 6,500 mile trip. Plus I think the paint, etc. would take a beating. I suspect the 4-Runner will be the vehicle. This would be a good trip for a fleet of dealer/factory Mercedes sedans just to prove they could do it. Not much chance of that in this economy.

I live in Vancouver BC.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not take your Benz up there! The roads are absolutely brutal and will tear your car apart. Most take SUV's and most return with large rock chips, scratches and cracked windshields.

I haven't driven it personally but have mates that drove it last year.

Alcan
 

You convinced me - thanks!