Community Forums

dukeh65 · 08-28-2013, 08:21 PM

My family will be RVing from Montana to Alaska next summer, crossing the Canadian border at I15, and I could use some advice on roads, scenery, and campgrounds that can handle a 40'. My main concern is to avoid mountain passes with greater than 8 degree grades and underpasses lower than 15'. I have a couple of zoo keepers in the family traveling with me, so seeing wildlife, particularly carnivores will be a real plus. I appreciate any advice you have for me.

Skip426 · 08-28-2013, 08:34 PM

I hate to break this to you but the side of the road , beside the 8% grades is where the carnivores are, waiting for unsuspecting tourists to break down and step outside.

Just kidding , but had to put it out there.
I'm sure many members will be along with , lots of help, Alaska/ Yukon is still on my bucket list.

Was going to be this year but got side tracked.

Mike Thomas · 08-28-2013, 08:45 PM

Get the 2014 Mile Post Magazine. It will come out in about March. Has everything you will ever need to know. Will tell you exactly what you are looking at each and every mile you pass.

I am going to give you the best advice you are going to get when it concerns wildlife. I lived there for 18 years. If it is not trying to eat you, it is trying to stomp you, bite you, or run over you. Everything can out run you, out climb you, out swim you, and knows the territory better than you do. If you see wildlife, don't get out of the car/motorhome to take pictures, do that through the window. Everything is part of the food chain, you included.

Enjoy your trip! It will be the best thing you have ever done!

"007" · 08-28-2013, 08:56 PM

Welcome to irv2.
There are many links to RV travel on Google here is one RV TRAVEL ON THE ALCAN.
Once you make it there roads are not that hilly with grades much like Montana.
People traveling the highway put screens on lights to prevent light breakage and carried extra spare tire.
It great country enjoy your vacation.

RV735 · 08-29-2013, 07:24 AM

We traveled to Alaska in 2012 form Montana Rt 89 to Canada Rt 2 which is west of I15. We have a 39 ft pusher towing a Jeep. Along the way we encountered a 5 day closure of the Alaskan Highway at Watson Lake because the road was washed out form rain and snow melt. Be prepared for stone chips in the windshield (cover your toad windshield). You must react to the orange flag at the edge of the road by slowing down. They signify frost heaves in the road. Some can be extreme. The worst road conditions we encountered was form Destruction Bay, Yukon to the Alaskan boarder. You will be OK if you go slow (we traveled 15 to 20 MPH in some areas).

You can see our blog of our Alaskan trip at: RVGR8escape

Safe travels and THE JOY IS IN THE RIDE

NRR · 08-29-2013, 06:15 PM

The “Mile Post” is a must have. The orange flags are your best friend. Slow WAY down and maybe drive on the other side of the road when you see one. Destruction Bay to the border is the worst of it. Figure a slow days drive.

All the commercial campgrounds I stayed at were big rig friendly. If they are still open, stop at Sour Dough Campground in Tok, AK. The evening show they put on was a hoot!

I only recall one real steep grade down and up from a river. I think it was on the first or second day out from Dawson Creek.

If you start before Memorial Day like I did. There is next to nobody driving the road. But there are lots of big and small critters to be seen.

It is prudent to stop for diesel when it is available. I did nothing special to my truck or TT other than carry a five gallon jug of fuel.

Have fun…. It is a trip you will remember.

ImagineIF · 08-29-2013, 06:31 PM

The Milepost is a must have. We did this trip last summer in a 45-foot bus conversion towing a SUV. We never had a problem finding a CG we could fit in. We will find it difficult to find 50A service. Almost all have 30A service.

Here's our blog, www.midlifervtravel.wordpress.com

Have a great trip, drive slow, and stop often.