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Vacationfools · 01-10-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

I was laid off in early 2009 and decided what the heck, once in a lifetime chance so we went to AK.

We drove the Alcan going up and the Cassier coming back down. We did get a chip in the windshield between Denali and Fairbanks but that could happen anywhere.

The trip was well worth it. If you are that concerned about the condition of your coach leave it parked.

As I posted, looking for best driving route!

rarebear.nm · 01-10-2018, 10:00 PM

We're leaving in May '18 for 5 months+ in Alaska towing a 5th wheeler. I may put wind deflector on the hood of the pickup, maybe.

When my parents did the trip maybe 15-20 years ago in a Class C, they had no windshield damage until they were five miles from their home in Los Alamos, NM. I've had plenty of rock damage in the lower 48 to the glass and paint, so what's new?

grindstone01 · 01-10-2018, 10:32 PM

If I decide to drive Alaska, I would leave the fifth wheel in the lower 48 and put a used pickup camper in the truck bed which I would resell after the trip. Better mileage, less tire worries, and easier to park overnight.

S Bradley · 01-25-2018, 04:48 PM

I drive home every spring; both routes are good, but they are always under construction due to the frost heaves. Use the ALCAN going one way and the Cassiar the other. The horror stories about damage may put you off but most of the damage can be avoided if you take your time and move over when you see approaching traffic. I have had two rock chips in the last 5 years one was clear down by Edmonton (paved road), the other was North of Destruction Bay in construction. Take the big mud flap off it throws rocks every time you cross a Frost Heave. If you need a car in Alaska just rent one, it is not worth the wear and tear, or extra fuel. Go Slow Enjoy the trip. We are crossing the border at Sumas May 25 heading North to Prince George, weather makes the decision for us which route to take.

Remus · 01-25-2018, 06:53 PM

We have made the trip twice. Both times in gas chassis older motorhomes, full of family (seven of us). Both trips were trips of a lifetime! Up the Alcan, back the Cassiar. Added a trip in the toad to the Arctic Circle. NO damage to anything. We did have a coat of mud on everything more than once. Don't miss out on this great adventure.

notlost · 02-05-2018, 09:41 PM

For lack of time, I didn't read any of the previous responses. I will say we've taken our 42' motor home up to alaska 3 times (2008, 2014 and 2016). the roads have gotten better each time. in 2016, only about 40 miles of unpaved roads. the biggest thing to remember is to drive according to the condition of the road! friends that drive too fast have had issues, friends that drive slowly have enjoyed the trip immensely. my suggestion would be to take the Alcan one way and the cassiar the other way. there's too much beauty on both to avoid either. depending of what interests you have (fishing, sightseeing, tours, history, etc) should dictate your route. don't be afraid of the roads, just respect them. feel free to contact me if you want more info. alaska and the yukon are places just begging to be explored!
we have some photos at facebook.com/stoppingtheshutter and also at instagram.com/ronniesue. hope these will make you want to go!!!