Alaska 2013

[Yuki]

We are traveling to alaska starting from So. California on the first of May and have been reading lots of stories of what to arm our M/H with, some in other forums have suggested investing in a rock guard and window covering for toad, we'll be taking our time (4 months) and driving slow taking all the precautions mentioned in different how to books. We would appreciate some input from anyone that has taken the trip.




Juan Marquez
2008 Monaco Cayman
2005 Honda Element

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by Yuki

We are traveling to alaska starting from So. California on the first of May and have been reading lots of stories of what to arm our M/H with, some in other forums have suggested investing in a rock guard and window covering for toad, we'll be taking our time (4 months) and driving slow taking all the precautions mentioned in different how to books. We would appreciate some input from anyone that has taken the trip.

Juan Marquez
2008 Monaco Cayman
2005 Honda Element

The key is take it slow. We took the trip a number of years ago. We used a Roadmaster Tow Defender and believe it was worthwhile. The biggest danger of a gravel hit to your windshield is from an approaching truck. When you see one coming get over to the right as far as possible and come to a near stop if you can. We had no damage. A short day north of Whitehorse is a campground called Cottonwood. Take a break for a few days here. It's a beautiful spot on Kluane Lake and we saw a Grizzly mother with 2 cubs every night during our stay.

[RV735]

There are a lot rocks on the way to Alaska. We got our first stone chip on mile one of the Alaskan Highway form a gravel truck. Several rocks broke through both layers of the front windshield on you way to Dawson City. You will not be able to protect your front windshield. You may want to throw a rock a the windshield at the start of the Alaskan Highway so that when it is struck you will not feel bad! Just kidding. I would be surprised if you do not get at least a stone chip. We had a Blue Ox stone guard and covered the toad windshield with a pilates map stretched between the front doors over the windshield and two bungee cords to hold it tight. We did not have any damage to the windshield of the toad during our trip.

We used RV adventure videos to plan our trip and excellant source:
http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/

Our Blog for 2012 Alaskan trip : http://rvgr8escape.blogspot.com/

[t55watson]

Made the trip a while back without a windshield chip or windshield chip in the toad. As stated earlier, go slow. When you see a red flag in the shoulder of the road slow down fast. A frost heave is there, big bump.

[sirpurrcival]

As previously stated, rocks from oncoming trucks are the biggest issue. They come zinging out of the tires and coupled with the velocity of your own vehicle can easily hit at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Your toad is probably in less jeopardy than your rig's main windscreen. I have always wondered why trucks aren't required to have some kind of cowling over the trailer tires. Would save untold dollars in windshield and body damage claims.

[Ramets]

We spent all of last summer in the great north. We also left the 1st of May, although we left from Mesa, Az. Went straight north and crossed into Canada from Montana. Never had any problems with rocks and such. Road was great til Burwash Landing in the Yukon(Frost heaves). Kluane Lake was still half frozen(May 20th) and we hit some snow, but not bad enough to make me think about stopping. I think the worst of the frost heaves was from Tok to just past Glenallen, but you'll be driving slow through there anyway because of the beautiful scenery out the left side. Mt. Sanford and the Wrangell Mtns. are awesome. Make sure the camera is on the dashboard and the windshield is clean. I was driving and taking shots out the side window for quite aways. But there's a caveat to all this. Every year is different. The worst of the roads was coming back, a lot of construction. There's something to be said about going up early before they start the unending maintenance of the road. Just stay alert, and enjoy all the beauty.

[hamguy]

Originally Posted by Ramets

We spent all of last summer in the great north. We also left the 1st of May, although we left from Mesa, Az. Went straight north and crossed into Canada from Montana. Never had any problems with rocks and such. Road was great til Burwash Landing in the Yukon(Frost heaves). Kluane Lake was still half frozen(May 20th) and we hit some snow, but not bad enough to make me think about stopping. I think the worst of the frost heaves was from Tok to just past Glenallen, but you'll be driving slow through there anyway because of the beautiful scenery out the left side. Mt. Sanford and the Wrangell Mtns. are awesome. Make sure the camera is on the dashboard and the windshield is clean. I was driving and taking shots out the side window for quite aways. But there's a caveat to all this. Every year is different. The worst of the roads was coming back, a lot of construction. There's something to be said about going up early before they start the unending maintenance of the road. Just stay alert, and enjoy all the beauty.

We made the same trip in '07. We had NO broken glass nor any other problems. We were in a campground one evening and a neighbor commented on a guy that he talked to. The guy was bit*hing about the lousy roads and how lousy they were. He went on to say that they caused him to wreck his 5er. He said he was going down the road and his 5er bounced off the hitch. When asked how fast he was going, he said he was ONLY going about 70-75.

Some people's kids!

[scubastevee]

Hi,

I made the trip back in 2011. No issues but did slow down significantly on gravel portions of the highway due to construction. And, ..... trucks throwing up stones is a "hit and miss" scenario - I was fortunate not to have any damage.

[pagosajoe]

We've made the trip many times. WAY back when, the highway was not paved all the way. Today it is. WAY back when, a 10 pound rock flew through the windshield, missing my wife and me by inches. It had been stuck between the dualies on an 18 wheeler going the opposite direction. Close call.

The last time we came down the highway, it was paved, no on else was on the road, and it was a beautiful drive. No rocks, no foul, no harm. We hope your trip is equally as enjoyable!

[STORMY 1]

Originally Posted by RV735

There are a lot rocks on the way to Alaska. We got our first stone chip on mile one of the Alaskan Highway form a gravel truck. Several rocks broke through both layers of the front windshield on you way to Dawson City. You will not be able to protect your front windshield. You may want to throw a rock a the windshield at the start of the Alaskan Highway so that when it is struck you will not feel bad! Just kidding. I would be surprised if you do not get at least a stone chip. We had a Blue Ox stone guard and covered the toad windshield with a pilates map stretched between the front doors over the windshield and two bungee cords to hold it tight. We did not have any damage to the windshield of the toad during our trip.

We used RV adventure videos to plan our trip and excellant source:
http://www.rvadventurevideos.com/

Our Blog for 2012 Alaskan trip : http://rvgr8escape.blogspot.com/

We are making the trip to Alaska this Spring. Do you need to take a toad, or can you do we'll without one?

[STORMY 1]

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

The key is take it slow. We took the trip a number of years ago. We used a Roadmaster Tow Defender and believe it was worthwhile. The biggest danger of a gravel hit to your windshield is from an approaching truck. When you see one coming get over to the right as far as possible and come to a near stop if you can. We had no damage. A short day north of Whitehorse is a campground called Cottonwood. Take a break for a few days here. It's a beautiful spot on Kluane Lake and we saw a Grizzly mother with 2 cubs every night during our stay.

Do you need a toad on these trips?

[no3putt]

If you have a toad, why not take it. We took ours and toured all over the place and some place we would not have gone in HM

[RV735]

YES! Take your toad. It will give you freedom to explore. There are many sights and cities that you will be able to see. Remember Alaska is not as developed away from the cities and access can limit the length by length and weight. Good luck and enjoy the ride.

[hamguy]

Originally Posted by STORMY 1

Do you need a toad on these trips?

YES!. We took side trips almost every day.