Community Forums

Caluch · 11-22-2011, 03:32 PM

We are considering another trip to Alaska. Last time we did it (7 Years ago) we had a small (Roadtrek) motorhome, and it performed well (only one broken windshield). Now with a longer (43FT) towing a car, we are concerned that both Motorhome and car might suffer greatly.

Any comments, advice or warnings would be appreciated...

RoyM · 11-22-2011, 04:31 PM

You have already traveled the Alcan , it has not changed appreciably since except the black flies are bigger and nastier. What exactly are you worried about?

Vicap · 11-22-2011, 04:43 PM

The last 120 miles from Destruction Bay to the Alaska border are still riddled with frost heaves. They are mostly marked with either orange flags, road signs, or just spray painted. Pay attention to the suggested speed limits - they will save you lots of trouble. There is a RV Welding shop as soon as you enter Tok, AK. They usually have about 70 repairs per tourist season due to RVs and their Toads not being on the same horizontal plane due to excess speed...the frame gets bent as the rear of the RV is dipping down and the toad is jumping up. I saw an RV "catch some air" a few months ago...I can't imagine what havoc happened when they went crashing down! Other than that the scenery is still awesome, the population sparse, and the trip is fabulous!

sdennislee · 11-22-2011, 05:07 PM

Just brought the MH down the ALCAN for the season in October. As usual the scenery was awesome and the frost heaves are still there. Saw some snow in WHitehorse but nothing bad.

As already stated keep the speed down. I am happy if I average any thing over 35 to 40 mph for the ALCAN.

Most CGs open in May and close mid September. We had no trouble finding enough open CGs in October, water was another story that late in the year. Previous year I brought the MH south in November, nothing open and way too cold.

Never miss staying at Bridgeview RV Resort in Lethbridge, AB and they are a PA CG so half price. Great place to stay on the way up and back.

Also like Northern Lights CG in Dawson Creek, BC and The Caribou RV Park in Whitehorse, YT. They are a bit nicer than the typical ALCAN CG.

Stayed at Muncho Lake for the first time. Nice lodge, the sites are very small and the shore power is located in the front of the site, kinda weird. The restaurant was very good although spendy. THey also run a flight-seeing service from the lodge.

The Wolf's Den restaurant in White was very good.

Detoured through Banff on the way down, well worth the extra miles for the scenery.

Agree with previous poster the road from Destruction Bay on is still terrible.

Where do you plan on going in AK? Glad to answer any questions I can.

If you get to Anchorage, send me message if I can help you with anything in the area.

Dav5942 · 11-22-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicap

The last 120 miles from Destruction Bay to the Alaska border are still riddled with frost heaves. They are mostly marked with either orange flags, road signs, or just spray painted. Pay attention to the suggested speed limits - they will save you lots of trouble. There is a RV Welding shop as soon as you enter Tok, AK. They usually have about 70 repairs per tourist season due to RVs and their Toads not being on the same horizontal plane due to excess speed...the frame gets bent as the rear of the RV is dipping down and the toad is jumping up. I saw an RV "catch some air" a few months ago...I can't imagine what havoc happened when they went crashing down! Other than that the scenery is still awesome, the population sparse, and the trip is fabulous!

All the more reason to go thru Dawson City and "Top of the World Hwy". And while you are at it take the Cassier Hwy-both routes much more senic than the Alcan. We'll be going that way again next year. Have done it twice once when the coach was brand new-no problems whatsoever.

garym114 · 11-22-2011, 05:56 PM

Get a Protect-a-Tow for the car.

GaryKD · 11-22-2011, 06:35 PM

Hi Caluch,
I see you own a Newmar coach. The Newmar Kountry Klub has an Alaska caravan each year. Give the Klub a call and ask for the details in 2012. 877-639-5582

The dates are June 4 - July 15.

Chickadee · 11-24-2011, 06:40 AM

Caluch:

If possible, consider removing the rig wide mud flap with the "NEWMAR" letters from the rear of your MH before headin for Alaska. If ya can store it somewhere for the duration of this trip, do so. That flap sprays small rocks and gravel on to your toad when your traveling over those occasional stretches of gavel, and EVEN in graveled campground driveways at a slow speed!!

Have a wonderful trip. I know we can't wait to head that way again sometime. We had our 40' Mtn. Aire towing Honda Element for our first trip and the whole experience was absolutely fabulous!!

Steve & Lynette