Yahoo Message Number: 77890 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77890)
Hi everyone. Planning on a couple of months in Canada and the big state of Alaska this June and July. I have been going over the motorhome with a fine tooth comb, all seems well... we'll see. Just looking for any advice or insight from more seasoned travelers to this area.
1999 INTRIGUE #10738
2012 Rubicon Unlimited with Blue Ox Kar guard
Yahoo Message Number: 77897 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77897)
Hi Mike and Susan
May I ask if your Alaska trip is thru a caravan type excursion? If anyone has any ideas for an Alaska trip with a few RV's, would love to hear about it..... dont want to travel thru Alaska as a single female - have heard it is not a good idea.....
Canadian trip sounds wonderful!! Have heard its absolutely gorgeous and the Canadian folks are wonderful. jan
06 Inspire Davinci 51898
Yahoo Message Number: 77898 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77898)
You will need more than two months. Make sure you go thru Jasper/Banff Canadian Parks. Also drive from White Horse thru Carcross (worlds smallest sand dune desert) to Skagway. and much much more........................
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 77899 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77899)
Hi Mike and Susan, You may consider shock absorbers. The frost heaves and road conditions will test the rebound limits of your suspension. Slow down and enjoy!!
Skip....2002 Intrigue #11329......2008 Wrangler
Yahoo Message Number: 77901 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77901)
My wife and I made the trip north taking our coach on its first trip to our home in Alaska last May. We stayed until October and our only issue was on the return, just about 100 miles inside Yukon Territory. We passed over a "frost heave"?, now a depression in the roadway, at less than 25 mph, which, because of the left to right slant of the depression, cause our towed 2008 Ford F250 4x4 diesel truck to want to turn right, all the while, we were headed straight, with some brakes lightly applied. The tow bar, rated at 10,000 lbs., bent on one side, rendering it useless, and we ordered a replacement in Whitehorse, which arrived one week later. Other than that, the trip north, and living in our coach the entire time (save a few days here and there in the house), was a fun filled trip, and well worth doing again. We met so many, now, great friends in the various campgrounds and caught about 400 pounds of salmon and hundreds of clams. We spent our time smoking, filleting and canning the fish and eating and freezing the clams. We picked wild blue berries, cranberries, and other wild berries and plants. We shot hundreds of photos of wildlife and drove north as far as Coldfoot and inside of the Arctic Circle. You have to have fun once in a while, and this trip was fun.
Jim Hill
2008 Tribute 260
81138
Yahoo Message Number: 77903 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77903)
Only piece of advice I have is to to take it easy. There is no reason, ever, to drive over 50MPH.
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427
Yahoo Message Number: 77904 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77904)
Mike and Susan,
We made this trip in 2003 with Tracks Tours. Some advice they gave us prior to leaving. Seal all openings where wires, hoses, ducts, etc. penetrate the living quarters to prevent dust inside. I used spray foam. Carry extra filters, belts, engine hoses and engine and transmission fluids. We didn't use any of these but we ran into people that did. At that time there was NO telephone service, Cell or Land line, in northern British Columbia, The Yukon Territory and parts of Eastern Alaska. The only means of communication was by short wave radio. The campgrounds when you get out of the major cities do not have electricity other than on their generator. When many campers show up the voltage can drop below acceptable levels. They told us if we have an RV refrigerator to put it on LP gas and leave it there! Also do not use your microwave unless you are on your own generator. Don't let your fuel tank get below 1/2. During the time you will be traveling there is construction going on to fix the heaving from the previous winter. We were told that when approaching any gravel area and another vehicle is coming toward you to STOP, not just slow down, and let them pass then continue on. This prevents you from driving into the rocks they are throwing up. We did not have any windshield rock chips or cracks on the trip. Some of the private campground had RV wash stations. We used these at every opportunity. The only mishap we experienced was a flat inside rear duel tire, a screw, north of Whitehorse at a Lake called Destruction Bay. At that time we were in a gas coach that had a spare tire. I was able to change the tire and get the flat fixed in Whitehorse. With the current coach, a Magna, I would have to limp very slowly into Whitehorse for a fix. Check ALL your tires everyday prior to leaving in the morning. Now for the fun part. Obtain the book Mile Markers, it gives you a detailed list of things to see and do at every mile of the Alaska highway. We also took the road to Chicken, Top of the World, going north and the Cassiar, in the Yukon and British Columbia, going south. We were told to drive slowly, 50-55 mph, and enjoy the many sites and views. If you get to Homer be sure to go fishing if you enjoy that and if the Salmon are running fish even more. If you have any questions let me know.
Don
2000 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 77911 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77911)
We done the trip a few years back. My advice is to take some 'sticky note' pads. Put one on every rattle as you go up the road. It'll give you something to do each night while camping. When we got back south we had the tightest motorhome in the USA.
Other than that plan on staying longer than you planed on staying!
Good luck.
Bruce
2001 Intrigue #11278
Yahoo Message Number: 77912 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77912)
Don't try to tell the NASCAR boys that.
lol
Rofl
mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 77915 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77915)
"Plan on staying longer than you planned on staying" Now there's some good advice for most any trip. I'll remember that one. Thanks
Yahoo Message Number: 77916 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77916)
We did Alaska in 2011 a 3 mo trip started in SD CA . Would love to do again some day. We did a blog as we went you might want to ck it out. Alaska Travelers 2011 | Six friends visit Alaska (http://www.alaskatravelers2011.wordpress.com) The start of the trip is at the bottom. The first posting you see is the end of our trip. Enjoy Bill
2001 Intrigue #11266
Yahoo Message Number: 77917 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77917)
Well, the NASCAR boys aren't paying for your coach either!
Don
Yahoo Message Number: 77940 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77940)
Is there a way those possibly interested in at least a partial caravan in Alaska, summer of 2013, post a note indicating their possible interest. I travel as a single and have been told Alaska is not a place a single woman should venture into --- numerous tour groups offer caravans but they are extremely expensive and dont think going with 20 motorhomes would be much fun......
Any opinions or suggestions, or anyone have any interest? thanking you all,
jan
06 Inspire DaVinci 51898
Yahoo Message Number: 77941 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77941)
We have an interest in this.....keep us posted. cmcgairty
Yahoo Message Number: 77949 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77949)
Janice, I certainly wouldn’t worry about being a single female when traveling to Alaska. I would worry more doing the same in the lower 48. Just use common sense when traveling. Alaska is a safe place and a fun and adventuresome place to visit. Don’t go driving off the beaten path. Stick to the popular campgrounds and there are plenty of them to be had. Drive during the day hours only and try to limit your planned drives to 5-6 hours, thereby giving you lots of time to relax and enjoy where you are. If you have questions, feel free to email me.
Jim Hill
2008 Tribute 260
81138
Yahoo Message Number: 77953 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77953)
We could be interested also. We would want to go slow and see the sites in Canada and Alaska, over a month or two, mid June to mid Aug. Let us know.
George James, WB5LDN
08 Affinity 6877
Yahoo Message Number: 77956 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77956)
We would be interested. I have been working to persuade my wife to take the Alaskan trip for some time. A similarly interested group traveling together might ease her concerns for the really long trek North.
G Brown
2007 Allure 31447
Yahoo Message Number: 77957 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77957)
Wow - already four positives, thats wonderful ----- I cringe when I think about a caravan of 20 RV's with those professional tour companies -- and I would want to go slow too in order to be able to really feel the flavor of the various areas.
Let's keep this up to date with interested folks --- thanks all very much jan
Yahoo Message Number: 77965 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77965)
Remember, always drive to the road, even if it's only 5mph. Don't rush or push it. You hear of stories where people in a hurry end up sitting because they bend/break/tear off parts from driving too fast over frost heaves.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 77966 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77966)
One other thing I have not seen mentioned. Do not go without an up to date Milepost. http://milepost.com/ (http://milepost.com/)
It is the definitive guide to the whole experience and covers, with mile by mile details, all the roads you are likely to ever use in Western Canada and Alaska. Don't leave home without it.
We did the trip in 2007 by our selves and we had no issues worth mentioning. We traveled alone and thus had no problems of touring by committee. What ever your comfort level is, GO. The trip is one of the greatest you will ever do in an RV.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 77969 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77969)
Dave - thanks so much for all the info. I do have Milepost - the latest - thank you for the tip on that - Can you comment on the talk that the roads have ruined RV's? Did you find that to be true and all sorts of protective devices have to be installed prior to driving into Alaska.... thanks again
Jan
06 Inspire 51898
Yahoo Message Number: 77970 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77970)
what are frost heaves??
Enter the text to appear at the bottom of each email you send
Yahoo Message Number: 77975 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77975)
Hi all,
I just completed our own 56 Day mini caravan trip to the Yucatan.
I would add 2 more books to your Alaska library after the Milepost before departure. The Travelers Guide to Alaska (RV) Camping by Mike and Terri Church. ISBN 978-0974947167. I use their book as the basic guide in Mexico. It describes the campsites for RV's, size, hookup's, available services, telephone numbers, email and GPS location. I could not have had a very successful journey without it. We also used the Lonely Planet as the 'sightseeing guide'.
Even with a few RV's on the trip requires careful planning, a general outline of an itinerary with everything STC and a lot of flexibility.
Have a great time.
Michael
05 Inspire #51381
**************************************** Michael Title
Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada
CDN Cell: 604.741.3328
San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico MEX Cell: [52] 415.100.1543
Yahoo Message Number: 77978 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77978)
Janice
Frost heaves are Natures speed bumps, with little WARNING just watch the road ahead of you observe the on coming lane for skid marks left by people that were going too fast, and watch vehicles in front of you that are bouncing. With on coming traffic try to stay to the right and slow down.
Take your time and enjoy one of the best trips you will ever take.
We left Michigan June 15th and returned September 9th. We drove every mile of the Alcan Hwy. Only 11700 miles from our front door and back.
The only stone chip in the windshield we got was 15 miles from the house on a newly paved road.
Greg B.
Yahoo Message Number: 77983 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77983)
We done the trip some years back and had no major issues. Lots of rattles. We stayed late and almost everything closed down so watch your dates.
We returned via the Cassiar Highway. Fantastic but a very primitive road by comparision. Lots of dirt/mud. Narrow bridges and big hills. Almost no facilities.
Take your time and the memories will last a lifetime.
Bruce
2001 Intrigue #11278
Yahoo Message Number: 77989 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77989)
To all,
The worst part of the drive to and from Alaska is in the Canadian Yukon, from Haines Junction, north to Burwash and the Alaska border. That section of paved roadway seems to receive very little attention from the Canadian Highway folks. The issue is the event called “frost heaves”, which in the summer, becomes depressions in the roadway. During that portion of the drive, I used 40-45 mph as my top speed, and that allowed me plenty of time to see the areas and slow down, with the one exception that I have already described, which caused my tow bar, pulling my 10,000 lb. diesel truck, to bend. My fault, not any other way to put it! I learned from that and will apply this new knowledge to all future trips. If you drive prudently through this section, your shocks and coach will not experience major tests, as some have suggested. Speed is not your friend, so keep your speed down, enjoy the scenery, and have fun. Getting there in break-neck time is not the way to go. I don’t suggest that you leave your coach parked somewhere while you venture out for a day trip, as you may find that something is missing, just as you could in any other part of the world. Use common sense. You should make reservations if at all possible, for popular campgrounds, as they fill up quite fast in the peak times, but, that said, I have always been able to find a good spot.
Jim Hill
2008 Tribute 260
81138
2006 Ford F250 4x4 Diesel
Can Am Outlander Max 800 cc 4-wheeler
Yahoo Message Number: 77990 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77990)
Frost heaving - Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_heaving)
Jim
Yahoo Message Number: 77997 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/77997)
Personally I've never understood why anyone would travel through Canada to get to Alaska... I've always used Alaska Marine.
Kimberly
Yahoo Message Number: 78009 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78009)
The reason you drive through Canada to get to Alaska is that if you don't you miss some of the best parts of the trip. If you like boats then use the marine highway for one direction.
Regards,
Bob
Yahoo Message Number: 78012 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78012)
If you watch the white line on the side of the road you can see most of the heaves. They are a roller coaster effect to the road from the frost heaving the surface.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 78013 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78013)
The best part of the trip is being able to visit Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Haines on your own time. Some only visit on a cattle cruise. These are beautiful areas for camping, hiking, fishing, history, glaciers, wild life. I've been through Canada, For years traveling from Labrador/New Foundland to the Yukon. Most who travel to Alaska have never experienced the Inside Passage of Alaska. If they have it has been on a cattle cruise or they have taken a ferry straight through without camping and exploring. Seeing this is really the best part.
Kim
Yahoo Message Number: 78046 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78046)
I cannot imagine not going to Alaska via Canada. There are so many other great things to see in British Columbia and Yukon Territory. When we took the trip several years ago, we found that there were so many fantastic things to see that we got to Alaska later than we had anticipated. The saving grace on the return was being able to score some reservations from Haynes on the Alaska Ferry system. The ship we chose (Columbia) crapped out before we even left port, so quick rescheduling allowed us to take an alternative ship to Ketchikan, lay over for couple of cays, and then score a trip to Bellingham.
The Alaska Marine Highway trip was fabulous, but don't let it take the place of seeing the route at least in one direction through British Columbia. In short, give yourselves enough time to allow three or even four months for the trip.
Ken Harrison
Yahoo Message Number: 78050 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78050)
I second that. The northern end of the Rockies, White Horse, Dawson City, the Top Of the World Highway, The route from Carcross to Skagway, Chicken Alaska, Destruction Bay,...... the list goes on and on.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 78051 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78051)
Taking the Cross Gulf ferry from Whittier to Juneau is always an option. Then taking the ferry down through the Southeast is a great trip. Don't just sail straight through. Disembark and camp a few days in Juneau, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Ketchikan. You then have the option of traveling to Prince Rupert and traveling back through Jasper and Banff. Even if you say "I've been there" on a cattle cruise you haven't really been there. It's a great trip and going south in August you'll have great fun seeing the bears at Anan (hands down better than Hyder).
Kimberly
Yahoo Message Number: 78055 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78055)
Hey Billy Byte
Did you incur damage to your coach? I keep hearing how protective devices have to be installed on the coaches as the roads are hideous.... please can you tell me how you found fuel stops to be? Were there plenty of diesel refill places?? thanks so much Billy
jan
06 Inspire DaVinci 51898
Yahoo Message Number: 78057 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78057)
Totally agree with Ken.
There is so much to do and see along the way. The best thing is you have the option to stop at any time and spend as long or as little as you want. A trip like that should be on your schedule and not a rush on someone elses.
We made our first road trip in 2005 from our home in Jacksonville, FL beginning in early April. Crossed over to Canada from Montana 1 May and timed it so we could use some of the provincial parks that opened then. The Canadian Rockies with Baniff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Ice Field Parkway were all some of the best times. Taking a bus trip on a glacier was amazing. The prehistoric sites in and around Drumhiler are fantastic. We did not want to come home but it was recommended that we begin our departure sometime late August. Many of the seasonal locations begin closing up by Labor Day and all the seasonal help begins their trek back to the lower 48. We found this especially so in Skagway and Homer. Also, depending on route home, some of the areas could get snow or freezing rain beginning that time of year.
Since we want to be on our own schedule, we did the trip solo and without any advanced reservation. We had a couple of friends that had made the trip multiple times in a large motor coach and picked their brain of how to prepare and plan. One of our friends lives year around in Homer. We planned our route in general and decided that we would try and be ahead of the pack and the caravans that would typically begin their journey in late May early June. It worked out great. Our route was Canadian Rockies to Dawson Creek then on up the ALCAN toward Fairbanks down to Kenai and all points in between.
We had no problem in finding a place to spend a night or several nights. What is so great is that when you start out on the ALACAN leaving Dawson creek, the rule of the road is that if you need to stop for an overnighter (kind of misleading because of all the daylight) just find a spot safely off the road and dry camp. As long as the area was not marked for no overnight stopping, then it is fine. There are many pull offs along the way. Occasionally, we would pull off and think we were going to be all alone. Then pretty soon there would be other travelers doing the same thing. The Milepost is a great guide for the trip. The only place we had a problem getting into was the RV Park in Denali. Had we looked ahead a few weeks we could have made reservations while we were in Fairbanks. But all in all it worked out by staying in an RV park nearby.
The side trips and excursions to Juneu, Artic Circle, Dawson, Carcross, various glaciers and hot springs were great. The wildlife sitings were abundant and sometimes very close. The fishing is fantastic. Watching the boat launching from the beach in Anchor point were interesting. The fresh halibut and grilled salmon on the grill were the best along with the tasty razor clams dug along the beaches near Ninilchik. Catches could be vacuum packed, frozen and shipped home for reasonable price. The Saturday market in Anchorage was an interesting flavor of all the local produce and some crafts. Nearby fish markets had the deals on fresh crab.
A digital camera is a must when taking photos of everything. Using a Nikon D70, we had over 10,000 photos when we completed our first trip. About 1200-1300 favorite/best photos were assembled and archived onto DVD's. After many years of taking photos the old fashion way with film, the digital world has really come a long way and it allows someone to take many shots of a subject to find the one perfect one.
For those who have access to the military FAMCAMPs. Fairbanks, Anchorage and Seward all have great FAMCAMPs. Seward FAMCAMP is a resort with their own fishing fleet. Try to be in Seward during July 4th celebrations. Mt. Marathon race along with parade and the outhouse race through the middle of town.
We had planned to do the trip again this year, but other projects have taken priority and we will attempt to do it again in 2013. Whatever your plans are, give yourself plenty of time and take your time by being flexible.
Safe travels to all......
Jim & Barb Hughes
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 78062 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78062)
Hello all,
I don't see where anyone has a copy of the "Milepost". That should be a must for anyone making thier first trip over the ALCAN, in my opinion. It has a mile by mile narrative of what you can see, fuel stops, camping, etc, and can be purchased in most all book stores.
The road is always changing. Best advice I would give is take your time, remember the frost heaves are there. They will sneak up on you and can cause damage to your coach. Hold your speed down around 50mph or slower if the road is rough, and enjoy the scenery. Don't follow too close behide the vehicle in front of you. There is lots of "Chip Seal" therefore flying rocks. Follow other traffic and meet on coming vehicle accordingly. Denali Park has two or three entirely different presentations, if you are able to be there in late spring, late May/early June and again in early fall, mid AUG/1st of SEP.
The AK marine highway is also a great way to see southeast AK. It's a little spendy if taking your Coach and a tow, the Milepost also has ferry info and list ways to contact the folks for info and reservations. If you can, leave for AK in mid to late May and leave AK in late SEP or early OCT. You can see some beautiful country, animals, and should have a great time. A good scenic route should also include going thru Alberta, via Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
WM Brown
06 Beaver Monterey, 40' Laguna IV
02 GMC Envoy (4 rd trips over the ALCAN)
Yahoo Message Number: 78072 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/78072)
Our coach camp with the lexon shield on the front. It took a few hits, but nothing major. You will drive on gravel roads, no way around it except taking the marine highway. That is a beautiful scenic way, but you will miss a lot. You can prevent some damage by driving slow, however, someone will always pass you going faster and they will throw gravel. I have seen the front of RVs covered with bubble wrap. It was stated to work every well. We got two small chips in the windshield and had them repaired in Tok, Ak. In the future I would carry a couple repairs kits from an auto parts store my self as that is all the guy in Tok used. I covered the windshield of the toad with a packing blanket and it was fine.
Dave
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443