13,000 mi report - AK to NY

[thealaskan]

At 7000 miles and zero problems over the first summer, we departed Anchorage, Alaska on Nov 22, 05. After loading 1500lbs or so of supplies & furnishings tarped in the bed (and lots of duck tape later) we drove 4000 miles of winter roads and five Canadian Provinces and arrived in Elkhart, IN to pick up our new winter home - 5th wheel.



The RV is 39'4" overall and a bit over 12K dry, (Keystone Raptor 3712TripleSlide), so for an extra safety factor, I had a Reese 20K hitch installed with welded frame brackets. We've pulled with a full load (estimated 15K) to a couple different destinations in up state NY so far... . yep... . winter camping!



The (bone stock drivetrain) 05 3500 w/373 pulls this beast speed limits (and above) with no problems and rarely downshifts but on steep long pulls. I'm calling Avg MPG at around 11 so far. Long straight & level stretches see as much as 13mpg, but I'm also seeing lots of variance with inclines, head winds, road conditions, etc.



Now with over 13000 diversifed (to put it mildly) miles from Alaska to New York - ZERO Problems to report.

 

[DaveK98]

How did your almost 40' rv do on the Alaska roads?

How long did it take to get you from the border to Alaska?

Did you feel you needed the 4x4? I've only got 2wd.



I've got a 30' 5th wheel and would like to go! Sounds like too much fun!

 

[JHofmann]

Where in NY are you now? I would love to see the triple slide Raptor. I have a 3512SS, has been an awesome toy hauler. Well looks like you have good weather for camping this week, supposed to be 50 on friday. Enjoy.

 

[thealaskan]

Were in Depew currently, near Buffalo. Couldn't find an RV park open so had to do the trailer court thing, but least we got hook-ups. The 3712TS is a beast for a first-timer, but so far so good... and yea the weather is nicer for a change.



As far as Alaska roads, didn't pull the RV from there (see original post) so can't say for sure, but I would and probably will do it. Lots of RVer's in all shapes & sizes there every summer, many from Florida.

 

[JHofmann]

You will find most campgrounds around here closed till spring. I am off exit 40 on the thruway, 120 miles east of Buffalo. I have a parking area for your beast (since nine is hibernating) and a 30A service if you need a place to stop. You can PM me for my phone # if you want.

 

[thealaskan]

Very generous offer JH... ... ..... and will keep in mind. We're here for a month or so of classes... ..... then... ... ... . who knows. . ?... ..... actually I know... ... ... straight south !

 

[JHofmann]

South! Yes very good. We are headed down to Florida next month during winter break from my daughters school. Cant wait, even though it has been a very mild winter so far.



Good luck with everything, if ever you need anything dont hesitate to look me up.

 

[MMeier]

You will find most campgrounds around here closed till spring. I am off exit 40 on the thruway, 120 miles east of Buffalo. I have a parking area for your beast (since nine is hibernating) and a 30A service if you need a place to stop. You can PM me for my phone # if you want.

JH, 120 or 20 miles east? I'm from Cheektowaga originally, how things going back that a way?

 

[mrsnow]

Welcome to NY! You should post some pics of your rig and new toy.



Good luck on your adventure

 

[JHofmann]

MM we are 120 miles east of the Buffalo area. Things are good, very mild winter so far this year. Supposed to be 50 on friday, if you can believe that for mid janurary. Hows Vegas? we were out there in October. Have friends there that just bought a house on the northeast side in the Club Alliante development. Been a while since we were out there, lotsa new houses!