Alaska RV Trip

[realfine409]

Looking into the future, we are thinking about a springtime sprint to Fairbanks and return in late fall before the snow flies. I would like to pose a few questions to my fellow TDR Nomads. What did you do to prep your 5er and CTD for such a trip. What spares did you anticipate and what did you wish you had once underway?? Any issues with crossing the Canadian Borders with a rifle and/or pistol in the truck/trailer? Were fuel stops reasonable spaced or do you reccommend carrying fuel. Are there roadside campgrounds available or just pull off the road for the nite? We'll be pulling a 25 ft. Cougar with a 07-6. 1, auto SRW. Any input would be welcomed.

 

[Tractorat]

You will have a great trip of a lifetime. I made the drive from Seattle in 2007 pulling my 19 foot tt.



I might take an extra spare tire for your truck and one for your trailer, but dont go overboard

I dont know what the policy for carrying a pistol across the border is, but I think it is a lot more difficult than a rifle.



They allow you to take a rifle for self protection from wildlife (bears) in the back country. Look on the web or call Canadian customs and you can get the form you need for the rifle to pre fill out. Just make sure you declare the rifle when crossing the boarder both ways. And even if they ask for it, dont get defensive.



You can take some extra fuel if it makes you feel better. But if you just drive on the top half of your fuel tank you will be fine. (But I dont think I would pass up a fuel opportunity in hopes of finding cheaper fuel further up the road. That might be a lot farther than you think)



When I went in 2007, I left Seattle the last day of June. I didnt have any problems finding campsites. I believe you can just pull off the side of the road to camp in Canada, but I dont remember a place that I liked better than the campsites. If I remember correctly, most of the campsites I stopped at did not have hook ups. But that makes the trip nicer anyway.



BTW, there is a think magazine called "milepost" that will guide you thru every turn in the road, tell you what is at every turnoff, what attractions in every town, settlement, etc. Some people say you really need this for the trip. I really dont think so. But it is a good resource to look at well in advance of the trip just to get an idea of some of the things you might want to see along the way that you otherwise might miss altogether.



And BTW, the end destination (Alaska) will be great. But I found the trip along the way to be as good, maybe better, than the end destination iteself.



When will you be going ?

 

[realfine409]

I lived in Fairbanks as a kid (service brat) in the early 50's. I remember my dad always loading up the old Nash Statesman with gas, water and C-rats when we went on the ALCAN Hwy heading south for a camping trip. Back then it was all gravel. I know things have improved in 60 years but didn't know how sparse the panhandle/yukon was populated along the route now. Thanx for the tip on pre-filling of the customs form, that would be a time saver. I too feel like the journey will be far more than the destination. Any issues with dirty fuel or water in the fuel. We're sort of planning on leaving the Carolinas this spring and end up in CA by fall. Leaving the trailer in CA at a friends for the winter, and returning early spring 2014, heading to the last frontier! By that time I will have put heavier tires and new brakes on the trailer and be pretty well on the way to self-sufficiency on the road. Thinking about a small generator for the roadside nites. I would think the Boonie Kit Geno's sells would be a worthwhile investment as well.

 

[Tractorat]

I dont really know about dirty fuel, but I dont think its a concern. It was a 5k mile round trip for me. And when I got back, the fuel filter was still pretty clean. But it might not be a bad idea to take an extra filter and air filter as well.

The road is nothing like it was in the 50's. When I drove up in 2007 there were some spots where you would drive for miles and miles on gravel road. But it had been graded probably in preparation to be paved. The only thing I would worry about as far as roads go would be the frost heaves mostly in northern bc, the yukon, and alaska. Just take it easy and dont try to get there in a hurry. I never went faster than 45 or 50mph tops. Oh, and if some of the road is still unpaved, just remember to slow way down and get to the right for oncoming or passing trucks to avoid getting a rock thru the windshield or headlight.

After you get north of maybe mid bc, it is pretty sparsely populated along most of the route. But if you manage your fuel, you wont have a problem. Like I said, just drive on the top of your tank (which is what I always do anyway).

I think it is Grizzly who has made the trip many times. He would be a good resource for information as well.

 

[Tractorat]

One more thing I might add would be to make sure to time your trip to start AFTER the gas stations open along the route. It at least use to be that a lot of the gas stations you might depend upon close up during the winter months and dont open until I forget what date (something you might find in the Milepost

 

[wyosteve]

Just a quick word of advice-- You CAN NOT, repeat CAN NOT take a pistol across the border into Canada. Don't even try. Rifle/shotgun, no problem as long as legally authorized to own it.

 

[SSteilow]

Just a quick word of advice-- You CAN NOT, repeat CAN NOT take a pistol across the border into Canada. Don't even try. Rifle/shotgun, no problem as long as legally authorized to own it.

Agree,

I might add I have read, you can store your pistol at the border in a locker. Pick it up on the way back as long its the same border crossing.

Scott

 

[Tractorat]

Just a quick word of advice-- You CAN NOT, repeat CAN NOT take a pistol across the border into Canada.

That is what I remember, and they are quite adamant about it.

 

[SSteilow]

Just a quick word of advice-- You CAN NOT, repeat CAN NOT take a pistol across the border into Canada. Don't even try. Rifle/shotgun, no problem as long as legally authorized to own it.

Agree.

I will add you can store your Pistol at the boarder in lockers provided. Pick up your pistol on the way back at the boarder crossing, as long as you are re-entering the US at the same crossing. Something to ask about with Canadian Customs.

Best of luck on your great trip.

Scott

 

[Wayne M.]

Geez, sounds like you're coming into NYC, only they aren't kind enough to provide lockers.

 

[Road Dog]

I dont know what the policy for carrying a pistol across the border is, but I think it is a lot more difficult than a rifle.

They allow you to take a rifle for self protection from wildlife (bears) in the back country. Look on the web or call Canadian customs and you can get the form you need for the rifle to pre fill out. Just make sure you declare the rifle when crossing the boarder both ways. And even if they ask for it, dont get defensive.

Really? There's no list of allowed reasons although they may ask.

You should start with Firearms users visiting Canada. Firearms are handled by the RCMP, not Border Services. In Canada there are three classes of firearms: unrestricted (rifles & shotguns), restricted (handguns and a few scary AR-style rifles), and prohibited (automatic). There's also restrictions on magazine size in some cases (5 for semi-automatic centerfire). There's rules for Storing and transporting firearms too. Basically unrestricted (rifles) must be transported unloaded, must be stored out of sight in an unattended vehicle and must be locked up (trigger lock or locked case) when stored in a residence. You should print out the brochure and keep it with you because some cops are unfamiliar with the actual rules and need help.

BC is full of recreation sites (formerly forest recreation sites) which are simple camping sites (pit toilets, tables and maybe a boat launch) that are usually free but sometimes $10.

There's also BC Backroads Mapbooks which gives a lot more detail roads, lakes, and campsites. If you're going off the paved trail then you need them.

Once you're out of Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley you can pull off and camp almost anywhere. I see you're coming from NC and don't know where you're crossing so I can't speak to the other provinces.

 

[Tractorat]

Really? There's no list of allowed reasons although they may ask.

Not sure what your point is. That's what I was told when I went up in 2007. I dont think they actually ask why you are bringing a rifle across.

 

[Mark31]

Tractorat, did you go up the Cassiar or Alcan. I went the Alcan in '07 and didn't see (or notice) that much gravel---not miles and miles of it anyway.

 

[Terry Jay]

We do it every year, late April to late August. We do not take any spares. The roads are good, mostly speed limit is either 60 or 50, but expressed in Kilometers. To the extent there is 'bad road' it is between Kluane Lake and Tok. As of late August the worst spots were being totally rebuilt.



Pistols are a go directly to jail issue in Canada. Don't even think about it. Rifles are a paperwork issue and a fee, last reported as $25 for 30 days. I don't carry them. My sense is too much delay, too much hassle, and too much paperwork. I have been at this off and on since 1969 and have never had a reason to want a weapon.



Fuel stop planning: This based on about 30 gallons useable and around 13 mpg.



Depending on the route you choose, Alberta has the cheapest fuel, around $1. 19 or less per litre. Fuel up at Ft St John, just above Dawson Creek. Also Ft Nelson ($1. 49) at the Blue Bell just 'cause it has easy access, Contact Creek before Watson Lake ($1. 39), Teslin Yukon Motel ($1. 39, less discount if you use their RV park), Otter Falls Cutoff ($1. 41) just before Haines Junction, then Tok ($4. 54). We have used these with a 2007 5. 9 with a 32' TT and a 2012 with a 40' 5th.



Recommended campgrounds that we use include Charley Lake just north of Ft St John right off the road, Toad River, Teslin Yukon Motel.



Check RV. NET and page down near the end to the Alaska section for a lot of other's thoughts.



Plan to turn off the cell phone at the border and use the RV park WiFi for email to the family.



Your route is your choice, but some things to consider. Crazy Horse is a sculpture under construction near Mt Rushmore. Cody, WY has the Buffalo Bill museum, a huge firearms exhibit, western art, geology of the Yellowstone region, plains Indians, and Buffalo Bill exhibits. Admission is good for two consecutive days.



Hwy 93 just west of Missoula will take you around Flathead Lake and into Canada. At Radium Hot Springs turn right and stay on 93. It will intersect the Trans-Canada between Banff and Lake Louise. Visit as needed. Hwy 93 goes West a few miles on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) and then North on the Icefields Parkway. Take it North to Jasper, then West toward Hinton, then North toward Grande Cache and Grand Praire. Turn left (well marked) toward Dawson Creek and Alaska.



At Tok, check the weather forecast for Valdez. If it looks pretty nice and reasonably clear for several days, go there first. Otherwise, Fairbanks. Be sure to visit Valdez and Seward and Homer and Talkeetna. If you make the circle you cannot avoid Anchorage. If you make the Kenai, go down to the beach at Deep Creek and watch the Tractor Launching and recovery of the 30'+ charter boats.



Depending on time and budget, consider a ferry trip between Skagway and Haines. Both have road connections to the highway system. Also the trip out of Tok or Whitehorse to Dawson and Chicken, but maybe not if it has been raining. The ferry across the Yukon is free, or was.



Near Watson Lake is the Cassiar Hwy south. Lots of folks take it and go to Hyder and Stewart for the bear viewing. Fuel may be an issue on this road, consider topping off at every opportunity. Spendy, but cheap insurance.



Have a look at your trailer tires, and make sure they are not running at 100% load rating. Trailer tire failure is the biggest exposure, and the fix is to use tires rated high enough to get the actual load on them down towards 60% rather then the 100% typical of the manufacturers tires.

for it.



Alaskadispatch.com has a nice selection of fall scenery and colors. Well worth a look.



Terry

Enjoy the trip. BC, Yukon and Alaska all have scads of tourist info, so ask

 

[Tractorat]

Tractorat, did you go up the Cassiar or Alcan. I went the Alcan in '07 and didn't see (or notice) that much gravel---not miles and miles of it anyway.

I went up the alcan. Gravel is probably the wrong description. I remember it to be dirt that had been graded to be prepared for paving. But enough rocks that opposing traffic, especially trucks, would throw up rocks. Miles and miles is probably more perception than reality. But I think I remember a stretch or two to be 10 or 20 miles. But most were a lot less than that.

 

[realfine409]

Thanx for the info and references. It has given me a place to start my planning. Can't wait!

 

[Grizzly]

Thanks Terry Jay for all the great information.



We have made the Alaska trip twice. In 1995 with my then 95 3500 DRW with a 5. 9 CTD and a 5 speed NV4500 standard and my 88 Holiday 29' 5th wheel. Had big time problems with both axels and all tires on the 5er. No issues with the brand new truck. The second trip was with my 'now' 05 DRW with a 5. 9 CTD and a 6 speed NV5600 and my (then) 98 Lance 11' 3" truck camper. The only issue was with the Dometic refrigerator We took the Alcan the first trip and the Cassiar the second trip.



We are planning a third trip in late July with my current 05 DRW and our 08 27' Arctic Fox 5th wheel. We'll take the Cassiar Highway both ways, it's shorter and has more wildlife and far more scenic. We'll go into Hyder Alaska first to view the many grizzlies and black bears. Then on to Skagway then take the catamaran to Juneau. Then on into Tok, Chicken and Dawson City, Yukon. From there into Fairbanks and spend a few days because there is much to do around there. From there to Denili NP and spend three or four days. From there to Anchorage. We'll spend about two weeks all around Anchorage with many places to go and see. Then on to Valdez, with a few days around there.



That's it in a nut shell. Total trip will be two plus months and about 11,000 miles round trip from Albuquerque. On the way back home we'll spend two or three days in Vancouver Island.



I love to talk about Alaska.



george

 

[Grizzly]

Not much interest in an Alaska trip. I'm surprised!

 

[Barry]

And BE SURE to have Reindeer Sausage, Eggs and Potatoes for breakfast one morning. I never knew Rudolf tasted soooooooo good!

 

[jelag]

I traveled to Canada once or twice a month for 7-8 years on business... . I've never seen a way to deposit a pistol on the US side and pick it up on the return trip... there might be... but I've never asked and never seen anything like that... once you leave the US side and cross the line and get to Canada Customs you are already in Canada and if you have pistols or pistol ammunition you have already broken the law. . and can/will be prosecuted... . I once crossed and was inspected and had lost some pistol ammunition cases (shot brass)... . had missed them on cleaning out the truck... once they were found... remember all they are is scrap brass... the spent almost 2 hours going over the truck with a fine tooth comb... . I was asked and confirmed that I carry a concealed carry permit from several states... mind you... I'd been to that crossing at least 20 to 30 times during the past 15 months... and they had records of commercial crossing and I still went through hell... . so I never take weapons in... even rifles to use in Alaska... I ship them up... and ship them back...



They also seem to change from week to week what is acceptable in the kitchen of an RV... . sometimes NO dog food, sometimes only canned dog food... it never seems to be the same... we carry papers with our pet and now cross with no dog food and stop and buy some. . even a bag of the same brand... un-opened is sometimes acceptable and sometimes not acceptable... if its people food and its in a can... we take it... all other stuff we just stop and purchase...



So I'd personally check with their web sight before I leave... it can be almost as bad returning to the USA... we found that we couldn't take dog food out of the US to Mexico and later return to the US with the rest of the bag. . nothing fresh coming back... . produce... fruit... etc...



Just our thoughts...