CTDs to Alaska

[mbaston]

Here is where we will start the planning of the trip to Alaska.



I suggest everybody buy "The Milepost". It is a good place to start reading.



Time wise, we can do this a couple ways. We can start up the last week of June and take a few weeks to get here. The other option would be the first week in August. My daughter is coming up in end of July.



Probably, the best place to meet would be Dawson Creek, the beginning of the highway. This will allow those of us starting from the west coast to connect with those from central and east. Various smaller groups can get together elsewhere before meeting in Dawson Creek.



Those interested could sign in here and we can get started. This sounds like fun!



Marty

The Tour Guide

 

[HBarlow]

Marty,



I'm pleased to be the first to add my name to the list.



Harvey Barlow

Lubbock, TX



I'll try to go along with whatever dates and length of trip is convenient to you as tourguide, and to the majority of participants. I am "semi-retired" so in theory I can go whenever it is decided.



It makes sense as you suggested to possibly have two groups beginning in the lower 48 to join later since we'll probably be starting widely varying points.



I know that people are driving huge motorhomes and pulling the largest fifth wheel trailers over the Alaskan Highway. What is your opinion of pulling a large conventional travel trailer over that route? I pull a 32' Avion. Will I regret it? Is an older, shorter trailer or slide-in truck camper a better choice for this trip?



I'm looking forward to this discussion and the trip planning.



Harvey

 

[BRUTUS]

Alaska

Marty



Count me in two...

I am twice retired and flexible as to travel times

Les

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Late July/Early August will be a good time to escape the summer heat in SE Washington. The day I left for NWT last year it was 109 here and 113 the day after that The main thing is I'll have to arrange for someone to water for me or I won't have a lawn when I get back.



Once everyone meets in Dawson Creek, how many days would be a reasonable about of time to get to Alaska and to see some of the main sites? Maybe for those with limited time off like myself we could hit the more interesting things first then those who need to break away and head home can do so.



Judging by my trip to NWT it will be about 20-22 hours of driving for me to get to Dawson Creek. Instead of zigzagging through BC I'll probably go my familiar route toward Calgary & follow the back roads W. of Edmonton to Whitecourt and catch the main drag via Grand Prarie. I think I can make better time being the roads are pretty straight.



For anyone interested here's photos of my NW Territories trip last year.

 

[mbaston]

Welcome all,



1. Just about any vehicle/combination will be fine. I have done it in a pickup, motorhome and my daughter's Huyndai. Travel trailers, 5th wheels etc are very common. Good hitches are essential. I have seen more than one bumper on the ground due to someone using a bumper hitch with too much of a load.



2. Time is flexible. From Dawson, there are many side trips and stopping places. I would give us at least a week if we want to see much. I have made the drive to California in 3. 5 days before! Didn't see anything but white lines and potholes.





What is everyone interested in seeing? How much time would you like to spend on the road to Alaska and how much in Alaska. The Yukon is beautiful too.



Marty

 

[HBarlow]

Marty,



I'd like to see as much as possible from the main highway(s). If a few TDR members join, what we can see might be limited by those who are on vacation and must return to work. I'm flexible.



When you have time would you please address any special preparation required. I know that years ago it was recommended that headlights and radiators be shielded as well as the front of trailers. Do those recommendations still apply?



Harvey

 

[mbaston]

Prep

Most of the highway is paved and in very good shape. The worst areas are in road construction zones. It is usually slow, dusty and rocky. The other issue is the ice heaves in permafrost areas. These are just big waves in the road, sometimes surprising you. Been airborne a few times.



I usually bring the following with me:



Start with a fresh oil change and lube job. There are numerous places to get repairs done along the way. There are probably Chrysler dealerships in Ft. Nelson and Whitehorse. There are two in Anchorage, one in Kenai and one in Fairbanks.



Decent tool set, you don't need to get too crazy here.

Gallon of oil, oil filter and fuel filter.

Air filter or if KN or the like, cleaning kit.

Fuel Supplement in case you go someplace that only has #1 fuel such as the haul road.

Coolant

Coolant stop leak

Air Compressor

Tubeless tire repair plugs

Tow Strap or chain

WD40 or the like

Windshield repair kit. This does happen up here and I go through a few of these a year. There are commercial operations that will repair windshield also.



You will want your tires and spare to be in good shape. (knocking on wood) I have never had a flat on the trip but have helped others who had. Usually, their tires were worn down pretty good.



I don't put all the front screens on. However, you do want good mud flaps and may want to protect the front of your travel trailer or fiver.



It is all in driving technique though. When on gravel, give yourself lots of distance. Slow down when big rigs approach you. Sometimes I even stop.



You should purchase your food supplies before heading up. Prices on the highway are high. Once in Anchorage, there are Costcos, Sams Clubs and Safeway/Carrs stores and prices are fine. You will want to carry sufficient drinking water for the trip also. Much of the water, both on the highway and in Alaska, has a lot of iron sulfide in it. I taste any water before I put it in my tank and also carry a case of bottled water.



There is no shortage of Diesel along the route. All fuel is expensive in some locations such as Watson Lake. However, last summer, Diesel was nearly 30 cents a gallon cheaper than gas in Canada. I have never had a problem with Canadian Diesel. The north runs on diesel and supplies are always fresh. Propane is also available along the route.



I make as many purchases as I can with a Visa card. I also get some Canadian cash. This way, you get the best exchange rates. Some places will accept US cash, but nail you on the exchange rate. Others will give you a fair exchange.



There are a variety of camping situations from RV parks to wide spots along side the road. BC parks campgrounds are great. Yukon parks require that you purchase your site at a commercial establishment before going there.

 

[HBarlow]

Marty,



Good information from someone who has done it.



I created a file in Microsoft Word and copied the entire text of your last message into it. When the time comes I'll use it as a guide for putting together a tool box and the recommended supplies for the trip.



Harvey

 

[BRUTUS]

Pix

Nice pictures Vaughn

Maybe next year we go to NWT? Looking good.

 

[JGilbert]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

Late July/Early August will be a good time to escape the summer heat in SE Washington. The day I left for NWT last year it was 109 here and 113 the day after that The main thing is I'll have to arrange for someone to water for me or I won't have a lawn when I get back.



Once everyone meets in Dawson Creek, how many days would be a reasonable about of time to get to Alaska and to see some of the main sites? Maybe for those with limited time off like myself we could hit the more interesting things first then those who need to break away and head home can do so.



Judging by my trip to NWT it will be about 20-22 hours of driving for me to get to Dawson Creek. Instead of zigzagging through BC I'll probably go my familiar route toward Calgary & follow the back roads W. of Edmonton to Whitecourt and catch the main drag via Grand Prarie. I think I can make better time being the roads are pretty straight.



For anyone interested here's photos of my NW Territories trip last year.

Vaughn,



Those picts of the NW Territory are beautiful. I'd love to be able to join you guys for the trip and even have summers off, but the wife doesn't. I guess we shall save a trip to Alaska for the time we are retired. Too bad too. Sounds fun.



Joe

 

[mbaston]

I forgot to ask, does the tour guide get free drinks?

 

[mbaston]

Joe, I have the same situation. I have summers off and my wife doesn't. I end up going on trips by myself unless I can talk someone into going with me. Wouldn't want to go without her huh?



Marty

 

[JGilbert]

Originally posted by mbaston

Joe, I have the same situation. I have summers off and my wife doesn't. I end up going on trips by myself unless I can talk someone into going with me. Wouldn't want to go without her huh?



Marty

Not too sure she would really appreciate me leaving her by herself for two or three weeks. She's the type that needs people around or she gets lonely. Also not sure she would approve such a major expense vacation for only one. Of course I would also have my dog with me too.



Joe

 

[mbaston]

Hell, my wife wants me out. I get bored staying at home and drive her crazy with "I'm bored" and the like

 

[HBarlow]

Nice photos Vaughn.



My wife is still working also but tolerates my wandering. I travel a lot with only my old female German Shepard as companion. She doesn't tell me how to drive.



Harvey

 

[GeneA]

Let's keep this going. I might be interested in this even though wife has said she is not. I have kind of a germ of an idea to pull my 5er to AK and sell it. Don't know if that is feasible or not. It would be an interesting trip IMO.

 

[mbaston]

I am not sure of the resale value of a fiver up here. You might contact A&M RV in Anchorage. Their website is www.gorv.com

 

[Cobra]

CTDs to Ak

MBaston

I missed the original thread on this trip. Question? Is anyone invited?



I have been wanting to go to Alaska for years but couldn't find anyone to go with me and I thought it might not be good to go alone.



If anyone is invited I would like to go. I have to discuss the matter with the wife. If she doesnn't want to go I still may go and if I can get back in time for the start of school, I will take three of my grandsons with me.



Time is not a problem for me as I too am retired.



Bill Kute

 

[mbaston]

Yes, anyone is invited. I live up here and some members thought it would be good to have a "local" show them around. I need to go to California this summer and it would be great to have a group follow me back up. Welcome aboard.

 

[mbaston]

This is a photo of my truck/camper used for this trip. I know, it is dirty, however, this is just at the beginning. You should have seen it at the end.