Milepost

[Killgore]

Thanks to all of you for the information. My knowledge is very limited in this area. Do you find that the systems provide enough power through the batteries for reasonable usage? Obviously so, but what are you able to run off the system? I also have apprehensions about punching through the rubber roof on my fifth-wheel to install the mounting feet. (You can tell I am a novice.) Is this a logical replacement for my 3500RV portable generator? Where would you find a dealer that would do installations at a reasonable fee if you didn't DIY?
- Ed

 

[RikDavis]

WE run all the lights we want (LED) 16 inch TV maybe 6 hours a night, 2 Fantastic vents as needed, Laptop computer,MiFi, Sleek Cellular amp,
cell phone etc battery charger, water pump., The XM radio is usually on all night so we know where the aliens have landed, and about 2 hours each morning of Ham radio operation including an amplifier.
You will not run an air conditioner or most heat type appliances like coffee makers and frying pans and most anything that is a heavy long term load.
On a normal sunny day there are no problems, on a heavy overcast day there may not be enough panels in the world to bring the batteries up.
We also have a habit of parking in the woods.
WE do carry a 35 year old Honda em600 to take care of those days. WE are currently on consecutive day 46 without hookups in FL. and have run about a gallon of gas through the generator this trip.
Our power consumption varies in the 20 to 40 amp hour per day range
When we went to AK we had a smaller setup but with the long days we never used the generator in 62 days.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

If you want to do the "Off the grid" thing it is not inexpensive.. You need to be realistic in your estimation of power usage, then spend some time and money converting to LED lighting and high efficiency equipment for entertainment and cooking. I bought a 180w system and would like to add another 80w panel. And we are VERY frugal in our power use. High performance batteries are a must also.

 

[Killgore]

Again, thanks to all of you for the information. When you got into Alaska did you all have reservations, boondock, and/or find it excessively crowded with RVers (July-Sept.)? Having made the trip, what would you do differently?
- Ed

 

[RikDavis]

Again, thanks to all of you for the information. When you got into Alaska did you all have reservations, boondock, and/or find it excessively crowded with RVers (July-Sept.)? Having made the trip, what would you do differently?
- Ed

If you want to camp within Denali you must make reservations. Othe than that we made none. Used state parks, pull offs Fred Myer and a walmart or two.

There were a lot of RV's mostly cruise america rentals but we never had any problem with a place to stay. Private parks may be different. We avoid them.

If I do it again I would allow more time. We left an Airstream Rally in the Dakotas on July 4 and had another event in WV over labor day.

Less important now that you can pay bills on the internet, I would not get my mail forwarded to Chicken.. Took 17 days to get our 3 day priority mail.

 

[Killgore]

Rik, what was your experience going through Canadian Customs?
- Ed

 

[RikDavis]

Rik, what was your experience going through Canadian Customs?
- Ed

WE crossed from Montana, north of glacier National Park and there was no wait and no problems. Got more attention coming back in Michigan from the U.S. People but still no big deal. The big "however" is that this was before 911.
Probably need info from some one more up to date

 

[Terry Jay]

We make the trip every year. Traffic dies off after 1 Aug, and a lot of things close around Sept 1.

Pulloffs and gravel pits all work, but BC may be a bit more hard on you than Yukon and AK. It get easier the farther north you go.

The only reservations you may want are anytime at Denali, Seward on July 4, Talkeetna if there is a celebration. The only issue I have encountered anywhere has been when a large Caravan took up most of the spots.

Customs has been pretty easy and quick. It may help that we do it annually and have an address on both ends. We try to avoid the larger crossing points, but have used Sweetgrass, MT with no problem. One trip to consider is using US 93 just East of Missoula to go north. A very quiet rural border crossing with little traffic, and pleasant drive in the hills and trees, with some lake views. North on 93 to Radium Hot Springs, north to Banff/Lake Louise, west on Canada 1, north on the Icefields Parkway. Pretty spectacular mountain scenery and very good roads. You come out at Jasper. We go East toward Hinton, north to Grand Prairie, and on to Dawson Creek. We like it in the spring for the snow and ice on the mountains, but not the road.

 

[Killgore]

Good information; appreciate it.
- Ed

 

[Gonzo 1066]

When you do your planning MAKE sure that you understand that Canada is a different country than the USA. Do NOT try to hide firearms in your coach, chances are your will find yourself walking home (without your truck and trailer) and your guns will be long gone.

 

[Killgore]

Gonzo, I'm well aware of the restrictions on firearms within Canada and I've heard as well as read the horror stories. I plan to declare and submit all the required paperwork and associated fees to transport my Ruger Mini-30 with the five-round magazine; remove the NRA decals on truck and 5th-wheel; and, be very up-front with the border personnel about owning firearms and being a retired cop. Crossing the border at Sweetgrass, MT looks to be a pretty desireable route suggested by Terry Jay which will line us up to take in the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore first.

I would like to take my sidearm with me as far as possible. Is there a place to check and store at Sweetgrass? I'm already beginning to feel naked and this trip is a year away.
- Ed

 

[DonFitzwater]

Gonzo, I'm well aware of the restrictions on firearms within Canada and I've heard as well as read the horror stories. I plan to declare and submit all the required paperwork and associated fees to transport my Ruger Mini-30 with the five-round magazine; remove the NRA decals on truck and 5th-wheel; and, be very up-front with the border personnel about owning firearms and being a retired cop. Crossing the border at Sweetgrass, MT looks to be a pretty desireable route suggested by Terry Jay which will line us up to take in the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore first.



I would like to take my sidearm with me as far as possible. Is there a place to check and store at Sweetgrass? I'm already beginning to feel naked and this trip is a year away.
- Ed

It's a crying shame the socialists next door let their govt disarm them. You may want to spend a little more time researching the mini-30. I'm not sure if that's legal in canardia any more? I know they just banned several types of semi auto actions within the last few months so don't be surprised if your ruger made the list.

 

[Killgore]

Ouch! This is looking worse and worse. I'm already prone from looking at the restricted amount of smokes, chew and bourbon I can bring in. Don't these folks north of us have any reasonably priced vices? Is there somewhere I can go and just look across the fence and see everything worth seeing?

 

[DonFitzwater]

Ouch! This is looking worse and worse. I'm already prone from looking at the restricted amount of smokes, chew and bourbon I can bring in. Don't these folks north of us have any reasonably priced vices? Is there somewhere I can go and just look across the fence and see everything worth seeing?

Yep, it's called California! Just kidding. Canada is a nice place out West...................I've not been impressed with the folks in the middle and eastern portion of the country...............sort a like the lower 48!

 

[K5IP]

realfine409,
The Milepost is great, but you will also find many great providers on a AK trip who did not want to pay for advertising in the milepost. Just because they are not listed does not mean they are substandard, just frugal.
Enjoy the "last great America road trip"
Rog

 

[Terry Jay]

Gonzo, I'm well aware of the restrictions on firearms within Canada and I've heard as well as read the horror stories. I plan to declare and submit all the required paperwork and associated fees to transport my Ruger Mini-30 with the five-round magazine; remove the NRA decals on truck and 5th-wheel; and, be very up-front with the border personnel about owning firearms and being a retired cop. Crossing the border at Sweetgrass, MT looks to be a pretty desireable route suggested by Terry Jay which will line us up to take in the Badlands and Mt. Rushmore first.

I would like to take my sidearm with me as far as possible. Is there a place to check and store at Sweetgrass? I'm already beginning to feel naked and this trip is a year away.
- Ed

So hit the Badlands and Rushmore, then go a few miles to see Crazy Horse, still under construction. Then head west to Cody, WY and spend time at the museum. Western Art, Geology, Wild Bill, Indians, and a 10,000 firearms collection. One admission good for two days. May as well hit Yellowstone, at least in part, and head to Missoula for 93 north. Bretz RV is like exit 101, just south of the freeway on 90. They have about 10 water and electric sites, no charge, and $0.99 propane. Hwy 93 is one or two exits west. Enjoy the trip.

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Hey George, you might want to take some injection lines, especially #4, 6. And, lots of spare tires! I generally take 2 for the truck and 2 for the trailer on any long trip. I have never gone to Alaska, but it sounds like a great trip.

Joe,
Lived in Alaska 51 yrs.; 78 trips over the Alaska Hyw. Last one.......got home last night.
I used to carry an extra tire for the RV and truck but have never used them after all those trips. I last carried them 10 trips ago. In all those trips we have only had 3 flat tires. The Hyw. is improved 1000% since 1995. Very few chuck holes, all of it paved (even has painted lines), re-aligned to avoid the steep mountain grades and any problem spots are religiously marked with a red flag. If it is on your side just swing over to the other lane. If there is a flag on both sides........SLOW DOWN......and roll over the bad spot carefully.
The volume of traffic has decreased considerable. Many times it would be 30 to 45 min. between meeting traffic. Many large oilfield trucks south of Watson Lake. The lodge owners are crying the blues due to low traffic volume.
My present truck has 9 round trips with the original windshield and a few small chips. One chip on I-5 in Seattle.

 

[Shadrach]

I still get a kick out of how you 'Mericans feel naked without a gun :-laf We don't generally shoot tourists up here. I didn't feel I need one while travelling to Columbus last June by myself. No I'm not trying to start a war.:-laf
David - a non gun owning Canadian eh!

 

[DonFitzwater]

I still get a kick out of how you 'Mericans feel naked without a gun :-laf We don't generally shoot tourists up here. I didn't feel I need one while travelling to Columbus last June by myself. No I'm not trying to start a war.:-laf
David - a non gun owning Canadian eh!

That's because your government will take care of you! :-laf

 

[Killgore]

David, I'm envious of your peace of mind. Try breaking down late at night in Birmingham and the only thing between you and two different robbery attempts was my Glock. My wife ****** all over the leather seats and I developed a really bad attitude.

The long-term results were that she never complained again about me 'packing', and I became a cop and taught the NRA's "Refuse to be a Victim" Seminar for well over ten years.

No, there is a bad element out there and I will never be put at their mercy, either by well intended citizens or a government that is afraid of my loyalties.

Better to be tried by twelve than carried by six - Ed