Alaska 2017

[Jerry Emert]

We are going to Alaska next summer.  We will be leaving from Central Florida.  A few questions for you Pro's.
1. What month is the best month to hit the Canadian Border so I will have the best chance of not getting snowed upon in Canada and Alaska? 
2.  Probably the most important one is what preventative maintenance should I get done to the MH and towed before I leave.  Normal LOF will be done of course.  I guess I'm wondering what I don't know.
Towed will have new tires.  Haven't made up my mind about new tires on the MH.  Tires are Hankooks dated 2010 showing no signs of wear or sidewall cracking. 
3.  Anything else that you know that I don't that I need to?  LOL I know there are whole books on the subject, not looking for everything just unusual things that you think I need to know and you are willing to share.  Thanks in advance.
Jerry

[Gerald Farris]

Jerry,
My preferred date to reach the central to western Canadian border would be around May 15th, and start back from Alaska into Canada around the last week in August.

As for any books that you need for the trip. A current edition of the "Mile Post" is a necessity in my opinion.

Gerald

[Mandy Canales]

Jerry...If you are planning an Alaska trip this next summer you're in for heck of a fine trip.  I have driven to Alaska twice with the last one in 2006.  Don't know if you want any tag alongs or not but know of some Beavers wanting to also go on that trip.  So to give you an answer to your questions as I see it, I hope it will help you in your travels.  There are a lot of boondocking places on the way.

1.  I would arrive at the Canadian border around the middle to last week in May as winter is in its last hurrahs there.  The middle of September would be OK to return to the U.S. of A.
2. Maintenance:  I would cover the headlights/driving lights with a 10 mil, or greater, plastic due to thrown gravel on the roadway.  Use double sided tape to secure the plastic. 
Place a full cover on the toad to keep it free of gravel on the windshield, water well, and headlights.
Carry an extra belt for the engine.
Other than general maintenance to the coach you should be OK.
3  As Gerald indicated get a copy of the Mile Post book as it is, to me, the Alaskan bible and learn to use it.  It can be complicated at first.
4.  Make use of all the visitor places as they are small museums along the way.  Dawson Creek is a great example of this.
5.  Drive on the top half of your fuel tank, but there are plentiful fuel stations.
Take your time, drive slow when you see marker flags on the side of the road indicating frost heaves or broken spots in the highway.
6.  Take time to smell the roses and above all stay safe.  Slow down and edge over to the side for on coming vehicles spraying gravel at you. 

[George H. Wall]

Jerry, I agree with Mandy on advice. Really watch for the little flags roadside as these are road breaks that will cause definite damages!! We went from western NC 4 times, in 2002, 04, 06 and 08, leaving 1st week of May and leaving Valdez the day after Labor Day yearly. It takes 2 weeks on the trip up and same back, having 1 day rest each way. These dates are best for acquiring RV parks, up and back. These dates are BEFORE and AFTER the crowds. Also you can fish ALL the salmon runs with these dates. Personal PM me for phone # if you have MANY more questions!  Henry

[Jerry Emert]

It's official now!  Just made reservations for Denali at Grizzly Bear Resort for June 30 leaving July 6th.  We would love to see any other Beavers along the way.  We will be traveling slow and seeing everything we can along the way.  Thanks for all the advice and if anyone thinks of anything else please share.

[Rod Ogle]

Jerry.

  We have not taken our Beaver to Alaska yet, but I have made the trip to Prudhoe Bay via motorcycle.  I would make one suggestion, be aware that in parts of Canada and most of Alaska the highway crews use Calcium Chloride for dust control.  It will most likely be present in all sections of the highway that are under construction.  This is a caustic chemical and will act on metal surfaces including aluminum surfaces....like your radiators. (don't forget your genset)  I will also tell you that when wet, that stuff is SLICK.

  I would make it a point to clean all metal surfaces using a mild detergent and flush with clean water.  I would recommend this at least at mid point of your trip and of course when you return.  Once that stuff hardens it is a bear to get off.

    Best of luck on your trip, you will no doubt have a great time!

 BTW..here is a picture of the roadside warning signs already mentioned.

[Bryan Beamon]

Jerry we led 3 caravans to Alaska for Adventure Caravans. Previous advice is all good. Suggest using your emergency flashers when you see a logging truck approaching since they throw small rocks when driving on chip seal roads. Maybe they will slow down. Also watch out for moose & calf crossing the road as we almost hit one. Lastly the passenger side of your tow car will suffer the most due to chip seal roads. We used 3m plastic on the lower panels to protect the car. Have a great trip and watch the fire weed blooms as the flowers disappear it's time to go.

[Jerry Emert]

Bryan, thank you.  What are the plastic covers you mentioned called?  I tried searching for them with neg results.  Thanks again.
Jerry

[Bryan Beamon]

Jerry, the 3m plastic film kits were available at Walmart in their automotive paint section. Most after market auto supply will also carry this product. We also used a clear plastic to cover the bottom 8 inches of our motorhomes windshield which we purchased at Walmart in their fabric department. This product comes in 5 different thickness and is on rolls of 60 inches wide. Suggest using the medium thickness which is about 10 mil. You can apply with a squee gee with a solution of alcohol and water. Then use clear packaging tape on the top edge. Most severe windshield breaks occur in the bottom 8 to 10 inches.