RE: ROUTE QUESTION ?
When we go back to Alaska, we plan to go straight up the east coast and cross somewhere north of Albany NY, then cross Canada until we get to Calgary, then norht to Edmonton, etc.
You should cross north of Champlain, NY, and head up to Montreal before turning west. You can detour off of I-87 north of Albany and weave your way through the Adirondacks before you cross into Canada. I can't recommend any routes through Montreal that are best for an RV, because I've only been there in a car. But there are LOTS of old, old historic buildings to see in Montreal. The only drawback is it is a French-speaking province, so communication can sometimes be diffucult. At least it was 20 years ago, the last time I was there...
RE: Convert 5th wheel in flat bed utility trailer?
You might be able to strip it, sell the parts, and then market the frame to a farmer/rancher to move round bales with. Yes, round bales are heavy, but most farmers have the equipment and know-how to turn it into what they need, especially if the price is right...
Think of it like "flipping" a house... you might be able to make a bit of money off it, at least...
RE: Inexperience, 4WD, driving + icy roads
I've found idiots driving every type of vehicle. 4WD, 2WD, AWD, tiny compacts to lifted 4WDs. I grew up in the Adirondacks of NY, near Lake Placid, and now live in Alaska.
I don't think it really matters WHAT you drive, it is HOW you drive it. It might take you a bit longer in 2wd, but you'll probably make it if you drive it right.
RE: RVing without septic hook-up
The talk about business licenses makes me wonder... We have rented out various houses we have owned over the last 13 years. We collect rent on them. We have no license. We never contacted the city, or had any inspection of any kind done. We have a signed lease that was printed off a computer program. Our insurance provider knows the properties are rented, as does our mortgage holder.
Why would renting out an RV spot or 2 be any different? What "red tape" would be needed? I've not heard of any kitchen/food service facilities in the plans, so what would need to be inspected? I may be wrong, but I thought the OP was just trying to recover some costs, not make a profit that needs to be reported to the IRS...
As for my 2 cents on the bathhouse - I say heck yeah! I want a bath house. We are a family of 5, so sharing the 1 bathroom in our rig gets pretty crowded. Not to mention I have yet to stay in a CG with enough water pressure to fully rinse the shampoo/conditioner out of my hair. I need a bath house shower at least every few days...
RE: People setting up in your campsite
... Wouldn't take anything more than some small clip-boards, Ziploc baggies, and posts if there are no trees. No excuse for not having it. ...
But after it's set up, there's ongoing support and maintenance and a continuing labor cost. Not only providing the form that goes on the clipboard, but also removing the expired ones every day. Not only will some departing campers forget to remove their tag, some don't even realize that's their responsibility.
No, the form is already in use. You really think the military is going to let you camp on their land/base/fort without a form? Forms and paperwork are the backbone of the military! ;) The only difference is sticking the stub in a ziploc on a clipboard instead of your windshield. As for ongoing maintenance - it wouldn't require any more staff or hours than is already paid for. I can't think of a single military Famcamp that isn't inspected/checked out/driven through daily. Many even have on-site hosts.
RE: People setting up in your campsite
Same with the Famcamp at Malmstrom AFB. find a spot, fill out the envelope, put the payment in, drop it in the box, and put the stub in the corner of the windshield.
I'd be going to Outdoor Rec on that base and telling them they need to "upgrade" their system. Wouldn't take anything more than some small clip-boards, Ziploc baggies, and posts if there are no trees. No excuse for not having it. A purchase order for that amount of money is EASY to get approved. Trust me. No excuse.
It's the same concept as others have mentioned - clipboard on tree or post, receipt goes in Ziploc baggie clipped to board. Cheap and effective.
RE: alaska tour saver
You should also check out the Northern Lights Coupon Book. It is only $50, and is available online now. I compared the two books side-by-side, and couldn't find much difference other than in the dining section. The Northern Lights is probably 85% Anchorage dining, but the entertainment section is state-wide.
I've been completely happy with the Northen Lights book, and like saving the $50, too!
RE: RVing with Livestock?
I think this lady has a definite chance at being successful if she looks for and stays at campgrounds that are designed for people traveling with their horses. There is a whole network of them across the country, and I am pretty sure they would not have a problem with someone who kept the goats and chickens responsibly. I have friends and family who spend almost every weekend camping with their horses, and have never had an issue finding places to stay.
She might even have luck finding people who WANT her to stay on their property, and have her goats graze down their land. She just needs to find the right network, and get the word out. Heck, there are people who travel across this country on horseback or with a wagon, and have no trouble finding places. Sometimes the public flocks to these kind of unique situations to provide support, especially if word gets out via a feed store.
Obviously, this forum isn't the place that she is going to find 100% support of her idea, but by no means would I discourage her...
RE: RVing with Livestock?
If you are lucky, you might even find a used LQ trailer already set up with the portable panels. They have racks already mounted on the side to carry them on. They are very common for endurance riders. The panels are a lighter-built pipe panel, and you could easily line them with cattle panels/chicken wire/poultry netting. Some riders use them independent of their trailer, and others have the trailer modified so the panels attach directly to the rear of the trailer, which then uses the horse area as a stall. Pretty cool.
When I've had goats, my biggest challenge was keeping them contained. Dang they could climb and jump. Little hoof dents on vehicle hoods didn't go over well!
Just keep looking, and the right deal will pop up. Check out the equine-based online classified sites for used trailers - there are usually tons listed...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/photo.php?pid=30185282&id=1126315568
RE: RVing with Livestock?
I wouldn't recommend a toyhauler, even one with a garage seperated by a wall, because it won't have adequate ventilation while going down the road, and it also doesn't have a drainage system in the floor. The livestock area needs to be something you can attack floor-to-ceiling with a pressure washer.
What I would look into is a used living-quarters horse trailer. They come in all sizes of gooseneck trailer - some have a smaller area for just 2 horses that would be perfect for what you need. The living quarters can have slides, and can run the gammit from bare-bones usefull to absolutely extravagent.
Goats and chickens are pretty darn portable - you won't have to carry insane amounts of feed or water. On-site fencing will probably prove to be your biggest challenge.
I say find the right LQ horsetrailer and go for it! Self sufficiency - you should be proud!
RE: Proper method to lift trailer for tire removal
What about this? Trailer Aid This is what we keep in our fiver and horse trailer. Has worked great so far, lightweight. We've never had a flat tire, but use them all the time for taking tires off for various reasons.
RE: Alaska campgrounds availability in general
Just another note. The campgrounds may not be what you expect. Many of the campgrounds with hookups are just parking lots. They have a tendency to pack the vehicles in as well.
And don't plan on having full hookups - the majority are water/30amp only, but most also have a dump station. Bath houses may be quite different from what you'd expect, too. Sometimes they are unisex, with toilet/shower/sink all in a room with a locked door. Other times they are your conventional type set up.
You won't always have room to set up your awning in some of the CG's - they are that tight. Internet access isn't always available (which is one of those things I will never understand - a CG being critized for NOT having internet - you're in ALASKA for goodness sakes!)
If you want to see the reds run at the Russian River, or dipnetting on the Kenai, or a 4th of July celebration then I'd recommend reservations. The locals can pack the CG's at those times. I live up here, and even I have trouble finding a spot under those circumstances.
Generators are often allowed in no-hookup and state campgrounds, but sometimes have pretty strict hours. But, there are also many places along the road system to boondock in awesome settings.
RE: POLL: 5er hitch or GN?
Both.
17500# Toyhauler used a Ranch Hitch Adaptor on the B&W Turnover Ball
Fiver we currently own uses a Companion Hitch on the B&W - wanted to use gooseneck adaptor, but couldn't access the pinbox on fiver.
Sundowner gooseneck horsetrailer uses the B&W Turnover Ball.
RE: roof vent cover
I would suggest Maxxair or Camco vent covers. This allows you to leave the vents open, prevents sunlight damage, and prevents water from entering.
Just keep in mind that if you get a BLACK cover, it makes your bathroom pitch black. Not cool. I am not a happy wife now. DH picked black because he thought it would weather better and not turn yellow. He also thought it would block *some* of the eternal sunshine up here in Alaska. It blocks it all. We now have to turn on a light everytime we use the potty - boys especially...
RE: B&W turnover
I have a B&W Companion in my short bed GMC in my profile pic. So far, I haven't had any problems, but I also haven't had the short-bed truck too awful long. But, I don't anticipate any problems because I tend to be over-cautious when hauling/backing/turning. I don't tend to put myself into predicaments that need that tight of a turn. My DH is another story. He will probably hit the rear window soon. He is used to hauling with his long bed truck, and sometimes doesn't remember that MY truck is a short bed.
RE: campground owners
My parents owned a KOA for almost 2 decades. It couldn't have been that bad of an experience, as they are now considering purchasing/building a campground here in Alaska.
Upsides: they got to meet tons of wonderful people, and have even made lasting friendships with some of the frequent campers. Own your own business = make your own rules. Seasonal campground means having your winters 100% free to do what you want.
Downsides: Owning your own business means you have to be present to run the business. So no summer vacations. It's also hard to get away for family events, like sports, graduation, weddings, funerals, etc. Owning a franchise means you have to play by some one else's rules, but it also gets you publicity. It's a trade off.
You have to be quite handy, or else have a HUGE budget for all types of repairs. You have to love groundskeeping, flower gardening, landscaping. Being able to operate heavy equipment is a plus, so you can maintain your own roads, and not have to hire it out. You'd better like cleaning other people's personal messes, because the bathrooms can be downright disgusting. Your grounds must be kept immaculately, or you will lose business... You have to have a sense of humor, and be a people-person, because you will meet all kinds. Being a good boss is also a must, you generally will need a few employees, and a good boss = good happy workers.
I realize that all sounds pretty tough, but it really wasn't. I grew up on the campground, helped run it until I got married. I, too, enjoyed it enough that I hope to co-own that CG here in Alaska with my parents...
*** Edited to add what others have brought up - business sense is needed. Definitely. My father had been VP of a chain of banks in upstate NY (Lake Champlain area), so he no problems working with numbers.
RE: Suggestion for Tow Vehicle and RV
Off topic - but how in the world do ya'll get your kids to sleep in tents? My duaghter would NEVER do that, heck, she won't even walk to the bath house in the summer at "night" without an adult. And that's when we have 20 hours of daylight.... Maybe she will change her mind when we start camping somewhere where we are at the top of the foodchain. Right now, I actually am quite happy she doesn't want to sleep outside with the bears.
RE: Duramax cold weather MPG drop?
The stations up here switched over blends some time ago. I do put additives in, but I don't use the block heater or have the winter cover on the grill yet. My DH is hedging on the winter cover - he is afraid the GMC provided cover will scuff the truck's finish. He zip ties a piece of cardboard inside the grill of his Dodge in the winter, it works fine, so he's wanting to do that to mine. We've actually had a diesel truck for over 10 years, BUT this is the first time we've had a diesel as a "daily-driver" in the winter. DH's truck pretty much sits all winter - only gets driven if conditions aren't safe for his 36mpg commuter car, so it is hard to track the effect on it's MPG.
I am just surprised how fast the MPG is dropping - I'm pretty sure I'll be at less than 10mpg before winter is up. I had anticipated it dropping some, but not like this!
