B.Wagner
Fort Leonard Wood
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Joined: 04/09/2008
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Hi all,
I'm pretty new to RVing, meaning I don't even pick it up untill next weekend. My wife has been wanting a camper for years but we never really got around to it. That being said, i'm being stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Alaska this summer and we have decided to camp our way from MO to AK. I'm planning on take a few test camping runs before we make the long trip. I was wondering if anyone who has made the trip across Canada and Alaska had any tips for us?
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JCGibson
Anchorage, Alaska
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Joined: 08/01/2006
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Hi,
We are an Air Force Family stationed at Elmendorf in Anchorage. My husband is from close to Lebanon, MO. Congrats on your assignment to Alaska. We drove from Bolivar to Anchorage in 2006 and the advice we can give to take your time while driving. There are areas where the road has bumps or dips called frost heaves and they can do damage to your rig if you are not careful. The worst section of road is between Whitehorse Yukon and Tok, Alaska.
Be sure to take some time to see the sites on the way, such as Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, Little Big Horn Battlefield, Edmonton Mall, just to name a few.
DH and I
2 teenagers
Buddy (dog) and Boo (cat)
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flaja
anywhere,usa
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Try to give yourselves as much time as possible for the trip. There is a lot of awesome scenery along the way to enjoy. You can try going all the way west & turn north along the Pacific Coast Hwy. thru Oregon & Wash.,....spectacular!
- Roy & Jacqui
- Retired firefighter & X-ray Tech
- 2003 Fleetwood Revolution
- Fulltimers since 2004
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Hook
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
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Joined: 12/20/2003
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If I understand your signature that is a pop-up tent trailer you have? If so make sure the tires are in new condition and you have a spare. I do not know the size you have but some of these campers have pretty small tires and they take a work out on a long trip. Do not over load it. I helped a couple out about 10 years ago with burnt up bearings on a Coleman that was stranded about 5 miles from our home. I got my flat bed car trailer, winched the camper on the trailer and hauled it to my place. We jacked it up on blocks so they could live in it and we could work on the axle. Apon inspection both axle bearings, spindles, and tires were completely worn out and burnt. We tore it out and took it to Trailercraft in Anchorage. They found that the axle was bent, they are guessing from overload and hitting chuck holes. The tires were worn from the overload, alignment and highway speeds. They totally rebuilt the axle with larger spindles, bearings, restraighten, and heavier load rated tires. Five days later they were happily heading down the road a few hundred dollars poorer. The other thing I might add is if we have a wet summer be prepared to have to fold it up wet. I have noticed a slight mildew smell to theirs. They also make the statement while here that when they got back to the lower 48 that the tent trailer was going to find a new home.
Be sure to have new tires and a spare.
Axle bearings freshly and properly greased.
Have a camp break down check list to make sure you have everything done before you head down the road. Check air pressure every morning.
Check the bearing and tire heat at every stop.
And a hundred other things you need to know. Keep reading the forums and ask questions. No need to learn the hard way, the rest of us have already done that. I assume you are military-Thank You.
Hook
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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We made the trip from Duluth across the north shore of Lake Superior to the Soo Locks a couple of summers ago and would gladly send our itinerary to you if you send me your direct email (or snail mail) address.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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Missouri ro Alaska shouldn't entail going anywhere near Duluth nor the "Soo" locks (Sault Ste Marie??) - way out of the way! and even the wrong direction.
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flylipsdaddy
Michigan
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Joined: 03/25/2008
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Yeah,Mo to Alaska doesn't come anywhere near Mich.?????
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ak_traveler
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Joined: 04/23/2005
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B. Wagner, Let me also add my welcome to the list. I live in Fairbanks and we'll probably see each other around town while you're here!
You are coming up to a camping/RVing wonderland and I hope you will take full advantage of it while you're here. On the way up my suggestion is the same as the others here - take your time and enjoy the views. There are some great places to stop and see on the road to Alaska. One that comes to mind is the Watson Lake Sign Forest. Be sure to bring a sign with you to post there - we have one up there somewhere from our trip many years ago.
"There's no such thing as too much tow vehicle!"
Wes, Linda, & kids
"Tow Twuck" - 2008 Ford F350 DRW CC LB 6.4 Powerstroke
"Cougar" - 2006 Keystone Cougar 289EFS Fifth Wheel
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arnko37
Port Charlotte FL
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Joined: 08/25/2003
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An easy way to keep a check on your bearings is when you pull into a rest area, as you head to the jonh walk around the rig and put your hand on each wheel. It should be cool. If one or more is hot you know there is a problem and and can take care of it before it leaves you stranded. Also I like to repack the bearings myself so I know it has been done./ There are RV shops out there that will tell you they did it or if they do they just put grease on the outer bearing so it looks done. Also keep a check on the tire pressure. Those are the two things most apt to leave you broke down.
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Alaska Dave
Anchorage, Alaska
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Joined: 04/29/2007
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B.Wagner, Welcome to RV'ing, Welcome to the site, Welcome to Alaska, well, almost 
Whatever you do, take your time and Enjoy it! Stay the posted speeds and stay attentive on your way up. Lots of wildlife to veiw. Stop at Muncho Lake, beautiful place. Make sure you have an extra fuel can. The trip form WhiteHorse to Tok is a long one. About 400 mile, no nothing between them.
Dave
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