We are planning a trip from Washington to Fairbanks on the Alaska highway and back via the marine highway. There will be two 35ft class A. Is it worth the trouble taking at least one car? I know there is a lot that can be seen just from the drive and probably in many places we can rent a car if necessary but I want to be sure we don't make that long drive and then have someone say...man you should really have a car, without it you can't get to...or it will really be a hassle getting to...?
It'll depend on how much you want to "explore" the surrounding areas. Those big rigs won't get everywhere! It might be a good idea to bring along some extra wheels.
Of course, you'll have to figure out how to figure out who's gonna pay for the extra fuel that is used towing it, since both RVs will be using it.
Yes, you can rent a car at most of the larger places you'll go, but it's the little towns and remote spots that are often the most interesting. Personally, I'd take a toad!
Sounds like a great trip! Have a great time
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
IMO, I would take my own toad. I have known couples to "share" a toad and it did not work out. Unless you have 100% like tastes, the owner of the toad is going to have his way.
The Cassiar and Alaska highways are major trucking routes, so the roads and pullouts are roomy. The towns (a term used loosely, as you will see) up north tend to be sprawled out, with wide streets and plenty of curbside parking. Also, given the low population density up here, there are precious few side roads to explore.
Admittedly a 35-footer is a big rig. If you're the kind who typically only spend one night at each stop before moving on, then I think you could safely leave the toad at home. However, if you are more the "homesteading" type--where you stay several days at one site while exploring with day trips--then you'll get more benefit out of the toad. Also, if you want to fish a lot (remember that each state and province requires a separate license), then having the toad could help to reach more streams and lakes.
Finally, a toad with some ground clearance capable of driving off-road (or at least down dirt logging roads) is going to be far more versatile up here than a lower-riding pavement-only one.
About the only destination where your rig simply won't fit will be downtown Anchorage (which covers only about a square mile). For here, you could either rent a car, or park at a nearby shopping center then use either public transporation (we've recently upgraded from communal dog sleds to municipal buses), or simply calling a taxi for the few mile trip from your parking lot to downtown.
How much luck do you think you'll have parking an RV downtown on city streets, or the Wal-Mart parking lot for that matter, in towns like Anchorage or Fairbanks? Lots to see, but hard to deal with a big rig in the cities. Much easier to park it at a site and use the toad fore excursions.
We've been up the last 2 years and wouldn't think about going without the toad.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Copilot Live Laptop 10 GPS
Dawson City -- if you plan to visit some of the historic areas outside of town, your RV couldn't do it. Not too many places to rent cars in Dawson City ... actually, I think there are none to rent there.
Salmon Glacier (a spectacular site/sight) outside of Stewart/Hyder (Cassiar Hwy) ... you won't want to take your RV up that road, unless you enjoy rattling & rolling a great deal.
When travelling up North, we often abandon our fifth wheel and take off in the truck to explore back roads and see more remote areas.
Yes, I think you need a toad. As mentioned, Salmon Glacier. Then I got to thinking about all of the little back road trips.
Seward--Exit Glacier, whatever south or town, around the bay on the other side, prison.
The more I think, the more little trips there are in Valdez, Homer, Haines.
And some place I haven't made it to yet. Kennicott.---My mind wanders.
You need a toad.
States I have spent the night in my current rig, bought three years ago.
Have RV'ed through 49 states and been in all 50, just short of my half-century.
I'm in the same dilemma. I've been searching hi and low for a relatively inexpensive used toad to no avail. Getting too close to too late to get one now. Is Hyder to see the bears doable with a 35 footer? Will I be able to get in, park, and get back out?
Tom, Janae, & the three kids
2008 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA
Doing Fish Creek Bear Watch area in a motorhome will be a hassle. Probably can't park right there. Maybe on down along side of the road. Then on down the road to find a place to turn around. The road is usually rough.
But on down (up actually) the same road is Salmon Glacier. You drive along side of and ABOVE the Glacier. Unlike any other I know of. No motorhome on this trip.
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