aklabs
Colorado
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I am pulling a 35ft 5th wheel from Haines to Anchorage in mid-March and am wondering if anyone has any tips, suggestions, or advice? There is no way I can delay this trip. Also thinking of storing the trailer in Haines until roads/weather improves. Any suggestions on where I can store this in Haines?
Thanks in advance.
Dawna
Truck: Dodge Ram 3500 CTD 6.7 auto, 4x4, DWR, 410 rear.
Rv: 2010 Dutchman Coleman 325RL.
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resmas
temporarily displaced Alaskan
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Have you made sure the ferry will be running to Haines when you need it? I think it runs on a different schedule in the winter...
If you can get to Haines, just plan on going slow. Have enough provisions that you can survive for a few days in case you get stuck boondocking somewhere due to bad weather.
It can be done, but I definitely wouldn't be in a rush. I would give yourself a minimum of 7 days to get from Haines to Anchorage.
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aklabs
Colorado
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I have ferry reservations from Bellingham to Haines (March 9-12). Checked into running the ferry to Whitter but no ferry in March that makes that run. My biggest concern is road conditions, diesel fuel and cold temps in the interior. As I am living in the 5vr (and will be when I get to Anchorage) now would it be wise to re-winterize the rig in Haines/Bellingham and then de-winterize once I get re-settled in Anchorage?
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explorenorth
Whitehorse, Yukon
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The threat of severe cold will be over by the time you get here. The coldest place will typically be Tok, and as you can see from the 10-day forecast at Weather.com, it's not bad at all. Just check the Haines Summit weather before you head over the pass and you'll be fine. I certainly don't agree with "a minimum of 7 days to get from Haines to Anchorage" - unless you get delayed by some nasty weather, 2 days is just fine, 3 if you only want to drive in daylight.
Murray
Whitehorse, Yukon
http://ExploreNorth.com/
and blogging at http://ExploreNorthBlog.com/
I live to travel, and travel to really live
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aklabs
Colorado
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Thanks. I will keep an eye on the weather forecast during the entire trip. I've got some time so driving slow and easy should be fine. Got an 2011 Milepost and am planning on calling places to ensure they are open. Hope not to go below a 1/2 tank of fuel between stops.
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resmas
temporarily displaced Alaskan
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The reason I posted 7 days is because of road conditions/weather. I sure wouldn't want someone to expect to be able to average 55mph from Haines to Anchorage. I would rather have a "new to the area" driver be slow and safe than have to be pulled out of a ditch.
The OP's location is listed as Colorado, so I am going to assume they are somewhat accustomed to driving on winter roads, but may not be accustomed to the level of frost heaves they will be encountering along that entire stretch of road.
756 miles in 2 days with a trailer on winter roads?
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millerak49
Fairbanks, Alaska
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The weather shouldn't be too extreme, but if you don't have a winter blend of diesel, better put in some additive. Wouldn't hurt either way. Take it easy going from Haines Jct. to the border, very rough and lots of frost heaves. Some beautiful country in the winter. Lots and lots of snow in South Central Alaska this year, and that increases the chances of seeing Moose in the road, so watch out!
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joe b.
Florida
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I would winterize the rig before putting it on the ferry and leave it winterized till you get to Anchorage. So much of that question is tied to the particular 5th wheel. Are your holding tanks heated? How? Off the propane furnace system or electric? Do you plan to run your furnace while you are driving? Lots of questions.
Depending on the time of day your ferry arrives in Haines, you may want to spend the first night in Haines, then have the full next day to travel to Haines Junction and on north on the Alaska Highway. Also check to make sure the border customs station is open at the time you want to go through. Not sure how many campgrounds you are going to find open that early in the spring? Most of the roadhouses, will allow you to boondock in their parking lots with a fill up of fuel, if asked. Spring time can be great traveling weather or it can bring snow. The road crews in the north country are the best and have good equipment. So I would plan on about three to four days for travel, allowing a couple of days to lay low if the weather turns less than desirable for travel. (gives the road crews time to do their jobs) I would probably plan to spend the first night in Haines, the second somewhere in the Burwash Landing/Destruction Bay area, perhaps as far north as Beaver Creek. Then a stop around Tok, or down toward Glennallen, and the following day on into the Anchorage area. Do you have a camping site arranged once you get to Anchorage? It is a big city (for Alaska) and most/many of the campgrounds won't be open that early in the season. Sounds like a fun trip and shouldn't be too difficult is the weather cooperates. Diesel shouldn't be a problem, just drive on the upper half of your tank. All the diesel fuel being sold should be winter grade at the stations. Propane is much more available in Canada and Alaska than it is in the Lower 48 also, IMHO.
joe b.
Stuart Florida
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aklabs
Colorado
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Was planning on spending the night in Haines as the ferry arrives around 1pm. Way to late to try and leave. Then its taking the advice from here, driving slow, driving on the top half of the tank, and stopping every 150/200 miles or 6 hours to overnight. The advice about winterizing the 5vr in Bellingham is a great idea and one I was toying with and will probably do. I have found a couple of campgrounds in Anchorage/Palmer that are open in the winter so I will make some long term reservations to stay there.
I want to thank everyone for all of their advice and suggestions. This site is great to folks like me who have questions.
Dawna
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oldbeek
lancaster CA
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If you are a Elk, the lodge in Hains has RV parking.
1994 27sl Alpenlite, 2001 Dodge Cummins auto 3.54 stock
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