Class A or 5th wheel best for Alaskan trip

We also spent the summer driving to Alaska with our 40' motorhome towing the Jeep. Absolutely no damage to either.

I will say that when we pulled into Whitehorse Yukon there were two motorhome owners taking off their rear stiff flap saying it caused rocks to land on their towed vehicles. Sure enough - we looked and there was a layer of 1/2" rock laying at the base of their windshields.

We had just traveled the same construction area they had driven and we received no damage. We didn't have the stiff flap on ours. We only had the mud flaps behind each tire.

Since then, we've heard of others stating damage from the across-the-rear flap. So if you have the flap you might consider removing it before the trip.

This may sound unusual, BUT we are still on the road, having travelled through Alaska,Yukon, Northwest Territory, Alberta and now roaming through British Columbia, and we have discussed the addition of a towed vehicle for any other long trips.
The truck and camper is a great way to travel, and the camper can be removed easy enough, but the truck rides like an empty one ton truck without the camper!! We did some touring with the camper on and it was a pain to have to pack up everything to go sight seeing.
This is really like you with the motorhome, need the ability to be able to sight see. The truck and camper went many places that a big moho couldn't, but it would have been nice to just take a toad instead.
Like others have said, there is every size and type of rv on the northern roads, you just need to modify your speed and distance expectations due to road conditions.

Thanks for all your feedback. I value all of your experience and knowledge. Great group and resource. The MH is a like new, well maintained 2007 with 24,000 miles that we bought in July. Think we'll drive the MH.

We went to Alaska in 2014 and we saw every type and size of RV on the road and in campgrounds. Just go and have a great time in whichever RV you decide to take. Keep in mind that most campgrounds are 30 amp and many may not even have hook ups at all. We thought the best campgrounds were the ones with no hook ups. So I would take whichever RV will best suit your RV lifestyle. We are going again in 2017.

if you decide on the motorhome, definitely want to have a toad. We did 3+ months back in 2009 with our rig which we had only had 18 months at the time; we had no problems with "tearing up the coach". Drive sensibly and either one should work for you.

We've RVed in Yukon and Alaska in a motorhome, truck camper and fifth wheel.

The fifth wheel is favoured because we can drop it at a campsite and go exploring OR DH can take off fishing while I enjoy some quiet time at "home" in the fifth wheel. It also came in handy when the truck needed a repair - we had a place to stay while the truck was in the shop.

When towing, one still needs to be cautious of the frost heaves. Each year I see RVers parked on the shoulder of the highway with broken hitches soon after they've flown over a dip or heave. Also possible to break or bend a trailer axle.

Northern roads can be tough on any vehicle - need to realize your rig's limits and drive accordingly.

Made the trip 5 years ago with the 5er we had at the time and had no problems. Will be making the trip next year in our current Class A with toad. For the most part, the roads are no worse than those in the lower 48.

The last 150 miles or so in the Canadian Youkon is where you will find most of the bad roads. Frost heaves make it quite the driving adventure. They do a good job of marking them and you simply slow down. Those who suffer damage from the road are generally those in a hurry. Their damage is self inflicted. Going across the frost heaves much ove 25mph generally will get you some air. There will be sections where they are rebuilding the road. Again, slow down and increase you following distances. For oncoming trucks, pull as far right as comfortable.

Just remember that it is not a race. You will pretty much see the same people every evening along your way. Trying to do high mileage days really doesn't work. Our typical travel mileage was under 200 miles a day and some under 100.

Oh, and take your toad. Too many things to go out and see while you are camped.

Good luck,
Keith

Went to ALaska in June July & Aug in 2010 in my 35 foot Georgetown Motor Home. I never had a problem. If you take heed of the little pink flags side to road will not be a problem. There is two season in ALaska Summer and construction. Just drive safe and enjoy your trip.

Never been but owned both. Take MH and toad. Sooooooooo much nicer.