Forum Discussion

angelfish's avatar
angelfish
Explorer
Sep 07, 2013

Driving RV's to Alaska from US

Does anyone have information about driving RV's from the US to Alaska for RV companies where they provide the fuel and transporation back to the US after you have delivered the RV?
  • While we lived in Alaska, I occasionally saw ads for other similar situations. Like others have said, post an ad on Craigslist and see what you get.

    We have "hired" friends/neighbors to do exactly what you are wanting... We have 4 vehicles (2 are trucks) and 4 trailers, so we often have to make multiple trips when we are moving from point A to B. When we logistically cannot get everything on our own, we have left truck + trailer combos behind for others to drive to us when we get settled. In those instances, we reimburse their fuel, food and lodging, AND buy their tickets home AND pay them a little for their time... Our neighbors love us! ;)
  • I have never heard of that arrangement from anyone. They ones most often mentioned are run by some of the large RV rental companies in Anchorage. Last spring GAH, Great Alaska Holidays, sent 150 new class C units from the factory here in the Lower US, to Alaska. People apply to deliver them to Anchorage and get a greatly reduced rental rate, then are on their own nickel to get back home. The companies never seem to have any problems finding people willing to drive the new units to Alaska and pay for the gas and other camping costs.

    You might find some private owner that might allow you to drive their RV north. To find someone that would also cover your costs up and back will be difficult to find, in my opinion.. But it never hurts to ask around. Maybe put some adds on Craigslist, etc.

    Most/some of the large RV rental companies in Anchorage are also dealers of new and used RVs as well.

    If anyone finds such a deal as the OP asks about, please post the company information as I would be willing to make a couple of trips a summer. There are several RV delivery companies but I have not heard of any going to Alaska. Most RVs going to Alaska go up by sea going barges out of Washington. In the past while living in Alaska I worked one summer as an aircraft delivery pilot, flying to the lower 48 by commercial jet, then picking up a plane and flying it back to Alaska, all on the dealer's credit card. I would spend a couple of days at home and then head back outside to pick up the next one to take back north. Most were used aircraft so I didn't want to dwell on the past maintenance the plane may or may not have received from the previous owners while I was flying back to Alaska.

    But have never heard of anyone doing this with RVs.
    Could well be such a situation out there as there are lots of things I have never heard of or seen. LOL
  • There are lots of companies that do that.
    I would Google RV Transport Companies

    There are lots listed there with contact info
  • A friend looked into that some years ago. The manufacturers wanted people that lived close to the factory to cut transportation costs, they didn't want to fly drivers in to pick the unit up. Also, it was for delivery in as short a time as possible, they didn't want it used for a family vacation. He would also get paid by the mile, time spent on weather layovers or mechanical delays was not covered. Didn't pay all that well either.