Road trip to Alaska article in paper
Hi -- we're half preparing to possibly go to Alaska next summer or the summer after. Today's newspaper had this article LINK (when it asks you if you want to subscribe, just click on "not now").........
Forum Discussion
Look out AKSilverEagle, as Smitty is now 1/2 way thru his first trip, just a bit behind your count:)!
My added opinions and $.02:
-We maintain all of our vehicles on a regular schedule. We shifted some of the schedule forward on both the RV and Toad, to be before we left for this trip. I also pulled up the purchase of new tires for the Toad, as I would have probably ran the existing set another 5K if staying in town. And, not to start a tire replacement topic, our coaches tires were young at 3 years and in good shape.
-I always carry spare belts, fuel filters, fuses, top off fluids, etc.. I also rotate out these during normal maintenance schedules, to keep them within a good shelf life.
-I also double checked the 'misc parts and stuff box' that most people have accumulated, to see if anything else should be added. (Bought a new roll of gorilla, the only thing that seemed a bit low.)
So I always travel prepared, and really did not change this for the Alaska trip. I do wish I had bought a few extra turn indicator bulbs for both the RV and Toad. You see, I call my method of traveling over the rough frost heaved and construction areas 'Slow, pull over and stop, then slow again.'. This means I SLOW DOWN for the areas that need it. I pull over and sometimes stop, to let anyone pass me (usually the big semis and most rental RV's seem to fly much faster then I do in the rough areas), then I go back to my slow pace again. I'm quite concerned that I could burn out my turn indicator bulbs, due to all of the pulling over to let others bounce by me at a faster pace...
My wife and I are lucky, as we have plenty of time and are not needing to getup, and get back, real fast. Others may have schedules that require this method of travel, especially those that fly in and rent the Class C's for a shorter period and then try to cover it all in long days drives.
We enjoy, the journey, as much as were we land along the way...
Nothing wrong with being prepared with extra parts, and good preventative maintenance before heading out on any trip. I have no opinions on the the extra leaf springs, but I will comment that I do carry a few extra parts unique to CC (Level Sensor is one odd one, because we had trouble finding one in a timely manner even in the lower 48.)
Do what you feel is right in preperation from your experience, also be prepared for the 'What if's?' that can happen anywhere - relax, travel safe, and enjoy the ride.
Best, and be safe,
Smitty
My added opinions and $.02:
-We maintain all of our vehicles on a regular schedule. We shifted some of the schedule forward on both the RV and Toad, to be before we left for this trip. I also pulled up the purchase of new tires for the Toad, as I would have probably ran the existing set another 5K if staying in town. And, not to start a tire replacement topic, our coaches tires were young at 3 years and in good shape.
-I always carry spare belts, fuel filters, fuses, top off fluids, etc.. I also rotate out these during normal maintenance schedules, to keep them within a good shelf life.
-I also double checked the 'misc parts and stuff box' that most people have accumulated, to see if anything else should be added. (Bought a new roll of gorilla, the only thing that seemed a bit low.)
So I always travel prepared, and really did not change this for the Alaska trip. I do wish I had bought a few extra turn indicator bulbs for both the RV and Toad. You see, I call my method of traveling over the rough frost heaved and construction areas 'Slow, pull over and stop, then slow again.'. This means I SLOW DOWN for the areas that need it. I pull over and sometimes stop, to let anyone pass me (usually the big semis and most rental RV's seem to fly much faster then I do in the rough areas), then I go back to my slow pace again. I'm quite concerned that I could burn out my turn indicator bulbs, due to all of the pulling over to let others bounce by me at a faster pace...
My wife and I are lucky, as we have plenty of time and are not needing to getup, and get back, real fast. Others may have schedules that require this method of travel, especially those that fly in and rent the Class C's for a shorter period and then try to cover it all in long days drives.
We enjoy, the journey, as much as were we land along the way...
Nothing wrong with being prepared with extra parts, and good preventative maintenance before heading out on any trip. I have no opinions on the the extra leaf springs, but I will comment that I do carry a few extra parts unique to CC (Level Sensor is one odd one, because we had trouble finding one in a timely manner even in the lower 48.)
Do what you feel is right in preperation from your experience, also be prepared for the 'What if's?' that can happen anywhere - relax, travel safe, and enjoy the ride.
Best, and be safe,
Smitty
