Roll Call Alaska 2014

sue.t wrote:
RE: the Burwash Landing to Beaver Creek section of highway, which we drove two days ago. We left the fifth wheel at Congdon Creek campground near Destruction Bay and drove JUST the truck up and back for a day trip.

I could NOT believe the speed some of the RVs were going through this section. We crawled through the rough spots at 20 mph, and were holding some folks up. Oncoming vehicles were whipping along. Yet, the pavement breaks were BAD in places. Much worse than when I drove through the end of March.

The big Class A motorhome towing a vehicle possibly have no idea how much their toad is bouncing around back there, and maybe their long wheel base makes the heaves seem less apparent.
The folks with fifth wheels were minding their speed a bit more, likely because the hitch can be heard rattling and the chucking of the fifth wheel can be felt.
The travel trailer folks seemed oblivious and were generally speeding along.
The motorcycles were taking their time though, especially the street bikes. The dual sports were making a bit better time but with the unmarked potholes and pavement breaks even these bikes were taking their time and planning the better line/route.

We were easing along with the 4x4. Some of the bad spots are flagged, some not. One severe break in the road had no markings. It was definitely a kitchen-killer, our term for the dips that will toss the stuff in the fifth wheel kitchen. One fifth wheel rig passed us, but we saw him a few miles down the road pulled over to the side. Didn't seem them outside though so don't know what was going on.

Slow down through this section, folks. Way down. If you're towing, plan 4 hours from Destruction Bay to Beaver Creek. The highway is as rough as I've ever seen it in many years of driving through. It surely isn't worth breaking something.

Hey Sue - We only had one night on the way North at Congdon Creek, and were in early enough to pull into the site that overlooks the lake. WOW, even with haze in the sky from the fire ahwile back. Can't wait to visit it again on the way South.

It's been about 3 1/2 weeks since we drove that section. And it just goes to show you that different days bring different driving habits by those passing over that rough stretch.

We were passed time and again, but the 5th wheelers, so much so, I posted a thread under Class A forum about possibly another benefit for 5th's in ongoing 'Class A vs 5th' discussions, is that 5ths could take tougher roads a bit faster the heavy DP Class A's.

We were passed by everyone, but mostly the rental Class C's that few by:)!

I really think you nailed it, that many Class A owners may not be fully aware of the 'ride' their Toads are experiencing. I've followed a few Class A owners thru rough sections, and it seems even if they slow down for the coach, many of them seem to punch it once the rear wheels of the Class A are thru the rough spot. I too have seen many Toads almost flying due to hitting large bumps, or climbing out of deep holes.

Really is important for all vehicles to slow down in these rough areas, especially when everything is not marked (Suspect they ran out of red flags and spary paint!). Damaging a ride or a toad is never a good thing, but in this area, repairs take much longer to coordinate.

Best to all,
Smitty