Vancouver to Whitehorse via Vancouver Island?

Lexx wrote:
Thanks for all the info Soup!

I'm seriously considering having an auxillary fuel tank installed. I figure a 50-60 gal tank will be good insurance. I've been there done that, making the mistake of not topping off. With an aux tank it's just simpler since we don't fit into all the fuel stations (low canopies are common).

Do I have to worry about gravel roads and/or lots of road debris?

I have some big Duraflap mudguards on the rear of my dually. Do I need any extra protection like a hitch mounted rock guard?

I'm going to assume my truck and trailer will get filthy. What are the best places to give my beastie a good wash?

SideHillSoup wrote:

Lexx wrote:
Love your truck/camper combo. I'd be all over that if we didn't have triplet 7 yr olds in tow lol.

Thanks for the tip about contacting BC Ferries. Excellent idea.

Have you done the run from Prince Rupert on up to Whitehorse? How are the roads during the summer?

Hmmm.....Haida Gwaii is also on my bucket list.

SideHillSoup wrote:
You should check into reservations with BC Ferries ( phone them) about the Port Hardy run up to Prince Rupert. Before you call BC Ferries get the exact measurement of you rigs total length when hooked together, you will need that. You are also over height, not to worry, as they don’t charge you for over height, they just need to know so that when you arrive there is a spot of the ferry where you will fit in height as well as length.
If you don’t have a reservation you will be on standby. At with your rig length you may miss a couple of sailings, or days.
I did Hadia Gwaii last summer from Rupert with reservations so we had no issue, however there were rigs waiting on standby who didn’t get on. Most people want the day time sailing however I think during the summer the South to North sailings are all during the day. However on the ferry run I was on they have night and day sailings, and the night time are not as full as the day time ( on the route I was on anyways) summer time is prime time so don’t waste time call BC Ferries quick like.
Enjoy the ride.
My truck and camper are on the right of the picture

Soup.
PM me is you would like more info

My wife was raised in Stewart BC ( next door to Hyder Alaska) plus Uncle lived in Whitehorse after he help build the Alaska Hwy during WWII ( he was a Canuck)
Yes I have driven both routes north to Whitehorse other than. With Alaska Marine Hwy. The last trip to Whitehorse was with my 35 ft 5th Wheel, no issues what so ever, besides Bison Caribou, Moose and bears on the hwy. However, watch for pot holes and frost heaves, take your time if you see uneven pavement in front of you. Also if you see vehicles lined up behind you, and it is safe roads I front of you, slow down and put on your right signal light showing faster drivers it is safe to pass you.
Traveling up north is a whole different life than anything down south.
Make sure you have food, drink and supplies for a couple days dry camping. Always fill the top 1/2 of your fuel tank. Meaning when you get close to 1/2 tank of fuel, fill up. As a rule in the mountains I never travel more than 3 hrs with out stopping for fuel etc... Hwy 37 fuel stops are farther apart that down south, so if you see one fill up and ask what’s there to see around here. It’s amazing the info that you can get while talking with the people in theses small out of the way fuel stops.
Lots of great stops long Hwy 37/ 37-A .... you need at least a 4 days if not a week for that section of Hwy... unless your in a hurry.
Soup.

There may be sections of road that are under construction and could be gravel, or in some places we saw in 2016, dirt and mud. There will usually be pilot vehicles to escort you through the work zones but don't try to keep up with their pickup trucks if you don't feel comfortable doing so. After quitting time you may be your own pilot car. We were a few times. Go slow 4 way flashers on for safety.
Why not just carry a couple of 5 gallon diesel cans? I might carry one with me which would give me an extra 60 miles of travel. 2 Would give you almost 100 miles which would be a good cushion.
I wouldn't bother with extra stone protection, just slow down and your current setup will work fine.
Car wash? Pray for rain. :B