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Tom_Barb's avatar
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017

Yukon river crossing at Dawson.

Anyone done it with a 40' or larger Motorhome is there a size limit?
  • We saw a semi tractor pulling what appeared to be 2 36'-40' tanker trailers crossing on the Dawson ferry during our trip in 2013
  • Nope, no restriction. Just for convenience we didn't hook up the toad until we crossed, as we were spending the night at the PP on the north side, but there was one 40+ DP on the ferry with the toad hooked up.
  • We crossed with our toad connected and a few cars plus a 40+ foot tour bus next to us.
    You will not have a problem.
  • Just a heads up on the ferry. If there are caravans in town they usually start lining up for the ferry about 6:00 AM. Sometimes there can be as many as 30 coaches in line before the service even starts for the day.

    At 9:00 AM the commercial traffic takes priority. They go to the head of the line no matter when they arrive. On our 2007 careen we were in line at 6:00 am and didn't cross until a little after 11:00 AM. It was a similar wait for some friends when they went in 2013.

    The Top of The World highway can be beautiful, but it can also be the worst ride of your life. It's "paved" sort of, but has to be regraded after every rain storm to be in decent condition. There is construction equipment placed strategically along the way to make the job go faster.

    We were unlucky enough to go on it just after a rainstorm and before it was regraded. It was the worst road we've ever traveled. Our top speed was less than 20 mph and the average was 11 mph. We had impatient people pulling 5th wheel trailers pass us regularly. Most of the time there weren't more than 2 wheels of the trailer on the ground when they went by. There were several stopped along the way changing tires, and others in TOK complaining about damage and broken springs.

    We took a different route in 2013 to avoid the long wait at the ferry and the potential slow ride on the "highway"
  • I would definitely call ahead on that one. You don't want to be stuck with them saying no.
  • We have crossed 3 times on the ferry. We have a 40 ft. coach. Always hook toad up after crossing and never have had a problem just be patient as mentioned above this is a very busy crossing.
  • We crossed in 2003 with 42' M/H and toad hooked up. The only caution is if toad hooked up when your M/H rear wheels leave the ferry it will pop up and slam the toad if hooked up.
  • Howdy!

    We crossed it with out MDT and 5er 65' total. They couldn't fit but a couple of other car with us but we if. It was quite an experience crossing that river on a small ferry. They just run the ferry up on the bank and keep it graded with a tractor.

    "Happy Trails"
    Chiefneon
  • Please do not pass up driving Top of the World because of concerns about the ferry. It takes semi's with their trailers and can take you. As for caravans, there are only a couple of campgrounds in Dawson that can accommodate them. If you must make an early morning departure, check at the CG's and see if/when they have caravans pulling out and go another day. Or, you can wait and cross in the afternoon. If you have a chance, take a side trip to Eagle. The road is a continuation of the Richardson Hwy and is absolutely beautiful. We parked our rig at Walker Fork CG and made a day trip in the truck. lizzie