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TjMurphy002's avatar
TjMurphy002
Explorer
Jul 03, 2023

Full-Time Alaska TT Living

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on getting a rig for up in Alaska. I currently live in the Palmer area, but I'll be moving up to Fairbanks next year abouts. I'm looking at 2 models, the Northwood Nash 22H and the Grand Design Imagine XLS 18RBE, and would like any advice anyone has to offer on whether these are good TTs to look at for full 4-season and extreme winter camping, what I could/should do to beef them up for the -40 temps I will experience in the interior, and any other advice you feel I need. I am a first time buyer. I have RV'd with family for years in Texas and summers in AK, but all of those trailers were fifth-wheels. I don't mind living small, and I'm used to dry cabin life, so going dry isnt an issue. I do plan to full-time for the next 3-4 years while I finish up my degree, but I probably won't be boondocking (moochdocking and rv parks for me).

The biggest questions I have are about insulation, keeping the pipes from freezing, and maintenance.

Thanks in advance!
  • agwill's avatar
    agwill
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2023
    It is nice to dream. But no running water or flushing toilet at 40 below. You can insulate the trailer by using straw bales all around and on top. You have to cover all with plastic also. You need a frame work on top to carry the weight of straw and the snow load. You need fresh air inlet and real heater. Lots to consider.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Jul 03, 2023
    I can't imagine anything with wheels suitable or modifiable for the extremes of a Fairbanks winter. It takes a special breed of people to live in that climate no matter the accommodation.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jul 03, 2023
    There is a Facebook page dedicated to this topic. It's called "WINTER RVing - Let's Stay Warm Together!" There are some very knowledgeable people over there. IMO, you will be hard-pressed to find a "normal" RV that can withstand the winter conditions in AK. They're just not designed and built for that. There are a few companies making what are sometimes called "mobile man camp" trailers for the oil field and pipeline workers. They're pretty basic, but have what you would need for a winter in AK.

    Rob

    Rob
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 03, 2023
    It would be slightly and only ever so slightly different if you were able to park it permanently from about Oct thru April and build a bomber insulated skirt, have full time unlimited shore power and have no desire to have running water or wet tanks, at all.

    Wet is not even an option. But even though you say dry is fine you are asking about keeping pipes from freezing.
    Move on to your plan B and ditch this one like a chick with herpes…
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jul 03, 2023
    No offense meant, but what you’re considering is not a sound plan. Period.
    Especially if you are planning on moochdocking. RV parks ain’t open in AK in the winter.
    After living up there as you have, your consideration for this seems about as big a departure from sound reasoning and judgement that I can think of.

    Someone will come by here and tell you (and me) how it actually is possible. Well of course it is. It’s not truly 100% impossible. But it’s a very very poor decision.

    PS if you’re asking, open ended, what you would need to do to “beef it up” you’re already starting out way behind the 8 ball with respect to your knowledge and ability to even think about making it as that small fraction of 1% that may actually pull it off (at considerable expense and even more considerable effort).
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 03, 2023
    Do a archive search for pianotuna who is knowlegable in this area.

    I'm doubtful that you will find any RV suitable for extreme cold temps. You're lilely better off to rent.

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