ABC Motorhome rentals

[Fer2005]

Looking for reviews of ABC Motorhome in Anchorage. Has anybody used them? Good, bad?

Thanks.

[2gypsies1]

For the TourSaver book we didn't make reservations until a few days prior. If you're planning to be in the area for a while your tour date can be flexible depending when they have openings.

Agreed that for end end of August/Sept, best to call to make sure they're still operating.

[PA12DRVR]

rag-ftw wrote:
I would contact any vendors you plan on using after 1 Sep. Many people shut down and head South after Labor Day.

^^^^^ This. ...and if not by 1-Sep, then by 15-Sep.

I think the risk would be avoided by simply calling vendors you intend to use and seeing their precise duration of being open for business.

FWIW, the later in the year one can visit some areas (presuming services are still available), the better to avoid the hordes (of tourists and flies) and the better to see changing scenery.

In 2012 or 2013 (can't remember which year exactly), I drove through Glitter Gulch outside of McKinley in late July on my way to Squarebanks and again in mid-September. In July, to this nearly life-long Alaskan, Glitter Gulch was frankly disgusting with its crowds, noise, and the general "Disneyland goes North" ambiance. In September, there were 2-3 places open to get dinner and 1 or 2 B&B's still open....and there was color in the trees, snow on the hilltops, and crispness in the air.

Later is better IMNSHO.

[oxt127]

I used them for a 15 passenger van and trailer 5 years ago. They were great to deal with. The RV end of things looked good as well. We spoke to a couple people who were headed home and seemed like they had a good experience.

[rag-ftw]

I would contact any vendors you plan on using after 1 Sep. Many people shut down and head South after Labor Day.

[Fer2005]

End of Aug/first of Sept. is toward the end of tourist season. Depending on where you go some boat tours are shutting down/scaling back on their tours.

For all interested I picked GAH for our rental. We will be there the first couple of weeks of Aug. I'm excited already!

[sweetnoni]

Ordered Terry and Mike Church's book and also coupon book for upcoming trip. Question: How far in advance and is it a necessity to reserve places for the different tours ? We will be there around the end of Aug. and first of Sept. Don't know if that is a time with less tourists or if it is still rather busy?Thanks.

[FFWyatt]

We used them in 2014 and reserved for this year as well. Great place with awesome customer service. We flew in late and they left the RV open for us to sleep in that night. The next morning we got the keys and off we went. Would advise to reserve now because they gave us a discount for being so early.

[fanrgs]

2gypsies wrote:
Another good purchase is the 'TourSaver 2/1 Coupon Book'. One glacier cruise will pay for it and you'll want to do at least one.

For all of you heading to Alaska in 2016, there is currently a $20 discount offer for the Alaska TourSaver coupon booklet. Instead of the normal $99 price, you can get a discount by using the code "Alaska20" when you order online from www.toursaver.com. But you might want to get it in a hurry as the offer may be for a limited time.

[sweetnoni]

Sounds great guys, thanks for all the info. Getting excited!!

[2gypsies1]

You definitely don't need to rent a car to get around. Alaska is full of RVs. You'll be just fine. Have a great trip!

On one of our trips three couples rented in Anchorage and we had plenty of time to do the whole Alaska loop. We first headed in the direction of Denali - spent two nights in the park itself and took the 'school bus' tour for one full day, then Fairbanks - the river boat cruise is worthwhile, down to Tok to Valdez - took a glacier cruise by Stan Stephens, back to Anchorage then down to the Kenai Peninsula - a night each in Seward and Homer, before returning the RV in Anchorage. It's a rushed trip but you do what you can. We had a ball! We later went back and drove in order to spend the whole summer. The first trip gave us a 'taste' of Alaska.

[PA12DRVR]

sweetnoni wrote:
One question my husband has. Will we be able to navigate around with just the MH. Would renting a toad, help us? Would like to keep the rental fees down, but also want to make it as pleasureable as can be.

If your Anchorage time = Flyin + 1 night at hotel + 1 day to stockup at Costco/Sams >> touring >>> + 1 day/night on return (I'm assuming), you certainly don't need a toad for Anchorage and, while I've never RV'd around most of Alaska (taking the pickup or the signature airplane), most places you'll stop at are either walking accessible or can use local transport (i.e. @ Denali).

For the Los Anchorage stocking-up period, will be a bit of a PITA, but MH's end up at Sams/Costco all the time. If you want to see more of Los Anchorage, simply take a cab and/or there are various shuttles depending on where you're staying. I don't know if Uber or Lyft have made it to Los Anchorage yet but I suppose some might consider that an option.

[sweetnoni]

One question my husband has. Will we be able to navigate around with just the MH. Would renting a toad, help us? Would like to keep the rental fees down, but also want to make it as pleasureable as can be.

[sweetnoni]

Thanks all- we will be flying into Anchorage, did not find a hotel on site, so will have to spend 1st nite at one close, then shuttle back to the airport the next day because Rv place will only shuttle from there. The next thing we want to do is find a Sam's club or Costco to stock up on food, so we can get out of Anchorage and start our sightseeing 2 weeks. We understand by all that has been said, we will only see a smidgeon in that time period, but it's a start for us. Denali is must see, and would be open to other suggestions. Definitely would use the coupon book, as we want to do a glacier cruise. Thanks for all the info, keep it coming!

[2gypsies1]

Sweetnoni: I don't think I can help much with Anchorage as we didn't do much there except stock up on groceries or parked easily and walked to where we wanted like the Visior Center or a restaurant. We preferred to see Alaska, not another city. 🙂

As far as the state campgrounds, we also found that not all have water/dump but there are many optional places to do so. Tonymull's post above stated it well. Denali Nat'l Park has an excellent water fill/dump area. The Meijers store in Soldotna also has one on their parking lot. So, yes, there are many places of all kinds including gas stations. Also ask at RV parks even if you're not staying there.

I'd suggest you purchase online Mike and Terri Church's 'Alaskan Camping' book. It will be your bible for campgrounds of all kinds and boondocking areas. They also give 'water and dump' suggestions.

Another good purchase is the 'TourSaver 2/1 Coupon Book'. One glacier cruise will pay for it and you'll want to do at least one.