Senior plus 30' 5th wheel

[garycq]

I have wondered how many seniors out there would take a 5th wheel to Alaska and spend 4 or more months up there. At the present time all I have is a 30' 5'ver and I have debated taking it up there to see the seeming last wilderness area of the US. I am not a desert person but I do like the green trees, mountains, lakes, streams and numerous similar areas. A camper would be nice but the economy removed all of my retirement savings and all I have now is what I had before. So if I am able to go that far north it would have to be with what I have! I was just wondering how many would take that size of a 5'ver that far north! For the last several month's I have debated what to do or even if I should do anything. I would really like to see this beautiful country of ours before I or this country ends!
GaryCQ

[garycq]

sue.t wrote:
When you're in the Whitehorse area, you're welcome to drop by our place and stay as long as you might think you need to, if you feel you need some recovery time or just want to collect your thoughts for a few days.

Our yard is nicer than Walmart's and goes for the same price.

Sue
Thank you for you offer! The Good LORD willing I'll take your offer up next summer. I've spent time in Vancouver Island and really enjoyed it and I'm hoping your new area is as beautiful and as relaxing as the island! I've followed your trips and pictures for a number of years and admire your camera work. Sounds like your marriage is one of those perfect "fits" that most strive for! See you next summer.
Gary

[allen8106]

I wanna go so bad:(

[CA_Traveler]

You'll find a lot of 5ers larger than yours. There are no high mountain passes on the Alaskan highway or any major AK road. The Cassiar route was also OK. The highest pass that I recall is coming out of Skagway. We took our 42' MH in 2013.

[525pilly]

The DW and I took a 32 ft 5r up for a 5 month stay after we both retired. It was the trip of a lifetime. Go for it. We both had summer jobs while there to help with the expenses, got to really see the area on our days off. Parts of the road can be rough, just take it easy and all will be well. Enjoy the trip.

[sue_t]

When you're in the Whitehorse area, you're welcome to drop by our place and stay as long as you might think you need to, if you feel you need some recovery time or just want to collect your thoughts for a few days.

Our yard is nicer than Walmart's and goes for the same price.

[garycq]

Grit dog
My truck recently broke down. Found out the problem and getting it fixed. Figured I'd go '16 summer and spend as much time as I can up there. My 5'ver is more than I need but it is all I have and it is great for lower 48 RVing but it is big for one guy going long distances. I've just wanted to see that great big state for a long time. God willing I'll go next summer and since He is my best Friend my Hope is great! Yes, I will bring fishing poles and a camera.
Gary

[Grit_dog]

Gary, as you know, you have a whole lot more RV for your $ with the 5ver than a TC.
If your equipment is in good shape, you and the vehicles, lol have at it.
It's only mid July. You could be there before the silvers start running this year!
I've only driven the Alcan in the spring so there was not a ton of traffic, but during tourist season I don't believe you'll be alone for long on the trio if you're worried something may happen you'd need help with.
At 75, do it now while you still can. And bring your fishing poles!

[rag-ftw]

Gary, you might think about checking into going with a group through one of the caravans. I believe you can arrange to make the drive North with a group then drive around Alaska on your own staying as long as you want and then hook with a different group for the drive South. With this plan you could have the safety of group travel over the Alaskan Highway and the freedom of being on your own while in Alaska. Just a thought!

[jnharley]

garycq, you have the perfect size rig for many of the govt campgrounds located along the way. They are usually dry camping though. If you have your senior pass, you will find lots of great camping locations for half price. We have a 37 foot 5th wheel and we stayed in BLM, USFS, Natl Park (Denali) and Canadian Provencial Parks. We even dry camped in a pullout along the Alaska Highway. Don't drive fast and utilize the numerous pull outs if you are impeding traffic. We also thought that this would be a one time trip if a lifetime. We are planning our return in 2017.

[Tee_Jay]

Hey Gary

Just a thought. Post up here in the Spring. You may find someone who is driving about the same time you are and willing to go the same distance each day. Even a few days of that might help. We met a young fellow and his dog going north this spring at Toad River, and he sort of followed us to Anchorage. Last year we had a lady tag along as far as Ft Nelson.

[garycq]

I wish to thank all of you for your responses. Being 75 and now alone I just get apprehensive, just a nervous old man I guess but there is so much to see and enjoy! God willing and at my side I will make it in 2016.
GaryCQ

[Raymon]

scorpion wrote:
I did it 15 years ago with a 26 ft fiver when I was 60ish. I would not hesitate to do it again today. (I have a 30 footer now) Take your time and enjoy the trip. With 4 months that should be easy.

Scorp.

X2 Went in 2006 with 30 foot 5th wheel and 4x4 pickup truck. Tallied 10,500 mile by the time we arrive back home after being on the road for 3 months. If you really want to 'see Alaska', an RV is the only way to go in my opinion. I was 62 at the time.

Go, relax and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Wishing you the best.

Ray

[Two_Hands]

I am 68 and my CEO/Navigator is 66. We have driven to Alaska twice, once in a 34' fifth wheel and once in a 34' gas motorhome. We loved the trip and will very likely be going again in the next couple years.

[2gypsies1]

garycq wrote:
I have wondered how many seniors out there would take a 5th wheel to Alaska and spend 4 or more months up there. At the present time all I have is a 30' 5'ver and I have debated taking it up there to see the seeming last wilderness area of the US.

I'm not sure if you think a 30' 5th wheel is too small or too large for the trip.

However, it is neither too small or too large. Folks travel to Alaska for an all-summer trip in everything imaginable - from a tent and motorcycle, bicycles, tiny RVs and huge bus RVs. It's really not difficult - just a long trip.

Also, I'd say the majority are retirees. We did it at 70 yr. 🙂

Go for it. It's a trip of a lifetime!

All you need in preparation is the 'Milepost' for history and maps and Mike and Terri Church's book 'Alaskan Camping' which includes Canada and the Yukon, also.

Go to the top of this forum and there's a 'Sticky' of Alaska Hints. It's worthwhile to read it for ideas on what to do, were to eat, roads, etc.