Alaska bound

[Harleybullet]

Anyone out there who has gone to Alaska by TC to view auroras. How late did you go and how were the conditions getting to Fairbanks and on to Chena hot springs. Any info would be appreciated. Was thinking at the end of October.

[Trackrig]

Northwest Territories info

Bill

[Trackrig]

Jfet wrote:
I put in 2 people and our rig for the Alaska Marine Highway and the price was a bit over $3,000.

I guess if you got 1 mile per gallon it would be cheaper than driving...

No, it's not cheaper, but you get to see the other half of Alaska that you don't see from driving the highway. And what you should do is take your RV off in every stop, stay 3 - 5 days until the next ferry comes through, re-board, and go to the next stop. Don't just take the ferry straight through. Remember, it's the trip, not the destination......

Bill

[Jfet]

I put in 2 people and our rig for the Alaska Marine Highway and the price was a bit over $3,000.

I guess if you got 1 mile per gallon it would be cheaper than driving...

[skipbee]

Lo Dave,
Linda and I opted for the Alaska Marine Highway (the Ferry) from Bellingham, WA to Haines, AK. It was a terrific trip. No wear and tear on the rig, about the same time as driving, we got a state room but could have pitched a tent in a large cabin, for no charge, which would have made the ferry and Alcan Highway trip about equal cost wise. We put dry ice in the freezer, the propane had to be cut off, and we took the cold stuff in rolling foldable coolers, ice machines are provided. You are able to prepare food but the cafeteria was good and not expensive. Google the Alaska Marine Highway for details and cost. We came back on the ferry also, it was a very pleasant and comfortable trip. See our article on Alaska trip in www.truckcampermagazine.com put skip bosley in the search box for more info. Reservations are recommended for spring time travel, we did not need them on return. They prolly are not necessary for a fall passage. I'm not sure if the ferry runs all the year. It is a very protected route not rough sea conditions.
love to all,
skip

[Photomike]

Jfet wrote:
Would there be any restrictions taking, say a 100 gallon spare diesel fuel tank in your rig through Canada on the way to Alaska? Diesel being fairly safe and all...

That would give us about a 1300 mile range.

Usually the only time you will be questioned is if you are only going across the border for the day. Traveling not usually an issue. I see many people driving past each year with Jerry cans strapped to the roof of cars, truck and RV's and nothing is said.

[Grit_dog]

Wasn't questioned with a slip tank in my truck crossing the border either. People do it every day. The BP has never ev asked me what type of fuel was in it.

[cleary]

Trackrig wrote:

Jfet wrote:
Would there be any restrictions taking, say a 100 gallon spare diesel fuel tank in your rig through Canada on the way to Alaska? Diesel being fairly safe and all...

That would give us about a 1300 mile range.

No problems with it. I made a round trip from Anchorage to Idaho to pick up a TT a little while ago. My extra tank held 134 gal. It plus the 36 in the OEM tank, I made it fro Anch to Idaho without buying any fuel. On the way back up pulling the trailer, I had to buy fuel.

My tank is a big red one with hand pump and filters so there's no way the Customs people could miss it - they never made a comment on it. The main place you don't want to buy fuel is in Glennallen, AK. So have enough fuel left from Canada to make it to either Palmer or Fairbanks to fill up again.

Bill

Amen to Glenallen, what a zoo! Beaver Creek, Yukon as well.

Chuck

[Trackrig]

Jfet wrote:
Would there be any restrictions taking, say a 100 gallon spare diesel fuel tank in your rig through Canada on the way to Alaska? Diesel being fairly safe and all...

That would give us about a 1300 mile range.

No problems with it. I made a round trip from Anchorage to Idaho to pick up a TT a little while ago. My extra tank held 134 gal. It plus the 36 in the OEM tank, I made it fro Anch to Idaho without buying any fuel. On the way back up pulling the trailer, I had to buy fuel.

My tank is a big red one with hand pump and filters so there's no way the Customs people could miss it - they never made a comment on it. The main place you don't want to buy fuel is in Glennallen, AK. So have enough fuel left from Canada to make it to either Palmer or Fairbanks to fill up again.

Bill

[Jfet]

Would there be any restrictions taking, say a 100 gallon spare diesel fuel tank in your rig through Canada on the way to Alaska? Diesel being fairly safe and all...

That would give us about a 1300 mile range.

[Grit_dog]

smkettner wrote:
Do any of the fuel stops close for the Winter? That would be my concern.

Some of the tourist stop places close down along the Alcan and I'm guessing Cassiar too, but the residents don't hibernate in the winter, they need to fill their cars n trucks up too!

[Trackrig]

About photographing the Northern Lights

Bill

[Hemi_Joel]

Have a wonderful trip! Hopefully we will make that trip some day.

[rutzbeck]

I have driven from Watson lake to Tok in the winter and all of the towns had gas stations open. If you are passing a town and your fuel tank is below 1/2 fill up. The gas stations that aren't at a town may or may not be open. The milepost helps some but there are visitor centers in most towns in the Yukon and they can help you with what is open. I expect you are coming up on the Alcan. The only place I would NOT get fuel is Muncho Lake area. I came through one year and they wanted $5.25 a liter. Stop at Toad River for food it is wonderful.

[jimh406]

Of course, it depends on the route but the OP is going a lot farther than that! NY to AK makes it across most of Canada.