Alaska bound??? - Montana Owners Club

OntMont · 06-19-2004, 12:52 PM

We are making tentative plans for a grand trip to Alaska and back to S. Ontario in 2005. We would be very interested in any tips, advice, or campground info anybody would care to share with us. Has anyone used the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry)? Has anybody even taken a Montana to Alaska? Are we crazy to even contempplate it?

All comments (pro or con) welcome!

Montana_1520 · 06-20-2004, 01:21 PM

Hello OntMont,
Golly gee! You are going to do what most of aspire to do. We certainly hope you will keep the rest of us posted on what you find out and what kind of preparations you make. And when you do take that wonderful trip we would love to hear about it. We, too, want to make that trip ASAP but have a few other obligations/trips to make first.
#29 fans
04 3670RL Big Sky
04 Chevy 3500 CC Dually 4WD Duramax/Allison

sreigle · 06-20-2004, 02:23 PM

OntMont, my aunt and uncle twice towed an Excel Noble Esquire to Alaska and back. I sure would think your Montana would do just fine. I think there's a member or two who have made the trip so hopefully they'll see your post and jump in.

Glenn and Lorraine · 06-21-2004, 02:25 AM

This is one post I want to follow real close as we are also considering a 2005 trip to Alaska. We were going to try it this year but decided to wait until we had at least year of full-timing before taking on such adventure.

prariepoodle · 06-21-2004, 03:35 AM

I too want to hear all about this trip it sounds like something that we would like to plan on someday. Please keep us all posted on the details

sreigle · 06-21-2004, 05:48 AM

Maybe in a year or so we could work out some kind of MOC caravan to Alaska. Folks could either stay together when Alaska is reached or go off on their own and rendezvous for the trip back. Just to have others around in case of problems.

Montana_1520 · 06-21-2004, 05:56 AM

Hey sreigle,
We're up for that! If anyone decides to "organize" keep us all posted.We would love to be part of a group caravan to Alaska.
#29 fans
04 3670RL Big Sky
04 Chevy 3500 CC Dually 4WD Duramax/Allison

Glenn and Lorraine · 06-25-2004, 02:48 AM

Steve, That sounds like an excellant idea. Lorraine and I would be very interested in such a caravan.

Anyone else??

Joyce H · 06-25-2004, 06:54 AM

Count Tom & I in if we get a Montana caravan going. We would love to do the Alaskan highway, but hesitate to start out alone. Maybe we would feel better about it after we have more miles on our unit and more experience, but definitely would undertake the trip with other Montanas. Maybe we can talk about it at the rally and try to get something going here on the forum also.

Searchers · 06-25-2004, 09:08 AM

OntMont,
We made the trip last in 1998 with a Lance camper, prior to purchasing our Montana, and did take advantage of the Alaska Marine Highway system northbound. We drove from CA to Prince Rupert B.C. to catch the Ferry system. Plan well ahead and start by getting the current copy of The Milepost. It's the best source of information regarding the roads, points of interest, etc. and has a section devoted to marine access routes and schedules.

Keep in mind you're not allowed to stay in your RV while on the ferry, and propane has to be shut-off. You can have access to the RV while the boat is docked at various stops along the way. You'd be amazed at how close they together they have you load your rig.

D and M On The Road · 06-25-2004, 11:38 AM

*Oh my gawd*.... that's our dream trip! We want to go!!
The only catch is you all have to wait another 8 years for us to retire

We'll be watching closely and hope that those of you who do "pioneer" this trip will document your travels along the way. It sounds like a great idea to caravan.

CountryGuy · 06-25-2004, 12:27 PM

Just a thought here, groups like Good Sam have trips to Alaska, run as caravans, etc. The really neat part is that they know what to tell you to prepare for, what you might want to do to your rig for safety and dirt and stuff. PLUS, they have a crew that is experienced take you, one to lead each day, one to follow up in case you have a breakdown. They send you out (I think I remember this part correctly) at intervals during the morning, and you are free to stop at a whim, stay longer at a stop than the next unit, etc.

It is not cheap for such a rally/trip, but you are paying in part for the experience of the crew. We have been to a planning meeting for one of these trips, and it was very interesting all the stuff they shared with you, tricks of the trade, etc.

Maybe a buch of Montana people could sign up for the same trip???

Anyway, just a little fat to chew on

thoun · 06-27-2004, 01:44 PM

We are in Alaska right now. We left Wisconsin Memorial Day weekend. Had slide troubles south of Banff National Park but an RV dealer therre fixed it and very reasonably. We loved Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon, Roads were great with the exception of the stretch from White Horsse in the Yukon to Tok, Alaska. After that they were good again. There is some road construction the same as in the midwest. There are many pullouts in the Canadian provinces and Alaska where you can stay for the night. Order a "MilePost" guide common to the Canadian northwest and Alaska. It will tell you where you can stop, get gas, tire service, etc. You will find it an invaluable travel aid and wonder why every state doesn't publish it. It is so comprehensive that it will even tell you where to pick wild berries, see animals, etc. We did blow a rear tire on the road but could have done that anywhere. We are here for the summer and will be doing two circles of the state as we have company flying in and out. We found a dealer here in Anchorage with a great service center in case we need it. Shall I tell you more as we go along?

sreigle · 06-27-2004, 04:07 PM

I'd sure like to hear your adventures on this trip!

DrivesBGM · 06-28-2004, 01:04 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by amiyac
... Shall I tell you more as we go along?

Yes, Yes and Please Yes tell us more!

Oh! And welcome to the Forum!!! And, are you towing a Montana?

Craig

Joyce H · 06-28-2004, 02:23 PM

amiyac,
What a great place to be spending the summer. Please share your adventures with us. Would love to see some photos. Thanks for the information you have given us in your post!

OntMont · 06-29-2004, 08:42 AM

Since I started this topic, I would just like to thank everyone for their comments so far, and hope that we can keep it going as a resource for everyone who may want to make this trip in the future.

To Amiyac, Yes Please! Let us know how your trip progresses.

Thanks everyone.

Northstar · 06-29-2004, 05:40 PM

We live in a town called Palmer just 40 miles north of Anchorage. Although we haven't towed a trailer up the Alcan (Alaska/Canada) highway, we have camped and driven the road several times this past year. We have seen many Montana's here in this state. I think with proper planning you will enjoy your travel up here and back. You will find many places for gas/diesel/food/etc. A point to keep in mind during this time of year will be the long daylight hours. The sun will set around 11pm. And rise around 4:30am. If anyone has a question about Alaska please e-mail and I will respond.

steves · 06-30-2004, 02:24 AM

I would be very interested in making a trip to Alaska (it's one of my dream destinations) and to do it with the Montana family would be great.

To Amiyac and Northstar any info/tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated by all.

Steves

sreigle · 06-30-2004, 07:35 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by steves
To Amiyac and Northstar any info/tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated by all.

Steves

That speaks for us, too.

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