Alcan Highway

[Bert Gildart]

I'm an Airstream owner but new to this forum, trying to learn how to ask a question about the Alcan Highway and things one can do to protect their Airstream while traveling this historic highway. Suggestions would be appreciated.

[pageclot]

By all accounts, the Alcan highway is a modern, paved highway. There are websites where more practical information is available, such as:

The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner - Yellowhead Highway, a listing of segments of the highway, and services available, and:

The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner - Alaska's Highest Highway Passes, a list of the highest mountain passes encountered, and when and where.

Things to consider:

- Distance between towns. You'll want to have a spare tire, lots of water, full propane tanks, and sufficient food if you're stuck in between towns. Get a tuneup, inspect those tires, etc etc.
- Roughness of roads. Several sections of the highway are subject to frost heaves, and are likely to be rougher than the lower 48 states. Also, construction season is May to October, so expect delays.
- Bugs. Lots and lots of bugs.
- Wildlife. This is a good thing. There's lots more wildlife in Alaska than in the lower 48 (or indeed, most populated parts of Canada). So take it easy going around blind corners, and watch the sides of the road for wildlife.

And take lots of pictures. Sounds like a great adventure.

[CanoeStream]

Hello Bert -- welcome to Air Forums! Here are a couple useful threads for starters.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...hwy-42157.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f437...eam-43348.html

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forums!

This is a trip my wife and I have been talking about for many years. After I retire in a couple of years, we will be headed up the highway too. Please take us with you with pictures of the journey.

[HowieE]

If you have MUD FLAPS on your truck make sure they are not TOO low to the ground. I made a large set for my Suburban and made them only 2 1/2 ins. off the ground. They stopped the big rocks but acted as a vacuum cleaner and pulled up all the sand. That sand sand blasted the tongue to primer and pitted the front of the trailer.

It is common to come across 20 miles sections of the road that are under construction. You may be diverted off the road to a dirt path along these sections.

[CrzyCorpsman]

Bert,

This is one journey I intend to make one day with my Aistream. Do let us know of your journey by way of pictures and let us know your lessons learned when you do this. I can't wait to do this. I am envious

[Wayne&Sam]

1971, I'm second from the right, leaning on my Land Rover. Back then the highway was gravel so we had screens over the windshield and headlights. The VW in the photo planned on installing them the next day. Too, late he broke the windshield shortly after the picture was taken.

[maxandgeorgia]

Welcome to the forums, Bert. You'll find lots of useful information here, as you can already see. We in turn will look forward to your writing and photos of the Alcan trip. We've enjoyed your stories and pictures of other places in your travels. ~G

[Bert Gildart]

Wow and thanks to all who responded to my request for information about the Alcan. Materials are already helping immensely, and we'll be departing about mid-June for Fairbanks, along the historic highway. As we go I'll share photos and information I discover. Over the years we've travel the Alcan about six times, but never with an Airstream.
And now, one more question. At the moment we're in Hackettstown, NJ, and will be scurrying back home to Montana. Five years ago we traveled through the Chicago/Gary Indiana area and it was a nightmare, but friends who drive passenger cars tell us construction is complete. But does that really make it any easier for those of us towing Airstreams? Thanks!

[ArtStream]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

1971, I'm second from the right, leaning on my Land Rover. Back then the highway was gravel so we had screens over the windshield and headlights. The VW in the photo planned on installing them the next day. Too, late he broke the windshield shortly after the picture was taken.

Great shot. You sure it's not an album cover

[HowieE]

no!

[Caryl]

Originally Posted by Bert Gildart

Wow and thanks to all who responded to my request for information about the Alcan. Materials are already helping immensely, and we'll be departing about mid-June for Fairbanks, along the historic highway. As we go I'll share photos and information I discover. Over the years we've travel the Alcan about six times, but never with an Airstream.
And now, one more question. At the moment we're in Hackettstown, NJ, and will be scurrying back home to Montana. Five years ago we traveled through the Chicago/Gary Indiana area and it was a nightmare, but friends who drive passenger cars tell us construction is complete. But does that really make it any easier for those of us towing Airstreams? Thanks!

Bert, I live here and tow my Airstream around Chicago every time I want to camping. Avoid early week day mornings and 3 to 7 in the evenings. Cross your fingers the rest of the time. Stay south on I80 or, if you need to go north take I39 or I 294, i.e., stay as far out as you feasibly can.

All the best, Caryl

[deauxrite]

I pulled my Airstream over the Alaska higway last spring and am about to start again this year. It is a good road, just plan your fuel stops carefully and you will have a blast!

[blacksheep]

Bert,

I-80 through Gary/Chicago is easy to navigate since the majority of construction is done, the only bad spot being I-65 construction in Indiana. Do as said and stay on I-80 through Illinois or take I-355 North. I-294 is under construction - AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!

Sounds like an awesome trip to Alaska!

Godspeed,
Trent

[pienjim]

We did the trip in 2005 and 2008. Heed the advice on mud flaps. It is not just sand that comes up, but also the fine chip stone used in chip seal. We took no extra precautions other than flaps on the real fender wells the last trip. People who have done the WBCCI caravan do a lot more.

I knocked the drain valve off the water tank in a construction zone last year. Two five gallon water jugs kept me going until I got a plug sealed in the broken valve. They also help in boondocking spots.

My wife likes the maps by Karo publishing rather than trying to follow the Mile Post book on a day to day basis.

Enjoy the trip

Jim

[deauxrite]

I just got off of the Alaskan Highway yesterday. From Dawson Creek to Whitehorse the highway is in generally good condition with a few miles of dirt and gravel and the normal frost heaves. Pay attention to the signs and the frost heaves are not a big issue. The dirt and gravel areas are well marked and slowing down will prevent most damage. Unfortunately, the trucks coming the other direction do not seem to share that philosophy.

The biggest issue we had on the trip this year is the area between Edmonton and Dawson Creek. The road is in good condition, but is "washboarded" to the point that slowing down is the only option. I seem to remember that about 100 miles of it was a real pain, but after that it smoothed out and life was good again.

Gas stops are all open and RV parking along the highway is easy and plentiful. Boondocking is always easy, so take your pick.

Have a good time and enjoy the ride..the view is fantastic.

[CanoeStream]

So Bert - did you make this trip? What did you like most about it? Any of the recommendations more worthwhile than others?

Perhaps you are working up an AS Life article and I don't mean to infringe on that.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

So Bert - did you make this trip? What did you like most about it? Any of the recommendations more worthwhile than others?

Perhaps you are working up an AS Life article and I don't mean to infringe on that.

Check out his blog: Travel photography, national park pictures and RV travel.

Bill

[CanoeStream]

Ahh! Thanks

[silverback]

I was just contemplating trips for next year's sabbatical. This has always been on the list. I will get that spare diesel tank and the Enkay flaps.
-Ken