Lucy is Finally Going to Alaska

[Cyclist]

Originally Posted by moosetags

There is another item that I am curious about. On a road trip to Alaska, what can I expect in the way of Wifi internet access and cell phone signal?

Brian

I can't speak for Alaska, but through northern BC and into the Yukon as far as Dawson City, we had excellent coverage with Bell Mobility. Check your cell phone provider regarding roaming in Canada. Telus I believe uses Bell's network on a reciprocal arrangement so it may be good as well. The other major provider in Canada is Rogers and they were useless with no coverage in the Yukon. We spent the summer there in 2015.

For Wifi we used various public access points (e.g. visitor centres, coffee shops, private campgrounds, etc.)

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by Cyclist

I can't speak for Alaska, but through northern BC and into the Yukon as far as Dawson City, we had excellent coverage with Bell Mobility. Check your cell phone provider regarding roaming in Canada. Telus I believe uses Bell's network on a reciprocal arrangement so it may be good as well. The other major provider in Canada is Rogers and they were useless with no coverage in the Yukon. We spent the summer there in 2015.

For Wifi we used various public access points (e.g. visitor centres, coffee shops, private campgrounds, etc.)

Thanks for this information. We have the Verizon unlimited plan which includes Canada calling and data. Our previous visits to Canada have always been close to the border. This will be our first trip deep into Canafda.

Brian

[moosetags]

Now to the tire question. Lillian currently has her OEM tires. They are Goodyear Wrangler SR-A LT265 60R 20 Load Range E. They have 22,000 miles on them and are wearing evenly.

My question is do I keep them or replace them before yhe Alaska trip?

Brian

[pmclemore]

They're wearing well and only 3-4-5 years old. I'd run with them.

Pat

[pjshier]

There are three major (ATT, Verizon and GCI- which is a subsidiary of T-Mobile, I think) and a handful of local providers. They tend to share infrastructure, but not consistently. We were ATT users for years, but had trouble at fish camp on the Copper River south of Glennallen. We switched to Verizon - which shares towers with Copper Valley Telecom and we solved that problem; excellent voice and data. I know - shouldn't have connectivity at fish camp, but I still work part time. GCI is the king of very rural Alaska, but data traffic is spotty.

There are many areas where there is simply no service, mostly due to geographic limitations coupled with sparse population. Check the providers' heat maps, but remember there may not be useable data service even where the map shows coverage.

[pjshier]

Those look fine. But remeber, even new tires are not Alaska road-proof. We took my new truck across the Denali Highway, feeling cocky with new tires. Wouldn't you know we picked up a sharp rock just right and the monitor alerted to losing air. Thank goodness for a handy repair kit. I highly recommend a T-handle field repair kit. With TPMS you might not even have to remove the tire, as you can generally hear the "hiss" of escaping air to locate the puncture if it is not totally flat.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Now to the tire question. Lillian currently has her OEM tires. They are Goodyear Wrangler SR-A LT265 60R 20 Load Range E. They have 22,000 miles on them and are wearing evenly.

My question is do I keep them or replace them before yhe Alaska trip?

BrianAttachment 330565

Hi, I had old tires on my trailer and old tires on my Lincoln when we went to Alaska. My theory was, why buy new tires to get destroyed so finish off the old ones first. I replaced two seven year old trailer tires during my trip and after crossing the US border into Montana, on the way home, I replaced all of the Lincoln tires. All of the gravel roads chewed up my tires on this trip. Glad that I didn't let the gravel roads chew up a set of new tires.

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by pjshier

Those look fine. But remeber, even new tires are not Alaska road-proof. We took my new truck across the Denali Highway, feeling cocky with new tires. Wouldn't you know we picked up a sharp rock just right and the monitor alerted to losing air. Thank goodness for a handy repair kit. I highly recommend a T-handle field repair kit. With TPMS you might not even have to remove the tire, as you can generally hear the "hiss" of escaping air to locate the puncture if it is not totally flat.

I carry two T handle tire plug kits and a Warn 12 volt compressor. I guess I am as prepared as I can be for a tire mishap.

Brian

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I had old tires on my trailer and old tires on my Lincoln when we went to Alaska. My theory was, why buy new tires to get destroyed so finish off the old ones first. I replaced two seven year old trailer tires during my trip and after crossing the US border into Montana, on the way home, I replaced all of the Lincoln tires. All of the gravel roads chewed up my tires on this trip. Glad that I didn't let the gravel roads chew up a set of new tires.

Hi Bob. Thanks for your input. I was hoping for a similar scenario. By the time we get back into the US, Lillian's tires will be up over 40.000 miles. Lucy's has 16" Michelin LTs. Her tires are currently over four years old, and have 48,000 miles on them. I am hoping that we can return from Alaska intact and treat the girls to new tires all around.

Brian

[GinaNBob]

Love following your other adventures. Look forward to this one too.
Gina

[polarlyse]

Along with your tire plug kit don't forget the Gorilla Duct tape. Wouldn't leave home without it.

Have a great trip. Take your time and enjoy it.

[Offack]

This could be good! Tires are heated debate around here. For me, and only me, I'm getting on in years and spent a good part of my life under a rig ( read Peterbilt ) fixing stuff. Tires included.
For this trip, we had Michelin 18 inch m/s on the tv and Michelin 16 inch m/s on the airstream. Same tire on both, just different size
Planned in advance all had less than 6,000 miles on them. I was hoping for no problems and good handling in any conditions. Happy to say the Gods were with us . No mishaps, no flats or rock induced explosions and the handling made the trip a pleasure for me.
But I did have above mentioned patch kits and jacks on hand . Just in case
Reading this thread makes me want to back already!

Rick

[Martin R]

Originally Posted by moosetags

There is another item that I am curious about. On a road trip to Alaska, what can I expect in the way of Wifi internet access and cell phone signal?

Brian

We found ourselves making trips to the public libraries which are located in even the relatively small communities like Hyder and are all blessed with decent WiFi.

[Nelson428]

I will be looking for you and hopefully our paths will cross. I am planning on departing Late April and returning to South Mississippi Late September/Early October. Maybe we can spend a few days camping somewhere along the way.

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by Nelson428

I will be looking for you and hopefully our paths will cross. I am planning on departing Late April and returning to South Mississippi Late September/Early October. Maybe we can spend a few days camping somewhere along the way.

We are thinking generally the same time frame. We may be starting a little later due to some other comitments. You will know when we head out and will be able to keep track of our progress. As usual, we plan to to a thread on the trip and post to it daily with pictures when Internet access allows.

Brian

[mnleber]

If you have never been to Canada with trailer in tow be aware that you have to declare ALL weapons AND ammunition as well as the usual alcohol and smokes and large cash over 10000$. This is required even if you are just passing through. The customs guys/gals give no quarter if you dont declare but are usually helpful just like in America. Side arms and restricted weapons are a touchy subject and you may want to call ahead. Also weed is now legal in Canada but illegal to import it! Have a good trip. The BC interior is amazing

Mike Le Ber


QUOTE=moosetags;2193310]We have wanted to take Lucy to Alaska for a number of years, but life got in the way. We have decided that 2019 is the year. We have just preordered the 2019 Milepost. It will be releaseed during the first week of February.

Now we are asking our AirForums friends to inundate us with guidance and suggestions on a wide range of related topics.

As many of you know, Lucy has been on a number of epic journeys of 100+ days. Accordingly, we know that we can handle an extensive period of Airstream camping.

What we would like to hear about is tips on how this trip will differ from others. Lucy's tow vehicle, Lillian, is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax with crew cab and standard bed. She is equipped with a roof high aluminum topper. We have a Honda 3000 Generator. We do not have any pets.

Some of the topics that we are most interested in are:

- When is it best to make the trip and why?

- Is there any other special equipment that we need?

- What should we see?

- Are there some places that we shoild not bring Lucy?

- What are the best routes to take from Banff?

- What is the lastest time in the year that we could stay up there, and still not have any weather issues coming back?

- We have heard that the mosquitos in Alaska can be treacherous. Is there any particular repellant that you would recommend?

- What are the best wildlife viewing areas not involving a major hike.

- Is there anything else that we need to know?

Thank you in advance for all of your help.

SuEllyn and Brian[/QUOTE]

[wdkennedy]

Bravo for your plan!
From Florida, turn left and go to AZ. Then turn right and go to Monument Valley UT. Meander through Utah and stay in Capital Reef NP. First come First serve at Fruta Campground, get there before 9:00AM. Sometime after April 1st.
Continue N, NW through Nevada. Stay at Great Basin NP, after April 15th. 6000ft elevation plus.
Take Hwy 50 through NV to Reno, Continue on Hwy 395 to Susanville, stay at Eagle Lake. Continue to Klamath Falls, OR. Stay at Crater Lake NP. Continue North on HWY 97 all the way to the Al-Can Highway.
For mosquitoes, take vitamin B-12.
Don’t miss Penticton, BC. Williams Lake, BC, Whitehorse, Yukon. The Kenai, AK.
Hit the Al-Can after June 1st to give time for road repairs.

[Steamy1]

Fruita now takes reservations 6-months in advance through the recreation.gov website.

[Exseedman]

We went in 2018 and had a blast! You need the "milepost", but, by far, our best resource was "Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping" by Mike and Terri Church. The book paid for itself many times over with just the savings in fuel prices. Their descriptions of campgrounds is typically spot on.

[PKI]

We don't know and likely won't go, but are very impressed by those that do.

When we were headed for BC, a fellow just down from AK said to watch for salt buildup on the trailer tanks. He said it often became so heavy that tankage went adrift and you see them laying beside the road. Now that may be the standard comment to keep the riff-raff out of a beautiful place, so maybe the more experienced folks can chime in and clarify.

Really appreciate the ferry travel suggestion. Had not seen the on and off recommendation prior. Sounds like a very interesting option to expand the experience.

Thank you for sharing. Pat