Take my Classic 33FB to Alaska?

[Andy543]

Go do the trip. Lots of people are doing it every day in any type of vehicle imaginable, travel trailers, motor homes, fifth wheels, motorcycles. Chances are you'll make it. Very small chance the bears will get you.

[Ndcctrucks]

All this talk makes me want to go again!!!’

[PatLee]

Westiehouse - could you post a photo of your protective cover for the fresh water valve? Many thanks.

[jnm30327]

One other idea about going to Alaska.

We have found that 4-5 weeks on the road at one stretch is enough. There are certainly those who love being on the road for months at a time. That is not us. We particularly like being home for July which is the hottest and most heavily travelled month of the year.

Both times we have been to Alaska, we spent 4+ weeks getting there and stopping along the way. Then we left the rig in Alaska. One time in Fairbanks and the other time in Anchorage. We flew home to stay for a month and then returned for another month on the road for the return trip. Storing the rig and flying home is way cheaper than driving home. It is a pause that refreshes and reconnects with loved ones.

This is a different rhythm to travel than many do, but one we have enjoyed. This works not just for Alaska. We did the same thing travelling to the Canadian Maritimes (left rig in Bar Harbor), California (left rig in Fresno), and Far West (left rig in Bismarck).

[uncle_bob]

Hi

One thing we found in Alaska was that July was a pretty nice month to be there. That's not always true, but it certainly was last year.

Bob

[AKNate]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

One thing we found in Alaska was that July was a pretty nice month to be there. That's not always true, but it certainly was last year.

Bob

Typically June is the nicest month and nearly always sunny. July can be hit or miss but is typically a bit rainy. August is nearly always rainy and the temperature is starting to decline. YMMV.

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by PatLee

Westiehouse - could you post a photo of your protective cover for the fresh water valve? Many thanks.

Here is my latest version using a pickle ball instead of a tennis ball. The pickle ball is similar to a whiffle ball and provides better protection than a tennis ball. In addition it airs out nicely and has holes to connect the bungy cord. I used a good pair of scissors to make the cuts needed.

Trivia: Pickle ball was invented on Bainbridge Island here in Washington State in 1965 and is our official state sport.

[Slimpockets]

Originally Posted by jnm30327

One other idea about going to Alaska.

We have found that 4-5 weeks on the road at one stretch is enough. There are certainly those who love being on the road for months at a time. That is not us. We particularly like being home for July which is the hottest and most heavily travelled month of the year.

Both times we have been to Alaska, we spent 4+ weeks getting there and stopping along the way. Then we left the rig in Alaska. One time in Fairbanks and the other time in Anchorage. We flew home to stay for a month and then returned for another month on the road for the return trip. Storing the rig and flying home is way cheaper than driving home. It is a pause that refreshes and reconnects with loved ones.

This is a different rhythm to travel than many do, but one we have enjoyed. This works not just for Alaska. We did the same thing travelling to the Canadian Maritimes (left rig in Bar Harbor), California (left rig in Fresno), and Far West (left rig in Bismarck).

That is a great idea. How do you find places to store the rig short term?

[jnm30327]

Originally Posted by Slimpockets

That is a great idea. How do you find places to store the rig short term?

We always seem to come up with something. The problem is that you can't set it up very far ahead of time. The storage places live on a very short time line and calling in midwinter about next summer gets you nowhere. They tell you to call back closer to the day. What I count on is that folks who use storage for the winter often have their rigs out during the summer, so space opens up.

I google the town with "rv storage" and see what comes up usually about 2 weeks ahead of time. It also sometimes turns out that the rig needs some work, and the repair shop needs a month to get to it anyway. It sits on their lot. That was the case in Fairbanks and Fresno.

In Bismarck, our last night before flying home was in a KOA. The owner let us leave the rig in a storage area at the campground. He even pulled it out and put it in a camping spot for us the day we returned. Very nice guy!

A couple of times events intervened. In once case, we were in Edmonton, AB and had to go home for 3 days to go to a funeral. We used an off-site parking area at the airport. That is too expensive for more than a few days. Another time, we got trapped in Haines, AK when the Alaska State Ferry went on strike. We had plans to go to Juneau and Glacier Bay and had to fly there on a commuter airline. This meant leaving the rig for 5 days. We left it in a state park campsite near Haines.

The worst trouble we have had was in Anchorage last summer where we had to call several places before finding a spot. It always works out.

One other obvious issue is that I use the TV as personal transportation at home, so leaving it in a faraway place leaves us with 1 vehicle at home for a month. We are both retired so we are able to work it out. And Lyft/Uber can be used in a pinch.

[TrvlngTinTin]

Just got my Copy! I’m looking forward to new adventures.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by jnm30327

We always seem to come up with something. The problem is that you can't set it up very far ahead of time. The storage places live on a very short time line and calling in midwinter about next summer gets you nowhere. They tell you to call back closer to the day. What I count on is that folks who use storage for the winter often have their rigs out during the summer, so space opens up.

I google the town with "rv storage" and see what comes up usually about 2 weeks ahead of time. It also sometimes turns out that the rig needs some work, and the repair shop needs a month to get to it anyway. It sits on their lot. That was the case in Fairbanks and Fresno.

In Bismarck, our last night before flying home was in a KOA. The owner let us leave the rig in a storage area at the campground. He even pulled it out and put it in a camping spot for us the day we returned. Very nice guy!

A couple of times events intervened. In once case, we were in Edmonton, AB and had to go home for 3 days to go to a funeral. We used an off-site parking area at the airport. That is too expensive for more than a few days. Another time, we got trapped in Haines, AK when the Alaska State Ferry went on strike. We had plans to go to Juneau and Glacier Bay and had to fly there on a commuter airline. This meant leaving the rig for 5 days. We left it in a state park campsite near Haines.

The worst trouble we have had was in Anchorage last summer where we had to call several places before finding a spot. It always works out.

One other obvious issue is that I use the TV as personal transportation at home, so leaving it in a faraway place leaves us with 1 vehicle at home for a month. We are both retired so we are able to work it out. And Lyft/Uber can be used in a pinch.

Hi

I would second the idea that campgrounds tend to have "storage space" that is available for short periods. Sometimes it's a campsite that needs repair to the power/ water / TV / sewer ....

Bob

[Bunker]

It really looked like Ship Creek RV park in Anchorage had several RVs in storage when I was there last July. They rent RVs so they keep them there as well. I can’t say it’s the nicest park but it’s fine. It’s also down by the train tracks and maybe not the best area of town, but again, it’s fine. My guess is they’d have room for you and it’s not far from the airport.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Bunker

It really looked like Ship Creek RV park in Anchorage had several RVs in storage when I was there last July. They rent RVs so they keep them there as well. I can’t say it’s the nicest park but it’s fine. It’s also down by the train tracks and maybe not the best area of town, but again, it’s fine. My guess is they’d have room for you and it’s not far from the airport.

Hi

But the train only goes by every few hours. The horn only blows for 5 minutes or so when the do. Since it's a commercial district (and right down the street from the train yard / station) none of that is likely to change.

It also makes for some great debates over breakfast. Who caught which trains at which hours last night. Wonderfull way to start the day

We didn't stay there any longer than the minimum to get a couple of things done.

Bob

[jnm30327]

FWIW:

We used Publix Storage in Anchorage last summer. Very secure.

We camped at Centennial Park Campground.

[Steamy1]

Noticed this on the Yukon territory road conditions .ca web site:

"Starting at 12:01 pm Thursday April 13, 2023 – 75% legal axle loading shall be implemented on all secondary roads in Yukon".

Does anyone know if this is something we should be concerned about?

Thanks,

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

Noticed this on the Yukon territory road conditions .ca web site:

"Starting at 12:01 pm Thursday April 13, 2023 – 75% legal axle loading shall be implemented on all secondary roads in Yukon".

Does anyone know if this is something we should be concerned about?

Thanks,

Hi

You will see these signs on side roads, both in northern Canada and in Alaska. Normally if you dig into it, they are talking about commercial vehicles with major axle loading. ( = it does not apply to you). Without going back to the actually rule or talking to a lawyer, there's no way to be 100% sure that is the case.

The sort of roads they apply to are (from what I've seen) dirt roads that you would not likely tow a trailer down. Once you have un-hitched, it's a pretty good bet that your TV complies with the regulation (if it does happen to apply to you).

Bob

[Steamy1]

Thanks, Bob, for the clarification!