HOW TO DRIVE DESTRUCTION BAY! / Survive the Bay /Alaska Highway 2023 / RV Travel / RVing to Alaska
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- We've been planning this Alaska RV road trip for over a year and we're doing it. Enough talk, let's walk! Well...we'll drive but you get the picture.
Taking our Class C to Alaska so we can get to some remote areas and drive on roads less traveled. We've taken our Big Rig before but this time will be different.
If you're driving to Alaska then you must drive through Destruction Bay, Yukon an infamous section of road on the Alaska Highway. It's reputation precedes it as a destroyer of RV's suspension systems and tires.
The scenery continues to be fantastic but how will we fare through nearly 100 miles of Destruction Bay roads? We have to cross the border to get into Alaska and we're not sure of the questions they'll ask but we're ready to get back into the USA.
Lots of wildlife on this part of the drive up to Alaska. We got some great pics of moose, bears and other wildlife as we drive north.
Camping at our old stomping grounds, Congdon Creek Provincial Park is familiar and beautiful. Splitting wood for a campfire, we take in the beautiful surroundings at the last open Yukon campground before the border.
Crossing the border is pretty simple but the roads don't get any better until we get to Tok, Alaska. Fuel prices are better in the USA so we're thankful for that.
One of our favorite places to camp (top 10 all time) is our next overnight in Alaska. But is it open and clear? We don't know until we arrive...
Always good to have a Plan B and I always have a Plan B. We'll need it in this case.
Delta Junction is the end of the Alaska Highway, we made it and drove every mile.
Now, What's next?!?
#rvlife #spacecraft #fulltimerv #customrv #hdt #whataburger #harvesthost #harvesthosts #campendium #wanderlust #semitrailer #semitruck #volvo #rvtour #tour #customtrailer #boondocking #lg #quartzsite #vanlife #van #classc #thormotorcoach #ford #f550 #motorhome #alaska #canada #alcan #alaskahighway #rvroadtrip #traveltips
RV Camping
We like to Switch it Up between resorts and campgrounds.
Our journey is the destination. We want to share in our experiences in discovery of What's Next.
I get my music from:
Epidemicsound.com Tracks:
We go on by Benjamin Carey
Keep on Doing Nothing by Headlund
A Colony for Us by Rune Dale
Amazon Shop (no extra charge to you)
A convenient way to see (or buy) the items you see in the video's which may help in your adventure.
www.amazon.com...
We use the TSD card for diesel fuel and save a bundle each time we fill up our Big Rig. We also use it to fill up our Onan generator.
The big blue boards (XL version) we use sometimes to get us "un-stuck" is from:Gotreads.com
Our Class C is built by Thor Motorcoach on a Ford F550 chassis. It's a production build Magnitude model XG32. We tow our red Jeep Wrangler Sahara behind it. We've made some modifications to it so that we can boondock comfortably. Lithium batteries, Victron 3000w multi-plus inverter, dual alternators charge while traveling and mods to the water system greatly enhance it's boondocking capabilities.
Our extreme completely custom 5th wheel is built on a semi-trailer chassis with air suspension and air brakes. Completely loaded it weighs 42,000 lbs rolling down the highway. And we do roll down the highway nearly every week. You see, we believe that if your home has wheels they should be used.
Vehicles:
2016 Volvo VNL780 "Voyager"
2016 Smart fortwo "Pathfinder"
2019 SpaceCraft Custom built semi-trailer 5th wheel "Orion"
2023 Thor Magnitude XG32 Class C "Curiosity"
2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara "Artemis"
Power system:
3250 watts of solar with Panasonic panels
30.1 KWH of Lithium batteries
2- 4K watt Magnum Inverters deliver power as if we are on shore power
2- 4K watt 240v Cotek Inverters deliver additional power for our LG Mini split HVAC and stove
Coachnet is our roadside assistance company we use but hopefully we don't use them too often. LOL
We are not sponsored by Whataburger but I do enjoy them anytime I can get my hands on one. They used to be just out of Texas but they have expanded.
The second time through watching your travels we are watching on the big screen TV and WOW the scenery is beautiful. Well done!!
2nd time! 😯😎Hope you are enjoying it more the 2nd time around. Appreciate your comments.
After I put you guys on full screen mode,
Uh oh...someone's getting serious with the "full screen mode"! LOL
Superior quality filming
THANK YOU for all your extra efforts
Very nicely done
THANK YOU!!!!
Thank you, Chris. We enjoy sharing our experience with you. Appreciate your comments.
Each video on this trip is epic. Keeps getting better and more beautiful.
Thanks, Wayne. Really appreciate your comments. The scenery is spectacular.
Those snowbound mountains are breathtaking! Thank you...that was a bumpy ride!
That's the thing that has really impressed us this time is the snow up on all the mountains. Pretty spectacular. We're really enjoying the views. Glad you are as well. Destruction Bay was definitely bumpy! 😯😊
Do you ever feel like you are the only people on earth there 😮
There were definitely some stretches, Scott, where we felt like the only people on Earth. It was a very cool but slightly disturbing feeling for sure.
@Big Truck Big Travels I know its got to be.
I love watching y'all's videos but I do wish that y'all show a lot more of y'all's everyday living in your videos it would make it a whole lot better than what it is now and yes I do love what y'all are showing right now but like I said it would make it better is all myself. 😃🙋🏼♀️
We're working on it and have done a little better on that side of it but we will continue to show more of life. Thanks
The way you split firewood……..
Not good?!? It gets split though...suggestions?
You guys have gone to Alaska at what we call Spring break up. Everything is starting to melt as you saw with the flooded campground you were going to stop at. It’s extra muddy. Not just normal mud, but Alaska mud! Can be Knee deep depending where you go. Messy time of year but beautiful and lots of animals coming out of hibernation! Tip:- they’re hungry! If you plan on camping along rivers, you best carry a side arm. Grizzly’s won’t compete for food, they take it, lol. Bear spray will only anger a grizzly. Enjoy Alaska, it’s gorgeous in every season but spring summer is the best 😊
Thank you so much for taking us along on the adventure.
It's definitely early, Sharon. We planned this for the animals for the most part. We also enjoy spending time up here and taking our time. Thanks for the comment. 😊
way to go looks like fun and now the real funs starts did i hear you say 2 videos a week now lol a week is a long time to wait, did you guys add any suspension like liquid spring to the RV? how has it been in the smaller class c so far? look forward to the next video...... Thanks for taking us along
Hey Lance...it might be two per week for a while! LOL...we did not enhance the suspension at all, it's all stock. So far, the trip has been good in the Class C though Sondra does miss the better views from the HDT! Thanks for the comment. 😎
Job well done on completing the ALCAN Hwy!! Your planning skills are great. That is one of my weaknesses, I like to do things spur of the moment but now I get bit because of all the more campers that there are out there now going after the same spots. Can't wait to watch more of your adventures in Alaska.
Thank you, Bill. We enjoy this lifestyle and are grateful for the ability to share it with everyone.
The word SHOULD - it seems to be used slightly different in my world.
As in it should be a beautiful drive? Appreciate the comment, Bill.
Welcome to Alaska. Beautiful. Why did they ask you how much money you were caring? Is there a limit of money you can carry in Alaska?
Yes. They limit the amount of cash you can cross the border with so we always keep it under $10,000! 😆 🤣 Which is easy... since we don't EVER have $10K cash! Lol 😆 😆
Congrats for completing the ALCAN! Looks like Michigan roads with lots of potholes, although they improved a lot in most areas. Beautiful views, breathtaking. Enjoy your travels!
That's because our Governor is "fixing the Damn roads" LOL
@@larryburkett9628 yep, agree, Gretchen gets the job done 👍
The roads are better overall than in 2017...but Destruction Bay section is still bad! Love the scenery though.
How is the new motorhome curiosity doing.Looks like it would be nice to drive.Thank's Dave. Patrick
Hey Patrick, the new motorhome is doing well and comfortable to drive. We miss the HDT but the maneuvering in the motorhome is of the charts!
I am working in the planning of our next year's trip to Alaska and I came across your video; great information!! And I'm doing it from Spain!! though the RV is in storage in Wichita. I'm glad the roads aren't that bad as people describe them at times. Alaska!! Here we go!!
Congratulations on the future trip! Take it slow and it should be smooth!
Exactly the video I've been waiting for to actually see the road...looks like it's not too much traffic, so slow is the way. Thank you, have subscribed to review your journey for ours in August.
Traffic is not busy at all...take all the road you need...and slow is much better than fast! Glad you found it useful and informative. We've got a lot more travels coming up...to some very different areas! Thanks for watching. 😎
What happen to your fellow travelers?? The one's with the blue jeep???? And are they friends or just
some people that thought they would follow you???? Love the mountains and congrats on finishing the
Alcan, and great low gas prices, Washington has gone back up to almost $5 for Memorial Day....
Ugh....near $5 for fuel hurts...but it's still better than Canada for prices...even with the favorable exchange rate. The blue jeep has begun it's own journey in Alaska. They were unsure of driving by themselves so we said they could tag along with us. Thanks for watching the channel. 😊😎
Oh thank you so much for taking us with you. We plan to do that adventure with our MCI bus, I also have a niece that I want to visit in Anchorage.
You're very welcome. It's a beautiful state. Have a fun trip. Excited to have you along on the journey. 😊
What month were you in Destruction bay. We drove up from Ohio the end of May. Those frost heaves in Alaska were bad very bad. On the way back got a crack in the windshield which i hear is common. We are looking forward to doing it all again but hopefully not the cracked windshield
We were through Destruction Bay around May 10th, July 22nd and August 19th. I know... we're crazy!
I love your videos! Are there plenty of hotels and gas stations for someone driving The Alcan without an RV? I’m moving to Alaska in about a month and trying to decide the best way to get there from Florida. Thanks!
Yes, Tara, each town or major stop along the ALCAN has motels or roadhouses to stay. Some will be rustic but nice. Should be good.
The bears along the highway are whiting for the RVers that break down . They make for good snacking .. Are you going through Chicken Alaska on the way back home. That"'s another fun road to drive on.
We're going to try, Thomas. It may be close but we're going to see when the border shuts down at TOW Highway. Yes, it's a fun road....
Off topic: do you know why the folks at StarCraft don’t have more out on RUclips
Not sure, Cody. Most units go to businesses or governments so not a lot of YT channels from those entities.
Please start chopping wood 🪵 on top of another piece or on a stump. I cringe every time hoping you don’t hit a rock or send shrapnel out and get hurt.
Thanks, Joe. Good suggestion. I always take it for granted but the shrapnel possibility is real. Thank you.
It looks amazing!! beautiful views on views, i’m sure it’s just breathtaking and i’m sure the air is cleaned then here 😂
The air is super clean up here, Dallas. The views just keep on coming. It's truly amazing. 😎
When you came back in to the U.S. at the border, did they search your motorhome ?
No they did not. Just asked us how much cash we had and what did we buy in Canada. Took about 5 minutes. Appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching.
9 hole 18 hole golf course with Mini golf between
That's pretty cool! Thanks
What methods are you guys using to plan the stops .... ??
Lol...me! I'm the method, Kevin. Lol. Actually, Sondra and I talk about where we'd like to go and what we'd like to see and we develop a plan based on what else is in the area. We like to boondock so we always try to incorporate that into each trip. We start with National Parks and other scenic/wildlife areas and drill down from there. Hope that helps. Thanks for the comment.
I used to live in the Yukon and Destruction Bay for years, and I must say I'm always disappointed to hear Americans (they stick out like a sore thumb) constantly talk about Alaska when they are nowhere near it yet! I waited for them to stop actually show Destruction Bay, but they did not. I remember the Alaska Highway before it was improved and straightened, and find it so funny people complain about how bad the road is today! If only they knew ....
The ALCAN highway was so much better than in 2017. But...Destruction Bay to Tok is still the worst section of road but a great section for wildlife! We just take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Yukon Govt campgrounds are the best...just sayin'
@@bigtruckbigtravels Yes, it is lovely, wide open scenery. The time period I am talking about when I lived there and travelled up and down the whole highway down to Calgary even, was in the 70's, 80's and part of the 90's. The 90's was when the real improvements started I think. It was way more 'fun' to drive it way back when, especially around Steamboat Mountain with those famous hairpin curves. I drove it again in '98 - the 100th Anniv. of the Gold Rush and said to my husband in anticipation of the wild curves; "Any minute now ,,, ok, any minute now" ... but they never came. I still think the Destruction Bay section is fine today, compared to the gravel and mud we had to contend with.
Your windshield is clean. Did you clean it frequently?
LOL...every day and sometimes several times per day! All depends on the temperature and the location of where we drive.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I imagine there were bugs everywhere.
@blippacg mostly in Canada so far. They have thinned out in Alaska some but it's still early!
Congratulations on completing the ALCAN!! I am so happy that you saw a moose! Can hardly wait to go in our RV versus the cruise ship (although cruising was nice many years ago). So you are early in the season, when you came several years back was it around the same timeframe or later? Which would you prefer (assuming they are different) or it just may be too early in the trip to make that choice. How's your Starlink working? Getting good speeds? Safe travels!
The first time we arrived in AK about 4 weeks later though we did stop on the way up in Haines and Skagway. The cruise ship way is very nice but we enjoy the drive. We came early this time to spend more time up here but also to catch some animals we missed last time (such as Orcas). Early on in the season there is less places open but also fewer people...it's a tough call but we're enjoying it. Starlink is working great overall. Speeds have been around 175 down, 15 up on average.
@@bigtruckbigtravels Nice! We prefer driving versus the cruise although the cruise was nice. You get much closer to nature I think and you folks are living proof of that! Loving your trip so far!!
We are in Whitehorse headed to Destruction Bay today!
Oh my! Take it easy, take it slow...and watch for the wildlife!
Hi! I’m still loving all your videos! We are in countdown mode ourselves, I’m retired PD and hubby is retiring from AF in 7.5 months! We are selling everything and going FT RV’ing woohoo 🎉🎉 We have a question for you guys, we are going to do a Super C and pull our Jeep, but we’re wondering what made you guys decide on Thor over let’s say the Entegra Accolade on Freightliner chassis? Was it size to get around in Alaska? (& because obviously it’s not your main FT home) We will also be bringing along a motorcycle.. 🤔 Thanks again for great videos and all the insight and knowledge!
Hi Melissa and congratulations on the future transition to this lifestyle. We chose Thor for a few reasons: length for Alaska & other trips planned, 4WD, layout since our daughter will also use it, Ford F550 chassis with 6.7L engine and cost. If we were to fulltime in it then we would definitely opt for the Entegra or the Renegade Explorer. Hope that helps. Thanks for the comment. 😃
@@bigtruckbigtravels yes it does! Thank you!
Love watching your videos Thank you for sharing Be safe and have fun
Thanks, Debra. Glad you're enjoying them. 😊
Great road but the scenery is beautiful
Yes, the road is not real good but the scenery and wildlife are fantastic. Thanks for watching the channel.
Hi guys... You should not have a problem entering the United States.... They will let anybody in..🤣🤣🤣🤣... And the pot holes... Well we know Who has all the money.... Anyway that is a beautiful trip... Still a little bit too cold for our liking.... The mountains are gorgeous... However we are definitely enjoying your trip staying warm snuggled up in our bed... Thanks for the video... Stay safe...J&A
LOL...stay warm and snuggled, J&A. It has been chilly up here lately. We're waiting for summer...or even spring to hit! LOL. Thanks for watching and appreciate the comments. 😊
Beautiful. Can't wait for next video. I love watching videos about Alaska.
Thanks, Marian. We really enjoy traveling in Alaska and sharing the journey. 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels my dream one day is to make it to Alaska. But my cancer not gonna let me make trip..so I watch all you videos. Be safe enjoy
@@mariansmith2831 we're excited to have you along with us, Marian. It will be a fun summer. 😀
Thanks for bring us along!
You're welcome, Steve. Glad you're along on the journey.
Beautiful scenery!! I can’t wait to see all your adventures. Alaska has so much to offer. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to all 🥰❤️
Thank you sooo much. We're excited about the trip... and summer is just starting!
Them mountains are just gorgeous thank you for taking all of us along go left side on the lake. Them roads I though you was in upstate NY lol because there is road like that up there lol
Lol...Barbara we've been on sections of I-20 through Shreveport that will rattle your teeth as well! Appreciate the comments. 😁
@@bigtruckbigtravels omg. These road all over this country are bad. Lol
So did you get a night of snow since going to Alaska? Stay safe and healthy.
No snow but it sure looked like it. The temps did drop into the 30's but the skies cleared up. We've seen lots of snow on the mountains and next to the roads! Appreciate the comment.
I just can't get over the views of the mountains. So breathtaking! I have a question. We cannot use bio-diesel in our truck because of the type of fuel pump. One has already disintegrated on us and cost us thousands of dollars in repairs. (basically the whole fuel system). In Alaska, do you find fuel without bio-diesel?
Yes, Phyllis, so far in Alaska, none of it is bio-diesel from what I remember. Canada definitely had it at the pumps though. I think there were stations with regular diesel.
Man, those roads are terrible. I'm looking forward to Alaska. Be safe
That 100 mile stretch from Destruction Bay to Tok is terrible, David. It's sooo nice when it's over. Taking it slow is definitely the way to go! Thanks for the comment. 😎
Yeah 🎉your in Alaska
Woohoo! We made it! It was a nice trip to get to the border but we're excited that our trip has "started". Thanks for the comment and appreciate your time watching the channel.
Wow , wish we were there.
It's beautiful, Georgeana and we're excited to share it with you this summer. 😀
You two lovebirds are fun to watch and the views are unbelievable.❤😂❤😂
Thank you. The views are spectacular for sure.
Congratulations and great content. As I was watching I started laughing to myself; “where is the sign that says Buc-ee’s, XXXX miles away!! 😂😂. Continued safe travels.
LOL...that is funny, Edward. We're still waiting on that sign!
Enjoying this. Safe travels and looking forward to your next adventures in Alaska. Cheers! Pete in Arizona - KI7LIL
Thanks, Pete. It's a neat area...we also enjoy the winter desert area in AZ!
Hi guys, we are just south of you in Haines, AK. Gotta love the moose. Saw a Moose cow gallop past us across the road about 30 yards ahead. We were pysched to be that far back. Mountains are gorgeous. Gound some good hikes and thankfully solar is doing well along with all out Lithium. Safe travels, maybe see you on the road
Sounds exciting, Lisa. Always cool to see a moose. Glad it wasn't any closer! Safe travels
Great video. For us non engineers…….is an undulation what we Canadians call frost heaves? Cus they are the WORST. nothing tears your rig apart faster than frost heaves.
Glad you are seeing more animals. Such a special trip. Thanks for sharing.
We leave in one week for our summer adventure.
LOL...yes, Keith...undulations would be the fancy term for frost heaves! 🤔😁😂
I was stationed in Alaska for six years back in the late 80's and early 90's and drove the ALCAN to the lower 48 in June 1990. I also took the Alaska Marine Highway south from Haines in December 1993. I have enjoyed your videos as you head north this spring. I hope to retire and make the journey again myself in my RV in about four years. Enjoy, be safe, and if you make it to Fairbanks, video the town some as I haven't seen anything since December 1993.
Well, Mark, you sort of covered all the bases in traveling to Alaska! Nicely done. Thanks for your service and we're excited to have you along on our journey.
You made it! I'm looking forward to you exploring Seward next, I have friends who sailed their boat up there from Seattle and they loved that town. Wishing you safe travels!
Thanks, Carol. Seward is cool. I would love to travel up the coast via boat....those swells in the Gulf of Alaska can get a little big though!
Bears will sometimes travel roadways and paths of least resistance looking for berries.
Love your work! But for the love of all things good, please put the wood on another piece of wood so as not to dull the blade on your axe. 😉
Good point on dulling, Glenn. I'll make an adjustment in the future. Appreciate your comments and your time watching the channel. 😃
Awesome trip so far... looking forward to your exploration across Alaska. -- IM
It will be a fun and exciting summer with our planned routes up here. Thanks for the comment and appreciate you watching the channel. 😎
Hi guys, Thanks for this video, lots of great views. Interesting stories of your past visits on the Alcan Highway and entering Alaska. Love the mountains with snow on them. I guess your rig is still holding up with all the horrible roads. Look forward to the next video. I did take a cruise up the inland passage in the late 1980s went to Skagway and other tourist sites. Not anything like your trip. Once you walk around on the boat and participate in the eight meals a day buffets then you get cabin fever. Look forward to your next episode. Take care and be safe.
Thanks, Harrison. The Class C is holding up well so far. No complaints. We'd like to take a cruise one day....we've been to Skagway and for a tourist town, it has a certain charm to it.
Those mountains!!! They are beautiful!! Great videos & drone footage!! ❤🤗
Thanks, Pat. Lots of fun and it's neat to get some nice aerial views to put everything in perspective. Glad you're enjoying it.
👍👍🇦🇺
Glad you enjoyed it, Steve.
Hope it warms up for you guys. Been cold and windy! Rainy in Seward.
Yes, it has been cold, windy and rainy in Seward...especially cold and rainy. Beautiful area though. Thanks for the comment.
Alaska = Solitude!
Especially this time of year.
That is the truth...and part of the reason we are here early. The crowds will come though.
Can’t wait to watch your journey through Alaska 🥰
It will be fun and an adventure, Joyce. We're excited to have you along with us on the journey!
Alaska is so beautiful... Have a great trip and show us everything about this amazing state. I watch you guys from Brazil. God bless you guys
Thank you. Starting your winter season, it may still be warmer than Alaska! Glad you're along on the journey. 😊
@@bigtruckbigtravels In Brazil I live in the South, in the city of São José next to the Capital Florianópolis. Here the average in winter ranges from 10 degrees celsius to 20 degrees celsius. It really is much hotter than Alaska and much of the USA. 😁 In 2 years at the most I'll be in South Dakota living in Aberdeen and my wife and I will certainly go by car or motorhome to Alaska ..
Well Done Guys Thank You for the ride!
Thank you, Scott. We are looking forward to our trip this summer in AK. Should be fun. Glad you are along on the journey.
Beautiful scenery! Love the mountains covered in snow!
It is beautiful, Cathy. Thanks for watching. 😊
Great photography! The drone experience is phenomenal
Thanks, Kevin. It's been fun with the drone and some of the scenery is truly amazing. Glad you're enjoying it too.
Wow! The Mountains are spectacular!
Thanks, Kris. Really spectacular with snow on them.
You guys are awesome! Thanks for the content
Thanks, Kevin. Really appreciate the comment. 😎
Loved it Can’t wait for Alaska😊
Thank you, Wayne. It will be a fun summer for sure. We're doing some different routes.
Thanks for sharing 😊
You're very welcome, Peter. We enjoy sharing our adventure.