You don't know what you're missing by not taking the trip to Alaska. We went from SC to AK last summer. What a blast. Roads not as bad as you think, we had zero mechanical issues. Lost a hub cap and a fellow RVer spotted it. No other drama. Many spots in Canada on the drive are beautiful.
We are FT as well and have traveled to 47 of the 49 land states as well as 6 Canadian Provinces/territories. We. drove from Myrtle Beach to Alaska and back last summer. Trip of a lifetime!! As long as you plan ahead, the trip is very doable for any veteran RVer. Would absolutely do it again!!!
We travelled from Connecticut to Alaska in 2019. It was our first major RV trip so we were 68 year old RV rookies. We ended up putting 15,000 miles(lots of side trips) on our F150 and our 19' Gulfstream trailer. We brought an extra set of trailer tires and wheels (which we didn't need) and a high quality 5 gallon gas can full of gas(didn't need it). We have now visited 49 of 50 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. We still think the Alaska trip was the best of all our trips. Along the way visited Glacier, and the big Canadian National parks as well as many state and provincial parks. The only problems we had was being stopped for a day by an early September snowstorm in Pink Mountain BC. The other problem was the refrigerator roof vent flew off our trailer near Valdez and I had to "McGiver" a new vent out of duct tape cardboard and trash bags. We are thinking of doing the trip again. We had so many great memories. The roads are worse on the 5 eastern Canadian provinces than on the ALCAN.
Exactly spot on advice been RVing since I was 11 yrs old. I’m now 67 yrs old. I tow my own 22ft Lance TT and love the great outdoors. I live in a sticks n bricks full time but for two months a year I’m out n about in the mountains largely! Camp On! Thanks for all your great videos your very good.
Come to Canada 🇨🇦 and visit any or all of our Ten Provinces (And Three Territories). We welcome you with open arms!! Prairies, forests, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and so much more. Take good care.
I live in Alaska and when people tell me they are planning a trip here I always tell them the best way to see the state is to fly here and rent a RV. I’ve driven the Alcan a few times and the cost to drive it isn’t cheap. Both times I drove it I got bad fuel and had to have the fuel filter changed.
I live in British Columbia, Canada and I disagree with some of your statements. You're going to be missing the best of North America by missing out on driving through British Columbia up to Alaska. We have a lot to offer here in Canada and we're not as remote as you think. We do have cell phone connectivity, we have gas stations, grocery stores, we have towns and cities along the way, we have paved roads. We have a lot of stuff to offer, it is very similar to the United States. I think you might want to give us another look because we are the best part of your trip to Alaska. I hope you visit us soon. 😊
I live in Alaska and I always tell tourist to fly to Alaska and rent an RV. I don’t profit from this, it is just logical because of the expense to drive through Canada. I’ve driven it twice, both times Northbound in 1979 and 2013. Both times I got bad fuel on the Alcan.
Our 4 children sat us down and asked us NOT to drive to Mexico, for the reasons you gave, mostly the safety concerns. Medically I have no issues using their health care in tourist areas. We’re allowed to fly in and stay at a resort or hotel in a populated area but no driving & towing our small fifth wheel. As we were only going to go there to cut down on time allowed in the US & time out doesn’t “reset” the timer, it became a not needed item. As for Alaska, it’s not on my bucket list but Tutyuktuk & Inuvik is. I do not want to drive with our fifth wheel even though it is well built and could handle the roads but I don’t want to test it! I’d rather throw a high cap or camper in the bed of our truck and drive it up. I do want to drive the Alaska highway because my dad helped build it while he was in the RCAF during WWII. And take photos along the way, especially in the tundra. A ferry ride to Alaska is a strong possibility though. Do want to fish up there! And possibly catch a shot of grizzlies fishing. From a very safe distance of course! Another place we won’t be taking our RV is Haida Gwaii. The ferry is about $800 one way! So we’d park & walk on.
I’ve been to Mexico several times and the problems are overhyped. There are more than a million Americans living there and more visiting. You definitely would be better off in a smaller RV if you wanted to explore. I know several people who have been all through the country in Class B’s. I have a small trailer. I have traveled on a Mexican bus and they stick to the main roads and are fine and I survived not really speaking much Spanish. Traveling is about doing what you want, so if you don’t want to then don’t. If you do, then some research will improve the outcome. My dad took an Army surplus Jeep to Alaska in 1948 and there are pictures of them pushing it through knee deep mud. That’s teenage guy fun. I had a high school teacher who went up there every summer with a pickup truck camper and they had spare tires and got the windshield replaced, but it’s all paved now and there are RV campgrounds all the way up there. There is even electric car charging now. I want to go for all the scenery, even though we have plenty where I live in Washington. I also want to go in my boat to the South East which is where all the cruise ships go. It’s a completely different experience. I don’t have much interest in cruise ships. Everything is a personal choice for your own reasons. In between is the Alaska ferry which has cabins, but also allows people to pitch tents on certain areas on deck since a trip could be 3-4 days. I’m not sure the tent thing would interest me these days as in the past. It’s a lot more expensive to bring a vehicle than to walk on and rent an RV up in Alaska
I hear you on the distance and Gas. I’m from AK. My husband and I for the 1st time drove out of AK last year in our Rv . And we currently drove out again this year, this month. Only going to say it’s awesome 😂
We got our RV to drive to Alaska. Took 4 months and would do it again. I agree with you on MEXICO. The cell service is not as bad as you state- we had no problems. We did lose XM radio and used there app. Starlink works everywhere to include Alaska. We had no issues with fuel or food. At 1/2 tank we looked and again had no issues
We went to Alaska last year enjoyed it immensely, and we are planning to go back. Did have to practically rebuild my suspension not because of the roads, but because of the crappy neoprene bushings that wore out in 1000 miles, don’t let the drive stop you from going it’s a once in a lifetime trip, I should say once in three times I was there 95 and we’re playing go back next year. Loved every bit of it as far as fuel is concerned no problem.
The roads get a bad rap in Alaska. Having just come from there, the freeway five getting into Southern California is worse than any roads we drove in Alaska, including construction. We had a marvelous drive into and out of Alaska. Hated So Cal roads. The truckers aren’t even nice to each other, much less an rv.
Driving to AK has always been on my bucket list. But we have a campervan, so it’ll be much easier. I agree, I wouldn’t want to risk a large RV on those roads.
I've been in 49 states and my Sprinter 48, and I'll never take it to Alaska for the same reasons. Also, I'll drive through, reluctantly, but never go to as a destination: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota. Minnesota? Yes Minnesota. There's a warning label on my fuel door not to use bio-diesel but if I have to, nothing more than 5% else, its emission control system "will" be damaged.
Have you been to Big Bend National Park? And around it is Marfa (Marfa Lights, Prada, the movie Giant), Ft Davis (McDonald Observatory with Star Parties and tours of the Observatory) and Alpine, Tx. There is so much to do there. We base out of Alpine at Lost Alaska RV Park. There is so much to do in the area that you really need a week or more. The National Park is stunning. PS:Do not go in the Summer.
Hello, I’m pretty new to RVing. It’s just me and my 82 yo Mom. I was looking at Big Bend as a destination for us. Currently residing in central Oklahoma. We were hoping to go late September early October. What do you think?
Suggestion for a place to do a video on (especially since fall is coming), West Virginia! October 19th is Bridge Day on the New River Gorge in WV and it's the only time I know of when you can tell someone to jump off a bridge and others would join them. Also, the white water rafting is nice, hiking a great, and you also have the Babcock State Park near by to camp in (not sure of limitations but I know you are a planner 😉) and on site there is a historic mill that still produces product! There is also a Waterfall tour that you can program into your GPS to tour all the waterfalls and parks of WV and additionally, Cass Scenic Railroad during the fall is BEAUTIFUL!!! There are 2 KOAs in WV, one is Hurricane (Holiday) and one in Sutton (Journey) and Cathedral Forest is another beautiful location to see. Lots of ideas but the one thing I cannot stress enough is Tudor's Biscuit World... Mary B with Melted Cheese... You will thank me later Alaska❤
Not really interested in Mexico. Could be because I’ve spent many winters 10 miles from the border and walk across bridge to visit often. Alaska, have been twice, once in fifth wheel and in class b. I have thought about going again but still working on seeing cool stuff in the 48.
I’ve driven to/from AK 38 times over the years in everything from a bike to 5th wheel. I have no plans on driving the class A to AK. Too many things to break. A motorcycle is by far the easiest way. The stories of road conditions are usually exaggerated to make the drive into an adventure. The only broken glass on all the trips is one fog light. Many RVers drive way too fast due to the long distance and not enough vacation time. I’ve seen trailers going airborne over some of the frost heaves. Easiest way is to fly up and rent. BTW, I’ve lived in AK since the early 80s but we’ve been almost full time for 6 years.
@Grateful Glamper Alaska group cruise! Yaaaaaay there is If you want to take the rig to Alaska the less wear and tear wayof doing that is the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry
We won't ever take our RV to MX because we're FTers who have a dog and an exotic parrot that we won't board anywhere, and we won't leave our guns at a gun store either. That said we walked across the border perhaps a dozen or more times in the last couple years on day trips, where we're back long before dark. But we were with other experienced travelers doing the same who knew where it was safe and how to speak the language. It's also expensive to cross the border in a MH pulling a toad, as both must have Mexican insurance, and gas is more expensive there too. If you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone you will need to purchase a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). Even a simple phone call or ATM transaction can cost you a fortune. The cartels and other criminals know you are unarmed and if they don't molest you, the police that you are forced to trust to keep you safe are known for shaking down tourists too. I would make a once in a lifetime trip to Alaska if we didn't have to go through Canada. Many of the same reasons we won't go to Mexico apply to Canada to. Their crazy attitude about self-defense is the primary one. They would rather you die than to shoot someone defending your life, so you have a choice to either get murdered or go to prison. I'd just rather spend my money in the good ole USA. It's warmer anyway, and I hate the cold. It might make sense to spend $10k to ferry your MH and toad to Alaska and back. After all, you'll save over $2,500 in fuel alone. We just don't have money to waste like that.
Funny thing is - most of the guns the criminals have in both Mexico and Canada that you'd want a gun to defend yourself with.....came there illegally from the USA
@@ian3580 You're right. Criminals can get guns even if they are banned in their own country from the US, Russia, China, etc. Obviously 90% come from USA because it borders the other two. But even if they couldn't get their guns illegally here, criminal gun runners in other countries would sell it to them. It's the innocent victims of crime who are not allowed to protect themselves by these gun laws that criminals disregard. It's funny that criminals don't have a problem smuggling machine guns into Mexico, but if you or I got caught with a single bullet on us while crossing the border we'd be literally thrown in jail.
I have a service dog. I don’t go there if she can’t go. Crossing international borders, nope. Yeah, I’d love to drive to Alaska, but unless Canada were to work a deal with the US so folks could travel up the Alcan, with stops permitted for fuel, meals, rest areas, it isn’t happening. We have a road in Utah that is a “fee” road, unless you are just passing through. To stop for camping, fishing, etc, there is a fee. Ought to be a way to drive to Alaska without needing a password.
You're not wrong. I would never take my RV to these places because they're simply too big. Camping in one and living in one are two entirely different concepts. If I did want to go there in one, it would be a full size truck and topper with plenty of water capacity w/filtration.
Our family loves watching your family. I will say over the last year in particular we have backed away due to the increasing number of negative thumbnails and overall titles. We miss your fun, actual travel destinations and experiences Over things.
Thanks for the feedback! We do still have many travel videos but our travel style has changed based on our kids needs for more connection with a regular community vs. being nomad’s.
Our good friends are going on a caravan trip to AK in 2025. We initially were going too then decided not! For the very reasons you cited… After watching Truck House Life on RUclips we got an eyeful of road conditions, gas prices and limited resources. We just don’t want the stress. And while we are currently on a 40 day cross country motorhome trip right now…our friends trip WHEN THEY MEET UP WITH THE CARAVAN…is 61 days. They will start from home in Arizona…to the meet point..that’s in Montana! So figure mileage snd days just to get to that point! The caravan ends some place in Canada…so figure return mileage and days for that! NOPE NOT FOR US! We also would have dog and 2 kitties… Price for two they will pay for caravan is $17,000, and includes ONLY a few meals, a few excursions…no gas. Basically one must add fuel, food, excursions to that price. 61 days plus getting to and from meet/end sites .. NOPE! Living in Arizona..NO MEXICO EVER. Been there before all the border issues…those days are over.
I agree with you on both places! I used to live in Alaska and drove the Alcan twice...to move up there and to move back to the lower 48. Did not enjoy either drive. The USA has so many beautiful places to explore with every type of terrain and climate. Why go elsewhere?
At 81, being a Floridian and a dedicated Flatlander, I do not travel to places where coats are worn inb the summer, or mountains. We just had the most miserable trip EVER on I-10 from Central Florida to Houston, Texas. The road condition is HORRIBLE! And yes, I agree, the new Free Florida residents from other places brought their bad driving habits to Florida and are causing accidents at an incredible rate! We have never seen so much disregard for traffic laws! They need to chill, and learn to go with the slsower flow that is southern life! You are so right about ARVIE - everyone needes this app! I have been to Mexico in better days, and you are giving great advice about traveling there now - JUST DON’T DO IT. IT TRULY IS NOT WORTH IT. In Florida, don’t park an RV on the beach. That too is not always a good idea. Tides come and tides go, and shifting sands will surprise you.
We drove to and from Alaska last year. We have an Arctic Fox fifth wheel and it didn't have any problems, nothing broke, other than a metal valve stem while driving in Canada and it took a day of driving to get it fixed. But, it is a long way, no cell phone coverage in Canada for days. Sirius Radio doesn't work in Alaska or northern Canada either. The MOSQUITOES !!!! I had a medical issue that put me in a hospital for 2 weeks in Palmer AK and I had to fly home leaving my RV. Fortunately two great friends offered to fly there and drive my truck and fifth wheel 3500 miles home. There are medical tests that cannot be run in AK! The tests had to be flown to the lower 48! But I would definitely go back, flying to AK and renting an RV there.
I will NEVER drive our RV thru Mexico nor on the ALCAN (the road thru Canada to Alaska) for the very these reasons depicted in this video. We are veteran RVer's, we've been driving motorhomes for the last 23 years so when we sold our house and moved from Florida to AK we drove our full-time RV across the ALCAN. Let me tell you that it was the worst road I've ever traveled on in my life as well as the most stressful drive of my life. As for Mexico I've been there several times but never drove our RV there and I never will, it's just not worth it. BTW but the Grateful Glamper's are wrong about the connectivity in Alaska, It all depends where you are traveling to in AK, but we live here now and our phone and internet service is good while traveling throughout the state...it's not great, but a solid B+
I would never go to Interstate 2 in Washington. From Wenatchee all the way to Spokane. It has more potholes and beats the hell out of your RV. Never again!
Great info and spot on with everything!!! Especially, Mexico. It’s never been a travel destination. RV or not. Safety/security reasons only. They work a lot harder fixing that, then maybe.
I lived in Alaska for 3 yrs 4 months, courtesy of the USAF (79 till 83), went back for two weeks in a rented RV in both 1999, and 2011. Flew into Anchorage and rented the Motor Home there. We did a surf and turf in 2007, 5 days from Fairbanks, to Denali, then Anchorage and Seward followed by a 7 day cruise to Vancouver, BC. Then this year we flew to Anchorage, took a motor coach to Whittier and then 7 day cruise to Vancouver. Alaska is one of my favorite spots to visit. I agree and have no plans to drive the Journey up to AK, renting is safer, and less risk in my opinion. Not sure how you plan to go, but as always available for advice on what ever trip you may take.
I have lived in Alaska for 40 years & snowbird to AZ in the winter now. I’ve been up & down the Al-Can 14 times in a 35’ class A, a 20’ class C, a 26.5’ class C, in 3 different family vans, in a SUV & in a pickup. One trip in Alaska & Canada down to AZ was 3,000+ miles of gravel & 4,000+ paved miles in our 20’ class C w/just my 84 yr old mom & myself. I’ll tell you the main trick to a successful road trip to & from Alaska is to take your time. 2nd tip is to stock up on supplies & gas as frequently as possible in a larger city. I’m curious to see what you are planning for your 14:10 Alaska trip. Good luck.
You will miss a lot by NOT driving to Alaska. Everything from road conditions to mosquitos to weather get exaggerated. Yes, it is a LONG roadtrip - but, isn't that one of the reasons we RV? Slow down, enjoy the beauty of Canada on your way north and south. It is a wonderful trip - a true lifetime experience. Mexico - nope, not going there!
It's a new US Border requirement for proof from a veterinarian of vaccination and good health for Canadian pet owners travelling to the US. Not sure how this affects US travellers returning to the US. US travellers to Canada still only need to have pets that appear to be in good health and are vaccinated.
We have spent our last two winters in Mexico. There's positives and negatives to going there. It can be safe there but it depends on where you go and if you practice safe behaviours like no driving at night, and staying on the toll roads. As someone that did RV in Mexico my reasons for not choosing to go back this winter are different from yours. What I thought would be things to worry about ended up being ok and there's things that I never thought about that ended up being major issues. We also have visited places in the US that made us feel unsafe which surprised us. I always assumed that the US was similar to Canada (I'm Canadian) but there are so many difference, some good, some bad. I think the best way to figure things out is to try them.
Although there are rules to security where ever you go in the world, I generally feel far safer in most places in Mexico than i do in the USA. Now I'm Canadian and a small town boy, but i think Chicago, Philly, Portland Oregon etc etc have much larger safety concerns due to the far greater prevalence of guns. Anyways, we love Mexico and only travel through the USA to get to our Mexican winter hideaway.....
You don't know what you're missing by not taking the trip to Alaska. We went from SC to AK last summer. What a blast. Roads not as bad as you think, we had zero mechanical issues. Lost a hub cap and a fellow RVer spotted it. No other drama. Many spots in Canada on the drive are beautiful.
We are FT as well and have traveled to 47 of the 49 land states as well as 6 Canadian Provinces/territories. We. drove from Myrtle Beach to Alaska and back last summer. Trip of a lifetime!! As long as you plan ahead, the trip is very doable for any veteran RVer. Would absolutely do it again!!!
We travelled from Connecticut to Alaska in 2019. It was our first major RV trip so we were 68 year old RV rookies. We ended up putting 15,000 miles(lots of side trips) on our F150 and our 19' Gulfstream trailer. We brought an extra set of trailer tires and wheels (which we didn't need) and a high quality 5 gallon gas can full of gas(didn't need it). We have now visited 49 of 50 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. We still think the Alaska trip was the best of all our trips. Along the way visited Glacier, and the big Canadian National parks as well as many state and provincial parks. The only problems we had was being stopped for a day by an early September snowstorm in Pink Mountain BC. The other problem was the refrigerator roof vent flew off our trailer near Valdez and I had to "McGiver" a new vent out of duct tape cardboard and trash bags. We are thinking of doing the trip again. We had so many great memories. The roads are worse on the 5 eastern Canadian provinces than on the ALCAN.
We will never complain about Oklahoma roads after traveling through Indiana. Have traveled through Ok a lot and have survived. Lol
Exactly spot on advice been RVing since I was 11 yrs old. I’m now 67 yrs old. I tow my own 22ft Lance TT and love the great outdoors. I live in a sticks n bricks full time but for two months a year I’m out n about in the mountains largely! Camp On! Thanks for all your great videos your very good.
Thanks for watching!
Come to Canada 🇨🇦 and visit any or all of our Ten Provinces (And Three Territories). We welcome you with open arms!! Prairies, forests, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and so much more. Take good care.
We flew into Anchorage and rented an RV had a great time,.... Mexico been there in a car, never go back there!
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I live in Alaska and when people tell me they are planning a trip here I always tell them the best way to see the state is to fly here and rent a RV. I’ve driven the Alcan a few times and the cost to drive it isn’t cheap. Both times I drove it I got bad fuel and had to have the fuel filter changed.
8😊😢😮 😊😅😅😅
Great hearing your reasons for not going to these places. - Michelle
Thanks for watching!
I live in British Columbia, Canada and I disagree with some of your statements. You're going to be missing the best of North America by missing out on driving through British Columbia up to Alaska. We have a lot to offer here in Canada and we're not as remote as you think. We do have cell phone connectivity, we have gas stations, grocery stores, we have towns and cities along the way, we have paved roads. We have a lot of stuff to offer, it is very similar to the United States. I think you might want to give us another look because we are the best part of your trip to Alaska. I hope you visit us soon. 😊
I live in Alaska and I always tell tourist to fly to Alaska and rent an RV. I don’t profit from this, it is just logical because of the expense to drive through Canada. I’ve driven it twice, both times Northbound in 1979 and 2013. Both times I got bad fuel on the Alcan.
It is paradise….if you know where to go and have local advice its perfect…its one of a very few places I will compare to Africa…👍
Your tshirt is HILARIOUS!!! Great tips and I appreciate all that you shared, but that tshirt! 🤣😂😅😆😂🤣😆
Where do you go next? Canada! Beautiful!❤
I second that! Canada is beautiful in the fall. Less forest fires😢. And more spots to camp.
Our 4 children sat us down and asked us NOT to drive to Mexico, for the reasons you gave, mostly the safety concerns. Medically I have no issues using their health care in tourist areas. We’re allowed to fly in and stay at a resort or hotel in a populated area but no driving & towing our small fifth wheel. As we were only going to go there to cut down on time allowed in the US & time out doesn’t “reset” the timer, it became a not needed item.
As for Alaska, it’s not on my bucket list but Tutyuktuk & Inuvik is. I do not want to drive with our fifth wheel even though it is well built and could handle the roads but I don’t want to test it! I’d rather throw a high cap or camper in the bed of our truck and drive it up. I do want to drive the Alaska highway because my dad helped build it while he was in the RCAF during WWII. And take photos along the way, especially in the tundra.
A ferry ride to Alaska is a strong possibility though. Do want to fish up there! And possibly catch a shot of grizzlies fishing. From a very safe distance of course!
Another place we won’t be taking our RV is Haida Gwaii. The ferry is about $800 one way! So we’d park & walk on.
I’ve been to Mexico several times and the problems are overhyped. There are more than a million Americans living there and more visiting. You definitely would be better off in a smaller RV if you wanted to explore. I know several people who have been all through the country in Class B’s. I have a small trailer. I have traveled on a Mexican bus and they stick to the main roads and are fine and I survived not really speaking much Spanish.
Traveling is about doing what you want, so if you don’t want to then don’t. If you do, then some research will improve the outcome.
My dad took an Army surplus Jeep to Alaska in 1948 and there are pictures of them pushing it through knee deep mud. That’s teenage guy fun. I had a high school teacher who went up there every summer with a pickup truck camper and they had spare tires and got the windshield replaced, but it’s all paved now and there are RV campgrounds all the way up there. There is even electric car charging now. I want to go for all the scenery, even though we have plenty where I live in Washington. I also want to go in my boat to the South East which is where all the cruise ships go. It’s a completely different experience. I don’t have much interest in cruise ships. Everything is a personal choice for your own reasons.
In between is the Alaska ferry which has cabins, but also allows people to pitch tents on certain areas on deck since a trip could be 3-4 days. I’m not sure the tent thing would interest me these days as in the past. It’s a lot more expensive to bring a vehicle than to walk on and rent an RV up in Alaska
Thanks for sharing. 👍
I hear you on the distance and Gas.
I’m from AK. My husband and I for the 1st time drove out of AK last year in our Rv . And we currently drove out again this year, this month. Only going to say it’s awesome 😂
Thanks for sharing!
We got our RV to drive to Alaska. Took 4 months and would do it again. I agree with you on MEXICO. The cell service is not as bad as you state- we had no problems. We did lose XM radio and used there app. Starlink works everywhere to include Alaska. We had no issues with fuel or food. At 1/2 tank we looked and again had no issues
We went to Alaska last year enjoyed it immensely, and we are planning to go back. Did have to practically rebuild my suspension not because of the roads, but because of the crappy neoprene bushings that wore out in 1000 miles, don’t let the drive stop you from going it’s a once in a lifetime trip, I should say once in three times I was there 95 and we’re playing go back next year. Loved every bit of it as far as fuel is concerned no problem.
Now that you’ve seen the sights you can switch to events. People follow nascar and other sports, seasonal changes, festivals, concerts you name it
Good idea!
The roads get a bad rap in Alaska. Having just come from there, the freeway five getting into Southern California is worse than any roads we drove in Alaska, including construction. We had a marvelous drive into and out of Alaska. Hated So Cal roads. The truckers aren’t even nice to each other, much less an rv.
Driving to AK has always been on my bucket list. But we have a campervan, so it’ll be much easier. I agree, I wouldn’t want to risk a large RV on those roads.
I've been in 49 states and my Sprinter 48, and I'll never take it to Alaska for the same reasons. Also, I'll drive through, reluctantly, but never go to as a destination: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota. Minnesota? Yes Minnesota. There's a warning label on my fuel door not to use bio-diesel but if I have to, nothing more than 5% else, its emission control system "will" be damaged.
Have you been to Big Bend National Park? And around it is Marfa (Marfa Lights, Prada, the movie Giant), Ft Davis (McDonald Observatory with Star Parties and tours of the Observatory) and Alpine, Tx. There is so much to do there. We base out of Alpine at Lost Alaska RV Park. There is so much to do in the area that you really need a week or more. The National Park is stunning. PS:Do not go in the Summer.
Hello, I’m pretty new to RVing. It’s just me and my 82 yo Mom. I was looking at Big Bend as a destination for us. Currently residing in central Oklahoma. We were hoping to go late September early October. What do you think?
😦👍 I agree, Best to keep it safe
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For us new RV'ers thank you so much for this great info video....
Our pleasure!
Alaska is fantastic.... for smaller vehicles. I went on a motorcycle camping for three weeks (hardcore!) and I want to go back in my van.
We're with you!
Suggestion for a place to do a video on (especially since fall is coming), West Virginia! October 19th is Bridge Day on the New River Gorge in WV and it's the only time I know of when you can tell someone to jump off a bridge and others would join them. Also, the white water rafting is nice, hiking a great, and you also have the Babcock State Park near by to camp in (not sure of limitations but I know you are a planner 😉) and on site there is a historic mill that still produces product! There is also a Waterfall tour that you can program into your GPS to tour all the waterfalls and parks of WV and additionally, Cass Scenic Railroad during the fall is BEAUTIFUL!!! There are 2 KOAs in WV, one is Hurricane (Holiday) and one in Sutton (Journey) and Cathedral Forest is another beautiful location to see. Lots of ideas but the one thing I cannot stress enough is Tudor's Biscuit World... Mary B with Melted Cheese... You will thank me later Alaska❤
Thanks for the suggestion and for watching!
Not really interested in Mexico. Could be because I’ve spent many winters 10 miles from the border and walk across bridge to visit often. Alaska, have been twice, once in fifth wheel and in class b. I have thought about going again but still working on seeing cool stuff in the 48.
I’ve driven to/from AK 38 times over the years in everything from a bike to 5th wheel. I have no plans on driving the class A to AK. Too many things to break. A motorcycle is by far the easiest way. The stories of road conditions are usually exaggerated to make the drive into an adventure. The only broken glass on all the trips is one fog light. Many RVers drive way too fast due to the long distance and not enough vacation time. I’ve seen trailers going airborne over some of the frost heaves. Easiest way is to fly up and rent.
BTW, I’ve lived in AK since the early 80s but we’ve been almost full time for 6 years.
@Grateful Glamper Alaska group cruise! Yaaaaaay there is If you want to take the rig to Alaska the less wear and tear wayof doing that is the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry
You still have to drive from Haines to mainland Alaska via Canada, over some of the same roads.
Smoky Mountains Running Club lmao!
Come to Texas, the hill country.
That too….
Love your T-shirt!
Thanks!!
We won't ever take our RV to MX because we're FTers who have a dog and an exotic parrot that we won't board anywhere, and we won't leave our guns at a gun store either. That said we walked across the border perhaps a dozen or more times in the last couple years on day trips, where we're back long before dark. But we were with other experienced travelers doing the same who knew where it was safe and how to speak the language. It's also expensive to cross the border in a MH pulling a toad, as both must have Mexican insurance, and gas is more expensive there too. If you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone you will need to purchase a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). Even a simple phone call or ATM transaction can cost you a fortune. The cartels and other criminals know you are unarmed and if they don't molest you, the police that you are forced to trust to keep you safe are known for shaking down tourists too.
I would make a once in a lifetime trip to Alaska if we didn't have to go through Canada. Many of the same reasons we won't go to Mexico apply to Canada to. Their crazy attitude about self-defense is the primary one. They would rather you die than to shoot someone defending your life, so you have a choice to either get murdered or go to prison. I'd just rather spend my money in the good ole USA. It's warmer anyway, and I hate the cold. It might make sense to spend $10k to ferry your MH and toad to Alaska and back. After all, you'll save over $2,500 in fuel alone. We just don't have money to waste like that.
Very good points, thanks for sharing
Funny thing is - most of the guns the criminals have in both Mexico and Canada that you'd want a gun to defend yourself with.....came there illegally from the USA
You’re way off the mark regarding Canada!
@@ian3580 You're right. Criminals can get guns even if they are banned in their own country from the US, Russia, China, etc. Obviously 90% come from USA because it borders the other two. But even if they couldn't get their guns illegally here, criminal gun runners in other countries would sell it to them. It's the innocent victims of crime who are not allowed to protect themselves by these gun laws that criminals disregard. It's funny that criminals don't have a problem smuggling machine guns into Mexico, but if you or I got caught with a single bullet on us while crossing the border we'd be literally thrown in jail.
🙄 drama queen about canada bud.
Just take a cruise ship to Alaska. Best way to visit AK
That’s the plan!!!
I have a service dog. I don’t go there if she can’t go. Crossing international borders, nope. Yeah, I’d love to drive to Alaska, but unless Canada were to work a deal with the US so folks could travel up the Alcan, with stops permitted for fuel, meals, rest areas, it isn’t happening. We have a road in Utah that is a “fee” road, unless you are just passing through. To stop for camping, fishing, etc, there is a fee. Ought to be a way to drive to Alaska without needing a password.
What state have you been to,that the roads were scary for a rv to be on?
I-10 through Louisiana 😂
Just say no to Mexico period, RV or otherwise.
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You're not wrong. I would never take my RV to these places because they're simply too big. Camping in one and living in one are two entirely different concepts. If I did want to go there in one, it would be a full size truck and topper with plenty of water capacity w/filtration.
i think you have proven yourselves raising 2 well rounded intelligent kids. and your no longer in your twenties and gung-ho
Our family loves watching your family. I will say over the last year in particular we have backed away due to the increasing number of negative thumbnails and overall titles. We miss your fun, actual travel destinations and experiences Over things.
Thanks for the feedback! We do still have many travel videos but our travel style has changed based on our kids needs for more connection with a regular community vs. being nomad’s.
Agreed, Driving that distance to Alaska is not worth it or getting a new rigg. Best way is to go by cruise ship.
Our good friends are going on a caravan trip to AK in 2025. We initially were going too then decided not! For the very reasons you cited… After watching Truck House Life on RUclips we got an eyeful of road conditions, gas prices and limited resources. We just don’t want the stress. And while we are currently on a 40 day cross country motorhome trip right now…our friends trip WHEN THEY MEET UP WITH THE CARAVAN…is 61 days. They will start from home in Arizona…to the meet point..that’s in Montana! So figure mileage snd days just to get to that point! The caravan ends some place in Canada…so figure return mileage and days for that! NOPE NOT FOR US! We also would have dog and 2 kitties…
Price for two they will pay for caravan is $17,000, and includes ONLY a few meals, a few excursions…no gas. Basically one must add fuel, food, excursions to that price. 61 days plus getting to and from meet/end sites .. NOPE!
Living in Arizona..NO MEXICO EVER. Been there before all the border issues…those days are over.
I agree with you on both places! I used to live in Alaska and drove the Alcan twice...to move up there and to move back to the lower 48. Did not enjoy either drive. The USA has so many beautiful places to explore with every type of terrain and climate. Why go elsewhere?
Exactly our thoughts! Thanks for watching
I want to do the Glacier cruise to Alaska
Come to Canada! Specifically southern Alberta and BC ♥️
At 81, being a Floridian and a dedicated Flatlander, I do not travel to places where coats are worn inb the summer, or mountains. We just had the most miserable trip EVER on I-10 from Central Florida to Houston, Texas. The road condition is HORRIBLE! And yes, I agree, the new Free Florida residents from other places brought their bad driving habits to Florida and are causing accidents at an incredible rate! We have never seen so much disregard for traffic laws! They need to chill, and learn to go with the slsower flow that is southern life! You are so right about ARVIE - everyone needes this app! I have been to Mexico in better days, and you are giving great advice about traveling there now - JUST DON’T DO IT. IT TRULY IS NOT WORTH IT. In Florida, don’t park an RV on the beach. That too is not always a good idea. Tides come and tides go, and shifting sands will surprise you.
NY and NJ drivers with same driving behavior down in Florida....adults learned and can not unlearn...
Yes, agreed, it's not the native Floridians that drive bad, it's the tourists and foreigners
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I agree with you. It is nice to watch Alaska rv trips but much easier to cruise there.
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We drove to and from Alaska last year. We have an Arctic Fox fifth wheel and it didn't have any problems, nothing broke, other than a metal valve stem while driving in Canada and it took a day of driving to get it fixed. But, it is a long way, no cell phone coverage in Canada for days. Sirius Radio doesn't work in Alaska or northern Canada either. The MOSQUITOES !!!! I had a medical issue that put me in a hospital for 2 weeks in Palmer AK and I had to fly home leaving my RV. Fortunately two great friends offered to fly there and drive my truck and fifth wheel 3500 miles home. There are medical tests that cannot be run in AK! The tests had to be flown to the lower 48! But I would definitely go back, flying to AK and renting an RV there.
Flying and renting once there is a better idea than driving it
Roads in Mexico Are Cappy.
So with you!
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Man I have been a long time viewer and I just now got on your email list. Idk why I didn't think about it before
Glad you will be getting our emails!
Let’s go!!!
I will NEVER drive our RV thru Mexico nor on the ALCAN (the road thru Canada to Alaska) for the very these reasons depicted in this video. We are veteran RVer's, we've been driving motorhomes for the last 23 years so when we sold our house and moved from Florida to AK we drove our full-time RV across the ALCAN. Let me tell you that it was the worst road I've ever traveled on in my life as well as the most stressful drive of my life. As for Mexico I've been there several times but never drove our RV there and I never will, it's just not worth it. BTW but the Grateful Glamper's are wrong about the connectivity in Alaska, It all depends where you are traveling to in AK, but we live here now and our phone and internet service is good while traveling throughout the state...it's not great, but a solid B+
Thanks for the comment and for watching
I would never go to Interstate 2 in Washington. From Wenatchee all the way to Spokane. It has more potholes and beats the hell out of your RV. Never again!
Good to know!
Great info and spot on with everything!!! Especially, Mexico. It’s never been a travel destination. RV or not. Safety/security reasons only. They work a lot harder fixing that, then maybe.
I lived in Alaska for 3 yrs 4 months, courtesy of the USAF (79 till 83), went back for two weeks in a rented RV in both 1999, and 2011. Flew into Anchorage and rented the Motor Home there. We did a surf and turf in 2007, 5 days from Fairbanks, to Denali, then Anchorage and Seward followed by a 7 day cruise to Vancouver, BC. Then this year we flew to Anchorage, took a motor coach to Whittier and then 7 day cruise to Vancouver. Alaska is one of my favorite spots to visit. I agree and have no plans to drive the Journey up to AK, renting is safer, and less risk in my opinion. Not sure how you plan to go, but as always available for advice on what ever trip you may take.
Alaska is amazing and the roads are not that bad, just be careful from Destruction Bay to Tok. No problem with fuel at all.
KUTGW
Don’t forget Montezumas Revenge
Agree and Agree! Even took both states off the decal map as well.. Great video!
Thanks!
I have lived in Alaska for 40 years & snowbird to AZ in the winter now. I’ve been up & down the Al-Can 14 times in a 35’ class A, a 20’ class C, a 26.5’ class C, in 3 different family vans, in a SUV & in a pickup. One trip in Alaska & Canada down to AZ was 3,000+ miles of gravel & 4,000+ paved miles in our 20’ class C w/just my 84 yr old mom & myself.
I’ll tell you the main trick to a successful road trip to & from Alaska is to take your time. 2nd tip is to stock up on supplies & gas as frequently as possible in a larger city.
I’m curious to see what you are planning for your 14:10 Alaska trip. Good luck.
Thanks!
You will miss a lot by NOT driving to Alaska. Everything from road conditions to mosquitos to weather get exaggerated. Yes, it is a LONG roadtrip - but, isn't that one of the reasons we RV? Slow down, enjoy the beauty of Canada on your way north and south. It is a wonderful trip - a true lifetime experience. Mexico - nope, not going there!
Thanks for watching and for the comment
We won’t rv in Mexico either
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We’re going to do Alaska but we’re going to rent an RV for the trip.
Good idea
We are going on our 2nd cruise to Alaska next july
Awesome!!
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I agree
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Canada now has new rules to bring a dog back into the states starting in August 2024
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It's a new US Border requirement for proof from a veterinarian of vaccination and good health for Canadian pet owners travelling to the US. Not sure how this affects US travellers returning to the US. US travellers to Canada still only need to have pets that appear to be in good health and are vaccinated.
It's a US that has new rules, not Canada. You can't take your dog into the US without certain vaccinations and certifications.
We have spent our last two winters in Mexico. There's positives and negatives to going there. It can be safe there but it depends on where you go and if you practice safe behaviours like no driving at night, and staying on the toll roads. As someone that did RV in Mexico my reasons for not choosing to go back this winter are different from yours. What I thought would be things to worry about ended up being ok and there's things that I never thought about that ended up being major issues. We also have visited places in the US that made us feel unsafe which surprised us. I always assumed that the US was similar to Canada (I'm Canadian) but there are so many difference, some good, some bad. I think the best way to figure things out is to try them.
Although there are rules to security where ever you go in the world, I generally feel far safer in most places in Mexico than i do in the USA. Now I'm Canadian and a small town boy, but i think Chicago, Philly, Portland Oregon etc etc have much larger safety concerns due to the far greater prevalence of guns. Anyways, we love Mexico and only travel through the USA to get to our Mexican winter hideaway.....
Connectivity on the road = Starlink mobile & WiFi calling on your carrier....