ALONE: Our Risky RV Trip to Alaska - Is This the End of it All?
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2024
- Have you ever wondered what it's like to RV on one of the most remote and desolate highways to Alaska? RV life is full of treacherous roads, but today decided the fate of our upcoming drive through Canada. Will this be a journey worth taking… or will it set the bar for the worst RV experience ever?
With very limited resources and the potential for breakdowns, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway might be the most concerning road we have ever driven our RV on. Join us as we prepare for our trek down this road and answer your most burning question... WHY?
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:20 Lippert Auto Level Problem
04:20 Path of Scarcity
06:39 Save Yourself With This RV Tip
08:35 Truck Problems - GMC
10:54 Why the Cassier Highway?
13:06 How Do Provincial Parks Work?
14:50 Nice Driver-Side Back-in
16:00 Don’t Unhook Until You Look
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A large influence on this series has come from content creators like Kara and Nate or Keep Your Daydream. The style of this video is also similar to Changing Lanes or Eamon & Bec in parts.
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@kuhn232warren232
0 seconds ago
IT IS NOT YOUR TRAILER PLUG.....................Welcome to Canada. Wiring warning on you trailer is a common issue up here! LOL Due to the freaking cold weather we are constantly putting sand and gravel on the roads in the winter for traction. These small pieces of gravel have been kicked up and damaged the wiring for your brakes on you trailer axles which is causing the warning on your truck. Crawl under you trailer and check. It is usually the first axle towards your truck and you have your 12V wiring for your brakes hanging on the front side of the axle. You either have broken a wire causing intermittent short or you have damaged the coating of the wire and it is shorting out on the axle. Find the damaged wire and repair.... I highly advise for the rest of you trip to get some black electrical tape and tape all your 12 volt brake wiring to the BACK of the axles on both axles as much as you can so the rocks hit the axles and not your wiring.....This happens all the time up here FYI.
@kuhn232warren232
0 seconds ago
IT IS NOT YOUR TRAITLER PLUG.....................Welcome to Canada. Wiring warning on you trailer is a common issue up here! LOL Due to the freaking cold weather we are constantly putting sand and gravel on the roads in the winter for traction. These small pieces of gravel have been kicked up and damaged the wiring for your brakes on you trailer axles which is causing the warning on your truck. Crawl under you trailer and check. It is usually the first axle towards your truck and you have your 12V wiring for your brakes hanging on the front side of the axle. You either have broken a wire causing intermittent short or you have damaged the coating of the wire and it is shorting out on the axle. Find the damaged wire and repair.... I highly advise for the rest of you trip to get some black electrical tape and tape all your 12 volt brake wiring to the BACK of the axles on both axles as much as you can so the rocks hit the axles and not your wiring.....This happens all the time up here FYI.
@kuhn232warren232
0 seconds ago
IT IS NOT YOUR TRAITLER PLUG.....................Welcome to Canada. Wiring warning on you trailer is a common issue up here! LOL Due to the freaking cold weather we are constantly putting sand and gravel on the roads in the winter for traction. These small pieces of gravel have been kicked up and damaged the wiring for your brakes on you trailer axles which is causing the warning on your truck. Crawl under you trailer and check. It is usually the first axle towards your truck and you have your 12V wiring for your brakes hanging on the front side of the axle. You either have broken a wire causing intermittent short or you have damaged the coating of the wire and it is shorting out on the axle. Find the damaged wire and repair.... I highly advise for the rest of you trip to get some black electrical tape and tape all your 12 volt brake wiring to the BACK of the axles on both axles as much as you can so the rocks hit the axles and not your wiring.....This happens all the time up here FYI.
@kuhn232warren232
0 seconds ago
IT IS NOT YOUR TRAITLER PLUG.....................Welcome to Canada. Wiring warning on you trailer is a common issue up here! LOL Due to the freaking cold weather we are constantly putting sand and gravel on the roads in the winter for traction. These small pieces of gravel have been kicked up and damaged the wiring for your brakes on you trailer axles which is causing the warning on your truck. Crawl under you trailer and check. It is usually the first axle towards your truck and you have your 12V wiring for your brakes hanging on the front side of the axle. You either have broken a wire causing intermittent short or you have damaged the coating of the wire and it is shorting out on the axle. Find the damaged wire and repair.... I highly advise for the rest of you trip to get some black electrical tape and tape all your 12 volt brake wiring to the BACK of the axles on both axles as much as you can so the rocks hit the axles and not your wiring.....This happens all the time up here FYI.
@kuhn232warren232
0 seconds ago
IT IS NOT YOUR TRAITLER PLUG.....................Welcome to Canada. Wiring warning on you trailer is a common issue up here! LOL Due to the freaking cold weather we are constantly putting sand and gravel on the roads in the winter for traction. These small pieces of gravel have been kicked up and damaged the wiring for your brakes on you trailer axles which is causing the warning on your truck. Crawl under you trailer and check. It is usually the first axle towards your truck and you have your 12V wiring for your brakes hanging on the front side of the axle. You either have broken a wire causing intermittent short or you have damaged the coating of the wire and it is shorting out on the axle. Find the damaged wire and repair.... I highly advise for the rest of you trip to get some black electrical tape and tape all your 12 volt brake wiring to the BACK of the axles on both axles as much as you can so the rocks hit the axles and not your wiring.....This happens all the time up here FYI.
I love watching Generation Z navigate through life. It is almost as fun as going to the boat launch and watching someone that has never backed up a trailer before try and get their boat in the water.😂
Really felt for Karl. Have never seen him so subdued as he was on his off day. Glad he recovered!! Kathi
This too will pass. ❤
You guys are so comical. Your since of humor is great. We need more people in the world like you two.
Drove the Alaskan Hwy in 1981, locals said the road was in the worst shape in 20 years. We had days of gravel and rock roads. Could only drive 10 maybe 20 mph. We had days of this, plus mud slippery mud. All this pulling a 40 foot trailer with a motor cycle in the bed of a 3/4 ton Chevy. Not a diesel. It was fun and we were a lot younger, forgot also had a 15-month-old baby boy with us.
Actually he was 7mos. old with his sister deciding to show up 13 mos later. 😮... AK was the best place we landed. I was encouraged to write about our voyage but I am not good at that. Go and learn Hanks' it is a magical place to be.
The Hanks need to have a baby or two. That would really make it an adventure on the daily!
I drove in the middle of April in 1979 and the road was still frozen but they had just closed it to truck traffic for breakup. I drove long days and made it from WhiteCourt to Wasilla in 2 days with a 2 1/2 yo son in a Datsun Pickup. Didn’t drive it again till ten years ago and spent over a week on the highway.
Those views but those roads. I’d be hiding in the back seat.
As a over the road truck driver for over 20 years. I found that the return trip is always worse than the drive there. Wish you all the best. Not everyone can make a trip like this. You are becoming one of the GOAT in the rv community.
Hi guys
My dad did three trips to Alaska in the 1980 and early 90’s. He took a Jeep Cherokee from Macon Georgia. No RV he and friend tent camped and did a few cabins as well. I inherited the 1990 Jeep he took and have begun improving it. New springs front and rear basically a new suspension. I’m also working on a teardrop trailer. At 65 I’m no longer interested in sleeping on the ground thanks. I’d love to do this trip. But time may get me first.
But I wanted to second the grounding issue as a huge first step. Jeeps of my trucks era are notorious for crappy grounds and they can cause all sorts of weirdness. This was the first thing I thought of when described the leveling system issue.
The solution is to establish a solid large gauge ground to the trailer frame close to the battery. I did this on the Jeep by running 4 gauge batter cable from the parts place with a ring terminal on each end attached to the radiator support and the battery negative and another one to the battery negative and firewall. You would do it from trailer battery negative to the trailer frame. Also follow the negative wire on the 7 way wire harness to the trailer frame and ensure it is clean and tight. Clean down to bare metal the install a bolt with a lock washer between the bolt head and the cable terminal use an external star washer between the terminal and the trailer attachment point. Apply dielectric grease liberally and tighten securely. Do the same thing at the point where the leveling control box gets its ground connection. Use the same grease at the seven pin connector on the truck.
Good luck
Oh don’t forget to disconnect the battery before working on it. 😊
Hey guys I love your channel. Your jack issue is an easy fix. This happened to us recently with our Momentum. You need to manually retract all jacks. Then extend all jack 6 inches, then hold down retract button. Jacks and stabilizers should retract and clear your error.
We had the same check trailer warning a few hundred times in a couple of days on our GMC truck. The problem was rust at the grounding location on the trailer. (Where the negative wire from the batteries is connected to the frame of the trailer. ) Our grounding termination was located under the trailer near the front. Unscrewed the self tapping screw and cleaned up the connection and no more problem.
We had the same problem with our Chevrolet truck but the ground that was bad was located in the termination box on the hitch itself. Had to tap it and rescrew the ground.
Love you guys!! We look forward to your videos. We are planning a trip to Canada, Alaska, and Nova Scotia... you are just making us want to go sooner!! Be careful.
I had this exact same problem on my trailer. Same disconnected message and it was a rusty ground connection on the trailer frame. I disconnected it and cleaned it up with a wire brush. Reconnected the wire and never had the problem again.
We had a similar problem and it was the 7 pin loose in the connector on the truck. We make the connection a little snugger with a small bungee cord wrapped around the cord and connection.
We lived in Alaska for 7yrs and 1yr in Whitehorse Canada for hubby's job. We've been all over those roads many, many times. I miss the far north and the larger than life mountains and lakes! Enjoy your time up north making phenomenal memories! If you can swing it, try the Alaska Ferry System on your way back down to the lower 48! I think we enjoyed that more than the long, long drive on those frost heave roads! Wishing you well, and no bad vibes with the truck or RV on this journey! I'll be looking forward to your videos of the far north!
i wanted to do that AMF but it was going to be close to 8k for my truck and 27ft pull behind thats not worth it
We appreciate your videos very much, thank you.
With your unit showing that it is disconnected from the truck while driving. Check your trailer brakes.
I have had 2 different rigs do the same thing, and both times, it was a broken brake wire inside the hub.
They are easy to fix. If you can jack up your tires and spin each one and have someone else hit the brakes. If it keeps spinning with brakes applied, you most likely have a broken wire, which means no brakes on that wheel. The broken wire causes a short, and your truck reads it as disconnected.
Hope this helps.
Safe travels.
Okay Hanks, I can solve the trailer disconnect issue for you. On Chevy/Gmc 7 pin you push the trailer pin into the truck socket and the cover comes down and locks it in place. Well not really, if you notice there is a very small gap between the cover locking tab and the trailer plug. It allows it to back out just a little so that you get intermittent loss connections, especially on bumpy roads. They way I solved it was I cleaned all connections throughly and pushed that thing together like I was the Hulk. Lol But in your situation I would use a little electrician tape and wrap that tab a couple of times so that it locks tightly... well have a quiet trip now and enjoy the views....
I can confirm that on my 2020 Silverado (which is the same setup) Hulking it is what fixed it for us as well. When you think it is seated, hulk it a little more and you will feel it seat again. We haven't had any issues since making this discovery.
We replaced our trailer plug and its been fine 🤞🏻 Chevy 2016 3500
Hey Hanks! I was having the same issue with intermittent check cable connections. After hours of research, I was able to fix the issue. The unspoken problem is the brake wire that runs through the axle. Over time this cable insulation wears down to bare wire as it vibrates on the I ternal walls of the axle causing open wire to ground out and give you the error you are seeing.
********FIX******
Get yourself a 12 gage Extention cord and some zip ties, cut the wire free from the wire that runs through the axle on both sides, connect the Extention cord wire on one end and run it across the top of the axle and zip tie all the way across the axle, then connect the other end of the Extention cord to the other break caliber wire. Do this for both axle and this will resolve your issue. Terrible design but a common practice on all RVs. Mine was 3 years old when I starting having problems. Once you cut the wire ends off, you can pull the wire out of the axle and see where the wire insulation wear occurred. Good Luck!!!
Vic
Yes, but no..... It is the problem you are correct broken or damaged wire, but as a Canadian this is a common problem due to the sand and gravel we dump all over the roads in winter. A piece of gravel has been kicked up and broke or damaged the brake wiring. ITs best up here to tape as much of the wiring to the back of the axles as you can to avoid most of the problems lol. Even with the wiring moved there will still be the lucky rock that hits something you cant move to the back.
Nice video! BTW, after you get your electric connector clean, get some Dielectric Grease, available at most auto parts stores, and apply it to the socket, it will keep moisture out which is what causes corrosion on the conductor pins.
I was going to write the same thing ,then saw your comment .... definitely get some
My thoughts as well.
ditto on the dielectric grease... to clean contacts, you can use mass air flow sensor spray on the 7 pin connector and receptacle... also check under the truck bed, as there are usually connectors between the side wall 7 pin and the bumper 7 pin... those can get loose and dirty too.
I had one of the center tabs stretched out on the pin plug connected to the truck. I lightly pinched it to have better contact and have not had an issue since.
Let us know, Hanks, if the grease works because we also said the same thing.
Your trailer brake issue is with the switch on the dash and not your seven pin connector. Known to happen on GM trucks. Google it and see it is common.
Thank you for sharing your adventure
Stick your carefully measured maximum height (don't go by specs found on the Internet) in both feet+inches AND metres next to your trailer brake controller or other convenient spot for quick reference. I used a label maker for mine. This way, even if you're dog-tired and the grey matter is a little foggy, when you're approaching an overpass or tunnel that you're not too sure about, a quick look at your numbers will tell you if you're gonna shave the air conditioner off the roof... or not. Happy travels!!
I came to say this. Mine is on a crappy-looking Avery label, right under the console lid. Where I can read it in the few seconds before I pass under the bridge.
We lived, worked and camped in the area. Hundreds of campers drive those roads every year. A trip into Stewart is worth while. Telegraph Creek is another must do side trip - don’t take the trailer - the grand canyon of the north is on the way there. If they are working on the road it will be slow going - 60 kph 35mph. It is 700 k /420 miles from Kitwanga to the Alaska Highway. Fill up in Hazelton, Stewart / Meziaden Junction, Dease Lake and you should be fine. Jade City is a nice stop - right on 37.
This looks like it's going to be the trip of a lifetime, For Dexter & his servants!
The Canadian Provincial Park system is pretty awesome. Some take reservations, some FCFS. We have passed from Fairbanks to Denali and now in Wassila. Have watched you for couple years. Keep up the miles and smiles.
As a longtime fan of your fun, I'm getting a kick out of watching you guys make your way North! Been traveling those roads since the '60's and I know them pretty well, fun to keep recognizing places I've been many times, and doubly fun to see your newbie-surprise at stuff we Alaskans take for granted! Guessing you're already someplace here in Alaska, so welcome, and I hope to see you at the Rendezvous whenever!
We towed our very short 19’ (tip to tip) camper to Alaska on Cassiar Highway, and back on the ALCAN just this spring! What a fabulous, beautiful, and slow drive. Especially slow between Snag Junction and the border. That is our 2nd trip, but not our last. Kudos to all the big rigs taking on the frost heaves and potholes! I look forward to your next stop!
We travel Alcan every week (truckers) and the highway is good to Destruction Bay then it gets really really really rough. My husband drives 50kmph so I can sleep and we don't wreck our truck. Lots of grizzlies to see along that stretch and black bears are plentiful along the whole highway.
Also, it's very busy this time of year. Lots of rv's and motorcycles rolling along the roads. Be cautious of suddenly stopping traffic as people just stop when they see an animal. Please look in your mirrors before you stop, us truckers can't stop on a dime. If you miss seeing one bear, there are many more to come.
Make sure you go in to Watson Lake. The Sign Forest is so worth it.
We live in Alaska and are full time RV’ers there. We are right now on a year long trip from Alaska to Nova Scotia then down to the lower 48. You will love AK!!
Carl, I have a 2015 Silverado and I was getting the same trailer messages when I was connected to a trailer. A common issue for that generation of truck is a bad manual trailer switch on the dash, the one above your 4 wheel drive selector. Super easy to change.
Thanks for always keeping it real! And entertaining and informative. ❤
Great video guys, the scenery there is really beautiful. Looking forward to your next video.
Loving your trip. Be careful for all those BIG trucks you might see and the bad roads!! This is so much fun watching you all.😁
About the trailer wiring warnings... Under you truck bed, above the spare tire, on top of a cross member is a trailer relay module. Remove the spare tire, loosen the bolts (using the hex end of the threaded end, yes it's weird but the bolts just hold it into three notches in the crossmember and only need to be loosened not removed) and then slide the relay box off. Disconnect and clean the plugs that go into it. If that does not help, that module might be going bad. It happened on two of my GM vehicles, but it's an easy fix and fairly cheap.
It is also possible it is just simple corrosion where the trailer plug goes into the socket on the truck. I carry some CRC or Spray Silicon and spray into the socket and plug. That is a simpler easier fix. Your suggestion is a very possible solution if this easier solution does not solve the problem. I always prefer to have an easier solution before I go to the next solution LOL!!!!
@@billmccullough2323 didn't he say he cleaned the plug?
@@jasonb9913 He did say he cleaned the plug. He did not say that he used any spray to help remove any matter from cleaning the corrosion and help make the connection more conductive. Using the spray is just a little extra help to solve the problem and make near future problems less probable.
I had the exact same issue with my LR Jack showing a fault. I had to lower all of the jacks down 6” and then raise them back up and it reset everything.
Another great video by the Hanks!!! So much fun to watch and learn. 😊
Hi Hanks! I've been watching your channel for about a year and a half now. I learned so much from your content. Thank you!!! I started my own voyage with my RV and dogs too. Thanks so much for y'all's fantastic and encouraging content for RV newbies! ...And yes Bucky's snacks ARE AWESOME!!
Thank y’all for sharing your adventures with us! Y’all are the best! Have fun, be safe! ❣️❣️
I had a constant trailer disconnected notification for years thinking it was the connection. I finally had the brakes serviced and learned that a wire had rubbed to bare wire and shorted out. Your constant dinging and trailer disconnected errors totally reminded me of that.
Be safe y'all. Thanks for taking us with. Don't think we will take a trip out of the U.S. so appreciate watching the scenery. Blessings for your travels
Cheer up Karl! the beautiful scenery will brighten most anyone's day! thanks Hanks for the great videos!
Hi Hanks! Bob Stevens from Zeohyrhills, Florida. Watch everyone of one your videos. Great Job! Had the same problem with trailer brake connection warning on my 2010 Dodge Ram HD 3500 Dually. First trailer was a 2009 Keystone Sprinter 36 foot. Turned out to be a bad ground. Had better ground setup done, problem fixed. Now have a 2021 Forest River 37FLH 43 foot 5th wheel. Started to do the same thing. Sprayed the heck out of the power plug on truck and plug itself with eletrical contact cleaner. Fixed the problem. Done here in florida, hot and humid, high due point, plays heck with electrical contacts. Have a safe and great trip! Stay at colt creek alot!!
Those mountain shots are gorgeous!!
Wow what beautiful scenery on your trip! Sorry about the trouble you’re having with the truck but plug in for the camper! Fingers crossed 🤞 that it all works out!! Happy Camping and Safe Travels!! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻
I so appreciate the realness of RV life. My husband and I travel full time in our fifth wheel and goodness some days SUCK. There are so many times I have wanted to give up and the scenery around me or the excitement of what is ahead has stopped my thoughts. Thanks for the realness! Travel days are the worst!
Can’t wait to do this trip! Thanks for all the great information. Safe travel!
Too funny! Tyhee is our local park, great to see you guys pass through our town. You made the right choice heading up the western route for sure! Safe travels and welcome to the Skeena region.
Check your trailer main ground Kyle. Most times that is the culprit of an intermittent detection.
Very much enjoyed your journey! Hoping you are enjoying it as well! # making memories!
We enjoy watching your videos, your channel gives us some great insights and advice that’s real and usable.
Hello! Never owned an RV and don't know if we ever will, but the topic is fascinating to me! I live vicariously through you guys (not to creep you outl), so keep up the great job! Your videos are my go to binge after 3/12 shift, and you know that speaks volumes. Wishing you all the best, praying for your safety, and truly very happy for you both! Lily RN, Sac, CA.
Thank you so much, Lily! We appreciate all your support 😊 How wonderful you are working in Sac as an RN! Stay safe and hopefully our paths can cross one day. Cheers!
I suggest that you start at the beginning of there journey, they are a hoot and make me laugh
Welcome to Whitehorse and the Yukon! Glad the weather changed just in time for you!
I hope you spend some time exploring & sightseeing before heading up the road to Alaska.
your taking the Cassier?? wow be careful!! born and raised in Alaska and have traveled it many times. i actually love it over the Alcan, will see a whole lot more wildlife. look us up when you get to Fairbanks! lol
Plug into the 7 way by your bumper and see if you're getting the same alert. That happened to us. The one in our truck bed was failing, but the one by the bumper was good.
enjoy and be safe guyz!
I cant wait till the next video. This trip is totally on my bucket list.
We had an issue where we had an alarm saying trailer disconnected, we pulled over and checked the trailer wheel hubs, the driver front tire was extremely hot and wouldn’t cool down. It turned out that the brake shoe came loose and were rubbing on the brake drum , which melted the wires! A lovely guy in Tennessee fixed us up and we were on the road again within an hour.
Btw, the tire pressure was always good
Enjoy your travels!
Thanks for keeping it real.
I love you guys and i love that you are chronically your travels through Canada to come up to Alaska. I want to go to Alaska. I hope your trip is fantastic ! Safe travels !
Keep it up and have fun on your trip
We just got back Wednesday from a 25 day road trip from Tennessee to NY WY and back to Tennessee. Alive and planning the next trip😉 Stay safe up there🇺🇸😎
This is so fun to watch your adventure up to our home state. The Cassiar was the highway we took when my now-wife moved up here. Make sure you take the road to Hyder and check it out; it's totally worth spending a night in the southernmost town in Alaska. And when you two make it up to Anchorage I propose a #PaddleWithTheHanks day!!
you guys are the best! so fun!
Enjoying your Canadian travels!
Great video, Ernest
Kyle, reference your trailer brake wiring, check your actual trailer brakes. If you have a thermometer ,check the temperature of each brake. It happened to us and the issue was that one of the brake shoes actually disintegrated in the drum.
My son just flew up to Kenai, Alaska, for a job. He sent me pictures and it looks beautiful there. Enjoy your trip.
Can't wait for more stories. Looks like loads of fun. Those intermittent electrical issues with plugs and all makes me nuts. My little trailer doesn't have all that fancy stuff but I have had issues getting a good connection on my plug. I always carry contact cleaner with me just in case. The Dex looks so comfy. George sends his best.
We traveled this route last summer ,absolutely beautiful.
I so appreciate everything you guys put down on your blog! We are literally right behind you spending last night at Ksan campground and heading to Stuart and Hyder today.
Oddly enough i too have suffered on the Alaska highway from the constant beeping from trailer wiring connecting on and off. We made the fix on the highway actually it wasn't bad. Turns out factory electrical connectors (cheap blue spear style junk) to the electric brakes were the issue by the trailer axles, i cut and crimped regular butt connectors on the brake wiring under the trailer and has been fixed for years since. So be on the lookout for that or any other cheap connections on the trailer itself not in the plug. GM trucks are picky about good connections apparently, my truck was a 2016 2500 duramax.
Yes Carl, telling us to delve into your video's, I'm on hour 5 now, but 11 PM is happenin', so my eyes are telling me my bed will be comfortable when I get to it! Love the Stewart Cassiar highway, and I see you missed the cool drive to Stewart, where they have a great campsite, then a short drive to Hyder Alaska, then up to see the magnificent Salmon Glacier! Perhaps you can get to it the next time you're up there, as we ALL go to Alaska two or three times in our lifetime...right Carl? Ok, I see there are many more video's to catch up on, so perhaps tomorrow I can sneak a couple in! Oh, and seeing your starlink numbers, seems pretty slow to my 300 down and 120 uploads, at least it helps getting through the video's without a start/stop action! Thanks for you both keeping me amused, even though I've been along both the Alcan and Stewart Cassiar highway systems many times! Hopefully you'll start seeing bears or perhaps deer or moose, as they are quite abundant in the north! Unfortunately, once you get along the Alcan, since the truckers often run 24/7, some moose tend to get hit. Keep rolling you two, and stay safe!
Thanks for the tip on Anderson Levelers. We've been using planks.
Hi, Hanks! Wife and I have a 2017 GMC Sierra Diesel. LOVE the videos! Here's what I think is likely happening with your various problems with rig:
1. Lippert leveling. You may have a low voltage connection to the Lipper control unit, as others have suggested here. Best way to test is to try to run the leveling, well probing the power and ground connections to the Lippert brain box. If it is significantly less than your RV battery voltage, then you may have a corroded connection somewhere along the way most definitely not the end of the world, just annoying. We had luck with our rig by leaving it hooked up to the truck, and then with the truck running any time you try to run the leveling system. Another way to temporary work around the low-voltage issue at the brain box is to hook up a battery charger to the RV battery while running the leveling system. That should get you by until you can do a search-and-clean of the auto-level connections.
2. Check engine light. The Duramax diesel for the 2017 model year is well known to have the glow plugs, as a result of age and mileage, drift out the acceptable calibration range for glow plug resistance. In fact, most likely the glow plugs are fine; GM released a service bulletin that has the dealer download a new glow plug calibration to your vehicle, eliminating the check engine light. You were absolutely correct in noting that as long as it's not flashing, or sending you the power reduced message, then you're good to drive.
3. The GM trailer electrical system sends a test pulse every few seconds to the brakes, to make sure that the brakes are still connected. It doesn't actually actuate the brakes with the test pulse, it just checks for continuity and resistance. If that continuity test fails, because of a wonky connection, corroded terminals, or other issue, you get the warning and the bong. It's definitely worth getting some electrical contact cleaner, or more likely easier-to-find WD-40 and cleaning out the trailer and truck end of the seven way connector. As someone else noted, it's also good to try the bumper connector for the seven way. If you have the same problem with the bumper connector, it's essentially telling you that the issue is with the trailer wiring. My fifth wheel took new wiring at the RV at the part between the body and the axle, this is where the wire flex is the most severe, and where the wire hangs down. Here it is exposed to wear, road debris damage, etc. Also, some trailers run one side of the axle brake wiring inside of the axle tube -- the inside of that axle tube is extremely rough with sharp edges, and clean quickly fray and damage the wire. It's a pretty easy to fix once you know what to look for: it's a matter of just zip, tying new axle wire to the outside of that axle and connecting at both ends. You will definitely find people on the road who can help you trace down where the issue is. Important to know is that the disconnect message is only a result of the brake circuit for your rig, the rig's lights may be working perfectly well the entire time, and even if they are not, the GM system does not check the lighting system, only the very important braking circuit.
I hope this helps!!!!
May the RV force be with you guys! We will say a prayer to the RV gods for safe and fun travels through the wilds of Canada ❤
Glad you are enjoying Canada, the Cassiar Highway is beautiful, narrow, but beautiful. Take your time and enjoy the ride. Some beautiful Provincial campgrounds along the way, Meziadin, and Boya Lakes come to mind as great stops. We have been up it twice with our Class A before we converted to the Solitude. And once you get to the Yukon their Territorial Campgrounds are great, and free firewood to boot.
We have been to Alaska ,but never vacationed in our rv there. Thx for sharing
Thanks for the great info! You both are great. My 2022 ford 250 did that beep constantly when connected to the fifth wheel. It turned out to be as easy as a computer upgrade to the Ford that the dealership quickly did. Good luck
I doubt you'll see this at this point, but I 100% feel ya on feeling down on your Alaska trip because of trailer issues. We did it in 2016 with our 1 year old kiddo and every day I was fixing something.. mostly due to not having proper rock flaps. You'll forget that feeling when looking back haha
Not every day is the best day, but we're making the most out of it anyways haha! Thanks for being here!
What a fun video.. thank you!
Thank you very much for your wonderful support!! :)
Hi Guy, I really enjoy your videos, I had the same problem you are having with with your trailer seven way saying connected disconnected every few seconds. Turned out one of the wires going to the backside of break drum was broken off. Enjoy your trip to Alaska. Michael.
Hey Carl & Ney Ney! Its been a while since I've last commented. We've been watching when we can. Many life events in the last while. Thank you for doing this Alaska trip! It's on my bucket list to pull the camper up for a stay. We are doing an Alaskan cruise this September. That'll be ok also...just a different experience. Safe travels on your trip. We'll be watching. Take care, Paul & Patti
I adore you guys! You make educational and entertaining content for sure
Love yall. Stay calm and safe.😊
Not sure about dragging my rig all the way up there but the drive itself would be worth the trip! Thanks for sharing and safe travels!
14:17 mark: Just wait until the Yukon, when you'll find those 5-syllable "Territorial" parks :)
I've enjoyed this episode, as always. Thanks for the excellence of your editing craft.
You guys are awesome 😎, I enjoy your content and great insights.
Well we had the same problem with my Ram change every think on the truck. Found out it was a travel trailer brake going to ground so check that out . Been on the Cassiar 5 times both ways and come down is the pretties to us. Have a great trip
I am new to your RUclips and I love how real you guys are through the good and not so great plans. It has truly helped me figure out what I really am looking for I love your 5th wheel RV im curious the floor plan of your friends RV. it's amazing you guys have another couple to explore with. it has really encouraged me to travel with my 3 dogs. I know in a previous video you mentioned not using the outdoor shower. and it made me realize that would be great for bathing my dogs.
I greatly appreciate all you guys do, Sending lots of love, and safe travels on your continuing adventure.
Awesome cant wait to see Canada. 😊 love watching you
Beautiful country. When we lived in Alaska we traveled the Alcan Hwy. Look forward to next video.
Love that you took your cat along for the trip. Does he have a leash so he can get outside a bit?
Great video 😊
Carl, you are a lucky man 😎. And also, pretty damn funny when you are in a bad mood! Glad you are enjoying 🇨🇦. These have been your best videos so far.
Drove the Alcan about 4 weeks ago. Nice road, except between Whitehorse and Tok. Especially be careful of road heaves. Take it easy!
We are currently in Seward for the 4th. Happy trails!
When we drove the Alcan on our way home from Anchorage after a two-year stint in the Army in 1971, with a two-year old son, a six-week old daughter, three dogs and a cat, pulling a 20-foot (including the tongue) travel trailer with a 1970 Ford F250 regular cab, there was 1100 miles of gravel. There were a couple of miles of pavement in Whitehorse, but that was all. We drove 10 hours a day and covered about 300 miles. When we would stop for the night, there was a thin layer of dust over everything, including inside the closet. When our daughter got sick, the Canadian medical community took care of her without charge, for which we will always remain grateful. Were we stupid? Probably, but we couldn't wait to get back home to Southern California.
plan on driving this same hwy in a year or two. We are building a custom Sprinter camper van though, and plan to boondock the whole way. Fun watching your video! Thanks.
Ya'll are going to have so much flexibility with that sprinter camper van! So many adventures you guys have to look forward to as well 🙂 Thank you for watching!
I’ve driven the Cassiar Hwy several times. It’s a unique drive and I’m sure you ARE enjoying it.
My last trip down from AK to the lower-48 was in October 2018. Have FUN!
I am so excited you guys are doing this trip. This is my dream RV trip. Let the Hanks test it out.. 😂
Loved this video cause Kyle, you were so open and honest and my husband needed to see that. We have just a few days left of our journey to San Diego and back with just 5 more days till back home and we've had many a salty moment and RV life issues just like you! Our Lippert auto leveling system hardly ever works in auto mode. Our gas hot water option suddenly quit working while boondocking. A window valance box fell off twice. The fascia board totally fell off....etc etc. So thanks for showing the honest RV life. Now pardon me, we're boondocking and I gotta heat water up for a bucket shower. 😅
hey there - Canada is massive and beautiful. I can relate to the Carl and the down down days - small things like the truck engine light - lack of sleep and unfamiliarity can do this to you. You are definitively a trooper.
For the error with the trailer wire disconnect…had same issue with our pull behind. Tried cleaning plus connectors, using cleaner(crc2-26 )available at the Home Depot in electrical) and added pigtail so not stretched too tight. No luck. Described issue to my friend who owns a auto repair shop. He said it may be a grounding issue. If the ground is not good it will try to ground to the truck through the hitch. Hit a bump and it hops up and looses ground. Test by lubricant on hitch setup. This worked for us so we know that’s the issue. Another test is to run a new wire from coach to truck making sure that both ends are 100% on good ground. If that “fixes “ the issue, need to trace the ground issue on the coach. Good luck! It’s a super annoying issue!
Love the Alaska trip stuff. We are heading to Banff next week on our Class B with jeep in tow. About the trailer wiring issue, we used a CRC dielectric gel on the connectors. It hinders corrosion and keeps moisture out, and does not harm plastic parts.
You are real adventurers. We enjoy following your journeys.
I would check under the truck where the 7 way plugs into the main harness. Good luck and Happy trails!