[kmeinke]

We are going on a 62 day Alaska trip next year.  I am hesitant to take our Coach on the trip (due to road conditions) on the trip and I am considering buying an older class A for the trip.  I have talked to many people and the opinions vary from " you will be fine" to I would never take a Newell on the trip.

I am looking for folks with actual experience to give me their opinions.

Thanks in advance

[Jack Houpe]

Richard and Ronda did the trip last year here is the thread. If we do it we would fly in and rent a class c to cruise the state.

https://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?tid=7211

[folivier]

We did it in 2019 in our 36' Foretravel and had no problems. Don't think a 45' Newell would have any problems either. But there may be limited spots for a 45' and not every place will have 50 amp hookup, 30 amp is more available.
Read through Richard's post of their trip since it was last year.

[BusNit]

Fly in and rent. I had Alaska on my bucket list to drive there but after Richards review, I would just fly in and take in the sights as a tourist.

[folivier]

The distance through Canada is around 2500 miles to Alaska if you cross in the west. The speed limit in most areas is 45mph and we drove that speed so we could slow down rapidly when hitting a frost heave. Most are marked but lots aren't. You'll quickly learn how to spot them in time to slow down. The biggest deterrent I think is the lack of large campsites. They are there but the caravans fill them up quickly. Best thing to do is download the itineraries from the caravan sites so you can avoid them.
Either way it is an awesome trip.
One tip if you like campfires and stay at Provincial campgrounds in Canada. Firewood is provided but it's not split so bring an axe. We had to scrounge around after people left to find split wood.

[CaptainGizmo]

kmeinke

It seems like about half of the people (mostly Newell and Prevost folks) say "No problem", while the other half say "no way"



Ken,

I've been sneered at, as well, when I take the "NO WAY" stance, braced by folks who tell me "That's what we bought a motorhome for, to enjoy it. Sure, it may get beat up, but that's part of the enjoyment!"

And...that's when I usually leave the conversation!  LOL

Fact is...I'm the only one who knows how I like the condition of, and suffering the problems of, our coach if I were to take it into an area in which others may not care what happens.

I think that's exactly what you're running into.  You and Karen will ultimately decide where you are in the spectrum of enduring whatever "may" happen, versus just taking it in stride.  Pretty sure you know where I stand...
kmeinke

Simon,
Thanks for the link.  It seems like about half of the people (mostly Newell and Prevost folks) say "No problem", while the other half say "no way"


kmeinke

Simon,
Thanks for the link.  It seems like about half of the people (mostly Newell and Prevost folks) say "No problem", while the other half say "no way"

[TJ Clark]

I find the drive through Canada mostly uninteresting.

If it were a 8-12 hours of driving it would hold my interest. It's not it's 2500 miles with huge sections of the same thing all day. I try to drive less than 300 miles a day, so an 8 day adventure. Interrupted by bad road pot holes and flying rocks, and the ever present pastime of the north, road construction, one lane travel, waiting for your turn. 

Don't get me wrong is it breath taking at times, it just those times are spaced well apart.
I encourage you do do it once, its a grand adventure, just plan for more time than normal driving. 

I have driven the Glenn highway in Alaska many dozens of times from Tok to Anchorage.

It has much the same breathtaking vistas in 350 miles. Combine that with the Parks highway and you'll have gotten the true sense of the AlCan.

I doubt I'll ever drive my coach back home to AK.


I know many folks that commute annually from AK to AZ in Country Coaches or Prevost


All just my jaded opinion.