alexandrea

I love the Alaska/Canadian Highway. If you've ever wanted to make the trip, it's one you won't soon forget. I have traveled the Alcan a half dozen times and it never gets old, although I often take different routes across the u.s. to get to it. Things you should know if you are traveling the Alcan for the first time: It's a long way between gas stations ! The road is always under construction at some point along the road. Watch for gravel patches and construction slow downs. Those portions not under construction my be at the end of their life from frost heave. These dips and bumps will slow you down to about 30mph for up to 200 miles at a stretch. Give yourself plenty of time. Many areas thru the mountains are slow going, sharp curves and uneven road. You won't be able to pass. Allow yourself plenty of time, enjoy the scenery and resign yourself to a leisurely ride. Campgrounds can be far and few in between. If you park in a forest area, (designated camping) you must watch out for bears. I'd advise against bacon for your morning meal unless you want company. Some of the older campgrounds may only have 15 amp service, and many only 30 amp, which suits most of us just fine. Do carry a reducer just in case. If you're thinking of taking the Cassiar because surely they have it paved by now...... don't. Unless you have a real spirit of adventure, in top mechanical shape, spare tires, spare belts and spare fuel. It's less traveled, the road is rougher, more spots where you won't get cell service, and fewere people to come along if you do get stranded. I come across too many travelers who have said 'never again'. You can not carry a hand gun into Canada. Don't even THINK about hiding one. You can carry a shotgun or long rifle with you. Declare it, furnish make,model, serial number, barrel length and pay the $50 fee for the paperwork. It's good for 6 months. You should also know that long guns can be used for target practice and hunting only, they are not to be used for self protection. Canada frowns on all types of violence. Exchange your money at a bank. Locals can set their own exchange rates and it is usually to their advantage. You can always change your money back when you hit the border. If you don't have a passport, carry your birth certificate. At some point you are going to have to produce it. A social security card and driver's license won't get you back into the u.s. as proof of citizenship. You must have a rider on your insurance that shows you are covered in canada. Canada has higher min than most states, your insurance company can provide you with a short term rider and proof. Just because they don't ask for paperwork upon entry doesn't mean they won't ask for it upon exit. Never take anything for granted. You are allowed to transport a limited amount of wine and tobacco thru canada. Declare it if you have it. I've seen too many people caught in a spot check and because they lied about one little tiny thing, went thru an entire search, emptying out an entire motor home. I would forfiet a fruit that was not allowed first................ One must see spot is Laird Hot Springs. These are natural hot springs and changing houses are provided. The water is hot even when the temps outside dip to -40. A limited number of camp spots are available. The boardwalk over the swampland to the hot springs is an excursion in itself. Do take time to stop and take a dip, you'll be glad you did. Caution: The water is hot, and near the source, very very hot. If you don't see anyone in the area where you're about to step in, there's a reason why... lol Food on the Alcan is a simple affair. If you are picky, you might want to pack your own. Many of the restraunts have limited fare, although all are home cooked. Canadians prepare many of the same things you might find in your local cafe. There are no chain restruants except in the big cities. Prices won't be outrageous, but in the out of the way places, it may be a little more than you are used to paying for simple fare. You're going to be going about 25-30mph over some of those mountains. No, there is nothing wrong with your motor home, it's just really steep. You'll speed up the minute you start to head downhill again. LOL. Take a lightweight jacket, even in the middle of summer. The mountains can be cold. Light layers work best. Enjoy!!!!!!

Here are a few of the things I have picked up while traveling: Life is a journey, not a destination. I seldom travel more than 400 miles in a day, stop early for the best spots and enjoy the scenery. I bought a 'passport america' membership and it more than paid for itself. Most of the passport america campgrounds are very reasonable, and membership gives you half price. Also, state and federal parks are reasonable. Some towns even have parks they will let you use, or the shriners sometimes have a low cost campground. You can find these in the trailer life directory. Walmarts do let people stay in their lots, but if you don't know the town or the area, you could be leaving yourself open to robbery. I travel alone, so this is not a viable option for me. Do stop at those tourist information centers. They have a plethora of information from local events to established recreational areas. All states give tourist information for free. As to maps, some states give them away and others charge a small fee. Many times these maps are more detailed than what you may have in your brand new atlas. Do call ahead to reserve a camp site. Some of the more popular areas can fill up fast. Ask the locals for their favorite cafe. I've been pointed to some little hole in the wall places that were great. Ask your neighbors where they are headed or where they have been. Some of my best camping recommendations have come from folks who have passed thru the area to which I am headed. A smile and a friendly 'hello' is usually all it takes to open up a conversation. I purchased Emergency Road Service. It is well worth the money. I once had to be towed over 100 miles in Canada. The yearly membership more than paid for itself. I like Good Sam's club because they also found a place that would work on my motorhome. I am very happy with their service. Find one you like and enjoy peace of mind. If you have one tow bill, it will very likely pay for itself. If you travel the Alcan, gas prices get really high when you get out in the big lonesome. For an idea of the prices, good sams club has a trip routing feature that gives local gas prices. I found these to be within a few cents when I traveled.

Scales - Most truck stops have scales for a very low fee. CAT scales are sometimes advertised. All these scales are inspected by the weights and measures division of the DOT. If you want to be sure your truck stop has scales, just try any of the 'major' ones. Flying J's all have scales and they have facilities coast to coast. I also like to stop at Flying J's because they give you a customer value card that saves 3 cents a gallon on gas, and their prices are always competitive. No, it's not a credit card, just a customer reward card. The food is always good, restroom facilities are clean, and they even have showers if you have to have one on the road. I've been from Alaska to Louisiana a number of times as I have a child in each of these states. I stop at the old Flying J anytime I get a chance. As a woman alone, I feel secure there. They have lots of on the road goodies and are a wi-fi hotspot too. 83 Dolphin

Yes, yes, yes !!! The 185's worked perfect. No more tire rub on the front (originally had 195's front 205's rear). Ride great and feel great. Bought the yokohama y356's from the Tire Rack online and they had them here the next day. One note for other newbies like myself: If you buy tires online, they have a list of recommended installers. You my choose anyone you wish that will do the job. I did find the price for install to have a lot of variances. For example, one local place charged a rate if $18 a tire PLUS $3.75 ea for LT service, another $4. for metal valve stems or an additional $3 for rubber valve stems, tire disposal, etc,etc,etc. I did some checking around, drove 45 miles (it was on my way to the campground) and saved 1/2 on installation by choosing an installer that did not have a lot of up charges. I ended up paying $65 to get all six put on in Beaumont, TX, compared to $128 the local installer in Lake Charles, LA, wanted. Happy camping. 83 Dolphin

Thank you ! I had heard 195, 185, 205 and wasn't sure which way to turn. When in doubt, listen to someone who has been there and done that. Appreciate your taking the time to post. Going with the yokohama y356 185r14.

Hello folks, Really could use some tire help. Bought a 1983 dolphin with only 60K miles. Great little rv, but the tires are all really bad. Had a blowout on the trip home, and bought two new tires, had them both mounted on outside rear (duels) on each side. The problem is: I put on what the tire shop recommended for the rear 205 75 14's however, I am now being told these are trailer tires and not sufficiently load rated. I am wanting to replace all 6 tires. I have read about the Yokohama tires and was wondering if the 195 R75 14's load range D (y356 tire) will work all the way around? Why are the rears that are now on it different? it currently has 195's in the front. will 195's fit the rear too? Or do I need to go a completely different route? Toyota has no information on it at all, and the owners manual has outmoded sizing system: 7.0 14-6PR 24 1.7 front and 36 2.5 rear I haven't the foggiest notion what this means. Any help would be greatly apprecited !!!!