Alaska
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3837
Printed Date: 16 May 2024 at 2:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Alaska
Posted By: 21grandma
Subject: Alaska
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 9:53pm
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Has anyone traveled to Alaska with their r-pod? My husband would like to do that next year. We have friends doing that this year, but they have a huge motorhome (nicer than my house). I am not sure about going to Alaska with our pod. We have only been on two overnight trips with it so far, but plan on a couple more before the end of summer. He would really like to go to Alaska, but I am hesitant. If others have done it and everything went fine, I would say let's go. Thanks for any input you may have. - good or bad! ------------- 21grandma |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 8:34am
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Haven't done it myself but we will in the next 10-15 years. From what I've read the trip is much easier than it was just 20 years ago. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 10:58am
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While it has been a while since my family did it with a camper ('68 and '70) my last trip up via vehicle was 6 years ago. The trip is much easier these days than it was way back when. The entire length of the Al-Can is paved with one 20-mile gravel road exception so that folks can "remember" the way it used to be. There are plenty of places to get gas & supplies, good campgrounds for overnight stays, and just generally sight-see during the trip. You do a good amount of up & down hilly driving so making sure your TV is in good condition before leaving is a must.
It really is a great trip, and one that I would recommend you do if you can! ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 6:24pm
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I have never done it, but a friend did it on his Harley a couple of years ago and had a great time. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: 21grandma
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 8:21pm
 Just heard on the radio that a woman and her father were found in Alaska. The announcer said that "you could still become bear food in remote areas of Alaska"- not very reassuring!------------- 21grandma |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 8:33am
You can be bear food in most of the lower 48 states also. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 9:19am
 ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 10:44am
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Where I live we have Black bears and yesterday on the news one went through someones screen door on there pool deck and took a nap beside there pool. We have had a lot of rain and they believe the bear was looking for a dry place to sleep. As far as driving to Alaska on the other forum there was a couple of members who took there r-pods to Alaska. I remember one said they wish the r-pod had two axles because they a had a couple of flat tires.I know one of those members has sold his r-pod for a larger camper because he wanted to camp full time. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: 21grandma
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 11:05am
------------- 21grandma |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2014 at 6:26pm
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We traveled to Alaska and drove the Alaska Highway in 2012 with a truck camper and it was an amazing trip. We traded the truck camper for our 2014 178 and plan on going back to Alaska this summer. Has anyone taken their Pod up through British Columbia (Cassair Highway), Alaska Highway and over the roads in Alaska? We haven't had the R-Pod out yet because we got it late in the fall and winter started toooo early! It's sitting in the driveway now getting ready for a first time out in a couple of weeks just locally to see how it handles. We encountered quite a few "frost sinks" that really rattled the truck camper! Looking forward to hearing from you experienced podders! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2014 at 7:31pm
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We hope to in the next few years. Some people we know did it by taking the big Ferry boat out of Washington up to alaska then toured arouind in their camper and took the ferry back down to the states. Saves some serious driving and Canadian (sorry) gas prices. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2014 at 7:48pm
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We are looking to see if anyone has taken the total road route using the R Pod. We drove the major highways, but want to make sure the R Pod can take the distance and the road conditions. We didn't do any ferries with our truck camper in 2012; all highway. ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: geklund
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 11:50am
A year and a half ago we took our rPod 182G (Hood River Edition) up the AlCan highway from Sequim, WA to Homer, AK. The route going up was Sumas, Cache Creek, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Haines Junction, Tok, Anchorage, Homer. Coming back we took the Top of the World highway and the Cassiar highway. The route was Tok, Dawson City, Stewart Crossing, Carmacks, Whitehorse, Teslin, Cassiar, Dease Lake, Stewart/Hyder, Smithers, Burns Lake, Prince George, Cache Creek, Sumas. We thought the short side trip out to Stewart was well worth it for the spectacular glacier viewing. The seven week trip was everything we could have hoped for and the rPod was the perfect size for such a journey (2 people). By planning to be off the road by 3:00 PM, we generally did not have any trouble finding a campsite every night. The roads are all paved except where road maintenance was required because of winter water drainage washouts, etc. Some sections where rough/heaving asphalt but with slower speed it was passable. Carried extra emergency gas cans for the F150 truck but never had to use it as gas was plentiful (but very expensive). It really was the trip of a lifetime.
   ------------- 182G 2011 Hood River Edition F-150 5.4L |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 6:46pm
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THANK YOU! That's exactly what we wanted to hear. We took a similar route the summer of 2012 when we drove up from Montana over to Dawson Creek and then up. We were in Fairbanks and then down to Anchorage and Valdez and then down the Cassair and over to Banff and Jasper and then down through Montana and eastward toward Michigan. We used a Truck Camper and it was great. We traded the truck camper for the RPod 178 and wanted to make sure the Pod could handle the roads. Your reply gives us more peace of mind and confidence that she can handle it. We are going out for our first trip in the pod in a couple of weeks and then will be leaving for Alaska the first of June. Thank you!!! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: mkrwoods
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 8:13am
| We are planning to leave Central Fl June 8 for Fairbanks, Alaska; leaving R-Pod there then drive the Dalton hwy to Deadhorse. Just got our 2012 R-Pod 175 and will be driving a 2007 Toyota Tundra with almost 100,000 miles. Are we nuts? Any tips? |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 10:41am
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Welcome. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 11:20am
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We hope to make the Alaska trip in a couple years. It sounds like and amazing trip!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 4:12pm
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We just returned from a 2 month driving trip to Alaska and the Pod did a wonderful job. We did put axel risers on our 2014 178 and 15" tires and we are so glad we did. We went from Michigan through the UP to Seattle, up by Cache Creek, Prince George and Dawson Creek, then on the Alaska Highway up to Fairbanks, where we stayed for several days visiting our USAF son stationed at Eielson AFB. Then we went to Denali, Anchorage, Kenai, Seward, Homer and Valdez, where we enjoyed a great visit with family and a not-so-dark 4th of July fireworks display. We returned home via Edmonton and down through to Great Falls, MT as we had to dodge forest fires all the way home. Across Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, around the bottom of Chicago area and home. Great trip! This was our second one and lots of construction on the way home and we saw several pods. Anyone planning on going I recommend the Mike and Terri Church book - Travelers Guide to Alaskan Camping. We have the 6th edition and it was a great resource for campgrounds. If anyone is planning on going let me know and I can mail you our copy as we won't be driving again - 2 trips is enough! But the Pod did wonderful and handled the terrible rough roads from Burwash Yukon to the Alaskan state line and all the construction down through the Yukon and British Columbia. She got dirty but she hung in there! uploads/2332/Parks_Highway_5.JPG - Parks_Highway_5.JPG uploads/2332/Alaska_Range_and_Pod.JPG - Alaska_Range_and_Pod.JPG ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 4:30pm
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@ ANGCHIEF => Wow! Would love to see more pics. The Parks Highway shot is spectacular. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 4:32pm
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Sounds like a great trip!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 8:06pm
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Here's a couple more shots uploads/2332/Valdez_-_Salmon_Fishing.JPG - Valdez_-_Salmon_Fishing.JPG uploads/2332/Haines_Junction_-_Lake_Kluane_2.JPG - Haines_Junction_-_Lake_Kluane_2.JPG uploads/2332/Haines_Junction_campground.JPG - Haines_Junction_campground.JPG ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 8:08pm
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A couple that posts on the R-pod Facebook page has just been to Alaska and posted many photos and descriptions of their travels. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 8:11pm
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Beautiful. What is the (mountain) elevation in those pics? I was a little surprised how much snow we saw traveling west last month, especially at Mt. Rainier. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 9:16pm
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Great pictures! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2014 at 8:11am
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Don't know the elevation; sorry -
We did see the icebergs floating in Lake Superior on June 7th when we went through the UP, though... ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: rpodD2
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2014 at 11:46pm
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Been 2 times, 03 and 06 ,not with Pod 1994 chevy with over 100k miles and 03 Roadtrek. You might consider going with friend more fun that way, but if not, it's not that scary I would go again with my POD. Advise- Drive on the top of your tank, Don't pull off on shoulders of road. Cell phones don't work. Just make sure your Tow Vehicle is in good shape. You can get hit by kicked up gravel, we fabricated front guards out of PVC and screen and ty wraps to minimize that. Info that I gave could be dated. Call a friend of mine he's a native Alaskan. Hes a nice guy and would love talk about it his name is Spike nice guy tell him Dan said to call him 1-800-842-7764 Not trying to sell anything. ------------- Anita & Dan RP177/ TV 08 GMC P/U |
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2014 at 11:58pm
I would assume you went right by our corner of the world on your way through. We're a little ways off Hwy 2 in Poplar Wis. I work for the next to the last grain export terminal on the left in Superior Wis. Our shipping season rolled of to a slow start this year due to the extreme ice conditions. Some of the latest ice we've had. It was a really tough winter around here for those that hate winter. Other than the cold in Jan and early Feb I didn't mind it too much. Nice long winter for sledding and trail grooming.  ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2014 at 8:23pm
I know this is kind of an old post, but .... THIS is the way we want to go to Alaska. Not only saves on some driving/gas but shouldn't this route also eliminate the hassle with Canadian gun regs? That's appealing! ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2014 at 6:35pm
I know a bunch of people who hunt in Canada and take guns with them. They even take them uncased on airplanes in Canada on the way to the hunt. What troubles are you expecting? ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2014 at 10:22pm
I like handguns and, if memory serves, they aren't too welcome in Canada. But, I could be wrong. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2014 at 8:00am
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You may want to check. I have never heard of any of my friends having trouble and some of them are pistol hunters.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2014 at 8:20am
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To bring a rifle or shotgun across the border basically requires you fill out a form, pay a fee and declare it as you cross the border. The problem would be trying to bring a handgun across. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2014 at 8:45am
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Husband wanted to bring his handgun, but instead we brought bear spray. Had a great range and will deter any animal or human threatening us. Not a problem at any border. He didn't have to use it, but gave him peace of mind. ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 1:26am
On the subject of handguns moving through Canada, thanks to all who replied. The bear repellent sounds promising; various articles I've seen seem to bear that out. (Sorry, couldn't resist  ). But my main interest in handguns is in repelling the two-legged variety of predators.Thanks again .. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Norsk1
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 11:13pm
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I and my wife are just returning from a round trip to Alaska with our 2010 177, R-pod. Try to take a hand gun into Canada will not end well. Stick with bear spray. The trip is great and will be long remembered.
Ron |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2014 at 9:25am
We got a quote for a 35 hr ferry ride from the Seattle area to Ketchikan, nearest point in Alaska they went to- for the r-pod and a Toyota FJC it was $4400 round trip And that was without a cabin- if you want that it is roughly another $500. And NO they won't let you stay in your r-pod.Other catch was they say it is booked up by Feb for summer travel. We wanted to go on our 30 day out west trip we just returned from but decline to pay that kind of money for the ferry. Still trying to figure out what to do about the pesky Canadian handgun laws....wife and I both carry 100% of the time where we are allowed, which is most states. I could agree to not taking handguns into Canada, taking the trusty 12 gauge for that portion of the trip, but the big question is what do you do with them in the meantime so you have them when you return? ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2014 at 10:05am
Have done a little checking on this handgun problem (not to be taken as gospel, of course): 1) Handguns shorter than 4" barrels are prohibited. Cannot legally enter Canada. 2) Barrel lengths 4" and longer are "restricted". With a form + fee, such a handgun may enter the country. 3) There evidently are places on the US side where handguns can be stored and then picked up when the owner returns to the US. (Gun stores? Bank safety deposit boxes? Further checking needed.) 4) Crating & shipping to/from Alaska is also an option. Sure could be a royal pain, tho. IMO As Bud says, the 12 ga might be the simplest alternative. But I'm pretty sure that even that alternative means forms to fill out. Nothing's easy, is it?  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2014 at 1:39pm
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I was going to say, mail it to yourself in AK (option 4). Not sure if you can send it to General Delivery, though, or what paperwork may be required. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2014 at 2:45pm
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Unfortunately a common person cannot mail a handgun- From the BATF - (B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service? [18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)] ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2014 at 2:47pm
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My nephew in Alaska inherited a handgun from his grandfather here in the lower 48 and the only way it could be shipped is from one gun store here in lower 48 to ship it to another licensed gun store in Alaska... ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Puck Podders
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 9:34am
I find all the concern about handguns and Canada interesting. I have a lot of experience with rifles but my handgun use came only at a range in Vegas which was great fun. Having traveled coast to coast many times in my country by car and motorcycle I dont see the need to carry a weapon. I have also traveled quite a bit in the States with similar experiences. Been in bear country with lots of encounters and so far no negative ones. All I want to suggest is that avoiding the beautiful west coast of Canada over gun laws seems such a shame to me. I do want to come off as an anti gun person just as someone who encourages west coast travel. It is so beautiful. We are planning a trip to Alaska next July with our pod and have no concerns about negative issues. Besides as an old trapper once said always travel with someone you can outrun. Sorry Hunny.  ------------- Rick & Wilma 'Hairy' Gracie 2015 178 GMC Sierra |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 10:49am
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That is so right - if we were a little "concerned" about the area around us, we always looked for anyone we could outrun...!!!! I, too, wouldn't miss the beautiful British Columbia area due to fear of the wildlife. Just be aware of your surroundings and be prepared, just like in any of the big cities in the lower 48! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Norsk1
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 11:21am
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We just made the trip through BC. This year there are areas to be aware of. The oil boom in the North along the Alaskan Hiway has made camping a little interesting. The man camps are everywhere and camp grounds are really full. Coming back on Hiway 37 was very interesting as the expansion of the electrical grid has improved the road half the way but the northern part is still needing work. The lodging is scares as there are many workers in the area. It would be interesting to make the trip again in a few years to see the improvements. The beauty is well worth the effort.
Ron |