davent1946
Nyssa, Oregon
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Joined: 09/14/2007
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What are the challenges for a 38' 5'er that is 13'2" tall to load & unload? Are the tides as critical as the disclaimers indicate? What about reservations or can you just show up? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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joe b.
Florida
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Joined: 08/24/2002
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Not any real problems that I saw. You may have to be able to back your rig into a parking spot on the ferry at times. Some of the ferry routes in the past have not gone directly from Skagway to Haines but first go to Juneau and then change boats to go to the other. Some seemed to run from Skagway to Haines and then to Juneau. Haven't seen next summer's schedule yet. The tides are noticeable but the loading docks in places are floating so only the ramp from the dock to the shore varies in angle. The ferry system hauls many truck trailers as this is how the towns along the way receive supplies, etc. So you will see tractors with 50+ ft. trailers loading and unloading.
I would make reservations if you have a particular day and time you wish to depart Skagway. Some forum members in the past have not have any problems just showing up and getting on board. Reservations become very important if a person is wanting a cabin for some of the longer segments of travel.
The first photo is of the loading dock and ramp in Skagway. The ferry is the Malaspinia. 
The second photo shows the actual loading. Photo taken from the floating dock.
joe b.
South Florida, Stuart
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Driving a Dodge/Cummins
www.jbpacooper.com web site
http://www.picturetrail.com/jbpacooper Alaska 2004 - Alaska 2006 - Colorado photos
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johnna
Southwest, Utah
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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See the following web site:
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/TravelOptions/Details/index.html
****************************************************** 
2004 Ford 350 Super Duty 2W Dirve Long Bed PU
2008 327RLT Montana Mountaineer 35 ft. 5th wheel
2005 Alaska and other Trip Logs
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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When we loaded at Skagway 3 years ago the tide was at the lowest. Ferry and dock personnel were stationed at the ramp breaks to act as scanners. In addition, if there was a problem, they had shoring (planks) piled nearby to get the wheels high enough that there was no damage. In watching and participating in 12 loadings and unloadings the only problems I saw were caused by drivers driving too fast. Some times ramps were adjusted with the rigs on them, but as long as you were going slow and didn't get impatient, there was no problem.
We intend to do the Skagway to Haines run this year with the new Allegro Bus and I'm confidant there will not be any insurmountable problems.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Copilot Live Laptop 10 GPS
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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Depending on the ferry used you may have to back on and then execute a right angle turn inside, backing through it. They have people, I think two to a rig, to assist you with this. They are really good and probably guide you throught it better than you could possibly do it by yourself. When we put our TC on the ferry, they kept saying "look at me, not your mirror." Piece of cake realizing that a TC is not a trailer.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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charwan
Dawsonville, Ga.
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Joined: 02/05/2004
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RRUGG wrote:Depending on the ferry used you may have to back on and then execute a right angle turn inside, backing through it. They have people, I think two to a rig, to assist you with this. They are really good and probably guide you throught it better than you could possibly do it by yourself. When we put our TC on the ferry, they kept saying "look at me, not your mirror." Piece of cake realizing that a TC is not a trailer.
This was very well true when we did it in 03. They watched you and directed you where and how. You watch them and they will get you there. I had to turn sharp right when entering and back in. They unload you from last to load goes first off. They have done so much they know every move to make. If you have toad you have to drop it.
N4FAP
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Luke Porter
Not on the road :(
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Joined: 10/03/2000
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RRUGG wrote: they kept saying "look at me, not your mirror."
Had I not done that, I might not have bashed my mirror.
You need to be responsible for your rig. The guys on the ferry aren't always perfect.
States I have spent the night in my current rig, bought three years ago.
Have RV'ed through 49 states and been in all 50, just short of my half-century.
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loggenrock
New Hampshire
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We took the marine hiway from Haines to Skagway this summer - no trouble for us in a 'B' - but did watch a 5er have to back ON to the boat in Haines. Yes, there were folks there to help, but it was quite a challenge for the driver. As Joe B's photos show, you load/unload from a side door - it is not a straight-on load/unload... But the guy did it - just took some time. ST
2003 Roadtrek 190P Chevy 3500, and a pair of Limmers...
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Hayes
Grand Prairie, TX
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Joined: 10/19/2000
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Last year, I had to back my 38' fifth wheel and MDT off at Skagway. The only thing that complicated the situation was that I was parked up tight next to the center wall. Once out the door I had to back up a steep ramp due to the low tide and then back around the corner on the dock before heading forward up the ramp to street level. As mentioned, just watch the crew and you will have no problems.
Hayes
Jerry, Alma & Jasper the lovable Corgi
International 4700 Custom Tow Truck (Pepaw's Pull Toy)
38' King of the Road Marquis fifth wheel.
"Running the roads seeing God's Great Creation!"
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elh0146
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 01/13/2002
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If you're in Haines and just want to visit Skagway for the day (or vice versa), there's a fast ferry that shuttles between the two towns...no need to take your RV.
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