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RE: ALASKA! Driving from California to Anchorage...
In 2017, we pulled a fifth wheel to Alaska from North Idaho. We left May 15th, and had mostly great weather. The roads are muddy from the oil workers, but actually better than I-5 in most places. Speed is limited to taking pictures of the scenery and animals.
There are frost heaves but most are marked by that time of year. There were all sorts of places to pull over for the night, but never go under 1/2 tank of fuel--we planned for gas at one place, but it was closed and barely made the next fuel stop (we used the 5 gallon gas jug on board to make it).
Anchorage is a dingy place, but there is a RV park very close to a great Costco (with their famous chicken!). Don't miss their "zoo" that's just outside of town.
Soldotna (Fred Meyers) is a great place to stop and explore. There are oil rigs, fishing, good food, and most import, a laundry.
Seward is a must stop if you want a RV place right on the water.
Homer Spit has RV parking at the fishing hole, right on the water. It's an easy walk into the shops for ice cream.
About 2.5 miles South of Ninalchik, there is RV camping in a park at the side of the highway, but if you go down the steep paved road, there are many boondocking sites right on the water. There also is a boat loading place there that uses log skidders to put the boats in. Also, if there might be a tsunami, you'll be the first to know--it's that close to the water.
We also went into Denali about 30 miles to camp for a few days--very cool. We did get a bug North of Denali that made all of us pretty sick.
Fairbanks is another dingy town, but has all the goodies that you need .We spend about $1.00 per mile overall --7000 miles and $7000 in expenses. I would hook it upi and go again!!!!
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Blazing Zippers
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01/12/22 09:30pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Ever heard of this?
I used to drive a tricked out '67 Ford 4X4 with a built 390 engine. At 6000 feet elevation, there wasn't much piston knock, but near sea level in the heat---Zowwiee! The water injection quieted the knock almost completely. The system was a pain to maintain and regulate. I took it off one day and threw it far away.
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Blazing Zippers
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11/30/21 09:36pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Wine Country north of San Francisco
As of 9/19/21, there are large wildfires at the trees. It probably will be shut down for the fall. Sorry.
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Blazing Zippers
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09/19/21 10:26pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: 2-1/2” Hitch extension?
With regard to decreased capacity of an extended shank---I've had two of them on two different trucks. No problem at all. On my current set up, the Equilizer hitch actually takes up a fair amount of the weight transferred to the truck.
Anyway, they have worked well for me, and I can lower the tailgate without denting it on the hitch. It also allows tighter turns too.
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Blazing Zippers
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09/19/21 10:22pm |
Towing
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RE: Pre-planning for first long duration trip upon retirement
Whoa!!! Somebody made a booboo. The road to the Badlands would be I-90, not I-80. Whew!
In 2017, we left North Idaho on May 15th heading to Alaska. The weather was just beginning to turn nice, but some mud on the roads from the oil companies in Canada. The lower Canada roads were a little short on "pull over: spots, but once we got higher toward the Alcan, more places appeared to stop for the night.
It took us a week to get to Tok, about 2600 miles from home. You have about twice that distance each way. When you drive to Ak, you have to go through Tok each way--nice RV places with wash racks to clean the goop off the rig.
We used a credit card for gas purchases, which got the best exchange. Canada means higher prices for everything.
We installed Rock Tamers on the truck, which helped the front of the trailer, but they really threw the gravel to the sides. Also put in a screen in front to the radiator, but never needed it. Never had any damage from driving or other drivers.
Stop often, visit museums, absorb the culture, got to the zoo south of Anchorage, visit Homer, Seward, Denali, & Fairbanks.
The BEST RV trip ever.
The cost ran about $1.00 a mile for everything---$7,000 total. This included a Halibut trip, some eating out, some RV parks, Denali bus trip, ice cream, and a stop at the Salty Dog.
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Blazing Zippers
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09/06/21 10:21pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: TPMS question?
I placed the booster on the battery box in the front of the trailer--connected to the left clearance light of the trailer. We always run with the lights on, so when the lights are on, the booster is on.
Taa Daah! Works great.
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Blazing Zippers
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09/06/21 09:52pm |
Towing
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RE: Porsche as a tow vehicle? Depends on the trailer . . .
Come to think of it, I've seen a partridge in a pear tree, but never a Porsche towing a trailer.
Me thinks I must get out more.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/25/21 09:23pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Brand New, Just beginning process
WHEW!! Lots of "discussion" here.
When we started looking in 2005, we set requirements that we wanted.
A sofa. Large, enclosed, heated tanks. Nice bathing area (not in the hallway). Small enough to park anywhere. Affordable.
Well, in 2018, we moved into our perfect tow behind. Finally. This is our 4th unit. Looong story.
The moral here is that the first trailer you decide upon might soon be replaced by a "better" one.
Have fun looking.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/25/21 09:18pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: How does a longer shank affect backing?
I've towed two 30 foot trailers with two different Ram trucks--using extended shank hitches.
No problems at all. The trailer will track slightly closer to the truck track. When backing, the trailer can be turned sharper than when using a short shank.
As far as the hitch causing huge weight changes to the front axle, I haven't had any issues at all. I have an Equilizer brand hitch and towed about 25,000 miles with this type set up.
Your results may vary.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/20/21 11:31pm |
Towing
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RE: Buying a new 25ft, 4 season TT - Are these high quality?
We went to a Outdoor Timber Ridge. it's similar to Arctic Fox, made right down the street, uses frames welded at AF, and have had pretty good luck with it.
One owner lives in Alaska and camps in the winter with his. He's crazy, but my hat's off to him. He posted a pic where the thermometer read -28 degrees. He does things to keep the rig from clumping into a ball of ice, but just the fact he's out there is a statement for the brand.
For the record, we've owned both a Nash and a Arctic Fox. The Outdoor fits us nicely and has given us about 18,000 miles of use in every weather condition from Washington state, Florida, Cali, and most of all--in Idaho.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/12/21 09:07pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Idaho fires
As written before---a situation can boil up in minutes, literally. Plan carefully and enjoy our great state.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/11/21 10:29pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: TPMS valve stems issue
For the post that stated Discount Tire---They are the only company here that has the tires we want, but when I said "metal valve stems"---they looked at me like cows in a field do when you sing to them.
Come on, we all have sung to a cow at some time in our lives.....
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Blazing Zippers
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08/11/21 05:59pm |
Tech Issues
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TPMS valve stems issue
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 30270252
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Blazing Zippers
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08/11/21 08:43am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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TPMS valve stems issue
I installed a TST TPMS set of tire monitors on our trailer, and they work well. The wheels are fancy aluminum rims that came on the unit.
However, the valve stems leak due to the centrifugal force placed upon them. I've replaced them, but again, they leak.
Apparently, I have to get a metal type of valve stem installed on the wheels, but finding the correct brand and type is a mystery as the tire shops don't speak "valve stem."
Anyone with knowledge please get back with a brand of stem or where I can get info???
Thanks........................
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Blazing Zippers
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08/11/21 08:43am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Need advise from the Ram Owners
2016 Ram, 6.4 hemi, 4WD, crew cab---towing a 10,300 lb fifth wheel and now a 10,000 lb travel trailer. When I buy another truck, it will be a copy of what I currently drive.
16 MPG empty at 70 + miles per hour. 8.1 to 9.5 MPG towing average for over 30,000 miles towing.
The new 6.4 hemi's have a 8 speed trans that would be a great improvement over what I currently have.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/05/21 11:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: New 4" heavy duty bumper cannot fit Rhino drain hose inside
If one buys a corner fence post, it will have openings on two sides---place one opening facing front and the other opening downwards. Drainage and circulation! I've made 4 of these and all worked well-50,000 miles well. They all contain 2 long sections, the screw in dump thingy, the elbow, and heavy rubber gloves.
I mounted all on top of the metal sewer hose holder with whatever was available for spacers to keep the plastic off the metal.
One end has a cap screwed on, and the other end (in my cheap thinking)has the cap held on by two pieces of coat hanger stuck through holes in the cap and sewer pipe. Never had a problem.
Even might match the color of your trailer in some cases.
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Blazing Zippers
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08/05/21 10:55pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: RV Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
Election day, 2020--Gas was $1.95
July, 16th, 2021-gas is $3.25
News stated the gas is the highest it's been in 7 years. Not claiming anything here, but-the same party was in office then as now.
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Blazing Zippers
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07/19/21 11:37pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Highway speeds - Keep your distance!
I think California is teaching deer to read the "deer crossing" signs, so they know where to cross.
I'm here all week....
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Blazing Zippers
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07/19/21 11:27pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Truck - family of 5 and 65lb dog
Anyone remember when it was cool to ride in the pick up bed? Or put a large tarp in the bed and fill it with water?
AHHHHHH, the good old days and the scars to prove it.
I know, off topic.....
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Blazing Zippers
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07/06/21 10:14pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Travel thoughts 2021
Grit Dog, you sly devil---commenting on the way governments work without being obvious about it. Good job.
As far as my supporting Walmart, yes we do stop there. The lots are big enough to get the rig into, and we usually only purchase goods like meat, milk, veggies, and wine. Oh, and to check out the other customer fashions.
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Blazing Zippers
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07/03/21 07:41pm |
General RVing Issues
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