Did the Alaska Highway Break Our RV?

[@jeffspoehr1757]

Ha! I get to be the first comment!, but I'm only the 4th like😒 Anyway, I really enjoyed this. as my wife and I get ready for long term RV travel in less than 2 yrs, knowing these things is best. Seeing the wonderful sites is fun and amazing (and going on our bucket lists) but knowing about the problems and issues is also worthwhile. Thanks a lot

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks very much Jeff. We’re glad this slightly different perspective on the journey was helpful. And have fun planning for your full timing, Thats awesome!

[@raycalandra1887]

Enjoyed your video. Nice to hear from a couple who have been RVing as long as we have. We currently have a 2021 Flagstaff Micro Lite and are really enjoying it. We also tow it with a Ram 1500. This is our 7th camper and though we are in our mid 70's, we plan to keep on going as long as we can. Enjoy the adventures!!

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks so much Raycalandra, it’s genuinely appreciated. Glad to hear you’re enjoying your Mini/MicroLite as much as we are. Happy camping!

[@remitremblay2091]

What a great video for travellers to Alaska!! We went this summer, spent 2 months in and around Alaska + 3 monts across Canada, from one ocean to the next to Tuktoyaktuk! We had the whole things set up, with spares and more…and came back, with no problems…slow is the way to go, and most of all, 2 sets of eyes on the road at all times…it worked well for us! We did see quite a few rigs with major issues (bent frames, exploded tires, major water leaks, blown windows…the works) and the one constant was speeding! We also had to change over to a brand new set of tires, because the road is something…but the scenery IS amazing! It’s a once in a lifetime trip (it’s so far for us in Qc city…) but worth all of the time you put into it, the money you spend on it, and the memories you bring back! keep camping - it’s the best thing to connect with nature 😊 Remi (Qc city)

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks so much Remi! And thankyou for sharing your insights and experience! We agree with everything you said. So glad you had such an awesome experience!

[@barrynash1126]

Well done!! We drove the Dalton Highway last summer (2023) from Fairbanks to Deadhorse pulling a single-axle Jayco trailer. Other than constant efforts to keep all the drawers and cabinets closed (we also used bungees), a broken fresh water drain valve (plugged with a tree branch whittled to size), a water heater that refused to operate with LP, and a problematic trailer/truck plug that decided not to recharge the trailer batteries, we had few problems on our 10,500-mile trip until halfway down the Stewart-Cassier Highway, where we "almost" threw one of the trailer tires. The lug nuts had vibrated loose to the point that the wheel had been wobbling (don't know how long) and the lug bolts themselves had worn almost through. Had to drop the trailer at Meziadin Junction and drive south to find new lug bolts. After a 450-mile day searching, we found some in Terrace that would work, though needed to scrounge an angle-grinder back in Meziadin to make the heads fit. I learned a lesson that just performing a walk-around each day was not enough -- I'm henceforth committed to checking the lug nuts each day as well. Question for you: We have a newly-purchased Rockwood 2109S too (!), and plan to go back and drive the Dempster to Tuktoyaktuk this summer (2024). Am inexperienced with this model so am impressed that you felt the need to reinforce the fresh-water tank supports underneath. I have subsequently seen elsewhere on the Internet that you were very wise in doing that, since the trailer's structure was never designed to carry full 54-gal tanks, especially on rough roads. Interesting! I'd guess that the majority of trailer-folk would assume that if the tank was 54-gal, it would be engineered to carry that much volume FULL. Again, seeing the mod you made to reinforce that tank, I'd be inclined to duplicate it. Could you tell me what parts you used (and sources)? Many thanks in advance.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks Barry. That sounds like a harrowing experience with the lug nuts! Glad you caught it in time!! Re the tank reinforcements, we used a product called Uni-strut. You cab buy it at some big box home supply stores (Lowes/HD) or just about any electrical supply shop. They should have the clamps too. We also sprayed the struts with bed liner (much tougher than paint) prior to install. There is a Rockwood MiniLite/Flagstaff MicroLite Group on Facebook with quite a few posts about the support install. If youre not already a member it might be worth joining and doing a quick search there. Hope this helps. Have an amazing trip!!

[@barrynash1126]

@@TrueNorthCamping Thanks. 12-gauge on the Uni-Strut?

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Thanks for the video. I don’t think I’d want to pull out Minilite to Alaska. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I think a slide in truck camper is probably the best RV for travels to Alaska.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

We certainly saw a lot of truck campers there… in fact in Whitehorse most rental RVs there were truck campers not motorhomes. You’re quite right, The trip can be hard on trailers but for us, having a truck separate from the RV made the trip more enjoyable and convenient. No matter what you take, we hope you have a wonderful trip and adventure!!

[@Trufit99]

That was my same thought, seen a fifth wheel make it and thought it wouldn't be bad with a small trailer, this is a great video

[@martyi398]

Thanks for sharing, you guys have a lot of good tips i hadn't thought about, I was wondering if a thread locker (like a form of Loctite) might work to keep fastener/screws from vibrating loose, that may be a question to pitch to the RV builders as well since these RV's are exposed to high levels of vibration due to bad roads, I've worked in industrial manufacturing for many years and I've seen heavy duty machinery fail and break apart due to high vibration which in these examples are caused by an imbalance in the drive system or improper loading of material. There's some pretty rough roads and highways in the states, I-65 between Louisville and Bowling Green KY. is very rough lot's of potholes and worn roadway, it's on the way to one of our favorite camp spot's and we avoid it like the plague, lol

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Marty, I think your thread locker is a great idea…wish we’d thought of it😉. As far as construction goes, we found some of the screws to be to small with threads that were to fine. Replacing them with a bigger wood screw seemed to help and they tended to stay tight. Thanks again!

[@JimMFishing]

Well, there you go trying to scare me away from taking the trip of a lifetime! Thanks for giving us these pointers. I remember in the 12 part series you mentioning the dust entering the camper and was curious whether you had taken mitigation steps prior to the trip. This explained it well and is something that might should be done regardless of where one is camping. If dust can enter, so can unwanted bugs. Really appreciate you both making these videos!

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Haha, too funny Jim 😁 were glad you enjoyed this and found it helpful…you’re going to have an incredible adventure!

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Richard, we didn’t, though youve got me thinking about the thread locker - some blue locktite might have been useful in a few places. We did replace the oven burner screws with nuts/bolts/lock washers (couldn’t use lock nuts in the oven as figured the mylar would melt), and in a number of locations we replaced small factory screws with beefier real wood screws. That made all the difference with our microwave. Thanks again for your suggestions - Im sure it will help others!

[@CalicoJackxx]

Thank you for another excellent video. My wife and I will be traveling to Alaska from Washington State this Aug-Sept. We have a similar set up s you, ram 1500 with 2017 Rockwood mini lite. we love the mini lite but from the day we bought it we have been replacing hardware, usually the sheet metal screws so I replace them with nuts, washers and bolts when possible .I plan on adding the supports under the holding tanks. I will also be trying to replace the Styrofoam that was between the holding tanks and the trailer body which fell out because the adhesive was not properly applied. Thanks so much for all of your very well done videos

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks very much Gary! And have an amazing trip! Safe travels.

[@lisagardner903]

Thank you for the nice video. I love your Sheltie and I have 2 Shelties myself. My husband and I have decided not to travel to Alaska because of the terrible roads, lack of campgrounds, and gas costs. I really don't want to beat up our motorhome either. We have a 45 ft Tiffin bus and are pulling a Jeep and I can just imagine the pot holes beating us to death.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks Lisa, Shelties rock! As for rving to Alaska, it really is about taking your time and going slow whenever necessary. And if concerns still persist, some people will fly up and rent an rv for 2 or 3 weeks….

[@Steve-yo4ld]

Well done, thank you!✌️

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks Steve!

[@raymondthom1699]

Great video and some excellent lessons learned. Meanwhile at the other end of the globe in Australia, we have some pretty tough road conditions as well. What I do with screws and nuts and bolts is loosen the screw or nut off just a touch and apply a drop of Loctite or SuperGlue then tighten them up. I’ve never had an issue after that.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks Raymond. And love the Locktite idea!!

[@ShawnPatterson402]

Very interesting and excellent advice. We have not been to Alaska yet, but we have towed our travel trailers well over 50,000 km since late 2016 so needless to say there has been some interesting roads. Lots of screw tightening for sure. One episode with dishes broken on the floor, and one other episode with a fridge absolutely filled with orange juice, but other than that, our vigilance with similar security bars you have in your fridge and cupboards, and keeping an eye on everything after every travel day and we really have not had anything even remotely close to a disaster. Just all part of RV life. As always, safe travels.....

[@TrueNorthCamping]

50,000 kms - That’s some incredible travels. Glad to hear your rig has held up well!

[@ShawnPatterson402]

Yes we do get around it seems. That is not all one rig though, it is actually a total of 3 different trailers. About 14,000km on a 2016 Hideout, then another 14000km or so on a 2019 Salem Cruise light, and now we are at about 26,500km on our current 2021 Cougar. A total of just under 400 nights in that time period. Hopefully lots more to come. @@TrueNorthCamping

[@PhotoAlbert]

Very helpful indeed! My brother and I are planning our trip to Alaska and we've found your videos very helpful. One thing we both thought was a terrific idea was the support beams you added to the underside of your rig. We'd really like to see are the details of how you did that. We want to add the same reinforcement to our trailers. Thanks for another great video! Hope you re both doing well!

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks very much Albert. We’re glad the videos were helpful! Re the unistrut water tank supports, I recommend joining the Rockwood Mini Lite - Flagstaff Micro Lite Facebook group and then search for ‘unistrut’ - youll find many posts with great info from members there that have made this mod….hope this helps!!

[@russbeaton2815]

Just watch 12 episodes. Loved it. We plan to go same basic trip in May/Jun 24 and we are starting from Lombardy Ontario. Would love to chat about it. Russ

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks so much….really glad you enjoyed the series!

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Fell free to send an email… since you’re so close maybe we could get together for a coffee to chat.

[@andreagoodling2133]

Keep up with the videos. I enjoy them so much. You guys do a awesome job.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

That’s very kind Andrea, thank you! We have three more we’re currently working on 😉

[@TNTRVing]

Thanks for sharing your adventure to Alaska. Your new subs Tony & Tina

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks so much guys. It’s genuinely appreciated!

[@katfish000]

Very smart 😊

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thank you 🤗

[@deadfrogracing7943]

Great video. I have the same camper as you.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Thanks. Hope you’re loving your 2109!

[@nickipiaget7703]

Could you please a se share the type of refrigerator lock you use.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

We removed the factory pin and replaced it with a coupler pin, also called a latch pin. Hope this helps.

[@dennisw.truman3325]

We have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with bed topper pulling a 2021 NuCamp Tag XL Boon-dock camper trailer. How do you think we would do?

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Dennis, Im afraid I don’t know enough about your Tacomas towing capabilities or the weight of your trailer. Imho it’s important not to just be within the trucks towing weight but also within its payload capacity. If you’re good on those you could be okay but remember youll be in the mountains so expect the truck ( and brakes) to get a bit of a workout. Sorry I couldn’t provide a more helpful answer.

[@dennisw.truman3325]

@@TrueNorthCamping Towing capacity and the camper are well within limits. Plus I have a 5 speed automatic transmission so lower gear ratio.

[@TrueNorthCamping]

@@dennisw.truman3325 👍👍 have an amazing journey!

[@barrynash1126]

Terry -- One last question re. the Uni-Strut reinforcement of the fresh-water tank. Did you subsequently run the trailer on your TOTW trip with full (or mostly-full FW tank)?

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Barry, yes we did. Unless we knew we had reservations at a campground with hookups where water would be available, we traveled with a full ( or mostly full) tank. On the ToTW Hwy we had planned to boondock near the border, so tanks were full.

[@russbeaton2815]

Where did you buy the little rods that you used in the fridge and cupboards? And the child lock for the drawer? Tks Russ

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Russ, we got the bars on Amazon - Camco 44055 28" RV Refrigerator Bars, Holds Food and Drinks in Place During Travel, Spring Loaded and Extends Between 16" and 28", Gray, 3 Pack a.co/d/1Qbv1ou The child locks I think came from CDN Tire. Hope this helps.

[@shoresguy48080]

I also have the 2109s and am planning a trip to Alaska did you buy the water tank supports or is it something you made?

[@TrueNorthCamping]

We made them from Uni-struts. Youll find them at electrical supply stores and some lowes or home depots. Spryed them with bed liner in stead of paint. If you search on line or in the Rockwood MiniLite facebook page you’ll find quite a bit of info on how to make them. Have a great trip!

[@richardbillin5190]

Just curious for every loose wood screw and loose nuts and bolts before retightening did you use wood glue or Lock Tight to prevent those from loosening again?

[@TrueNorthCamping]

Hi Richard, we didn’t, though youve got me thinking about the thread locker - some blue locktite might have been useful in a few places. We did replace the oven burner screws with nuts/bolts/lock washers (couldn’t use lock nuts in the oven as figured the mylar would melt), and in a number of locations we replaced small factory screws with beefier real wood screws. That made all the difference with our microwave. Thanks again for your suggestions - Im sure it will help others!

[@AndyMartin-mi3nn]

Where did you get those tank supports?

[@TrueNorthCamping]

They are Uni-Strut. You can find them at most eletrical supply shops and some of the big box home improvement stores.