How to Plan and Budget for an Alaska RV Trip & What it Cost Us to Go | Go North Explore More

[@johninYVR]

This is one of the better Planning for Alaska videos on the internet. Well done. In the end you said that your total cost for the 6 month trip was about $16,000. That's only about $88 per day, which I think is fantastic. Especially if you included your activities of planes, helicopters, fishing jet skis, regular skis etc. We have travelled on motorcycles with friends from Alaska to Mexico and all over Canada and the US for the past two decades. General rule of thumb when we started: plan on $150 per couple per day for everything. A few years ago it was $200 per day and last year it was nudging up to $250. Now retired, we are switching to RV's (we have a 45' DP) and are finding that the costs are about the same as motorcycling ten years ago: The nightly costs are much less (no motel), the bed is way more comfortable, the food better but the entertainment seems to be much more expensive because we are doing more and everything seems to cost more. Keep smiling and keep the videos coming.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@carmancloud]

I’m from Alaska, have driven the Alcan more times than I can count, and I was BLOWN away by how much you fit into your trip! You did an incredible job planning and I thoroughly loved watching my “favorite place on earth” through your eyes. Thank you! 👏👍💫

[@MortonsontheMove]

:) thanks!

[@metaxaanabeer]

Just to add to the general info here; I'm on Vancouver Island and we camp in our Teardrop all over northern BC, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Last year we did the length of the Alcan Highway, the trip up the Dempster to the Arctic Ocean and back down via the Cassier. We moved at a middle speed pace and the entire month and a half cost a bit less than $2,500. So do it for 6 months like the Morton's did and you have +/-$10,000...that's Canadian dollars and includes the $300 or so ferry fares I have to pay to get on and off the Island. So it doesn't have to cost a lot and we don't scrimp on the food quality or booze brand any longer. Could be done for less too. Just do it, it is a marvelous trip.

[@robertmock7509]

One year later, yet one of the better vlogs on traveling to Alaska. Thank you.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindaard913]

I am watching the Go North series now. Loving it!! You two are great together and fun to watch. I travelled to Alaska in 2016 and have many wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thank you! :)

[@TravelswithYoly]

Loved the video series and we are now fantasizing about a trip to Alaska now. As such we really found this video of great interest. We are long time retirees living off of social security so we don't have anywhere near the budget that you guys did. In 2017 we toured western Canada in our truck camper from our home in Georgia covering about 9K miles and took in many of the popular Canadian National Parks and snuck in a few of the touristy adventures like the gondola rides to the mountain tops at Banff and Jasper. We stopped and stayed at Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks and took a boat tour on Lake Yellowstone. We do not eat out very often. Our trip spanned 6 weeks and we had an absolutely fantastic time. We managed our expenses and ended with a total expenditure of $1800. The USD to CAD exchange rate really helped a lot. My point here is that I think we could plan an Alaska trip over maybe 3 months and keep it under $5K. We don't need to go to the Arctic Circle but we could still get to experience much that Alaska has to offer. Maybe we'll call our video series "Alaska on a Budget" :-) Now if only these gas prices hold until we can travel safely again !

[@carmancloud]

Travels with Yoly The boondocking options are available everywhere and if you skip the tours and just go hiking, fishing and exploring, then the big cost is just the fuel to get there and around. Not that the flight seeing and Katmai wouldn’t be amazing!

[@TravelswithYoly]

@@carmancloud Yes, I agree Carman :-) We've been retired for 14 years and have traveled 10K miles a year for the last 10 years so we have a pretty good idea of how to do what we like to do. I agree that having lots of boondocking options is key to keeping expenses down. We've traveled every state except ND and Alaska. I usually don't opt for the rather high cost of out of state fishing licenses so fishing isn't a requirement for us. Hiking, exploring and making videos is key to our entertainment. We appreciate nature and thrive on being out in it. Fuel has always been the biggest expense and it sure is presenting an opportunity as it is now. The Mortons basically spent 6 months in their adventuring and I think we could be happy with half that :-)

[@carmancloud]

Travels with Yoly That’s awesome. I was going to head back up this summer (and the gas prices would have been ideal) but with the border closure probably extending another month I think it will have to be next year. I hope you have a fabulous time though!

[@MortonsontheMove]

I think you are very right! It really comes down to just making a budget that works for you. Truthfully as this is our life this was only about 6 k above our normal expenses for this time period anyway.

[@TravelswithYoly]

@@carmancloud We're likely staying put for the remainder of the year unless there is concrete data and evidence indicating that it is safe to travel again.

[@smileystevie9662]

Great planning tips for a road trip to Alaska. Thanks for sharing.

[@MortonsontheMove]

You're welcome!

[@ckc7836]

Thank you for the great sharing! Very informative!

[@jaimelyn6710]

I love this!!! Thanks for all the great info ❤️❤️

[@j.r.3215]

Best video (series) on Alaska (Go North) info for expenses, adventures and how to. Presentation was fantastic, good job Caitlin.

[@darisanshanger1616]

Wow!! What a Great video!! Thank you

[@MortonsontheMove]

You're welcome!

[@randyshay7280]

Great watching!

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thank you!

[@garlandstyle5797]

I saved this video JUST in case we decide to go to Alaska. I've watched it 2 times now, getting the itch! We've stayed overnight in all the 48 lower states, but STILL? Alaska is haunting me. You answered a lot of questions about gas. My primary concern. Thank you very much, I'll watch this a couple more times easily.

[@heatherumpherville6641]

Loved your video. Started planning for semi retirement a few years ago. Just bought my truck 10 days ago. For now it’s camping . Back seat folds up throw a 4 inch foamy down and the bed is so comfy. Bought 1500 Dodge Ram with a hemi engine v8 4 x4. Plan to put a light camper, maybe a lance 650 or a pop up camper then travel 6 months work 6 months roaming North America. I live 50 feet from the fraser river in northern Bc. Glad you liked my town and the ancient rainforest.

[@steamdome820]

My first time watching your channel as I start to plan my trip there. You have a gift for concise and pleasant delivery of very good advice. Thanks so much!

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thank you!

[@Kovaction]

We planned in Alaska trip last year. We've logged the entire thing. Our videos show the experiences more so than helping planning. Because everything about Alaska is ungodly expensive. The activities we did range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The bear expedition being the most expensive thing we've ever done in our lives but also the most rewarding.

[@lfisher8154]

Wonderful info. Any general thoughts or concerns in doing the trip in 28' MBZ based RV without 4 wheel drive? It seemed like several of the shots in your video were unpaved.

[@sporluck]

Milepost is a must. But, your experience is much different than doing the same trip in January. Less locations opened, including gas stations. Not to mention the temperatures so cold you can't turn your vehicle off for the night as you travel.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Yes that would be very different.

[@jodycoyote3916]

what an amazing overview. thanks for all the work on this video

[@carvingthecottonwood]

Helpful, clear, easy to apply the info to various budgets and situations... what a great video! Thanks!

[@goa1395]

Thank u so much this is very informative

[@MortonsontheMove]

You're welcome!

[@007nait]

Love your series all the way and congrats on your milestone!

[@davidgray3717]

I have loved your Go North series. It is entertaining, informative and personal and edited and produced at such a high level. Thank you for this recap of how you approached your planning and budgeting. You both offer so much to the RV community. My wife and I pick up our RV in the next week or so and retirement is one year away and counting. I would love to be able to plan a summer and enjoy Alaska. Thanks for your inspiration and the resources you have provided.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks, and good luck that is so exciting!

[@jamesholloway2284]

Thanks 😊

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks for watching, If you want to learn more about Alaska be sure to check out the corresponding blog post! - www.mortonsonthemove.com/travelblog/planning-the-cost-of-an-alaska-roadtrip

[@sdb3039]

We're really impressed with the quality of your videos, they're very entertaining and well made

[@OutdoorSugar]

When it comes to food, I understand the budgeting. However, I never factor in food as part of a trip cost. Doesn’t matter where you are, you have to eat, so I think it’s a wash. If you’re not on the road buying food, then you’re at home buying food. Eating out is a different story. Great planning video 👍 The “Go North” series was amazing. Have watched it 3x. Congrats on doing it, love it. Be well.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thank you!

[@dogman1264]

WELL DONE OVERVIEW, good sound, and video quality. Showing MAPS routes wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@steveleonard1227]

A great video on where to start a long adventure - detailed planning. For all those planning a similar trip north, your GO NORTH series on KZbin will become thee GO TO resource for the next 5-10 years. I spent months searching KZbin for videos showing the roads, towns and camping in the north for our 2018 trip from southern Ontario to the west coast and to Tuk. And I only found bits and pieces. BTW, after calculating the distance we were going to travel in 4 months, we realized that it was going to be a driving holiday. It was not going to be a "sit for a month in one spot" trip. So dragging our 32’ 5th trailer behind our F250 made no sense. Thanks again.

[@MortonsontheMove]

It is a crazy long drive.

[@jameswbarry9576]

Great video I just retired ya it's on the bucket list Alaska I have a new pickup truck and looking towing camper or truck camper so I have been doing my homework so yes it's the planing for the trip is there a time change going through Canada to Alaska take care happy camping

[@MortonsontheMove]

Best of luck!

[@jameswbarry9576]

@@MortonsontheMove thanks

[@bobcathey8903]

A modern 1-ton dually capable of carrying a very large slide in camper is typically over 75k plus the cost of the camper itself. I do not see where your budget covers these costs as well as international health insurance, passport, border fees, etc. Perhaps these are assumed costs in you budget but not clear. Since you mentioned your vehicle costs were not included, the typical cost for the average person would be much more. It would be appropriate to explain this in your video. Very informative! Best regards!

[@MortonsontheMove]

The truck and truck camper were on loan to us from Lance, so we did not factor in those cost. However, you're right. If someone were to buy a new truck and camper, that would increase the total cost of this trip significantly. We also have an article we wrote about the cost of full-time RVing in general, where we go into some of the more day-to-day expenses. You may find it interesting as well: mortonsonthemove.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-full-time-rv/

[@normangebhardt2092]

That cost seems quite reasonable considering all you did, everything that you visited and the length of time you were away from the lower 48. Really enjoyed watching your journey and your beautifully presented videos. Very professional all the way. During the 50s when I was in grade school we had numerous presentations from people in their 70s and 80s that spent their retirement years giving wildlife and travel video presentations to schools using large speakers with the reverb turned way up. This has nothing to do with you guys but just think, after 70 years of waiting we finally have the real deal professionally presented without all the loud music while watching the most beautiful scenery. Thanks.

[@MortonsontheMove]

:) thanks. Thats interesting about the presentations lol. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@ftkinsella]

Thanks so much for the information. Alaska and Tuktoyatuk are on my bucket list, especially Tuk. My dad spoke about it for a long time but he never got there. Happy New Year guys. Have a wonderful 2021.❤️🇨🇦❤️ Cheers!!!

[@MortonsontheMove]

Happy New Year! We hope you do make it to Alaska someday!

[@Northwoods208]

Made the journey in every manner possible, to every corner of Alaska (I've been splitting time between Alaska and the 48 my whole adult life) driving is actually the most costly way to do it. The ferry is expensive too, but that eliminates hotel rooms in Canada, and wear and tear on your vehicle, and the fuel. The fuel and hotels alone add up to a ferry ride. And thats for someone who isnt vacationing, just getting from A to B. Flying is definitely the cheapest easiest way.

[@judeca2009]

Excellent, very detailed review!! Thank you so much!!!

[@ijblessjourney]

Love the entire serie and admin videos. Thank you for the virtual journey, loved it!

[@RVersity]

I hear tons of people going to Alaska. I'm not sure if I'd like it there. But, I'm sure it something to make a trip of at least once in life. Interesting breakdown. Thanks for such a through explanation of everything you've learned! Planning is the key to save money and have a good time on any RV trip. I learned that the hard way. - Bloggin Brandi

[@williamumbach592]

Thanks so much for showing your average fuel cost per gallon AND what the US average was. $0.50 more per gallon really is more helpful (as fuel is now approaching $5-$7 per gallon) than just saying your cost that summer.

[@edwurmb129]

Would you comment on how or where you kept your dogs when bear watching, excursions, or the National parks? Thanks.

[@MortonsontheMove]

We hired a rover to come let them out.

[@FilmFestful]

Outstanding review...we did almost the same type of trip including up the Alaska Hwy back the Cassier. So right about BC...so many amazing places to see in Western Canada, not to miss. I was thinking about 2 weeks on the way back to the US...did 6 weeks! :) Great summary of the planning and costs! Fun following you guys.

[@ashleymarks6144]

This is THE comprehensive RV Alaska video. Wow! Well written, excellent storytelling (B-Roll must have taken FORever to edit together!), and informative. Congratulations on a yet another amazing video and quality content.

[@jasonbooker4546]

Thanks! This was helpful

[@jameseastwood4984]

Great content. It's an interesting choice of vehicle, I see the appeal, it's 4x4, and you can detach the cabin and have a run-about without needing to tow a smaller vehicle. It did look a little less stable, I noticed it slowly rolling from side to side when you pulled up in the gas station. It would benefit from have thicker anti-roll bars front and back, although this would then reduce your articulation of the axles on uneven ground. Greetings from the UK.

[@ronkropf3280]

Very informative 👏 Succinctly and concisely laid out.... Contagiously optimistic and positive presentation.🙏😁

[@davidbladen5667]

Thank you for sharing your vast thoughts and ideas. Your channel is by far the most comprehensive travel guide on Alaska that I have seen on the net. Went to Alaska in 1975 and want to see it again while I still can.

[@mikedean8061]

Loved the series. Like the how things in the rig worked out vid. This plan and budget vid was very informative as well. Great job to both of you and I will be looking for more travel vids down the road after this COVID-19 situation improves for travelers....

[@jameseastwood4984]

Did you consider taking the ferry up or down the West coast?

[@glenrose74218]

The series was great. i want to do that so bad. Question about paying for things: Did you mostly used credit cards and have some cash hidden away or have ATMs planned at various locations?

[@MortonsontheMove]

Mostly credit cards. We did have some cash but only used it for some campgrounds. We took us cash and found that we could exchange it at CBIC in Canada with no charge.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I would absolutely love to drive the exact rig that you drove! It gives the best of all worlds! A diesel, four wheel drive four door pickup truck for adventures and a pretty decent sized home in the back with your incredible Battleborn lithium batteries that you helped assemble.

[@bobcathey8903]

They did not mention that their 75-95k truck and cost of their 50k+ camper, etc., etc., were not included in their expenses. This video/trip was sponsored. In this day of "honestly" these costs to the typical RVer should be included. Please correct me if I am inaccurate.

[@williamthawley9251]

in 2018 we took a 5 week cross country tour, in a Subaru legacy. we often ate at sites where we bought our groceries, we carried a cooler with us. we did budge, and we came home under budget. it is very important to budget, and having extra money is also good. we are both retired, and living on a fixed income. this was the only vacation we took that year. we did exactly what you did and it works. your trip was beautiful, I have almost looked at every video.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Love it!

[@interestinglyenough7601]

Interesting and informative

[@rypmcguire]

What was the payload of the 2019 F350? Curious as Im in the market now, working through options. Please let me know. Thank you.

[@kennethhieke6623]

A great analysis re: logistics. We might be making this trek w fewer stops in a year or two. Thanks for the pointers. It makes a huge difference!

[@christopherbarton7625]

Thanks For the video. Very informative.

[@XtraClase]

I love his videos. I thought it was very uncomfortable to travel in a Truck Camper, but I see that it is not. Congratulations. I follow them youtube.

[@keishaeutsey-hilt2119]

GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@lmtada]

Good video. Drove from Edmonton to Inuvik 36 hours, with short stopover in Whitehorse. Two drivers non-stop. Twinkies/coffee. 😁 If you travelling by yourself, then pickup a hitch hiker and let them drive. Lol. I have done this, while I slept……win/win situation. Little crazy, but fun.

[@kjaoyamatx]

Fantastic video! I’ve been watching Alaska videos for two years and yours answered so many questions. Thank you. We really enjoy your channel.

[@allanwarmflash3462]

great info guys safe travels loved your Alaska vids safe travels how did you fifth wheel hold up in storage

[@MortonsontheMove]

The fifth wheel did fine. The cover etched the getcoat a bit due to high wind and sand but otherwise fine!

[@allanwarmflash3462]

@@MortonsontheMove glad stay safe

[@markowsley4954]

Another great video! Enjoyed the whole Go North series. Totally agree that if you’re going to Alaska budget for the fun stuff. I would not want to regret not doing the once in a life activity while there.

[@exploringnext1111]

How did you protect your dog from bugs?

[@AngelTorres-se9zf]

I've seen the entire go north and enjoyed every bit of it. Seeing you in your fifthwheel seemed strange because I was so used to seeing you guys in the truck camper, lol. Thank you for sharing, stay safe and happy camping 😎

[@mcso911]

I know this video is a little old, but what did you do about the dogs and mosquitoes?

[@SouthernDirtGardener]

Thank you so much for this information! Your channel has inspired us to book a trip this July. I'll be be so much more organized now because this information!! Thanks again! Keep up the good work!

[@traveller9625]

You two and Nikki and Jason have been stamped out of the same cookie sheet. Great video luv you guys

[@RVersity]

Love the Wynns!

[@timjohnson2592]

My question is; “how did you convince your sponsors (Arctic Fox, Battle Born Batteries, etc.) to support this fantastic adventure?

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks! They make awesome content.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Long story, but it was a very organic decision amongst all involved so no real convincing

[@garyhoward8278]

you better check everything out first on the alcan highway you are required to carry extra fuel . i travel it alot from Alaska down thru Canada

[@jamesbaxter2812]

Katie, you crossed an international border. I think going to Canada is easy but coming back. What do you need or what you can't have. Thanks

[@INTERVENTIONALRADIOL]

Great video, Cait. This was so helpful for our trip next year to Alaska. We plan on being there for 3-3 1/2 months. All your videos on Alaska were very informative and entertaining.

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

Such detail and value here!!

[@laurachristensen5022]

We are planning a trip for next summer. Do you have an itinerary you can share? I’d love it as a starting point.

[@bobw9297]

like your blog , i have been watching for a long time , maybe you could expand on alternative travel modes such as small cars and tenting or trains , planes . it has been done with by many for far less. We did the trip from Toronto a few years ago and we did about 50 / 50 on camp ground , we have a dodge 2 wheel drive pickup and a 20 foot trailer , long story short the bill came in at just under $10 thousand

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Awesome Alaska preparation overview, we are planning our summer 2021trip now. You didn’t mention caravanning or taking the trip in a group of Rv’s . Larry

[@MortonsontheMove]

Yes we did that for the RVers show and wasen't really part of go north. But after we looked at it the cost of that total caravan actually might make sense for everything you get.

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Cait Cait and more Cait this week LOL. BTW best episode of the RVers so far this past weekend IMO.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Thanks Joe!

[@coffenut]

I just stumbled across this. Excellent t job. Now I have to go back a d watch the series (g). How did you handle the dogs when you were camping in National Parks that have pet restrictions? Ok. Off to find the series.

[@MortonsontheMove]

National parks allow pets in Campgrounds and the on roads. When in the parks we were just limited to how long we could be away although twice we had a rover stop to let them out.

[@TheKandyGuy]

Good video and good advice much appreciated , be safe and have fun..!!

[@natei3518]

Excellent job. You may have mentioned it, my apologies if you did, but one of the major expenses will actually be the time off and away from work that may be required for a trip of this size. Just a thought. Nice video.

[@MortonsontheMove]

Very true.

[@rambalram2610]

Good information....

[@chrisnwilm]

Absolutely LOVE your UP necklace!

[@mudgrippmike3489]

good info and nice t-shirt

[@eotwawki9238]

Pretty accurate cost I would say. When we do our road trips, around the lower 48. Anywhere between 6000 to 12000 miles. Yes we do extended trips too. Our cost is about 1.00 per mile. Fun and entertainment is worth it.

[@mhaskins3769]

That is exactly our breakdown cost as well 1$ per mile. Except 2020, .75 cents a mile due to super low fuel costs. Thanks covid😊

[@jc525exc]

Great- thanks for sharing good information!

[@OMARZAKIALIRAQEY]

Cool thx for the info 16k is good ✌️

[@Keith80027]

I been to Alaska twice and this is a great thought out planning for going to Alaska by truck.

[@SchakLife]

Great Video!

[@MortonsontheMove]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timcombes9054]

Your trip was very exciting and the videos were superb! Good info on budget and prior planning! May God continue to bless and keep you all (y'all)!!

[@gregsharma3924]

Did you spend most of your time traveling through Canada?

[@mollymartian9969]

great video, thanks! do you need 4WD for most boondocking locations? i just have a 2WD van. thank you :)

[@MortonsontheMove]

Most locations can be accessed by 2wd for sure! We were only in 4 in the worst cases. You can always find a spot tho.

[@mollymartian9969]

@@MortonsontheMove cool! thank you! :)

[@Arent89]

Saw the Dow jacket make an appearance. Is that were you worked before going full time? I'm down at LAO.

[@TheParag18]

Hi, just wanted to understand that as you are running this channel from quite some time how much is the struggle to get sponsorships for your projects? And how you tackle those

[@gutbeerli1041]

Can you tell my what kind of antena you use to amplify the signal?

[@MortonsontheMove]

The rooftop antennas picked up signal great on their own and they were poynting. The cell booster was the rv65 directional antenna with the weboost kit. Goth them from mobile must have www.mobilemusthave.com/?AffId=6

[@exbassguide]

I am van-life trip to Alaska in 2021. Thank you for all the information! It was very helpful!

[@theresaboudreau2206]

What about the cost for your rental vehicle?

[@7jimtemple]

Are your “explore” tee shirts still available?

[@Jeff-rs6ki]

Did the estimated costs include the cost of the RV? Rent for an RV in Alaska is $250-300 per day for a month or $7,500 for 28 days so what wouid 6 months cost?

[@MortonsontheMove]

We did not include the cost of the RV for our calculations as it was loaned to us by Lance. We did not rent it. Otherwise, you're right. If you're renting an RV, you'd want to factor that cost in as well.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Thanks Caitlin, my wife and I would like to make this trip in a couple of years, Covid-19 allowing. Actually from your cost estimate it doesn't sound like it's a whole lot more than just living. I assume that the $15,000 to $20,000 figure does not include things like insurance, and the other daily items of living in an RV. I really look forward to your videos. Please keep the good stuff coming.

[@MortonsontheMove]

That actually did cover our insurance, but you need to run the numbers for yourself. Yes the cost was not much more than our baseline costs for life. 6-8k more for the summer.

[@bobhewlett3633]

Excellent video! Thanks.

[@yomibaroudeurs]

Thank You 🙏

[@mhaskins3769]

When we travel in the lower 48 I plan on about 300 miles a day. Is that possible once in Canada and Alaska? Or is that too many miles per day? Thanks plan on going 2021!

[@rickbartley9255]

A very nicely thought out and well done presentation. I'm curious if you were buying gasoline or diesel? We drive a converted bus, is a 45' length going to be an issue?

[@MortonsontheMove]

We were diesel. It's just as available as gas everywhere we went.

[@mrutan6055]

My what a big truck camper 1172 mine is a 825