Our RV History

When we decided to get into RVing back in 1991 we decided on a 5th wheel trailer because Louis was a ‘Truck Driver’. We traded in our VW Jetta for a Chevy ‘heavy ½ ton’ pick-up (GAS) and then purchased a 22 foot Terry Resort by Fleetwood. This was a very compact little trailer but came complete with a queen size bed that went across the front, a small bathroom with a ‘tiny’ shower, a walk through galley with a fridge, stove/oven, microwave (we added), a couch and table with bench seats that each dropped down to create additional beds. We had a built-in stereo, air conditioner and also an awning. 

1991 Chevy Silverado 1500 + 1991 Terry Resort 5th Wheel

After 14 years and many miles we traded in our ‘little’ trailer for something with a little more room. Of course when your trailer gets longer and heavier – your truck must also get bigger. In 2005 we bought a 31 foot Rockwood Ultra-light by Forest River. This trailer was not only longer but with a big slide, it seemed HUGE. Other than the size difference, the biggest upgrade would have to be the 2 recliners and being able to walk around the bed to make it. We also traded the truck in for a Diesel Ford Pick-up.

2004 Ford F-350 Lariat + 2006 Rockwood 5th Wheel

After 4 more years of travels (2009) we decided that it was time to get something a little more solid and with more room again. This time it was a bedroom slide and King Size bed that caught our attention with this 34 foot Sandpiper by Forest River. We added 3 more feet in length and it also came with an outside Black Tank Flush which was a plus for hubby – no more dragging a hose through the window with a toilet wand to clean the black tank. One thing to note was the weight difference. We realized that we were ‘pushing the limit’ with the weight allowances on our truck so we upgraded to the 2006 F-350 which had a much higher weight rating for towing.

2006 Ford F-350 Lariat and 2010 Sandpiper 5th Wheel

In 2011 – hubby was ‘pushed’ into an unexpected retirement so we decided it was the time to bite the bullet and upgrade one more time. We were looking into switching to a Class A Motorhome but after spending a good deal of time looking around we decided it was going to be another 5th wheel. We choose a 40 foot Big Country by Heartland. I have to say that the bathroom was a huge selling feature. It has a shower the size of a full-size bathtub. NICE! Hubby loves the pocket remote that controls the powered front and rear jacks, the slides, the awning and the outside lights. Men and remotes!!!

2006 Ford F-350 Lariat and 2012 Big Country 5th Wheel

Time is flying by now.

For the longest time I was saying I was tired of waiting to get going because we have been planning this Alaska trip for almost a year now.  Well, it's less than 3 weeks now and time is really flying by while we're trying to remember everything we need to get done.

We took a run home a couple of days ago and were able to drop off some stuff to leave in the garage.  We picked up our Grand-daughter Jade so we have a few days of Go Go Go and Chatty-Cathy.  We are quite used to having her almost weekly so being away for 8 weeks is going to be tough.  Thank goodness we have Skype so hopefully we will find some good internet connections and be able to chat and see her regularly.  Next week we will go home for 2 weeks and then we're gone.

One list after another...

I have a list for items to take out of the RV, a list for items to put in the RV,  a list for food items to stock up on, a list of things to get completed for the RV and then a list of things to do at home before we leave.

With weights always a factor in towing, the biggest concern is removing un-needed items to make room for extra items that we will be transporting up to Dawson Creek.  Since hubby keeps threatening to leave  "That Lard-Ass Cat" at home to lighten the load (which isn't likely to happen), we will be removing some extra chairs, the kingpin tripod, outdoor mat, as well as the bike and toys we usually keep in the RV for Jade.

Snow melt and heavy rains in the north.

Well the news lately has been full of 'Flood Warnings' in the northern regions of BC, the Yukon and parts of Alaska.  With the typical snow melt off the mountains at this time of year and the fact that there have been some heavy rainfalls, the rivers are rising quickly and some areas have even been given evacuation notices.
This is something we hear about almost every spring.

Checking off items on the "To Do" list.

When we started planning the Alaska trip we also started a "To Do" list.  We thought that since it includes so many miles and the roads will sometimes be a little rough, we should make sure the truck etc. is in the best shape before we leave. 

Some of the things on the list that are now complete are:
Oil Change for the Truck
Transmission Flush for the Truck
Check - tires, brakes, belts and fluids for Truck
Bug screen for Truck radiator
Install laptop stand for the Truck

For the Trailer we still need to check all tire pressures and wax the outside of the rig to allow for easier clean-up from the dead bugs along the road.

Trip Calculations for the Summer 2012 Trip

After calculating the total milage for this trip from the time we leave home till the time we return, we have come up with the following estitmates.
Total Miles:  5200 (8400 km)
Total $ Fuel: $2800
Total Camping Fees: $1300
Of the 58 day trip we will have 26 days that we will not be on the road.

The Summer of 2012 RV Adventure

We will be leaving home in July for an 8 week adventure

which will include the MVPA Alaska Highway Convoy.