British Columbia Supplemental Braking
Laws for Towed Vehicles, p. 24
If you are towing a vehicle behind your RV
through BC you should be aware that the province has a requirement that any towed vehicle
weighing over 2,000 kilograms (4,409 lbs.) or weighing 40 percent or more of the towing
vehicle's weight must have a supplemental braking system. This is important since all
roads to Alaska lead through BC. Only the ferry from Bellingham north would exempt you
from this requirement. Violators may get ticketed and be required to unhook and drive the
vehicles separately. This information is from the July 2000 issue of Family
Motor Coaching, p. 10.
Change in Payment Procedures at Yukon Terr. Campgrounds, p. 26
The cash boxes (Iron Rangers) have been taken
out of Yukon Territorial campgrounds. Instead you use vouchers (called permits)
which are purchased ahead of time at many places including visitor centers and stores.
They coast $8 per night.
If you have not been able to purchase one
before you need it, no problem. Just purchase one at the next opportunity and deposit it
at the next park you visit.
Alaska State Annual Campground Passes, p. 26
The State of Alaska annual camping pass is
now only available to Alaska residents. The cost is $75.
Carrying A Spare Tire in Big Rigs, p. 50
We always recommend that travelers to Alaska
carry a spare tire. This can present a problem if you are driving one of the really big
diesel chassis motorhomes. Tires for those vehicles are so big that there just isn't room
to carry a spare. Besides, manufacturers and other experts recommend against trying to
change tires on these rigs without professional help for safety reasons (and because the
tires are so heavy).
You'll find that there is plenty of
professional help available along the Alaska Highway to help you change your tires.
Roadhouses and service centers are strung all along the highway. But what about a tire
failure that isn't repairable? It is very possible that you won't be able to find the
replacement tire you need.
MotorHome magazine has a
suggestion that sounds good to us. On page 105 of the September, 2000 edition in the Coach
& Chassis section Wes Caughlan suggests carrying an unmounted tire. These are much
lighter and easier to store, and you can easily get them mounted on the rim of the tire
that needs replacement should a problem occur.
Additionally, make sure the tires on the rig
are in good shape. They should have at least half the tread depth left, more would be
nice.
Norlite Campground and RV Park, p.
148
This campground was closed during the 1998
season but is open again in 1999 with new owners.
The new toll-free number to make reservations
is 1-877-474-0206.
Grand View RV Park
& Cafe, p. 193
This is a new campground (2000) at Mile 109.5. We've heard some good
reports but have not visited. We recently received a letter from the owners, the following
is from the letter:
I would like to invite you to stop by the Grand View RV Park &
Cafe, whch is located at MP 109.5 of the Glenn Hwy. (Matanuska Glacier/Sheep Mountain
area) We are situated at the base of Sheep Mt. Reserve, and keep the spotting scope close
at hand to allow guests to view Dall Sheep and an occasional Black Bear.
We offer 19 sites, all pull-thrus with 30 and 50 AMPs. 10 sites have
water, electric and sewer, and 9 sites have water and electric only. We have coin operated
showers, and plan to have coin operated laundry as well next yeaar.
Our cafe offers a full expresso drink menu, as well as breakfast,
pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, sodas, etc.
We have also been told numerous times that we might possibly have the
cleanest bathrooms in the state of Alaska!!
Hope to see you in our neck of the woods someday! We are open from
Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The address: Grand View RV Park and Cafe, HC03 Box 8484, Palmer, AK 99465.
Phone: 907-746-4480; fax: 907-745-5854; e-mail grandviewrv@hotmail.com
Eagle RV Park, p. 340
This RV park has closed down.
