Alaska 2025

No additional mudflaps for me. I'm thinking about adding some padding to the front (hatch area) that slightly goes around the front edge. AND definitely thinking about adding something to protect the discharge valves.

The reason I'm not wanting additional mudflaps, I'm reading IF the bottom edge hits the ground (think frost heaves), the mudflap causes rocks to be picked up and thrown. Maybe someone reading this can offer if that's true or not. I certainly don't want to make the situation worse!
 
In 2024 we drove Alaska/Yukon trip with Rock Tamers on the F150 hauling my lifted Escape 19. Drove the Alaska Highway both ways including highways south to coast. We did not drive extended gravel like the Top of the World, however, did lengthy construction sections with gravel. I was happy with the deflection the Rock Tamers gave me with regard to gravel and mud. I hit frost heaves but drove sensibly with regard to speed and approach.

Rock Tamers were set up flaps slightly arced at top and then dropping. This sends rocks in a downward trajectory versus upward to bumper if hanging straight down. Also set with flap 3-4" off ground with load to address contact. Ends of flaps were 2" beyond edge of truck to create deflection out beyond trailer path.

Limitation was trying to maneuver extremely tight backing up with trailer where you do have to watch possible contact with flap rods on storage box.

Will use them again going to Yukon this year.
 
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No additional mudflaps for me. I'm thinking about adding some padding to the front (hatch area) that slightly goes around the front edge. AND definitely thinking about adding something to protect the discharge valves.

The reason I'm not wanting additional mudflaps, I'm reading IF the bottom edge hits the ground (think frost heaves), the mudflap causes rocks to be picked up and thrown. Maybe someone reading this can offer if that's true or not. I certainly don't want to make the situation worse!
I used 3M Protection Film on my trailer, and had it applied right as soon as I got the 5.0TA. I had a shop install it and went from the vertical frame outwards to the corners as that is where all crap from the tires hits. I went up about 24" from the very bottom. I drive a lot on gravel roads. Now, after 8 years there is some roughness to the most affected areas, mostly down low. The gelcoat underneath is in great shape. Because it can be peeled off, I may do that and have a new layer added sometime soon.

The advantage of this product is it is clear and you have to look real close to even tell it is there. It is not expensive and it works good. I have it on the front of my pickup too.



I bet you guys are going to have a real good time. Looking forward to seeing photos and stories.
 
I used 3M Protection Film on my trailer, and had it applied right as soon as I got the 5.0TA. I had a shop install it and went from the vertical frame outwards to the corners as that is where all crap from the tires hits. I went up about 24" from the very bottom. I drive a lot on gravel roads. Now, after 8 years there is some roughness to the most affected areas, mostly down low. The gelcoat underneath is in great shape. Because it can be peeled off, I may do that and have a new layer added sometime soon.
Certainly worth looking into! Thanks Jim (y) I'm finding Rock Tamers are right at $400. OH MY.
 
No additional mudflaps for me.
I agree, the vast majority of folks don't use them. It seems to me that it's usually the dualies that use them.
We did not drive extended gravel like the Top of the World,
We did and it was a non-issue for rock damage. It really is like being on top of the world.

If I was considering doing the Dempster I probably would reconsider but for anything else we've done it's been unnecessary.

Ron
 
Certainly worth looking into! Thanks Jim (y) I'm finding Rock Tamers are right at $400. OH MY.
Donna,
I got mine for 1/2 price on marketplace. They were used for 1 trip by previous owner. If buying I would check flaps were not cut to limit adjustment length.
 
I just looked up the data base for the cruise ships that port in Alaska and their port dates. There won't be any in Seward while we're there July 7 & 8. YAY! Three different ships come and go while we're in Valdez.


I like people who cruise, but when big ships port, small towns can get crowded, noisy and very busy. The ships coming into Valdez aren't monster cruise ships, thankfully.
 
Wow, Donna, even checking the cruise ship schedules; you think of everything!

Oh, I think you meant July 7 & 8. :)
I was reading an Alaska blog and the blogger mentioned how crowded a particular port was due to the cruise ships. I just didn't want a crowd to ruin the joy! Nothing could be done, for instance changing dates, but preparation (dinner reservations?) help. Glad I've got my reservation already made for the LuLu Glacier Cruise out of Valdez for July 12.

I fixed my post! Laudy, thankfully there are those like you keeping an eye on things! Thanks :love:
 
I just looked up the data base for the cruise ships that port in Alaska and their port dates. There won't be any in Seward while we're there July 7 & 8. YAY! Three different ships come and go while we're in Valdez.


I like people who cruise, but when big ships port, small towns can get crowded, noisy and very busy. The ships coming into Valdez aren't monster cruise ships, thankfully.
You aren’t the only one who thinks like that, when we were in Prince Rupert the locals treated you better when they found out you drove 2200 Kilometres rather than walked down a gang plank.
 
Well shoot, I forgot about Skagway! Looks like it's gonna be busy... Skagway (Alaska) cruise port schedule | CruiseMapper

10 June, 2025
Tuesday
Princess Cruises Cruises cruise line Sapphire Princess 07:00 20:00
10 June, 2025
Tuesday
Holland America Cruises cruise linems Koningsdam 07:00 20:00
10 June, 2025
Tuesday
Princess Cruises Cruises cruise line Royal Princess 07:00 20:00
10 June, 2025
Tuesday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise line Celebrity Edge 07:00 18:00
11 June, 2025
Wednesday
Holland America Cruises cruise line ms Nieuw Amsterdam 05:00 21:00
11 June, 2025
Wednesday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise line Norwegian Encore 06:00 20:00
11 June, 2025
Wednesday
Celebrity Cruises Cruises cruise line Celebrity Solstice 07:00 20:00
11 June, 2025
Wednesday
Princess Cruises Cruises cruise line Caribbean Princess 07:00 20:00
12 June, 2025
Thursday
Holland America Cruises cruise line ms Noordam 05:00 21:00
12 June, 2025
Thursday
Princess Cruises Cruises cruise line Discovery Princess 06:00 17:00
12 June, 2025
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise line Quantum Of The Seas 07:00 17:00
12 June, 2025
Thursday
Disney Cruise Line Cruises cruise line Disney Wonder 07:00 20:00
 
Skagway townsite is so small and 4 ships at dock have people tripping over one another. Whittier small footprint with tunnel in and out. Smart to avoid ships after arrival with foot traffic and buses fanning out.
 
Seward doesn't get that crazy when the ships are in unlike Skagway. Seward is the start/end for most passengers and they typically don't spend much time moving around town. There are plenty of non-cruise and local visitors though. Skagway, being a cruise stop along the way does get very crowded when ships are in.
 
I'm really liking this train trip. BUT at $150 I would want the weather to be sunny. If it rains, it may be less than spectacular. I'd risk it for $50, but not $150. SO.... I'm going to hold off making reservations (and possibly losing out) until closer to the time we/I'm in Skagway. Those of us traveling together can talk about it before hand, if you wish to participate in the train tour.
 

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