RV & Camper Travel Tips: Avoiding Trouble on Alaska’s Remote Roads
Hey there, road warriors! If you’re planning an epic RV or camper adventure through Alaska, welcome aboard. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or this is your first time behind the wheel of a house on wheels, Alaska is like nowhere else—wild, beautiful, and full of surprises. At Vulcan Towing & Recovery, we’ve seen our fair share of RV mishaps on Alaska’s remote roads, and we’re here to make sure your journey stays fun, safe, and as breakdown-free as possible.
Let’s face it—getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with your camper isn’t the Alaskan adventure you had in mind. So before heading into the wilderness, let’s talk about some of the most common RV problems we see and how you can avoid calling us from the side of the road (unless you need to—we’re always here to help!).
1. Know Your RV’s Limits (and Yours Too)
Alaska’s roads can be winding, steep, and occasionally full of potholes large enough to star in their own reality show. Many tourists rent RVs without realizing how different they handle from a car or truck.
Tips:
Practice driving your RV in town before hitting the highway.
Watch your height! Many bridges and gas station awnings are not RV-friendly.
Don’t push speed limits—especially on gravel or mountain roads.
Pull over frequently to let traffic pass on narrow roads (it’s Alaskan courtesy).
Why it matters:
We’ve recovered RVs that bottomed out on steep driveways, clipped signs, or blew tires on sharp turns. A little patience (and maybe one fewer cup of coffee) goes a long way.
2. Plan for Fuel Stops—and Then Plan Again
You might think, “I’ve got half a tank, I’m good for a while.” But out here? “A while” can mean 150 miles between gas stations. There’s no Uber out near Tok.
Tips:
Top off your tank whenever you can, especially before long stretches.
Use apps like GasBuddy or iOverlander to track reliable stations.
Keep an emergency gas can (securely stored!) just in case.
Why it matters:
We’ve gotten calls from folks who underestimated how far apart services can be in Alaska. Being stranded without cell service is not only inconvenient but also dangerous.
3. Watch Those Tires Like a Hawk
Your tires are the only thing between you and some very unfriendly terrain. RVs are heavy and prone to blowouts, especially if you’re overloaded or underinflated.
Tips:
Check tire pressure before every long drive.
Inspect tread depth—bald tires and gravel don’t mix.
Carry a spare that fits your RV and the tools to change it.
Use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) if available.
Why it matters:
We’ve changed many tires on the shoulder of the Parks Highway or at remote turnouts along the Glenn. To avoid delay and danger, make tire care a habit.
4. Prep Your Plumbing for the Weather
Even in summer, Alaska can surprise you with below-freezing temps, especially at night in higher elevations. RV plumbing systems are not always built to handle frost.
Tips:
Use heated hoses or disconnect and drain your water lines overnight.
Know where your dump stations are—don’t wait until the tank’s full.
Use RV-safe antifreeze if temperatures are predicted to drop.
Why it matters:
A frozen or burst water line can seriously hinder your glamping goals. We’ve helped folks tow their RVs back to Anchorage because their plumbing froze solid in Denali.
5. Stay Connected—but Prepare for Disconnection
Cell coverage in Alaska is… let’s say it’s “adventurous.” Once you leave the major cities, you might be relying on good old-fashioned paper maps.
Tips:
Download offline maps in advance using Google Maps or Gaia GPS.
Let someone know your travel route and estimated return time.
Consider a satellite messenger or emergency beacon if you’re heading far off the grid.
Why it matters:
We always respond to calls as fast as possible, but knowing where you are helps a lot. If you call Vulcan Towing from somewhere near “that one turnout with the moose sign,” it might take us a bit longer to find you.
6. Stock Up on Essentials—And Then Some
Breakdowns aside, being prepared for emergencies is part of the Alaskan experience. Whether you’re delayed by weather, wildlife, or a mechanical issue, it helps to be self-sufficient.
RV Essentials to Keep on Hand:
Extra food and drinking water
Flashlights, headlamps, and spare batteries
First-aid kit
Blankets or sleeping bags
Jumper cables
Road flares or reflectors
Fire extinguisher
Tool kit and duct tape (because duct tape fixes everything, right?)
Why it matters:
Even if we’re on the way to help, you’ll be glad you packed for comfort and safety while you wait. Not every pullout has a scenic coffee shop next door.
Bonus: When to Call Vulcan Towing
Let’s be honest—sometimes things go sideways. Whether you’ve slid into a ditch, blown an engine, or can’t get your RV started, Vulcan Towing & Recovery is here for you. We specialize in recovering all types of vehicles, including large RVs and campers, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Need a lift? Call us at (907) 349 - 8697 and we’ll get you moving again—wherever you are in Southcentral Alaska.
Final Thoughts: Adventure Smart, Travel Safe
Alaska is one of the most breathtaking places to explore by RV. With the right prep, a sense of humor, and a solid plan, you can confidently travel our remote roads. But if something does go wrong, don’t sweat it. Vulcan Towing is just a phone call away.
Enjoy the ride, take lots of pictures, and keep your eyes peeled for moose.
Happy trails!
– The Team at Vulcan Towing & Recovery