Hello My Friends, I am a new member and this is the most interesting site with all the great safety tips, so here we go.
I have a Dodge 2003 quad cab 1500. Back in 2005 I came across a great deal on a 02 Lance 825 Truck Camper. I was quite concerned about the weight factor, so I added a few extra springs... hum, yea, being a mechanic I was still concerned about the axle and wheel bearings. I made a few telephone calls to Lance and then to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Transport Division. We talked about GVWS and PTAC, max weight, balance center point, KGS Gross weight V/S GVW and the unladen weight, he paused and then the SC Officer stated: that I was not in focus, and just drive very safely and have a good day. ------------------------------------ So here is the real deal:
Since 2006 the Lance truck camper has never been off my truck, that was 44,000 miles ago.
The Dodge Hemi transports the Lance truck camper very well. The only problem is the cross winds in the flat lands such as New Mexico to Oklahoma can be a major risk. We just stopped at Walmart for the night. The Dodge 1500 has carrried the Lance 825 to Dead Horse, Alaska and back in 2008 and Last year 2012 to Denali, Alaska back to Rock Hill, South Carolina. I am not writing this to say, go for it, I was "not in the know" about a more of a safe way to do the trip until reading RV Forum community. I am just saying that the Dodge 1500 and the Lance Camper together works well and the massive Power house Dodge Hemi was always just waiting for the next large mountain to climb.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional tips, A L A S K A :
Do not attempt to go to Alaska with out a Passport. The Roads in Alaska are the worst. Protect headlights with shields. I broke a head light from a flying rock from oncoming traffic. Try to purchase a complete headlight in Alaska, it is hard to find, just finding gasoline is a major challange, especially after 7:00PM, every thing is closed... I was very concerned about breaking an axle, but all was good... The roads are so bad at times it is like driving on rail road ties. Also, all vet papers for animals must be updated just before leaving US or entering US Borders. Never plan a tight scheduled road trip from BC to Alaska. The weather is relentless and unpredictable, you might be stuck in a RV park for days with bad weather. Hey folks, we are talking major mud.
Mud streaking across the windshild wipers, you are going nowhere. Alaska is the Best, but rough...
The most amazing place ever.....
______________________________________________________________________________________
Purchasing food in Alaska? watch the Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyVgDW7h0Fw For the best effects, when the video starts, click full screen... enjoy