RV rental in Alaska
 

We are two couples, late 50's early 60's, and are thinking traveling by RV in Alaska. This will be the first trip to that area for all of us and the first trip by RV, as neither family owns an RV. It will be a fly/drive vacation.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to a REPUTABLE RV rental company? We don't have a destination as yet, just Alaska in general.

Also, what about taking the RV on the inland passage ferry? Have heard that is a great trip also.

We rented from Great Alaskan Holidays,recommended by others on this board. They were great, located near Anchorage airport, where they will shuttle you. Are all of you sharing one RV? We loved travelling Alaska this way, but there were just the two of us!

we also rented from Great Alaskan and had a very good experience. We plan on using them again on our next trip there

Yes, all sharing same RV. That way the driving chores/expenses will be shared. Have been traveling together for some time and are really looking forward to the experience.

Any insight into how long beforehand the RV should be booked?

Both of the guys are outdoor/mechanic types so aren't scared of the RV. Just not real familiar.

We rented from Alexander's RV. We had no trouble with the RV and they would have shuttled us from and to the airport had our flight not been delayed and arrived at 1 A.M. We did get a complimentary ride to the airport when we returned the RV.

We also rented from Great Alaskan and would recommend them. Their website has virtual tours of their RVs to give you an idea of what to expect.

If you've never rented an RV, one recommendation that someone gave us was if the RV says it will fit 4, then go for the one that fits 6-8. You'll have more room, more comfort, and larger beds. I don't recall the size we had for four of us, but there was a divider between the queen sized bedroom and the rest of the RV. One kid took the overhead and although he was just a teen, we couldn't see two adults sharing the overhead location comfortably for several days. The other had the convertible bed in the dinette area.

A couple of years ago, I rented from ABC Motorhome & Car Rentals, also near the airport, and was very satisfied. They were friendly and helpful in the reservation phase, the unit was ready and clean when I checked it out, and checkin was efficient and quick. I had a little problem with the unit, which could have occured with any renter, and they resolved it to my complete satisfaction.

Whoever you rent from, I strongly suggest the optional windshield coverage. Alaska's roads are much more likely to cause windshield dings. I had not gotten ten miles out of town before a truck coming from the other direction threw up a stone that put a fairly good size oowie on the windshield.

I too have rented from Great Alaskan Holidays. Some considerations- BE certain, all drivers are registed- if an accident, you don't want just one responsible and the other illegally driving. Purchase all extra insurance available. It's about a given you will get some minor damage, and most have a $1000 deductable, they do go over it with a fine tooth comb upon return.

With 4 people I would rent the largest available. You are going to have to determine sleeping arrangements prior, since the one permanant lower bed is far superior to all others. Don't expect ANY privacy.

What "inland passage ferry"???? Valdez/Whittier??? Be prepared for cost shock with taking a RV, goes by the foot in costs.

You are best to have a routing and needed reservations in place for activities. In season- flights fill up, Denali shuttle buses full etc. With so few roads, it's very easy to determine where you can end up. It will pay off, doing your homework, rather than being aimless. A necessary reference is THE MILEPOST. See if your library has a copy and purchase a new one when the 2008 editions come outin March.

The vehicle fee on the ferry is based on size/length of vehicle. An RV would be very expensive and really not necessary. We enjoyed the ferry trip from Bellingham WA to Skagway but since our aim was to get to the Anchorage area we did not spend any time in the ports along the way. We were lucky enough to get a vehicle reservation since I didn't reserve until late and took the dates that were available. I believe the ferry agency starts taking all reservations in December. We were also lucky to get a cabin. Be aware that cabins for 4 are very small (two upper bunks, no sitting area) but the rest of the ferry is open and casual with many people sleeping on deck. I would suggest flying to Seattle, taking the ferry, departing at a town with air service to Anchorage, rent the RV then fly home from Anchorage. Although there's an interesting assortment of vehicles on the ferry, you should check to see if the rental company allows their RV on a ferry.
I think to do justice to the inland passage, it really should be a separate vacation unless you have plenty of time. You can easily spend 2-3 weeks wandering around south central Alaska. If you check Fodor archives, many people have trouble fitting all they want to do in a two week period.

reserve as soon as you finalize when you want to go

Thanks everyone!

Lots of great ideas. I'm sure we'll make use of them all.

Bayrat